Mayport Works To Be Good Neighbor

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is required under the federal Clean Water Act to identify "impaired" waters - those which do not meet their designated uses. Like most surface waters in Florida, Sherman Creek is designated as a water body that should be suitable for recreation and support a healthy, well-balanced population of fish and wildlife. However, testing of Sherman Creek over the past several years has indicated the presence of fecal coliform bacteria at levels above standards set by the State of Florida.

The issue of bacterial contamination in Sherman Creek is not unique among tributaries of the St. Johns River. As of 2009, FDEP has verified 75 tributaries of the Lower St. Johns River as impaired for fecal coliform.

Microorganisms from fecal sources that enter waters used by the public can pose a health threat, whether the water is used as a drinking water source, for recreational activities such as fishing or swimming, or for aquatic farming activities such as shellfish harvesting. In addition to public health risks, fecal contamination can result in adverse economic impacts due to the closure of recreational beaches and shellfish-harvesting areas. In conjunction with FDEP, local stakeholders, including Naval Station, are working to develop a Basin Management Action Plan to restore and protect water quality in Sherman Creek.

Fecal coliform bacteria primarily originate from the digestive track of warm blooded animals and are indicative of fecal pollution and disease causing organisms. Potential sources of fecal coliform bacteria include wildlife, failing septic systems, leaky sanitary sewer lines and sewage overflows, and improperly disposed pet wastes.

While most of Sherman Creek and its tributaries lie outside of the naval station, stormwater from a large portion of the station drains to Sherman Creek, including the Golf Course, Lake Wonderwood, the hangar area, and all on base housing. Over the last few years, the Public Works Department has proactively investigated and repaired or replaced manholes, sewage force mains, and lateral sewage pipes in this area.

Station residents and others who bring pets onto the station can contribute to the effort to reduce bacterial pollution in Sherman Creek by properly disposing of their pet's waste. Proper disposal consists of collection and placement of pet waste down a toilet or in the trash. Pet wastes may never be placed down a storm drain. Pet owners walking their pets should carry plastic bags or scoops to collect their pet's waste.

Furthermore, sewage overflows can be avoided if residents place their cooking grease in the trash rather than disposing of it down the drain. Suspicious connections or pipes that discharge to the ground or stormwater system and dumping of waste should be reported to the Environmental Division. To report these occurrences or for additional information, please contact Scott Dombrosky, Water Program Manager, at 270-3188 or email scott.dombrosky@navy.mil.