The River Issues


Issues


St. Johns Riverkeeper has identified two major areas of concern that have the most impact on the health of the St. Johns River and its watershed: (1) water quality and (2) the loss and degradation of important aquatic and terrestrial habitat.

The St. Johns River has exceeded its assimilative capacity for nitrogen and phosphorus, i.e., the river contains more nutrients than it can “dilute”.

Water Quality

Clean water is the lifeblood of the St. Johns Watershed. Increasing population, unprecedented growth and development, and long-term environmental impacts are threatening the environmental health of the river’s tributaries and the river itself.

Nutrients
Nutrient overload, or eutrophication, is one of the most serious water quality problems facing the river and its tributaries. Nitrogen and phosphorus are necessary elements for all ecosystems however, too much of these nutrients in natural systems is harmful. The St. Johns River has exceeded its assimilative capacity for nitrogen and phosphorus, i.e., the river contains more nutrients than it can “dilute”. These nutrients feed uncontrolled algal blooms that deplete oxygen in the water needed by fish, reduce light that is essential to submerged vegetation, and threaten the health of both humans and aquatic life. The river suffers from an excess of nutrients from wastewater treatment plants, industrial discharges, storm water runoff, and fertilizers that regularly wash into the river.

Bacteria
Fecal coliform bacteria are found in the guts of all warm-blooded animals. The tributaries to the river often contain dangerous levels of fecal coliform from failing septic tanks, wastewater treatment plants, broken sewer lines, and animal waste. In Duval County alone, over 50 streams are listed as “impaired” due to elevated levels of fecal coliform bacteria. The presence of bacteria in the water is a sign of untreated or poorly treated sewage. A bacteria count of 200 per 10 ml of sample signifies a water body is safe for primary contact, i.e., swimming. Many streams in Duval County have bacteria counts in the tens of thousands.

Sedimentation.
Sedimentation is one of the most significant problem facing waterways throughout the St. Johns Watershed. Particulate matter, like soil, that washes off construction sites leads to sedimentation, or the accumulation of particles in waterways. A tremendous amount of soil leaving construction sites is burying aquatic life, disrupting the food chain, and affecting citizens’ ability to boat and recreate. Sediment is one of our most destructive water pollutants. America's water is polluted by more than one billion tons of sediment annually.

There are also financial costs associated with sediment runoff. Waterways clogged with sediment are decreasing property values and property taxes by reducing water depth and, consequently, access to the river. A realtor who specializes in waterfront properties recently told the Riverkeeper that a property with a deepwater dockage might be worth $70-$80 thousand more than a comparable property with a shallow dockage. In addition, dredging and tributary restoration projects to fix sedimentation problems can cost millions of dollars to complete.

Waterways clogged with sediment are decreasing property values and property taxes by reducing water depth and, consequently, access to the river.

Habitat Loss and Degradation

Pressures from growth and development are resulting in the significant degradation and loss of important aquatic and terrestrial habitat. This degradation or loss of habitat results in the reduction of the biological productivity of the river and can ultimately lead to a river with little fish and other life forms.

Wetland Impacts
Construction projects often involve the destruction of wetlands that are important to the health of the river. A loss of wetlands can deteriorate water quality, increase erosion, reduce natural stormwater retention, destroy critical habitat for plants and wildlife, and eliminate the release of important nutrients that are critical to the ecosystem of a creek or the river.

Loss of Riparian Zones
The land along the banks of the river and its tributaries is an important buffer that provides habitat for wildlife and helps improve the water quality.

Sedimentation
The issue of sedimentation is often related to the loss of habitat, since sedimentation is often the byproduct and result of construction and the disturbance of soils. Sedimentation also affects habitat by destroying essential aquatic vegetation.

Illegal Filling of Wetlands
Because of a lack of enforcement and/or knowledge, many property owners illegally fill wetlands and areas adjacent to the shoreline of their property. These activities, often performed without a permit, cause irreparable damage by permanently destroying important habitat.

Other Issues

Pollutants
Pollutants that are deteriorating the water quality and the health of humans and aquatic wildlife include heavy metals, such as mercury, and organic compounds, such as PCBs and dioxin. These pollutants enter our waterways from many sources, including industrial wastewater discharges and air pollution. Pollutants can be found in the sediments at the bottom of the river and often make their way into the food chain. Many fish species are unsafe for consumption because of the high level of pollutants in their tissues. Other pollutants affecting the river include pesticides and herbicides. Click here to see the latest health advisory for fish consumption.

Public Access
Riverkeeper supports efforts to increase public access to the St. Johns River. The opportunity to experience and interact with the river and its tributaries increases our knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the river and enhances our overall quality of life.

back to top



Jacksonville Web Design and Development by