the Gulf of Mexico ------- EPA Leadership EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt and Mississipp Governor Phil Bryant listen to farmers on a visit to Bolton, MS EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt addresses crowd on visit to Bolton, MS 2 EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 ------- EPA LEADERSHIP <\ Administrator Scott Pruitt arid Region acting Administrator Sam Coleman in (as post-hurricane Region 4 Administrator Trey Glen in St. Petersburg, IFL post-hurricane EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 3 ------- FISCAL YEAR 2017 INVESTMENTS LOCATION DOLLAR AMOUNT AGREEMENTS One project spanning all five Gulf states (AL, FL, LA, MS, and TX) 4 EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 4 Cooperative Agreements, 2 EJ Small Grants, 2 Interagency Agreements 5 Cooperative Agreements 6 Cooperative Agreements 3 Cooperative Agreement, 1 EJ Small Grant, 1 Interagency Agreement 2 Cooperative Agreements, 1 Interagency Agreement 4 Cooperative Agreements 1 EJ Small Grant Louisiana Alabama Mississippi Florida Oklahoma ------- Table of Contents Letter from the Director 6 Who We Are 7 Our Team 8 Performance Measures 12 Water Quality 13 Habitat Restoration 16 Environmental Education and Outreach 18 Community Resilience 24 Gulf Restoration Efforts 26 Updates and Events 30 Environmental Justice Small Grant Awards 35 SeniorEnvironmental Employee 36 National Academy of Science Fellows 38 Oak Ridge Institute for Science & Education Fellows 40 Awards 42 GMP MISSION The EPA's Gulf of Mexico Program is focused on the health, productivity and restoration of the Gulf of Mexico and all the communities that rely on this national resource. EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 ------- UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY GULF OF MEXICO PROGRAM 2510 14th St., Suite 1212 Gulfport MS 39501 Phone 228-679-5900 / Fax 228-679-2951 Letter from the Director I am pleased to present the Fiscal Year 2017 Annual Report for the Gulf of Mexico Program (GMP) which highlights the work and accomplishments from October 1, 2016 through September 30, 2017. 2017 was a great year for the GMP. In addition to our normal suite of activities, including ongoing projects we are involved in through cooperative agreements, we received funding under the RESTORE Act to undertake several projects throughout the Gulf. We met or exceeded all of our goal measures in the areas of water quality, habitat restoration, community resilience and education and outreach. The GMP's budget also grew significantly in FY17, making possible more work supporting the Gulf and the people who rely on this national resource for their livelihood and way of life. And as exciting as 2017 was, 2018 promises to be even better! 2017 was also a year of transitions. In addition to new agency leadership, in April of 2017, our long-time colleague Diane Altsman retired after a 30+ year career with EPA; 23 years of which were spent at the GMP. Diane served as a project manager for many years and ultimately as the GMP's Chief of Staff. She exemplified the best aspects of what our organization aspires to be: technically gifted, hard-working, and people-oriented; all with a heavy dose of southern charm. It is to her record of achievement on behalf of the Gulf of Mexico, and with the full support of all her co-workers and friends, that this year's report is respectfully dedicated. Sincerely, Ct Ben Scaggs Director Internet Address (URL) • http://www.epa.gov Recycled/Recyclable • Printed with Vegetable Oil Based Inks on Recycled Paper (Minimum 30% Postconsumer) ------- WHO WE ARE Who We Are The Gulf of Mexico Program (GMP) is one of the EPA's Great Water Body Programs whose geographic focus is on the major environmental issues of the Gulf of Mexico region and its watershed. The GMP is committed to voluntary, non-regulatory actions and solutions that are based on sound scientific and technical information as substantiated by our work with partners and the public. Our program consists of two teams of experienced staff: PARTNERSHIPS TEAM Encouraging positive behavioral practices and promoting awareness of resources, technologies and environmental practices or initiatives, this team works closely with Gulf partners to identify environmental concerns and provides up-to- date education on how shifts in behavior among Gulf stakeholders and tourists can effect change. What We Do The Science Integration and Analysis Team and the Partnerships Team work with Gulf of Mexico stakeholders to explore methods to: • Support the assessment, development and implementation of programs, projects and tools that strengthen community resilience • Protect, enhance and restore coastal and upland habitats within the Gulf of Mexico watershed • Promote and support environmental education and outreach to inhabitants of the Gulf of Mexico watershed • Restore and/or improve water and habitat quality to meet water quality standards in watersheds throughout the five Gulf states and the Mississippi River Basin Community Liaison Initiative A key aspect of the GMP is the Community Liaison Initiative, which strives to enhance the understanding of and appreciation for preserving the Gulf of Mexico in underserved and underrepresented communities. GMP staff who are involved in the initiative are members of the National Council on Aging Senior Environmental Employees Program. They assist both the Partnerships Team and the Science Team as part of the initiative, promoting just environmental practices and calls to action among varying partners in creating resilient communities. SCIENCE INTEGRATION AND ANALYSIS TEAM Promoting and implementing science to benefit the Gulf of Mexico and its communities, this team assists Gulf of Mexico stakeholders by participating in activities such as periodically collecting and testing water samples in the watersheds that flow into the Gulf to monitor water quality. EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 7 ------- Our Team Senior Management DIANE ALTSMAN CHIEF OF STAFF GMP 1994-2017; Administrative and Budget Approval Activities; Management of Staff and Resources; Background in Biological Sciences BEN SCAGGS DIRECTOR GMP since 2012, EPA RESTORE Council Representative and EPA NRDA Trustee Representative; Background in Public Administration Email scaggs.ben@epa.gov Administration Partnerships Team MATT BEISER PROGRAM ANALYST GMP since 2005; Cooperative Agreement, Interagency Agreement & Grants Management; Property/Inventory Manager; Background in Education Email: beiser.matt@epa.gov LAKESHIA ROBERTSON LEAD LIFE SCIENTIST, PARTNERSHIPS TEAM LEAD GMP since 2007; Education/Outreach Activities; Environmental Justice Issues; Coastal Community Resilience; Background in Biological Sciences Emaii: robertson.lakeshia@epa.gov GERRY MARTIN PROGRAM ANALYST GMP since 2010; Budget/Funds Control Officer; Administrative and Human Resources; Background in Budget and Accounting Email: martin.gerry@epa.gov JEANNE ALLEN PHYSICAL SCIENTIST GMP since 2006; GIS and Graphics Expert; Education/Outreach Activities; Background in Geography Email: allen.jeanne@epa.gov JERRY BINNINGER ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SPECIALIST GMP since 1998; Coastal Community Resilience; Education/Outreach Activities; Background in Urban Planning Email: binninger.jerry@epa.gov JOHN BOWIE ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER GMP since 2006; RESTORE Project Manager/NEP Liaison; Background in Civil Engineering Email: bowie.john@epa.gov 8 EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 ------- Science Integration and Analysis Team Science Integration and Analysis Team cont. TROY PIERCE CHIEF SCIENTIST, SCIENCE TEAM LEAD GMP since 2008; RESTORE and NRDA Technical Expert; Tribal Contact; U.N, Environmental Program Land Based Sources Protocol Science Expert; Background in Agriculture, Water Quality and Microbiology Email pierce.troy@epa.gov M. CALISTA MILLS PHYSICAL SCIENTIST GMP since 2017; Water Quality/Field Monitoring, Background in Geosciences Email: mills.calista@epa.gov H1 P#J mm, ~ i WJTZ, JERRY BOOS LIFE SCIENTIST GMP 2011-2017; Habitat Restoration/Best Management Practices; Water Quality/Field Monitoring/Community Science; Background in Forestry/Wildlife Management LAEL BUTLER ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST GMP 2006-2017; Performance Measures/HQ Reporting Expert; Water Quality/Field Monitoring/Community Science; Background in Geology RACHEL HOUGE PROGRAM ANALYST GMP since 2013; Federal Funding Opportunities RFP Expert; Water Quality Monitoring/Quality; Assurance/Community Science; Background in Anthropology and Environmental Science and Policy Email houge.rachel@epa.gov to *1 AMY NEWBOLD ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER GMP since 2016; Community Science Expert; RESTORE/Estuary Programs/ Water Quality Monitoring; Background in Chemical Engineering and Environmental Engineering Email: newbold.amy@epa.gov DANNY WIEGAND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER GMP since 2016; Water quality and public health; NRDA and RESTORE; habitat/coastal restoration; Urban Waters Federal Partnership; Hypoxia Email: wiegand.danny@epa.gov EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 9 ------- Oak Ridge Institute for Science & Education (ORISE) Fellows «» KATE DOERING ORISE RESEARCH FELLOW GMP since 2017; Water Quality Monitoring, Background in Biological Sciences Email: doering.kate@epa.gov tfJL * AMANDA KINCKE-TOOTLE ORISE RESEARCH FELLOW GMP since 2017; Water Quality Monitoring; Background in Marine Science Email kincke-tootle.amanda@epa.gov TONY NGUYEN ORISE RESEARCH FELLOW GMP since 2017; Environmental Education/Outreach Activities; Environmental Justice Issues; Background in Marine Biology Email: nguyen.tony@epa.gov ALLISON WILLIAMS ORISE RESEARCH FELLOW GMP since 2017; Education/ Outreach Activities; Environmental Justice Issues; Community Resilience; Background in Geography and Environmental Studies Email: williams.allison@epa.gov 10 EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 ------- OUR TEAM National Academy of Science (NAS) Fellows DEBRA BUTLER NAS FELLOW GMP since 2016; Community Resilience; Environmental Migration, Ecosystems Management; Background in Organizations and Social Change Emaii: butler.debra@epa.gov PHILIP LEE NAS POLICY FELLOW GMP since 2017; Education/Outreach Activities; Water Quality/Field Monitoring; Science Communication App Development; Background in Microbiology, Limnology, Wetlands and Nitrogren Cycling Email: lee.philip@epa.gov Senior Environmental Employees (SEE) Enrollees BEVERLY O'HARA EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE DIRECTOR GMP since 2013; Administrative Support to Director; Meeting and Travel Support to Staff; Background in Business and Public Relations Email; ohara.beverly@epa.gov CLAUDETTE WALKER COMMUNITY LIAISON GMP since 2011; Environmental Justice and Health Disparities of Underserved Communities; Background in Sociology/Social Work Email: walker.claudette@epa.gov EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 11 ------- WATER QUALITY The GMP continuously works with Gulf Coast states to maximize efficiency and utility of water quality monitoring efforts for local managers. The GMP supports efforts to improve water and habitat quality to meet water quality standards throughout the five Gulf states and Mississippi River Basin, TARGET: Improve water quality health indicators RESULT: Improved indicators in 2 water bodies The GMP works with each of the five Gulf Coast states (Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi arid Texas) and the six Gulf Coast Mexican states on projects that support the following priority areas: ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND OUTREACH These efforts are cornerstones to environmental stewardship. The GMP's goal is to heighten citizens' appreciation of the Guif, which ieads to positive behavior practices. This can be accomplished by developing hands-on environmental initiatives and engaging residents in restoration programs/projects. HABITAT RESTORATION Through funding and partnerships, the GMP is restoring habitat in the Gulf states, especially related to wetlands, coastal prairies and stream banks corridors. This work helps provide for protection from storm damage; supports commercial and recreational fisheries; provides nesting and foraging habitat for birds and other wildlife; protects pollinators; and improves water quality for recreational use and aquatic life. Performance Measures TARGET: RESULT: Reach 5,000 individuals 11,170 individuals reached TARGET: RESULT: Restore 150 acres 278 acres restored COMMUNITY RESILIENCE Resilience is the capacity of human and natural systems to adapt to and recover from change. The GMP supports community vulnerability assessments and the actions communities take to better position themselves to recover from coastal storms and adapt to the impacts resulting from changes in our environment. O 12 EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 TARGET: Reach 40 communities RESULT: 90 communities reached ------- Water Quality Nutrient Sensor Challenge SUMMARY The Alliance for Coastal Technologies (ACT) Nutrient Sensor Challenge (Challenge) accelerated the development and deployment of affordable nutrient sensors to reduce the cost and complexity of collecting nutrient data and allow for better measurement and tracking of nutrients throughout ecosystems. The Challenge brought focused attention to the need for accurate, dependable and affordable water sensors for nitrate and phosphate. In fact, the EPA is a member of the Challenging Nutrients Coalition (Coalition), which is a public-private partnership of government agencies and non-governmental organizations initiated in 2013. The EPA's Gulf of Mexico Program provides considerable support, including technical staff participation in the Coalition and multi-year contractual management and support. RESULTS The Challenge estimated the national market value of these in-demand sensors at $120 to $150 million. The top five teams developed and tested prototype sensors with a purchase price goal of at or below $5,000. In March 2017, EPA announced Systea, S.p.A, as the winner of the Challenge in both the nitrate and phosphate sensor categories. The National Oceanography Centre also received an Honorable Mention for chip-based microfluidics technology. GMP is funding the deployment of the winning low-cost, continuous nutrient sensor to better understand and evaluate nitrogen and phosphorous levels and impacts at selected locations in the Gulf of Mexico. ACT, EPA and the U.S. Geological Survey will convene and coordinate with regional stakeholders to pilot the deployment of nutrient sensors at multiple sites, including the Florida panhandle. Mobile Bay, the Mississippi Sound, the Louisiana Hypoxic Zone, Lake Pontchartrain and coastal Texas. PARTNERS • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration • U.S. Geological Survey • National Institute for Science and Technology . U.S. EPA Pollution Source Tracking for Water Quality Restoration in the Abita River Watershed PARTNERS • St. Tammany Parish Government • Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation SUMMARY The project is integrating a Decentralized Management Approach to sewage management to provide an interim solution to improve water quality while wastewater regionalization progresses in St. Tammany Parish. The goals of this program are to instruct homeowners on proper operation and maintenance of their Aerated Treatment Units (ATUs) and to quantify organic and nutrient removal and other water quality benefits resulting from improved ATU performance and discharges from unsewered subdivisions. RESULTS Water Quality Improvement: Baseline water quality testing is underway. Environmental Education and Outreach: Door hangers notifying homeowners of the inspection process have been provided to 500 homes and the inspection process has begun. As inspections are conducted, the results will be input into the database for tracking inspection progress, repairs, and estimating load reductions. EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 13 ------- Lake Pontchartrain Basin Water Quality Monitoring Program PARTNERS • Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation • Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality SUMMARY The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation (LPBF) continues successful basin-wide water quality monitoring, pollution source tracking, and educational outreach. The goals are to create more environmentally aware citizens and have waterways removed from the 303d Impaired Waterbodies List. Objectives of this program include: • Collect water quality data and disseminate it to the public on a weekly basis through the use of media such as the internet, newsprint, television, and radio so that they may make informed decisions on the use of these resources. • Conduct pollution source tracking activities in the watersheds of waterways listed on the 303d Impaired Waterbodies List. • Share data with local, state, and federal agencies for use in the 303d Impaired Waterbodies List and Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) calculations to locate and correct impaired waterways through partnerships. • Share the water quality program with the public through LPBF's New Canal Lighthouse Museum and Education Center, and with universities, researchers, environmental groups, environmental engineering firms, and students for the study of these waterways. Also, use new capabilities of the educational kiosk, social media and web mapping to further share data with the public. RESULTS The LPBF has continued data collection for the basin-wide water quality monitoring. Since the award for this project, LPBF has collected over 9,000 data-points of various water quality parameters. The data collection allows for education and awareness of environmental conditions, as the data is disseminated to the public on a weekly basis through the use of media such as the internet, newsprint, television and radio. As recently as March 2017, the data has been used to ascertain issues with water quality in Lake Pontchartrain. LPBF observed a trend of elevated fecal coliform at Bayou Castine, which was traced to a break in the sewage line from Fontainebleau State Park. LPBF's work facilitated the removal of eight waterways from the 303(d) Impaired Waterbodies List for fecal coliform (primary contact recreation) and three for secondary contact recreation. LPBF worked with 84 commercial wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) in Tangipahoa Parish, mainly targeting the Natalbany Watershed. A total of 25 (30 percent) of these plants were not properly permitted to discharge into the waters of Louisiana. Through LPBF's partnership with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality's Small Business Assistance Program, the WWTPs were properly permitted, advised of any issues with their plants, and educated about their proper operation LPBF also provided in-field training for the inspection of home systems for two St. Tammany Parish inspectors. This improved their understanding of the systems they inspected at over 300 properties. O 14 EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 ------- WATER QUALITY Regional Applied Research Effort (RARE) in Turkey Creek PARTNERS •EPA Office of Research & Development Gulf Ecology Division • Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality • Turkey Creek Steering Committee • Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal Plain SUMMARY The GMP is located near Turkey Creek in Gulfport, MS and has the expertise and commitment through its staff scientists and partnerships to support this community. This project supplements ongoing monitoring programs with a fecal-source identification component in an effort to identify sources of pollution in the watershed. Known point sources within the watershed include wastewater from subdivisions and mobile home parks, while a few of the nonpoint sources may include urban areas, wildlife, livestock, and failing or aged septic systems. The Turkey Creek Project is evaluating the following components: nutrient concentrations in water, presence of the pathogen indicator E, coli, DNA sequencing and taxonomic analysis of water and sediment, and the presence and genotype of male-specific coliphages (FRNA). The local community, students, residents, and other partners frequently participate in hands-on water quality monitoring which imparts a sense of ownership between residents and their local waterways. This project directly supports the community's desire to protect recreational use of the creek. RESULTS Monitoring data are presented to the Turkey Creek Steering Committee, which includes state, federal, local, NGO, business, and community partners. These partners work together to help solve issues in the creek from this data. The partnership has already seen some water quality improvement at one site where infrastructure improvements have occurred. Bacterial source tracking that is currently being conducted will help the partnership during 2018 work on improving other areas of the Creek. • EPA Region 4 EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 15 © ------- Habitat Restoration Coastal Prairie Stewardship in Southwest Louisiana PARTNERS Louisiana Department of Wiidlife and Fisheries Landowners in Southwest Louisiana Cattle ranchers in Southwest Louisiana SUMMARY This project implemented stewardship actions including prescribed fire and chemical and mechanical brush control on coastal prairie remnants. Vegetation monitoring with the use of remote sensing and field surveys documented success of actions. This project enhanced approximately 2,000 acres of unplowed remnant coastal prairie, improved pollinator habitat, and provided outreach. Additionally, this work strengthened partnerships with the cattle ranching community in southwestern Louisiana by expanding the awareness of and appreciation for coastal prairies, fostering a more informed view of this habitat. RESULTS Pre-treatment photo monitoring or prairie compartments was completed. • Five prescribed burns were completed totaling 1,295 acres. This served to restore and enhance coastal prairie habitat, (i.e. invigorating prairie plant life, stimulating seed production, etc.). 16 EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 ------- HABITAT RESTORATION Cemetery Resaca Restoration Project PARTNERS City of Brownsville University of Texas at Brownsville United Brownsville Brownsville Historical Association Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation Texas Parks and Wildlife Brownsville Public Utilities Board SUMMARY The project involves the restoration of one of Brownsville's many regionally unique wetland areas, Cemetery Resaca, which eventually flows into the Brownsville Ship Channel and the Gulf of Mexico. Leveraged funds in the amount of $8 million were used to dredge out accumulated sediment, etc. from resacas (also known as oxbow lakes) and wetlands (wetlands had become too shallow because of accumulated sediment and bulkheads). The project also included bank improvements (e.g., shallow-sloped bank, native vegetation planting and storm water treatment prior to entering waterways) and filtration of ponds and buffer areas. Water quality data was compared with baseline data previously collected to determine water quality changes. RESULTS Habitat Restoration 27,294 square feet of aquatic and riparian habitat was restored. A 5,687 square foot storm management area has been created. Water Quality Improvement It is difficult to distinguish changes from restoration activities or changes from other factors because of limited data sets at Resaca Blvd. Environmental Education and Outreach Junior Resaca Explorers Program was developed and taught a total of 1,035 students in grades 2-4 about native wildlife in Resacas and the benefits of the Project. • Over 50 events and 17 tours were conducted to educate the community about the Resaca Restoration Project, reaching over 6,250 residents. EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 17 ------- Environmental Education and Outreach A Gulf of Mexico Program Coastal Training Initiative PARTNERS Weeks Bay Foundation National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Coastal Services Center The Gulf of Mexico National Estuary Programs Gulf Coast Sea Grant Programs Gulf of Mexico Alliance Coastal Community Resilience Priority Issue Team The Society for Ecological Restoration Southeast Chapter Southeast Watershed Forum SUMMARY The Guif of Mexico Coastal Training Project is a unique collaboration among the five Gulf Coast National Estuarine Research Reserve Coastal Training Programs. Through the Gulf of Mexico Program, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas are now working together to address priority issues affecting the entire Guif of Mexico region. Using shared information and technology, the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Training Project is educating professional audiences and coastal communities in each of the five Gulf states. From coastal community resilience to habitat conservation, topics covered in the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Training workshops address priority issues and promote activities that improve the health of the Gulf of Mexico. RESULTS More than 1,137 individuals in 51 communities have been exposed to the program. The Florida Aquarium: Watershed Investigations—Engaging Underserved Youth in Exploring Climate Change PARTNERS 18 EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 Hillsborough County * Florida Fish and Wildlife Public Schools Conservation Commission • Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean • Tampa Bay Estuary Program Observing System . Gu|f of Mexico A||iance * Tampa Electric Company SUMMARY The project aims to provide hands-on, minds~on exploration of the health of coastal ecosystems of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Students are introduced to the local watershed, water quality, coastal habitats, climate change and the role students can play in protecting water resources. RESULTS The Florida Aquarium delivered a sustained, meaningful watershed education experience to 4,313 underserved students in a three-year span. In the last year alone, the aquarium reached 1,723 underserved students. ------- ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND OUTREACH Boat People SOS Youth Education Program PARTNERS Boat People SOS Alabama Department of Environmental Management Dauphin Island Sea Lab Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Mobile Bay National Estuary Program Alma Bryant High School University of South Alabama SUMMARY The Gulf of Mexico Program developed an environmental program to enrich the existing Boat People SOS Youth Summer Workshop. This workshop brought together partners in Alabama to teach students about watersheds and how they work, off-bottom oyster farming, the importance of water quality to the survival of oysters, and the effects of marine debris and micro-plastics. Students also engaged in habitat walks, observed prescribed burns, kayaked on a National Estuarine Research Reserve, and learned the process of conducting experiments and capturing the associated data. i Annual Share Fair Program PARTNER • Hancock County Middle Schools SUMMARY This project involved discussions about clean water and air. Demonstrations were given on how water samples are collected, transported, analyzed, evaluated, recorded and finally disposed. Gulf of Mexico Program staff members gave four 25-minute presentations that included demonstrations of the YSI water sampling instrument and the Van Dorn water collector. The hands-on session with the instruments was well-received and provoked students to ask very good questions related to air and water quality. GMP staff members also emphasized the importance of occupations related to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The number of STEM related jobs is projected to grow by more than 9 million by 2022. RESULTS More than 110 students attended the Gulf of Mexico Program's session. EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 19 RESULTS More than 20 Vietnamese youth participated in the program. ------- University of Southern Mississippi 2017 Teachers Professional Development Training Opportunity PARTNERS University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Region Health Outreach Program SUMMARY Gulf of Mexico Program staff participated in a summer workshop series offered by the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) as a part of the Gulf Region Health Outreach Program (GRHOP). USM is a collaborator of the GRHOP which was created as part of the Deepwater Horizon Medical Benefits Class Action Settlement. The GRHOP consists of four programs, one of which is focused on strengthening environmental health literacy in high schools across Gulf communities. Two-day workshops were offered to secondary educators in Mississippi's six coastal counties for their participation. The GMP's contribution to the workshop titled "Seafood Safety arid Microbes in the Environment" involved classroom and field instruction. The instruction focused on water quality monitoring, using a multi-parameter sonde, collecting surface water samples, and determining the most probable number of colony forming units of E. coli in the samples collected using the IDEXX Colilert method. As a contribution to the workshop titled "Plastics, Prescription Drugs and Chemical Pollutants", the GMP provided equipment needed for the collection and processing of water samples for micro-plastic identification and supported the lead instructors from the NOAA Marine Debris Program and the Mississippi State University Coastal Research and Extension Center. GMP staff participated in the collection of water samples from the beach, sifting/sieving sand to recover macro- and micro-plastic debris, filtering water samples, and identifying micro-plastics using a microscope. RESULTS • 19 teachers earned 1.4 continuing education units (CEUs) for participation in the "Seafood Safety and Microbes in the Environment" workshop. • 24 teachers earned 1.3 CEUs for participation in the "Plastics, Prescription Drugs and Chemical Pollutants" workshop. A total of 43 secondary educators were reached and 55.9 CEUs earned. 20 EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 ------- ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND OUTREACH Poarch Band of Creek Indians Environmental Day SUMMARY Staff members of the Gulf of Mexico Program participated in the Poarch Band of Creek Indians Environmental Day. Students from Kindergarten to 12th grade, rotated through eight activity stations. At two of these stations GMP staff demonstrated the EnviroScape, an interactive model addressing pollution sources and prevention and showed students how water is collected by scientists. RESULTS There were 150 students in attendance. Pearl River Community College Citizen Scientist Day Camp SUMMARY Staff members of the Gulf of Mexico Program conducted a workshop for middle school students at Pearl River Community College. Students were taught about the process and types of instruments scientists use to collect and analyze water quality data. Students also participated in discussions about how to prevent pollution from reaching water bodies. RESULTS Approximately eight students attended. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle PARTNERS Gaston Point Elementary School Port of Gulfport SUMMARY GMP staff conducted a "Reduce, Reuse and Recycle" presentation at Gaston Point Elementary The presentation contained visual aids to help students understand the difference between reuse and recycling, and ways to reduce waste. After the presentation, the students played recycle bingo games. This was followed by a recycling art project using CDs and DVDs. Students gained a better understanding of which objects can actually be recycled. RESULTS Approximately 150 students and teachers combined were in attendance. EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 21 ------- 2017 Student Ocean Conference PARTNERS National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium U.S. Department of Agriculture - Natural Resource Conservation Service U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Iowa Department of Natural Resources SUMMARY The 2017 Student Environmental Conference was held in Dubuque, Iowa, at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium on September 21-22, 2017. The goal of the conference was to connect students to the watersheds they live in, and explain how the activities in these watersheds affect the water quality and life of the oceans and the world. The students participated in field trips and hands-on activities. These activities led to conversations about how to protect the watersheds that feed the rivers and the ocean ecosystems. RESULTS 52 students and adults participated. Gulfport High School Water Quality Monitoring Initiative PARTNERS Port of Gulfport Mississippi Power Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal Plain Turkey Creek Community Initiative Mobile Bay National Estuary Program U.S. Department of Agriculture SUMMARY The Gulf of Mexico Program, along with partners, will assist Gulfport High School with expanding its Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Institute to offer minds-on and hands-on learning activities to students. Through experiential exercises, students will discover the importance of sound science in addressing environmental issues. To further learning and promote a continuum, a list of resources will be compiled, ultimately creating a toolbox of information/ activities that align well with varied class lectures. This effort will help increase environmental literacy and promote stewardship as well as provide student volunteer opportunities by pairing them with involved partners. RESULTS 28 students for initial activity. 22 EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 ------- ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND OUTREACH Choctaw Wildlife Jamboree PARTNERS Chowtaw Wildlife & Parks Mississippi State University Extension Services SUMMARY GMP staff participated in the annual Choctaw Wildlife Jamboree in Philadelphia, MS and provided visitors with the experience of being a field scientist by guiding them in the use of a Secchi disk, a Van Dorn sampler and a data sonde to collect water samples and data. This demonstration helped explain why water quality is important and the value of water quality monitoring. Additionally, the children learned the importanct of recycling through hands-on recycling activities. RESULTS Approximately 75 children/adults participated. Half-Shell High School - Development of a Sustainable Seafood Community Workforce Using Off-Bottom Oyster Farming PARTNERS Board of School Commissioners of Mobile County Alma Bryant High School Auburn University Dauphin Island Sea Lab Organized Seafood Association of Alabama SUMMARY Through this project, a service learning oyster farm will be developed where high school students can study all aspects of oyster mariculture. Oysters will be grown using off- bottom oyster farming gear, as well as on-bottom in an oyster riparian rights area leased from the University of Alabama. Oysters will be grown for both restoration purposes and the half-shell market. The project is designed to allow multiple participants to operate 2-acre growing blocks. Some of the blocks will be operated by commercial half-shell oyster farmers, and the blocks will also provide opportunities for student internships and jobs. Other blocks will be used for training, research and seed production nursery operations. RESULTS 300 students per year. Lynn Meadows Discovery Center Free Friday PARTNERS Port of Gulfport Mississippi Power Gulfport High School SUMMARY Members of the Gulf of Mexico Program staff participated in the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center Free Friday to teach families the importance of recycling as well as reducing and reusing. Children were invited to create mosaic marine art using recycled CDs and DVDs. Families watched a demonstration of how scientists use a Secchi disk, Van Dorn sampler, and a data sonde to collect water samples and data. This demonstration helped explain why water quality is important to everyone. RESULTS 70 people visited the booth. EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 23 ------- Community Resilience Preserving the Culture and Richness of Tribal Lands PARTNERS Louisiana Sea Grant Isle de Jean Charles Band of Biloxi- Chitimacha-Choctaw Indians SUMMARY Through this project, GMP staff participated in a meeting with Chief Albert Naquin of the Isle de Jean Charles Band of Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw Indians and Louisiana Sea Grant in Mouma, Louisiana. Louisiana Sea Grant presented and demonstrated the Community Resiliency Index (CRI) for tribal members and conveyed its ability to assess resiliency levels and define problem/vulnerable areas. Participants received valuable information regarding how to develop hazard mitigation plans using the CRI to help reduce the cost of insurance and how to receive funds through FEMA if a disaster occurs. Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant developed the CRI to assist communities/tribes in understanding their vulnerabilities. The CRI is a broad based self-assessment tool that can help communities understand how well they are prepared for a disaster. RESULTS There were two communities represented and 13 participants. ------- COMMUNITY RESILIENCE Student Stewardship Summit PARTNERS • Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant • University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Laboratory SUMMARY Junior and senior students from local area high schools participated in the Student Stewardship Summit, where they presented information on how to make their communities more resilient. The presentations covered an array of topics including: • reduced soil erosion • emergency evacuations • salt water intrusion • early warning systems • critical record storage • additional concepts Students were judged on resiliency concepts and knowledge of the subject matter by local resilience specialists. The first place winner presented a disaster warning system for non-English speaking citizens. RESULTS Over 125 students participated in the summit. Regional Environmental Center of Central & Eastern Europe SUMMARY A GMP staff member traveled to Ohrid, Macedonia to attend a workshop hosted by the Regional Environmental Center of Central and Eastern Europe (REC). EPA's Office of Research and Development has been focusing its efforts on assisting municipalities, localities, and regions, both domestic and foreign, in attaining their sustainability goals, especially with respect to water resources. This combined regional workshop is part of the Building Local Community Resilience for the Sustainable Development of Watersheds in South Eastern Europe (CRESSIDA) project, a cooperative agreement between the REC and EPA. The workshop hosted approximately 50 national government officials from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Serbia. The topics of discussion for the workshop included local challenges and opportunities on water resources and their management and translating sustainability and resilience into national actions. Jeanne Allen presented the Coastal Community Resilience Index Tool at the workshop and received favorable input from the participants about implementing this tool for their use. RESULTS Approximately 50 officials participated. EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 25 © ------- Gulf Restoration Efforts ri April 20, 2010, an explosion on the Deepwater Horizon MC252 drilling platform in the Gulf of Mexico caused the rig to sink, and oil began gushing into the Gulf. Eleven crew workers tragically lost their lives in the explosion. The magnitude of this spill was something our nation had not seen before, causing significant impact to wildlife and the fishing community along the coastal areas of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. To date, there have been multiple organizations focused on assisting the five Gulf states in recovering from the damage. The GMP plays a significant role in both Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) and Resources and Ecosystems, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies (RESTORE) recovery initiatives. GMP provides key leadership to the RESTORE Council's Steering Committee, coordinating engagement of EPA resources (GMP, R4, R6, HQ) on numerous workgroups. GMP also implements specific projects led by EPA across the Gulf Coast region and serves on scientific and public engagement NRDA committees. ------- GULF RESTORATION EFFORTS Natural Resource Damage Assessment The Oil Pollution Act authorizes certain federal agencies, states and Indian tribes—collectively known as natural resource trustees—to evaluate the impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on natural resources. These trustees comprise officials from the five Gulf states of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Along with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of the Interior and U.S. Department of Agriculture are responsible for studying the effects of the spill through a process known as Natural Resource Damage Assessment. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustees settled with BP, the operator of Deepwater Horizon, for damages to natural resources resulting from the spill. The settlement concluded the largest natural resource damage assessment ever undertaken. The Trustee Council has begun implementing the restoration as laid out in the comprehensive restoration plan. The trustees recognize the historic significance of this settlement—the largest recovery of damages ever for injuries to natural resources. The settlement is a momentous step toward restoring the Gulf of Mexico, providing an unprecedented amount of funding dedicated to this iconic ecosystem. This settlement shaped the Programmatic Damage Assessment and Restoration Plan and Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement, finalized in Febuary 2016. IG) Representatives tor the agenq id alternate EPA representatives oi /ide. The GMP Director is also one Designated Natural Resource Trus reas of monitoring and adaptive ). The efforts of the TIGs include gic planning for coordinated and led "Mississippi Trustee lental Assessment", the GMP will I nting Trustee role for EPA). As par ture and the state of Mississippi tc leasures for the Upper Pascagoula :d to Gulf restoration will be reational use improved, and injun ------- * Gulf Coast ECOSYSTEM Restoration Council Following the catastrophic 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Congress passed and the president signed into law the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast Act of 2012 (RESTORE Act). A very important aspect of the RESTORE Act was that it established the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (the Council) and the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund (Trust Fund). Four projects that were included in the Initial FPL and will be led by the EPA: Gulf of Mexico Conservation Enhancement Grant Program The EPA is implementing the Gulf of Mexico Conservation Enhancement Grant Program (GMCEGP), a funding assistance opportunity to enhance private/public partnerships that support land protection and conservation across the Gulf Coast region. The program will be available to land conservation organizations such as land trusts, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and state land preservation agencies across the Gulf Coast region through a competitive grant selection process. The projects and programs funded by the GMCEGP will focus on enhancing land protection and conservation in priority landscapes; improving habitats and water quality on conserved lands; enhancing the understanding of the benefit of land protection to communities through focused outreach and education supporting conservation and stewardship; developing and implementing conservation management plans; restoring and managing critical aquatic shoreline and upland habitat utilizing hydrologic, landscape, vegetation and wildlife management actions; and implementing other water quality and habitat restoration techniques. The EPA expects to award grants in early 2018. Mobile Bay National Estuary Program The EPA will enter into a cooperative agreement with the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program (MBNEP) to design, permit and implement a stream restoration project in Twelve Mile Creek, which has been negatively impacted from excessive stormwater runoff and decaying infrastructure, and to remove invasive species in the Three Mile Creek Watershed. The EPA awarded a cooperative agreement to MBNEP in September 2017 for the planning phase (design & permitting). The EPA expects to award the implementation phase in FY2018. 28 EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 ------- GULF RESTORATION EFFORTS The Council membership includes the governors of the states of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, as well as the secretaries of the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Army, Commerce, Homeland Security and the Interior, and the Administrator for the EPA. The U.S. Department of Agriculture currently serves as the chair of the Council. The Council is responsible for helping to restore the ecosystems and economies of the Gulf Coast region by developing and overseeing implementation of a Comprehensive Plan and carrying out other responsibilities. If you are interested in reading more about the Comprehensive Plan, the RESTORE Act or the Council, please visit www.RestoreTheGulf.gov. In addition to carrying out its responsibilities, the Council is committed to public engagement and coordinating with other Gulf Coast restoration initiatives, including the NRDA for the oil spill, to ensure that restoration efforts are community-supported and complementary. The RESTORE Act dedicates 80 percent of civil penalties paid under the Clean Water Act (CWA) by responsible parties in connection with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill to the Trust Fund, for ecosystem restoration and economic recovery projects and programs in the Gulf Coast region. Of that 80 percent, 60 percent will be administered by the Council as follows: • The Comprehensive Plan Component provides 30 percent to the Council for projects and programs it selects. • The Spill Impact Component provides 30 percent to the Gulf states under a formula developed by the Council, in coordination with the five state members, for implementation of Council-approved State Expenditure Plans (SEPs). On December 9, 2015, the RESTORE Council approved the Initial Funded Priorities List (FPL), using approximately $180 million in allocated funds from a $1 billion 2013 settlement with Transocean Deepwater Inc., to focus on 10 key watersheds across the Gulf, concentrating and leveraging funds to address critical ecosystem needs in high priority locations. Under the Initial FPL, the EPA will lead four projects on the current FPL to work with local stakeholder groups to achieve near-term, on-the-ground ecosystem benefits, while also conducting planning activities designed to build a foundation for future success. Tampa Bay Estuary Program The EPA anticipates awarding a cooperative agreement to the Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP) to support the implementation of five priority water quality and habitat improvement projects throughout the Tampa Bay Watershed. The five projects are: • Biosolids to Energy with the City of St. Petersburg • Copeland Park Stormwater Enhancements with the City of Tampa • Coastal Invasive Plant Removal with Hillsborough County • Robinson Preserve Water Quality and Habitat Restoration with Manatee County • Ft. De Soto Recirculation and Seagrass Recovery with Pinellas County The EPA continues to work with TBEP on design, engineering and envi- ronmental compliance for Cooper's Point Water Quality Improvement, and anticipates seeking Council approval of funding in FY2018. In March 2017, with support of the EPA and the State of Florida, the Council consolidated funding and implementation responsibility to the State of Florida for multiple components of the Palm River Restoration Project Phase II. Gulf of Mexico Estuary Program C The EPA is standing up a O place-based estuary program *~ encompassing Perdido & ^ Pensacola Bays in Florida's C northwest panhandle region. The Estuary Program will be modeled after the structure and operation of National »#> Estuary Programs (NEPs), but * will not be a designated NEP. This project will serve as a pilot project for the Council to consider expanding Gulf-wide when future funds become available. The EPA conducted a competitive selection process in FY2017 and will issue the cooperative agreement in early 2018. EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 29 ------- Updates and Events Mississippi Environmental Education Training The Mississippi Environmental Education Training, sponsored by EPA offices (OAQPS, OEJ, and GMP) and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, was designed to enhance awareness of efforts underway to improve, restore, and protect the environment. The training was also designed to promote collaborative problem solving among federal, state, and local agencies, businesses, and stakeholders to address environmental issues and share best practices and benefits of engaging in decision-making and implementation. ORISE Fellows, Amanda, Kate, Allison, and Tony, served as panelists and spoke on the topic of youth leaders' involvement in environmental projects. While presenting on their work with the Gulf of Mexico Program, the fellows provided insight on how agencies can better involve youth in the work that they do and why youth engagement is critical when it comes to environmental issues. The panel concluded with an informative discussion of how environmental decision-makers can make more effective decisions, with an emphasis on the need to consult community members in the decision-making process. Computers for Learning Program: Computer Donation Executive Order 12999 "In order to ensure that American children have the skills they need to succeed in the information- intensive 21st century, the Federal Government is committed to working with the private sector to promote four major developments in American education: making modern computer technology an integral part of every classroom; providing teachers with the professional development they need to use new technologies effectively; connecting classrooms to the National Information Infrastructure; and encouraging the creation of excellent educational software. This Executive order streamlines the transfer of excess and surplus Federal computer equipment to our Nation's classrooms and encourages Federal employees to volunteer their time and expertise to assist teachers and to connect classrooms." c mputers projector computer monitors TV monitor printers scanner Gulf of Mexico Program staff members traveled to Denham Springs, LA on February 16, 2017, to deliver 28 pieces of electronic equipment as donations through the Computers for Learning Program. The donations were given to the Livingston Parish School District, a district devastated by the 2016 floods. Eight of the 15 schools in the district were completely destroyed. 30 EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 ------- Water Quality Monitoring in New Orleans East GMP is working with Tulane University students and faculty, Mary Queen of Vietnam Community Development Corporation, Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation, New Orleans Sewage and Water Board and community representatives to monitor water quality in New Orleans East. This includes testing for and determining the source of E.Coli (ie. human vs. animal). The partnership plans to utilize data collected to determine the most efficient way to improve water UPDATES AND EVENTS 2017 Celebrate the Gulf Marine Education Festival The Gulf of Mexico Program awarded a grant to the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources in 1991 to sponsor the very first Celebrate the Gulf event. Since its inception, the event evolved into the premier marine and environmental festival attracting exhibitors from across the Gulf Coast and up the Mississippi River watershed. The GMP continues to support the event by facilitating experiential water quality activities and promoting stewardship and conservation of the Gulf of Mexico. More than 200 children visited Long Beach High School College Career Day GMP staff members participated in the Long Beach High School College Career Day. Approximately 30 local, state, and federal agencies, along with non-profit and military organizations were represented. GMP staff presented information to teachers and 58 students about the "Turkey Creek Water Quality Study," a study the GMP supports/conducts in conjunction with the local Gulfport community. As part of this project, EPA is training local K-12 students and college students to be "citizen scientists." Through participation in these events, EPA staff members deliver the scientific process to the public, demonstrate the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) coursework and encourage students to pursue college careers in science and engineering. EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 31 ------- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematiacs (STEM) Presentation - McComb High School SUMMARY Members of the Gulf of Mexico Program spoke to McComb High School STEM classes about sustainability and community resilience. Through this engagement, McComb High School solicited GMP's support in working together on a community garden and possibly a science field day. A science field day will afford students the opportunities to use field equipment and gain a better understanding of how to collect water quality samples. RESULTS Approximately 100 students participated. Earth Fest SUMMARY GMP staff members hosted an exhibition booth at the Audubon Zoo's EarthFest in New Orleans, LA on Saturday, March 18, 2017. The GMP booth consisted of an art project made from recycled CDs and a range of materials that can be recycled or reused. Staff members also demonstrated the importance of recycling by showing visitors how to cut plastic soda rings to make them safer for birds and turtles, and emphasized how animals often mistake plastic bags for food. Additionally a topic of discussion was the effects of fishing line on fish and birds. Exhibit participants learned how PVC pipes can be installed at boat launches and fishing piers for easily accessible recycling of fishing line. RESULTS Approximately 300 children/adults participated. 32 EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 ------- UPDATES AND EVENTS Partnering with 4-H Alabama Water Watch to Educate Alabama Youth on Citizen Science SUMMARY During 2017, GMP staff worked closely with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) 4H Alabama Water Watch (AWW) Program to promote environmental education and citizen science. In 2015, AWW received an EPA Environmental Education Grant to provide teachers, volunteers, and 4-H agents with training materials and support needed to increase environmental stewardship and literacy for youth in Alabama. In 2017, 4H-AWW held a series of workshops across the state of Alabama (AL). Participants in the 4H-AWW workshops were trained and certified to use the AWW's Exploring Our Living Streams (EOLS) curriculum, which encourages a hands-on approach to teaching students about water quality, pollution, watershed stewardship, and citizen science. The flexible EOLS curriculum can be used in formal and informal settings with grades 4-12, is correlated to the AL Course of Study, and is endorsed by the AL Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTi). In addition, AWW is a State-Approved Stackable Credential for the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Cluster. Once trained, these educators can help 4-H AWW youth gain confidence and have fun with science. RESULTS The educators will master a new skill and make a difference in their communities by teaching youth to do the following types of AWW water monitoring: Bacteriological Monitoring - Detect levels of E. coli and other coliform bacteria in water as indicators of contamination. Determine if water is safe for drinking, swimming and aquatic life. Water Chemistry Monitoring - Test physical and chemical characteristics of water to determine pollution sources and long-term trends irt water quality. Six variables are measured with a customized test kit, and results can be compared with water quality standards that define conditions for healthy waterbodies. The six variables tested are pH, Hardness, Alkalinity, Air and Water Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen, and Turbidity. Stream Bio-assessment - Assess stream health using "aquatic bugs" (macroinvertebrates) as water pollution indicators. Training combines the use of field collections and an environmental game that simulates a stream bio-assessment. For more information about potential workshops and training opportunities near you, visit http://www.aces. edu/4-H-youth/AL4-H/resources/nature/environment/ water, php. EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 33 ------- Ocean Fest - World Ocean Day SUMMARY Members of the Gulf of Mexico Program participated in the "Ocean Fest Event" at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas on June 11th. Approximately 300 visitors to the Audubon Aquarium passed by the GMP display called "Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle." Children were invited to create mosaic marine art using recycled CDs and DVDs. Positive feedback was received from both adults and children. RESULTS Approximately 300 children/adults participated. National Estuaries Day at Grand Bay NERR SUMMARY ORISE Fellows participated in the 2017 National Estuaries Day at the Grand Bay NERR to celebrate the estuaries of the Gulf Coast and help educate the public about their importance and protection. Visitors learned more about how they can help protect our estuaries by reducing their impact through conscious environmental decisions like recycling. They also had the opportunity to create recycled artwork to take home as a reminder of the many ways they can create a healthier environment and be better stewards of our estuaries and the RESULTS Approximately 65 visitors participated. 34 EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 ------- ©Environmental Justice Small Grant Awards DEFINITION OF ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE The EPA defines "environmental justice" as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin or income with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies. Fair treatment means that no one group of people, including racial, ethnic or socioeconomic groups, should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, municipal and commercial operations or the execution of federal, state, local and tribal environmental programs and policies. Meaningful involvement means that: Potentially affected community residents have an appropriate opportunity to participate in discussions about a proposed activity that will affect their environment and/or health The public's contribution can influence the regulatory agency's decision The concerns of all participants involved will be considered in the decision-making process The decision makers seek out and facilitate the involvement of those potentially affected SUPPORT OF ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE The GMP's success with creating vibrant and healthy communities is a result of establishing a rapport with residents. Those communities vulnerable to social and environmental injustice face economic challenges and health disparities. To ameliorate conditions and initiate remediation efforts, the GMP, through the EPA Office of Environmental Justice's Request of Application, funded the following community-centered projects: STEPS COALITION North Gulfport Water Quality Education and Leadership Development Program The Steps Coalition (Steps) will implement an education and leadership development program that seeks to improve the water quality of Turkey Creek and connected waterways, and to mitigate the effects of climate change for nearby communities. The project will: 1) educate nearby communities about stormwater pollution prevention, improving water quality in the Turkey Creek watershed and preserving wetlands, and 2) identify and train leaders within the community to engage in a variety of activities that will improve the water quality of Turkey Creek and connected waterways and the climate resiliency of nearby communities. CHOCTAW NATION OF OKLAHOMA Choctaw Nation Project Oka This grant will implement an education project focusing on the importance of keeping our water sources clean. The hands-on program will provide educational activities and recycling support to children, elders groups and civic groups. The goal is to help citizens recognize the critical role of each individual in reducing the negative impact of litter in the local environment, and protecting and conserving local waters. GROUNDWORK NEW ORLEANS Building Climate Resilient Communities The project will focus on teaching students to design, build and install solar powered charging benches on or near bus stops in underserved communities. This will provide clean energy sources for public transportation users, educate community members and provide a green power source within the community in case of an emergency. The project goals are to: ¦ Address climate resiliency issues and community revitalization in two underserved communities ¦ Introduce green technology and innovative design career paths by creating a transferrable skill ¦ Provide community members with clean energy to use during daily commutes and during emergency power outages, when individuals may only have cell phones to use for emergency calls The project will increase public engagement capacity and efforts by providing educational signage on the importance of green energy. COMMON GROUND RELIEF, INC. Common Ground Relief Youth Wetlands Education and Outreach Program This program utilizes the following integrated environmental justice strategies to reduce water pollution and improve urban water quality, and to improve the resilience of local wetlands in the face of erosion and sea level rise: ¦ Education of local youth about the function of healthy wetlands and watersheds, and about the vulnerabilities to environmental risks in their neighborhood and communities ¦ Active engagement of local youth in research, hands-on projects and monitoring aimed toward the prevention, reduction and elimination of water pollution ¦ Empowering local youth to actively participate and be a strong voice in the planning and decision making processes that impact the region's sustainability EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report2017 35 ------- Senior Environmental Employment (SEE) Senior Environmental Employment (SEE) Through a cooperative agreement with the National Council on Aging, the Gulf of Mexico Program (GMP) employs enrollees of the Senior Environmental Employment (SEE) Program. These enrollees have helped and continue to help the GMP with making significant progress in reaching communities and establishing relationships. The work of the enrollees has catapulted education and engagement initiatives leading to resilient communities. The accomplishments of this work are highlighted below: Second Annual Women's Health and Equity Workshop The Gulf of Mexico Program sponsored the event on Thursday, September 13, 2017. The purpose of the workshop was to increase literacy on the importance of preserving, protecting, and enhancing the Gulf of Mexico by employing novel approaches to promote stewardship. The speakers covered an array of topics: environmental health, workforce development, mental health and wellness, environmental education, and sustainability. Participants were challenged to take action and share information with their communities. To increase awareness of resources essential to improving conditions holistically in communities, the audience was invited to partner with the Gulf of Mexico Program. Workforce Development Partnership PARTNERS Port of Gulfport University of Southern Mississippi - Gulf Park 36 EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 SUMMARY This partnership was created to promote workforce development opportunities for Mississippi Gulf Coast residents through an educational enhancement activities model. The model targets those in need of additional knowledge and skills that can help increase their potential for job placement with the Port of Gulfport and other Gulf Coast industries. It also connects education specialists with residents to help them become employment ready. RESULTS The Workforce Development Partnership is in the process of beginning training activities for residents and continues to develop the educational enhancement activities model. ------- SEE EMPLOYEES 34th Street Wholistic Gardens & Education Center SUMMARY The 34th Street Wholistic Gardens & Education Center, in coordination with the SEE enrollees, is offering events and activities at the gardens that serve communities, schools, and other organizations along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Additionally, to assess specific community needs and to leverage resources, the SEE enrollees are identifying partner organizations/agencies critical to helping communities becoming more resilient and self-sustaining. RESULTS Gardens received licensing for 20 years to operate on city property. Volunteers built over 100 raised beds for gardens. Food Corps (a division of AmeriCorps and national program) established a site to provide technical assistance for gardens. Collaboration with MS Gulf Coast Community Colleges and the Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine to establish partnerships to offer a culinary medicine model to residents of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Collaboration with El Pueblo and the 34th Street Wholistic Gardens & Education Center PARTNERS El Pueblo Immigration Services 34th Street Wholistic Gardens & Education Center SUMMARY El Pueblo is a community outreach and advocacy organization that serves the Gulf Coast's immigrant community and most notably, its Hispanic and Latino residents. Through a partnership with the 34th Street Wholistic Gardens & Education Center, the GMP and El Pueblo will develop community outreach activities that address issues faced by the immigrant community. Together, the organizations will develop an MOU to create community activities inclusive of the Hispanic and Latino communities, including the cultivation of culturally significant foods as well as gardening and cooking classes. Feds Feeds Families 2017 SUMMARY The Gulf of Mexico Program collected and delivered food to a distribution center in Gulfport, MS. The food was loaded onto trucks and delivered to victims of Hurricane Harvey in Houston, TX. We are pleased to report that we saw twelve trucks, full of food donations, ready to be deployed. Additionally, on-line donations to food banks in San Antonio and central Texas were made. Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine - Tulane University SUMMARY SEE enrollees and GMP staff members, along with staff members from both Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) and the 34th Street Wholistic Gardens and Education Center participated in a tour of the Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine located in New Orleans, LA. During the tour, the group had an opportunity to observe a cooking class demonstration for military veterans. With guidance from culinary students and medical professionals, the veterans learned how to cook healthy meals. Additionally, the group was able to tour the onsite community garden managed by Sprouts NOLA, a partner of the Goldring Center. This tour was coordinated as part of a collaborative effort to build the Goldring Center's community engagement and resiliency model into current "on the ground" projects taking place at the 34th Street Wholistic Gardens and Education Center. This initiative is one of many resulting from a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between MGCCC and the U.S. EPA Gulf of Mexico Program. The culinary medicine program at the Goldring Center is the epicenter for teaching medical professionals and communities how to select, prepare, and use food as medicine. The 34th Street Wholistic Gardens and Education Center is currently working with MGCCC to establish a partnership which will engage communities, along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, in similar opportunities as those offered by the Goldring Center. EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 37 ------- National Academy of Science (NAS) Fellows The NAS Gulf Research Program's Science Policy Fellowship program helps scientists hone their skills by putting them to practice for the benefit of Gulf Coast communities and ecosystems. Fellows gain first-hand experience at the interface of science and policy as they spend one year on the staff of federal, state, local, or non-governmental environmental, natural resource, oil and gas, and public health agencies in the Gulf of Mexico region. With the guidance of a mentor, fellows delve into activities like research, evaluation, restoration planning, stakeholder outreach, and policy development and learn what it takes to make scientific information not just useful but useable. Meanwhile, host offices get a talented technical expert with a fresh perspective and a new network of contacts across the Gulf of Mexico region. The GMP hosts two NAS Fellows: Debra Butler, a Ph.D. student at the University of Massachusetts - Boston College of Management, and Philip Lee, a recent Ph.D. recipient from the University of Alabama Department of Biological Sciences. Both Fellows work closely with the Science Integration and Analysis Team on initiatives relating to water quality and habitat restoration, as well as environmental education, community outreach, and resiliency. Innovative Pathways for Educating the Public About Heavy Metal Contamination SUMMARY As a NAS Fellow, Philip Lee is working to improve environmental awareness across the Gulf of Mexico by making scientific publications and outreach materials more accessible to the public. Central to these efforts is a focus on app development, where apps will be customized to allow the public to explore digital copies of documents focusing on contaminants like heavy metals that are of great concern for public health. The apps will also allow users to view documents in different languages, making them more accessible to those who do not speak English or for whom English is a second language. 38 EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 ------- NAS FELLOWS Pollinator Restoration Project SUMMARY Debra Butler, worked closely with the Master Gardeners, a community outreach function of the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service (ACES), which published one of the first guides to variable climate farming near pollinator habitats. More than 100 trained volunteers serve communities in Mobile County with reliable, relevant research-based information and hands-on projects. ACES published the nation's first guide to variable climate farming which emphasizes the importance of pollinator habitats. The Master Gardener Program has a long standing relationship with the Mobile County Public School System. The project is located on two 2 sites: (1) historic elementary school on Dauphin Island, a barrier island and "flyway' for butterflies and other pollinators; and (2) the Mobile County ACES Teaching Garden. Dauphin Island Elementary School is the site of pollinator garden restoration focusing on native species. The project has three phases and will last 18 months. The Pollinator Restoration Project began the initial garden restoration and planting phase in preparation for spring migrations. The garden site is the former location of the Little Red School House, built near shell mounds 90 years ago. RESULTS Water Quality: The project location at the Jon Archer Center is a resource for gardeners, local farmers, and commercial growers. The teaching garden will feature pollinator support plants (nectar and pollen plants, and larval food sources) and hardy native species that reduce or mitigate the need for excess fertilizers and pesticides which can contaminate ground water, creeks, streams, and watersheds. The Junior Master Gardener Project will train students to assess baseline conditions, monitor changes, and report findings. Environmental Education and Outreach: The Dauphin Island site will impact the entire island school, local community, and tourist populations, estimated at 500+ individuals per year. In addition, Master Gardeners will feature the Pollinator Project in its monthly gardening column in Lagniappe Magazine, Facebook page, community events at the City Museum/ Ft. Conde historic garden, Mobile Botanical Gardens, Providence Hospital Festival of Flowers, as well as through cooperation and collaborations with other organizations. The Mobile County Master Gardeners Association (MCMGA) also provides education materials and programs as outreach to the public (lunch-and-learn seminars) and to children in public, private, and home school classrooms. Community Resilience: The relocated "Red School House" is being re-furbished as a community center adjacent to the Pollinator garden, and serves to expand a sense of "vested" ownership for the Island's residents. MCMGA will partner with community organizations, the local chamber of commerce, and the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. The project location is an excellent opportunity for EPA to introduce its partnership with MS-AL Sea Grant's Community resilience self-assessment indices and introduce it as a framework for community action. Habitat Restoration: The Pollinator project can expand protection and restoration of pollinator habitat by raising awareness of the value and vulnerability of pollinators in residential, agricultural, and commercial landscapes. The project is replicable due to the extensive network of Master Gardener volunteers and partnerships within the scope of the Gulf of Mexico Program. EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 39 ------- 5ES Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) Fellows The Internship and Research Participation Programs at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are managed by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) under an interagency agreement between EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The ORISE Internship and Research Participation Programs at EPA are STEM-related educational and training programs designed to provide students, recent graduates, and university faculty opportunities to participate in project-specific EPA research and developmental activities. With the Science Integration and Analysis Team, Fellows Amanda Kincke-Tootle and Kate Doering conduct water quality assessments along with community members and students to determine pollution sources and recommended solutions. They also assist with identifying and evaluating environmental problems plaguing marginalized and overburdened minority communities. With the Partnerships Team, Fellows Tony Nguyen and Allison Williams facilitate environmental education and community outreach activities with a primary focus on reaching underserved communities and promoting awareness of environmental challenges. The Fellows also focus on establishing partnerships between the Gulf of Mexico Program, local organizations and agencies, and coastal communities in an effort to promote collaborative problem-solving. Water Quality Assessments and Source Tracking SUMMARY ORISE Fellows, Kate Doering and Amanda Kincke-Tootle, have been attaining hands on knowledge of different sampling techniques through the Turkey Creek RARE Project. These techniques include in situ water collection, environmental condition measurements, and lab analysis of water samples. Sampling for the Turkey Creek Rare Project provides quality assured water data and E. Coli levels for iocal Gulf decision makers by using bacterial fecal indicators to help identify pollution sources within the watershed. 40 EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 ------- ORISE FELLOWS The Science Seminar Series SUMMARY Through their project "The Science Seminar Series," ORISE Fellows Allison Williams and Tony Nguyen developed a series of interactive modules for high school students to increase awareness of environmental issues affecting the Gulf of Mexico. The modules incorporate classroom activities and site visits with local partners that emphasize fundamental concepts of environmental science while empowering youth to mitigate environmental problems and be better stewards of the earth. The program will be piloted at Gulfport High School during the 2017-2018 academic year, with the possibility of expansion across the Gulf Coast. First Science Seminar Series Day PARTNERS Gulfport High School City of Gulfport SUMMARY The first Science Seminar Series Day was held at Jones Park in Gulfport, Miss. Gulf of Mexico Program staff members taught students from Gulfport High School about the Gulf of Mexico watershed, its vast geographic extent, and how human impacts along the watershed affect the ecological health of the Gulf and its residents. Students also learned about the importance of water quality monitoring and had the opportunity to work with instruments used by EPA staff in their monitoring efforts. The lessons learned from this first meeting will shape future seminar days, where the ORISE Fellows will connect students with local organizations and agency partners to further expand their understanding of the Gulf of Mexico watershed and efforts underway to protect it. RESULTS 36 students and 2 teachers participated in the event and were introduced to the Gulf of Mexico watershed and its importance. EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 41 ------- n n Awards Community Appreciation Award Claudette Walker Donald J. Guinyard Pioneer Career Achievement Award Lael Butler EPA Region 4 presents this award to an individual who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to the protection of human health and the environment, has earned the respect of his/her peers and has demonstrated either a dedication to assisting others within EPA or through community service. Claudette received the Peoples Bank's Community Appreciation Award. The award recognizes community leaders and their commitment to community engagement. Business Services Award Claudette Walker Claudette received the Business Appreciation Award from the Gulfport Job Corps Center. The award recognizes community leaders that support opportunities for and the engagement of Job Corps students in community events and services. One Gulf Coast Community Leadership Award for Community Engagement Claudette Walker The One Coast Awards, presented by Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, Inc. in conjunction with the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce and Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, were created to continue the ideal that One Coast is a regional belief that our common interests far outweigh any difference; an awareness that what benefits one, ultimately benefits all; a celebration of our unique communities and an attitude of no boundaries. Claudette Walker received the "One Coast Award" for her commitment to improving the lives of residents along the Gulf Coast, bridging gaps, encouraging parity and promoting long-term partnerships critical to healthy communities. 42 EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 ------- * Bronze Awards AWARDS Gulf of Mexico Community Environmental Monitoring Team The team is recognized for the creation of partnership-based laboratories and monitoring where community members, students, and scientists can work hand-in-hand to monitor, analyze, and develop solutions to improve local water quality and protect public health. Jeanne Allen Robin Allen Matt Beiser Jerry Binninger Lael Butler Rachel Houge Gerry Martin Calista Mills Amy Newbold Leif Palmer Troy Pierce LaKeshia Robertson Danny Wiegand Darryl Williams Promoting Environmental Stewardship Team Efficient Management and Processing of Grant Awards The team is recognized for creating an evolutionized system for educating youth and adults through proven pedagogical experiential learning methods. The team is recognized for comprehensively assessing the grants management process and making it more efficient. Jeanne Allen Gerry Martin Matt Beiser Matt Beiser Calista Mills John Bowie Jerry Binninger Amy Newbold Lael Butler Gerard Boos Troy Pierce Rachel Houge Lael Butler LaKeshia Robertson Gerry Martin Rachel Houge Danny Wiegand EPA Gulf of Mexico Annual Report 2017 43 ------- GMP THE GULF OF MEXICO PROGRAM www.epa.gov/gulfofmexico 2510 14th Street, Suite 1212 Gulfport, MS 39501 (P) (228) 679-5900 (F) (228) 679-5921 ------- |