CN-370000-WM943.pdf

This document is a state contract between the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the University of Florida for the development of a statewide stressor identification model. The contract (DEP Contract No. WM943) is funded in part by a Section 319 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and involves the University of Florida's research team, led by Dr. Curtis Pollman, to create a comprehensive environmental assessment tool.

The contract is a cost-reimbursement agreement spanning five years, with a total projected budget of $172,300 over three fiscal years (FY 07-08 to FY 09-10). The primary objective is to develop a Florida statewide stressor identification model that can help assess water quality and biological impairment across the state. Key tasks include analyzing current data sets, evaluating stressor indices, identifying conceptual models, collecting additional data, and developing and validating a stressor identification model. The research will focus on environmental factors such as nutrient inputs, flow alterations, sediments, metals, dissolved oxygen, temperature, ionic strength, and habitat assessment. The contract allows for potential renewal for up to three additional years, contingent upon satisfactory performance and fund availability.