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TALLAHASSEE -- The Florida Department of Environmental Protection?s (DEP)
Florida Geological Survey (FGS) was recently awarded more than $275,000 in grant
funding for three studies to further its research and improve the state?s
understanding of the unique relationship between karst formations and Florida?s
groundwater resources and aquifer systems. The information gathered as a result
of the studies will increase the understanding of aquifer systems, geologic
hazards, landforms such as coastal dunes and beaches, energy development and
industrial mineral resources.
?Data and research from such studies are essential for resource conservation
and protection, sustainable development issues, human health protection
concerns, and implementation of successful environmental regulatory programs,?
said State Geologist and DEP Florida Geological Survey Director Dr. Jonathan
Arthur.
Recent federal grant awards include:
? $122,000 was awarded by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric
Administration through DEP?s Florida Coastal Management Program to study impacts
on the quality of ground water and the near-shore marine environment stemming
from storm surge. The study will focus on the Woodville Karst Plain, a watershed
that has been extensively studied by the FGS and is known for its Wakulla and
Spring Creek spring systems.
? $107,826 was awarded by the U.S. Geological Survey?s (USGS) STATEMAP
Program for mapping the region west of Ocala, from near Rainbow Springs to the
Gulf coast for 2009-2010. This area is located west of Rainbow Springs and
extends to the Gulf coast. Detailed geologic maps lead to better analysis, use
and protection of limited groundwater and mineral resources. Nationally, this
was one of the top rated proposals and is the 15th year in a row that Florida
mapping projects have been funded by the USGS.
? $49,073 was awarded by the National Geological and Geophysical Data
Preservation Program of the USGS to complete the accurate recording of nearly
19,000 well sites and associated data from cores, core chips and well cuttings
collected from throughout Florida. This was also a nationally top rated
proposal.
?The federal grant funding helps vital research to continue in these
challenging economic times,? said Dr. Arthur. ?The knowledge we gain from this
research will allow us to continue our important mission of working with our
federal and state partners, local governments, industry and nonprofit
organizations to better protect Florida?s citizens and the environment.?
Established in 1907, the Florida Geological Survey provides data, research
and associated interpretations on the solid earth including aquifer systems, the
geologic framework, landforms, energy, industrial mineral resources and geologic
hazards. The FGS provides information, data and interpretations to governmental
agencies, land-use planners, environmental and engineering consultants, mineral
owners and exploration companies, industry and the public. This information is
essential for resource conservation and protection, sustainable development
issues, human health protection concerns and implementation of successful
environmental regulatory programs.
To learn more about the Florida Geological Survey, visit
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/geology/.
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2012 State of Florida