(Atlanta, Ga. Sept. 29, 2011) The…
(Atlanta, Ga. – Sept. 29, 2011) –
The University of Florida’s Water Institute has been
designated a Center of Excellence for Watershed Management,
becoming the second such institution in the state. Representatives
from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 4, the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection and the University of
Florida signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to help
communities identify watershed based problems and develop and
implement locally sustainable solutions.
“A watershed approach is the most
effective framework to engage communities and address today's water
resource challenges,” said EPA Regional Administrator Gwen
Keyes Fleming. “This designation will allow the University of
Florida to continue developing the strong partnerships with other
institutions, organizations and agencies to protect and restore the
unique watersheds throughout Florida.”
"We can achieve much more collectively, when we
combine and leverage our resources, than as stand-alone
organizations working independently," said Drew Bartlett, director
of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Division of
Environmental Assessment and Restoration. "This designation will
lead to enhanced opportunities for collaboration between the
University of Florida and FDEP with many mutual benefits. The
University of Florida's activities in watershed management,
research and education will help assist the Department and local
communities in identifying watershed issues and working toward
solutions to improve water quality in their
watersheds."
To become a recognized Center of Excellence, the
institution must demonstrate technical expertise in identifying and
addressing watershed needs; involvement of students, staff and
faculty in watershed research; capability to involve the full suite
of disciplines needed for all aspects of watershed management;
financial ability to become self-sustaining; ability to deliver and
account for results; willingness to partner with other
institutions; and support from the highest levels of the
organization.
"We are pleased to be named as a Center of
Excellence for Watershed Management", said UF Water Institute
Director Wendy Graham. "This designation highlights the Water
Institute's strong commitment to partner with watershed-based
stakeholder groups and state and local agencies to tackle critical
water issues requiring holistic interdisciplinary approaches. This
initiative complements our other interdisciplinary research and
education programs and provides an important resource for
stakeholders with interest in developing solutions to water quality
problems."
Some of the benefits of being a recognized
Center of Excellence include receipt of EPA technical assistance
where needed (instructors, speakers, etc); promotion of the Center
of Excellence to stakeholders; EPA letters of support for grant
opportunities; and identification of opportunities for Center of
Excellence involvement in local and regional watershed
issues.
For decades, EPA and Florida have protected the
state’s lakes, rivers and wetlands by regulating specific
points of pollution; the most common of these being sewage
treatment plants and factories. Although this approach led to the
successful cleanup of many waterways, others still remain polluted
from sources not as easily regulated. These more subtle sources
include farms, streets, parking lots, lawns, rooftops or any other
surfaces that come in contact with rainwater. Today, EPA and FDEP
take a broader approach to water protection, looking at both the
individual waterway and the watershed in which it is
located.
Started in 2007, the EPA Region 4 Centers of
Excellence for Watershed Management Program works with colleges and
universities from across the Southeast to provide hands-on,
practical products and services for communities to identify
watershed problems and solve them. Each EPA designated Center
actively seeks out watershed-based stakeholder groups and local
governments that need cost effective tools for watershed scientific
studies, engineering designs and computer mapping, as well as
assistance with legal issues, project management, public education
and planning.
More information about priority watersheds in
the Southeast is available online at: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-epa-region-4-southeast