Training

See also: Science to Decision Making, Sustainable Human Systems

In April of 2005, levees preventing runoff from the phosphate processing facility along Grand Bay NERR’s western border were breached after extended rainfall. Several million gallons of phosphate-filled wastewater were released into upper Bangs Lake. The data sonde at Bangs Lake picked up a large, fast drop in pH: from 7 to 4 in just an hour. A massive algal bloom and potential phosphate toxicity caused a huge fish kill. Oyster populations and marsh vegetation were also severely impacted. Phosphate concentrations remained high for several months. Reserve staff and other MS Department of Marine Resources personnel assisted the MS Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) in follow-up biological monitoring in addition to providing water quality and nutrient data from regular SWMP sampling. These data contributions were useful in assessing impacts from the spill, determining the appropriate mitigation and enforcement actions, and leading to better regulatory oversight of the facility.