Project Overview

This message is to share an update on the upcoming Phase II study being conducted by the University of Miami (UM) team led by Dr. Helena Solo-Gabriele. Water sampling results continue to show a fecal indicator bacteria concentration that exceeds recreational water quality standards established by the Florida Department of Health within the Park View Canal and a "No Contact with Water" advisory remains in place. The advisory recommends not swimming or engaging in recreational water activities (i.e. fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, etc.) along the waterway until the advisory is lifted. 

The City of Miami Beach has entered into an agreement with UM to determine whether the water quality has improved following the completion of the short-term remedial measures the City has taken and whether additional sources of fecal bacteria can be identified, such as within groundwater. 

The City continues to prioritize improvements to the infrastructure and the above-ground sanitation in the proximity of Park View Canal and is planning future upgrades using the approved funding in the Fiscal Year 2023 - 2024 budget. As part of this current budget, $500,000 was approved for dredging design and permitting; the goal of the project is to improve water quality within the waterway.

What's Happening

As part of the on-going study, researchers from UM will be collecting rain runoff samples between 77 street and 72 street from Park View Island to Collins Avenue. During the week of July 15, researchers will be in the field collecting water samples during a storm event from the three stormwater inlets depicted in the above map. The exact day of sampling may vary depending on weather conditions. Expect to see one to two people wearing raincoats and UM apparel at each stormwater sampling location. The researchers will be walking to and from catch basins every 10 minutes during the storm.  

Furthermore, researchers will also be marking locations the week of July 15 for an upcoming groundwater sampling event; the groundwater sampling effort is expected to begin the week of July 22 once the utilities are identified. The researchers marking the locations will be dressed in UM apparel and marking an area of about 15 feet by 15 feet to identify underground utilities. A second email notice will be sent once the markings are completed, utilities identified, and the groundwater sampling is formally scheduled.

What to Expect:

• UM research groups collecting water quality samples at stormwater inlets. 
• UM research groups marking 15 feet by 15 feet areas to identify underground utilities in preparation for upcoming groundwater sampling.

Who To Contact:

For questions and comments please contact Kevin Pulido at KevinPulido@miamibeachfl.gov.

To learn more about the water quality within the Park View Canal please visit www.mbrisingabove.com/Parkview.