Source Molecular Blitzes Through Conferences in Georgia and Florida

Miami, FL, July 09, 2015 --(PR.com)-- Source Molecular Corporation attended two back-to-back conferences in Atlanta, Georgia and Ft. Myers, Florida last month to bring microbial source tracking – a set of techniques used to determine the sources of fecal indicator bacteria in the environment – closer to water professionals.

Source Molecular exhibited at the Municipal Wet Weather Stormwater Conference that was hosted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 and the Southeast Chapter of the International Erosion Control Association (IECA) Region 1. The event was held at the Holiday Inn Atlanta-Perimeter in Atlanta June 15-16, 2015.

Among the topics discussed at the Municipal Wet Weather Stormwater Conference was the Development of an MS4 TMDL Monitoring Plan presented by Angela Vandelay, an environmental engineer in the Columbia, South Carolina office of Amec Foster Wheeler. Ms. Vandelay pointed out that many states, including South Carolina, are requiring Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) to begin monitoring streams with TMDLs, with the ultimate goal of developing an implementation strategy to address pollutant loading from the MS4. Ms. Vandelay emphasized that a monitoring plan must be developed prior to monitoring.

Microbial source tracking (MST) is helpful in stormwater management as it can identify the source of fecal bacteria. MST can answer whether the fecal bacteria found in water samples came from humans, which discharge point had human fecal bacteria and which discharge point has the highest human influence. These answers are necessary in the monitoring process.

In June 17-19, 2015, Source Molecular representatives mingled with over 250 engineers, scientists, managers, policy makers and elected officials at the Annual Conference of the Florida Stormwater Association that was held at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott located at 17260 Harbour Pointe Drive in Ft. Myers, Florida. The event focused on how to integrate stormwater policy and resources with flooding, wastewater and drinking water issues.

Included in the many water quality issues tackled was the discussion “Getting a Handle on the Bacterial Pollution and Septic System Troubles.” Dianne Hughes, senior ecosystem specialist of Martin County, and Rhett Keene, PE, project manager at CAPTEC Engineering, shared Martin County’s experience in seeking out sources of bacterial pollution and examining septic system communities. Martin County was consistently plagued by high Enterococci counts and Health Department Advisories since November of 2012. The County wanted to find a solution to the water woes in the St. Lucie River and Estuary.

Source Molecular’s laboratory was tapped to provide DNA analysis of bacteria in St. Lucie River estuary by Cardno ENTRIX of Wellington, which was working with Martin County on the project. In 2014, Water samples were submitted and Source Molecular analyzed them for the presence of Bird, Cow, Dog, Horse and Human.

Source Molecular has assisted hundreds of water managers who are dealing with pathogenic water pollution problems throughout the United States. It has a license from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to use their patented genetic testing methods developed specifically for the detection of Human, Cattle, Chicken and Dog fecal pollution. The laboratory is also capable of identifying whether the fecal indicator bacteria found in water samples came from Swine, Gull, Goose, Deer, Elk, Horse, Bird, Beaver and Ruminant.