Mosaic Fertilizer, LLC (Mosaic), a leading integrated producer of concentrated phosphate, owns and operates the South Fort Meade - Hardee County mine in Florida. Due to the mine’s location in the upper Peace River basin, Mosaic had entered into a settlement agreement with local nongovernmental organizations. This required environmental monitoring and analysis of water quality and quantity in the Peace River between Fort Meade and Wauchula. Mosaic established the Peace River Monitoring Program and turned to us to help implement it.
Since 2012, we’ve worked alongside Mosaic to build a long-term understanding of river health. Twice a year, our biologists conduct semi-annual fish and benthic macroinvertebrate monitoring at four locations along the mainstem of the river. Mosaic’s team collects monthly water quality data at 11 locations. Using the Stream Condition Index, a specific tool for measuring the health of streams, our team collects benthic invertebrate and stream habitat data to assess aquatic ecosystem conditions and identify potential environmental trends that may emerge over time. We use techniques such as electrofishing and seine hauls to sample fish populations in key habitats such as snags, aquatic vegetation, pools, and undercut banks.
Our field teams also measure key water quality parameters such as temperature, pH, conductivity, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen. We then bring these datasets together in comprehensive annual reports, analyzing biological, water quantity, and water quality information to identify trends, assess compliance with water quality standards, and better understand the factors influencing fish and macroinvertebrate populations in the river.
By consistently tracking environmental indicators, the program helps identify changes in river health over time, supports informed management decisions, and demonstrates a long-term commitment to protecting the river while supporting responsible resource development.
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