Emerald CoastKeeper – Their Story
Founded in 1999, Emerald Coastkeeper is one of 240 (and counting) member organizations of the Waterkeeper Alliance. We are a grassroots organization that monitors four main watersheds in the Florida Panhandle. Our mission is to investigate, educate and protect our right to swimmable. fishable and drinkable water. We believe that healthy waterways are directly connected to healthy communities and healthy people.
In our four watersheds, you will find many springs, creeks, rivers, bayou’s, bays and of course, the Gulf of Mexico.
Pollution can happen anywhere, not just from large industries. Some of the greatest concerns in our region stem from residential pollution.
Some of the more common culprits are septic system failure, erosion and sedimentation, nutrient loading from fertilizers, red tide, heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, (PCBs) lead, mercury, animal wastes, industrial paint source discharge, oil spills, commercial vessel pollution, residential development, and household garbage.
Protecting our waterways and drinking water from contaminants is everyone’s responsibility. We can’t do it alone…we need your help!