Hillsborough County Environmental Protection Commission Meeting – June 18, 2026

The Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) met on June 18, 2026, to receive presentations on microbial source tracking, the 25th Clean Air Fair, and the Brownfields annual report. The meeting included a retirement recognition for the Brownfields coordinator and an executive director’s report. The consent calendar was approved unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• The consent calendar was approved by a vote of 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were offered.

Discussion: Microbial Source Tracking in Surface Waters

• Dr. Valerie Harwood, USF professor, presented an overview of microbial source tracking (MST) research conducted in partnership with EPC since 2006. She explained how MST uses DNA markers to identify sources of fecal contamination, distinguishing between human sewage, livestock, and wildlife. A case study focused on English Creek in Plant City, where a large sewer main break was identified and repaired after MST markers (HF183 and H8) indicated sewage impacts. Post-repair sampling showed E. coli and HF183 levels dropped by three to four orders of magnitude. Dr. Harwood noted that EPC funding helped develop a viable marker (H8) to differentiate treated reclaimed water from untreated sewage. Commissioner Bowles asked about how sampling sites are selected, and Dr. Harwood described starting from known high-E. coli monitoring sites and working upstream. Commissioner Cepeda inquired about water treatment effectiveness and public health risks; Dr. Harwood explained that municipal wastewater treatment is very effective, while septic systems depend on proper separation from the water table, and risk is highest in water bodies with high human contact.

Discussion: 25th Clean Air Fair Anniversary

• Michelle Jenkins of EPC’s Air Division presented highlights of the 25th Clean Air Fair, held in May 2026 under the theme “Stars and Stripes Forever, Celebrating Clean Air Together.” The event featured over 70 exhibitors, live music, a tree giveaway of more than 350 trees/saplings, and a student photography contest with over 70 entries. The fair received a Hillsborough County Planning and Design Award of Merit. Commissioners expressed appreciation for the event’s success and growth. Next year’s fair is scheduled for May 6, 2027.

Discussion: Brownfields Annual Report & Retirement Recognition

• Alison Amram, Brownfields coordinator for 10 years, presented the annual report. She explained that the Brownfields program provides tax incentives (sales tax refunds for affordable housing, corporate income tax credits for cleanup costs) for voluntary cleanup of contaminated properties where the current owner did not cause the contamination. EPC currently manages 56 cleanup sites across the county. In the past year, five new projects entered the program (including redevelopments for a fire station, affordable housing, and a park), and three sites received a Site Rehabilitation Completion Order. Commissioner Bowles asked about the designation of former golf courses as brownfields; Amram confirmed that a developer with a qualifying redevelopment plan can seek brownfield designation. At the conclusion of the presentation, Amram was recognized for her service, and Charles Dalman was introduced as the incoming Brownfields coordinator.

Key Outcomes

• The consent calendar was approved 7-0.
• The next Clean Air Fair was announced for May 6, 2027.
• EPC staff noted several upcoming community events and personnel changes (retirement of Ron Cope, promotion of Nicole Garcia).
• The meeting adjourned after the executive director’s report.

Other Items

• The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Commissioner Cameron Cepeda.
• Chairperson noted that Commissioner Janet Wharton was absent due to a family medical leave.
• There were no changes to the agenda, and no proclamations or public comments.