The Antidegradation Policy for Reuse Projects

 

The Antidegradation Policy is contained in Chapter 62-4, F.A.C., "Permits," and Chapter 62-302, F.A.C., "Surface Water Quality Standards." The Antidegradation Policy prohibits new or expanded surface water discharges from domestic wastewater treatment facilities unless the facility can demonstrate that the new or expanded surface water discharge is "clearly in the public interest". Determining whether or not a discharge is in the public interest is important because the discharge may degrade the receiving water body’s quality to the point that it affects the public health, safety, or welfare. The language, "in the public interest," also allows permitting of reuse projects that augment Class I waters or require backup discharges. No other surface water discharges, besides these, are allowed unless the applicant has proven water reuse to be non-feasible. The applicant determines the feasibility of reuse of reclaimed water by evaluating whether or not a reuse project is economically or technologically reasonable. Reuse is preferred over surface water discharges. This has proven to be an effective means to encourage reuse of reclaimed water, while discouraging discharge and disposal of effluent.