Stormwater Discussion Session - Recommendations

Findings Recommendations from the Stormwater Panel

General comments:

• Define the issue: is it water quality at springs or aquatic plant growth
• As moving forward, be sensitive to the various perspective regarding stormwater management: urban vs. national forest vs. county
• Increase ad valorem tax for NWFWMD
• Emphasize that loadings need to be delineated as accurately as possible, and have a good hydrogeological model
• TMDLs underway (assimilation capacity of water bodies to minimize water qual. and quant. impacts
• First address stormwater entering most vulnerable areas
• Continue working with DOT re: stormwater and hydrogeological issues

Priority issues identified by breakout session participants

1. Relative loadings: septic vs. storm water vs. agriculture/spray field, etc… (group acknowledges that this work is in progress, but we stress that it needs to be completed as soon as possible).
2. Land-use; modify comprehensive plan based on highly vulnerable areas.
   To map highly vulnerable areas, must:
1. Evaluate existing data
2. Acquire LIDAR in Wakulla Co
3. Complete stream to sink (swallet) study
4. Complete aquifer vulnerability assessment of natural hydrogeologic system (e.g., a local FAVA-type study)
5. Define highly vulnerable areas based on vulnerability model
3. Leon Co/TLH/Wakulla coordination
4. Interlocal agreement
5. Phased in land use regulations (long term and short term)
6. Tie in FEMA flood zone remapping into land use plan
7. Implement DCA Springs Model Code for highly vulnerable areas within all springsheds in region
8. Evaluate and implement existing programs (i.e. ERP, other states dealing with karst, Wekiva Study)
9. Have all relevant agencies at table (i.e., DOT, DCA, DEP, WMD, etc.)
10. Improve accountability and enforcement