Wastewater Discussion Session - Recommendations

Findings and Recommendations from the Wastewater Panel

1. Sprayfield nutrients are affecting Wakulla Springs. Additional studies are underway.
2. TMDLs important and worthwhile but allocation results uncertain; schedule for implementation needs to be better defined and sped up; some things could be done now:
• Implement feasible short term measures now;
• Improve Nutrient reductions at treatment plants;
• Defining volume discharge; regulate application in regards to nitrogen already in soil;
• Eliminate land application of biosolids in watershed;
• Complete and implement nutrient management plan to minimize nutrients entering groundwater;
• DEP would work with city to determine what short term measures could be undertaken quickly with moderate costs;
• Minimize discharge of treated effluent during wet weather periods
3. Consider other types/levels of wastewater treatment to reduce nutrient levels. For example:
• Forms of advanced wastewater treatment; and,
• Artificial wetlands
4. Increase reuse north of Cody Scarp or off of the karst plain or on the plain with reduced nutrients.
5. Nearly all treatment and disposal options involve considerable expense, a burden on some customers, therefore the City should consider the:
• Need for a strong educational component; and,
• Need to explore funding alternatives that recognize issue is regional.
6. Explore and implement ways to reduce volume going to the treatment plants; partner with TAPP
7. Support and complete dye-trace study from the Southeast Sprayfield (2006)
8. Set up steering committee (local governments, citizens, agencies, WMD, scientist and engineers) to work cooperatively in order to address nutrient and cost issues in a comprehensive manner and participate in the TMDL process (2005)
9. Through local regulation, require developments of a certain size to be designed to accept reclaimed water where feasible (Leon Co, City of Tallahassee, Wakulla County)
10. Encourage Water Management District to curtail Consumptive Use Permits to support viability of water re-use.