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The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is
moving forward with draft rules to develop numeric nutrient
standards for Florida’s waterways. These rules set limits on the
amount of phosphorus and nitrogen, also known as nutrients,
allowed in Florida’s waters.
To view all comments regarding Numeric Nutrient Standards, please visit:
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/wqssp/nutrients/nutr-comments.htm
To view Environmental Regulation Commission December 8, 2011
Agenda, please visit:
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/legal/ERC/default.htm
“Governor Rick Scott signed legislation
today that supports Florida moving forward with setting numeric
nutrient standards for our waterbodies, by presenting our rules
for to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for final
approval. A healthy environment depends on getting Florida’s
water right, in terms of both water supply and water quality. No
one knows Florida’s water better than Floridians, and these
rules will allow us to effectively protect water quality in our
state.
“Our rules provide a clear process for
identifying waters impaired by nutrients, preventing harmful
discharges and establishing necessary reductions. They provide a
reasonable and predictable implementation strategy, and avoid
unnecessary costs for Florida’s households and businesses.
“We are pleased that we will now be able to
submit our widely supported rules for final EPA approval. It's
important to start addressing our nutrient challenges, and we
look forward to getting these rules on the books and implemented
as soon as possible.”
“Today, the Environmental Regulation
Commission unanimously approved amended rules for numeric
nutrient standards for Florida, which will serve to protect our
rivers, lakes, streams, springs and estuaries.
“The future of Florida’s environment depends
on the health of our water resources, and no one knows our
waters better than us. This is the right thing for Florida, and
the right thing to do.
“We are pleased with the outcome of today’s
vote, and look forward to working with the Florida Legislature
to advance the most comprehensive nutrient pollution limitations
in the nation.
“Florida has invested millions of dollars to
create nutrient rules that address the complexity of Florida’s
waters, and we remain committed to finishing the job.”
“The Florida Department of Environmental Protection remains confident that adopting our nutrient rules is the right thing for Florida.
“Protecting Florida’s water resources is a top priority of the Department, and we lead the nation in knowledge, research and action related to nutrient standards. As such, Florida is best positioned to develop these rules. The EPA, local governments, citizens and organizations statewide, support us moving forward with our rules.
“Public input, including legal challenges, are an important part of our rulemaking process. However, it is action that will ultimately protect and restore our waterbodies.”
“Today, I authorized staff to move forward with rulemaking for numeric nutrient standards for Florida.
“The future of Florida’s environment depends on the health of our water resources, and no one knows our waters better than us. This is the right thing for Florida, and the right thing to do.
“If adopted, these rules will be the most comprehensive nutrient pollution limitations in the nation, and will serve to protect our rivers, lakes, streams, springs and estuaries.
“Using more than a decade of data collection and analysis, Florida has developed standards that account for the individual characteristics and needs of Florida’s diverse water resources. By setting standards focused on site-specific conditions we are better able to protect public health, improve water quality and preserve aquatic life in Florida’s unique water resources throughout the state.
“Florida’s efforts go beyond crafting scientifically-sound standards for our waterbodies. We also provide a reasonable and predictable strategy to implement these standards, allowing us to direct our resources to where they will have the most meaningful benefit to our environment and reduce the financial burdens on Florida’s homeowners and businesses.
“The state of Florida is, and has historically been, a national leader assessing and addressing the health of our waterways. Florida accounts for 30 percent of the national water quality dataset, far surpassing any other state in the nation. These rules are the result of years of work not only by DEP, but by Florida’s stakeholders, including environmental groups, governments, water management districts, business and agricultural interests.
“We’ve worked closely with the EPA throughout the rule development process, and appreciate their cooperation and feedback.
“Florida has invested millions of dollars to create nutrient rules that address the complexity of Florida’s waters, and we intend to finish the job.”
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2012 State of Florida