TALLAHASSEE -- Florida has marked yet another significant milestone in its comprehensive strategy to address waterbody restorations around the state. As part of the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Program and the on-going initiative to set water quality goals for impaired waterbodies, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Michael W. Sole has approved the establishment of specific reduction targets for 20 waterbodies. This latest round of pollutant reductions have been adopted for waters located in the St. Marks/Ochlockonee River, the Suwannee/Santa Fe River, and the Everglades West Coast Basins. These limits have also been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency under federal law.

“It is a great tribute to the diligent work of our scientists and staff, working in cooperation with multiple groups of interested stakeholders, that we have completed these complex and challenging water quality goals” said DEP Secretary Michael W. Sole. “This effort highlights the joint commitment by DEP and the people living in these watersheds to the local environment and will be the foundation for restoration, water quality improvements, and healthier natural systems.”

Under the federal Clean Water Act, each state in the nation must identify impaired rivers, lakes and estuaries for clean-up. Science-based pollution limits, called Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), are then developed for each impaired waterway. A TMDL is the maximum amount of a specific pollutant a waterbody can absorb and still meet its designated uses, such as fishing, swimming, shellfish harvesting, or as a source of drinking water. In 1999, Florida adopted a nationally-recognized law (Florida Watershed Restoration Act, Section 403.067, F.S.) and program to govern TMDL development and implementation within the state. Florida has developed more than 40 TMDLs in 2008.

As the next step, the State is working with federal and local governments, water management districts, public and private utilities, industry, agriculture and environmental groups to develop, adopt and implement Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs). A blueprint for restoration, BMAPs lay out the actions to be taken to reduce pollutant loadings and restore a water body. The plans may include activities that will promote improved farming practices and land use planning, and increase wastewater and stormwater treatment to reduce pollution.

Additionally, together with its sister federal, state, and local government agencies, DEP is improving water quality through the continued enforcement of long-standing environmental regulations, technical assistance and an annual investment of hundreds of millions of dollars to build water infrastructure, acquire conservation lands, and restore waterways.

To protect Florida’s precious water resources, it is important to develop alternative means of meeting public demand for water as well as restore the state’s waterbodies. Since 1999, Florida has invested more than $3.5 billion to upgrade and improve water and wastewater facilities and clean up stormwater pollution, funding about 2,100 projects statewide. Since 1999, the State Revolving Fund Programs have committed more than $2.2 billion, including more than $150 million last year, to plan, design and build wastewater facilities across the state.

TMDLs have been approved for the following:

Copies of the final TMDL reports listed below are available at: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/tmdl/final_tmdl.htm. For more information on water projects throughout Florida, visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water.

SPRING HILL – The Department’s Florida State Parks welcomes Weeki Wachee Springs as the newest unit in the state park system. State Park management of the site not only protects the integrity of this well-known first magnitude spring, it also preserves one of Florida’s oldest tourist attractions.

“We are pleased to welcome Weeki Wachee Springs as the 160th state park in Florida’s award-winning state park system,” said DEP Deputy Secretary Bob Ballard. “Adding Weeki Wachee Springs to the Florida State Park system has been a cooperative effort between all of the parties involved and we are truly excited to be a part of preserving this unique piece of Florida history.”

Weeki Wachee Springs, “The Only City of Live Mermaids,” is a famous Florida attraction located in Hernando County. As one of Florida’s 33 first-magnitude springs, Weeki Wachee is a valuable natural and cultural resource. The attraction, established in 1946, turned the spring into an underwater mermaid show which garnered increased attention and fame into the 1960s.

“The addition of Weeki Wachee Springs will add a new dimension to the state park system” said Florida Park Service Director Mike Bullock. “The historic mermaid show and the first-magnitude spring are welcome additions that will be preserved for generations.”

The first two-time Gold Medal winner honoring the nation’s best state park service, Florida’s state park system is one of the largest in the country with 160 parks spanning nearly 700,000 acres and 100 miles of sandy white beach. From swimming and diving in Florida’s rivers and springs to birding and fishing or hiking and riding on natural scenic trails, Florida’s state parks offer year-around outdoor activities for all ages and abilities. Battle re-enactments and Native American festivals celebrate Florida’s unique history, while art shows, museums and lighthouses offer a window into Florida’s cultural heritage. Florida’s state parks are also home to the 2008 Best Beach in the nation, Caladesi Island State Park, located off the coast of Southwest Florida in Pinellas County.

For more information about Florida State Parks, visit www.floridastateparks.org. For more information about Weeki Wachee Springs, visit www.weekiwachee.com/.

JACKSONVILLE— This week, students of Clara White Mission’s janitorial services job-training program did more than learn a new skill; they became part of a different “mission” – to green Florida’s future. The Department’s Pollution Prevention (P2) Program provided hands-on training on “green” cleaning at the Clara White Mission.

The Clara White Mission partners with businesses and local community organizations to reduce homelessness through advocacy, housing, job training and employment. Recently, the Mission started a Janitorial/Environmental Services Training Program to train people for work as housekeepers and janitors in the hospitality industry. During its inaugural course, the Mission invited DEP to enhance the program by providing information on “green” cleaning.

A “green” cleaning program is a complete approach to cleaning that examines the entire cleaning process. Programs assess space, products and work practices to maximize cleanliness while reducing unnecessary employee, staff, patient, visitor and environmental exposure to hazardous chemicals. In addition, “green” cleaning focuses on improving indoor air quality, reducing water pollution and encouraging recycling.

“Our goal is to educate students on the benefits of green cleaning and to increase the use of green cleaners in businesses and industry,” said Director of Sustainable Initiatives Deas Bohn. “By working with to the Clara White Mission to inform program participants about ‘green’ cleaning we are providing graduates with a unique and marketable skill when they enter the workforce and protecting the environment.”

To compliment the informational component of the “green cleaning” training, DEP also provided “green cleaning kits” to the students; containing microfiber cloths, environmentally friendly cleaning products and ingredients and directions for creating chemical-free products.

DEP’s Pollution Prevention Program is committed to stopping pollution at its source by providing free assistance to industries and manufacturers, commercial businesses, government, military facilities, schools and organizations to “go green” and save money through pollution prevention strategies. The P2 Program is a 100 percent voluntary, non-regulatory program within DEP’s Office of Sustainable Initiatives. To learn more about DEP’s P2 Program, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/pollutionprevention.

DEP’s Office of Sustainable Initiatives is comprised of three voluntary, non-regulatory programs that assist Florida industry and citizens in protecting the environment. The Clean Marina Program, the Florida Green Lodging Program and the Florida Pollution Prevention Program offer a variety of services including on-site assessments, consultations, speakers and workshops, all at no cost to citizens or organizations. The goal of the Sustainable Initiatives programs is to meet the needs of the present population without compromising resources for future generations. To learn more about DEP’s Sustainable Initiatives, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/green/.

For more information on the Clara White Mission, visit www.clarawhitemission.org.

TALLAHASSEE – In recognition of America Recycles Day on November 15, 2008, Florida students are promising to protect Florida’s environment by committing to recycling as part of the fifth annual Florida (K-12) Schools Recycling Pledge Card Contest. The contest, announced by the Department, Recycle Florida Today, Creative Recycling Systems, Inc. and Publix Super Markets, rewards the three schools that submit the most recycling pledge cards with the chance to win a refurbished computer.

“By starting at a young age and getting involved in recycling, students can play a major role in helping Florida achieve its new statewide recycling goal of 75 percent by the year 2020,” said DEP Director of Waste Management Mary Jean Yon. “This contest encourages Florida’s youth to take personal responsibility to manage waste and demonstrate environmental stewardship at school and at home.”

Florida’s new 75 percent recycling goal was established in House Bill 7135 known as the Energy, Climate Change, and Economic Security Act of 2008. The bill, signed into law by Governor Charlie Crist, also directs DEP to develop a program designed to achieve the 75 percent goal and submit it to the Legislature for approval by January 1, 2010. DEP is encouraging the public to assist in developing this plan and has created a public forum where interested persons can share thoughts, suggestions and comments, as well as view the contributions of other participants.

By completing the pledge cards, students and residents are pledging to renew their personal commitment to recycling, but also to go a step beyond increasing their recycling efforts at home, school and work. They are also committing to encourage others to recycle by serving as a recycling example in their neighborhoods, promising to spread the word to five friends that recycling is the easiest way to slow global warming and agreeing to participate in an additional recycling related effort.

The three schools with the highest number of pledges will receive a gently used desktop computer, which includes a monitor, courtesy of Creative Recycling Systems, Inc. In addition, each individual who fills out a pledge card will be entered into a statewide drawing for either a $100 gift certificate donated by Recycle Florida Today or one of three gift cards donated by Publix Super Markets. As an added bonus, the teacher or environmental club leader with the most student participation will receive free registration to Recycle Florida Today’s 2009 annual conference.

In 2007, more than 86 percent of the 14,000 Floridians who took the pledge to recycle and buy more recycled products through this campaign were elementary, middle and high school students.

For more information, visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/recycling/AR/2008/ar08.htm.

For more information on the new statewide recycling goal of 75 percent, and to share your comments on ways to achieve this goal and view comments from others on our web-based forum, visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/recyclinggoal75/.

MARIANNA- The Department’s Division of Law Enforcement and Florida State Parks hosted a day-long training at Florida Caverns State Park for local public safety agencies and emergency responders on Wednesday. The event demonstrated appropriate techniques for medical and law enforcement responders in the event of an emergency in the park’s underground caverns.

“By working together with local emergency responders, we’re increasing our knowledge, efficiency and expertise, and ensuring park visitors that their safety is our top priority,” said DEP Division of Law Enforcement Director Henry Barnet. “This event provides our law enforcement agents and local emergency responders with the education and rigorous training necessary to overcome an emergency situation quickly and seamlessly.”

During the training, volunteers enacted various emergency scenarios in the underground caverns. One mock scenario involved a park visitor suffering from a medical condition while in the cavern and response teams practiced the appropriate steps for rescue and communication. The main objective of the training was to reinforce the protocol for law enforcement and emergency responders in the event of an actual emergency in the main cavern. Local participants in the training included the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Fire Rescue, Marianna Fire Rescue and Air Heart.

“Visitor safety is of the utmost importance in Florida’s state parks,” said Director of Florida State Parks Mike Bullock. “By hosting training events that prepare DEP’s park patrol officers and local emergency responders for potential emergency situations, the safety of Florida’s park visitors remains a top priority for all agencies.”

The first two-time Gold Medal winner honoring the nation’s best state park service, Florida’s state park system is one of the largest in the country with 160 parks spanning almost 700,000 acres and 100 miles of sandy white beach. From swimming and diving in Florida’s rivers and springs to birding and fishing or hiking and riding on natural scenic trails, Florida’s state parks offer year-around outdoor activities for all ages. Battle re-enactments and Native American festivals celebrate Florida’s unique history, while art shows, museums and lighthouses offer a window into Florida’s cultural heritage. Florida’s state parks are also home to the 2008 Best Beach in the nation, Caladesi Island State Park, located off the coast of Southwest Florida in Pinellas County.

DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement is responsible for statewide environmental resource law enforcement, providing law enforcement services to Florida’s state parks and greenways and trails. Agents investigate environmental resource crimes and illegal dredge and fill activities, and respond to natural disasters, civil unrest, hazardous material incidents and oil spills that threaten the environment.

For more information about DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/law. For more information about Florida’s state parks, visit www.floridastateparks.org.

DESTIN – Anchoring its commitment to environmental protection, Baytowne Marina at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Destin became the 181st designated member of the Florida Clean Marina Program on Monday. Administered by the Department, together with the Clean Boating Partnership, the program now has 184 designated Clean Marinas, 29 Clean Boatyards and five Clean Marine Retailers.

“By meeting the Clean Marina criteria, the facility demonstrates stewardship and a dedication to protect Florida’s natural resources,” said DEP Director of Sustainable Initiatives Deas Bohn. “We are proud of the staff’s leadership and initiative. Their commitment serves as an example to the industry, encouraging other facilities to join in the protection of our waterways.”

Florida Clean Marina Program facilities are required to meet a variety of best management practices to receive designation. These practices include, but are not limited to, properly storing and disposing of used oil, using fertilizers and pesticides according to directions and using cleaning methods that prevent the release of pollutants.

Baytowne Marina is committed to preserving and protecting the environment and the Emerald Coast’s pristine waters. The full-service, 98-slip marina touts pumpout facilities and oil recycling and recognizes that a clean environment is important not just for a successful business, but for future generations to enjoy the state’s precious resources as well.

“Our designation as a Clean Marina is really a testament to the caliber of experience that is offered at the Baytowne Marina,” said Shawna Meisner, marina manager. “Along with Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort as a whole, our guests’ continued quality adventures are of the highest priority. Some of the most important components of this are the environmentally-sound practices that continue to be a part of the Sandestin culture.”

The Clean Boating Partnership is a consortium of industry leaders who contribute time and input to the Clean Marina, Clean Boatyard, Clean Marine Retailer and Clean Boater programs, which DEP administers to protect Florida’s waterways. The partnership includes DEP, Marine Industries Association of Florida, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, University of Florida Sea Grant Program, United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary.

“The Clean Boating Partnership congratulates this marina for its commitment to Florida’s environment,” said the Partnership’s Chair John Naybor. “The dedication and hard work in becoming a Clean Marina is an accomplishment of pride for this facility and we welcome it to our growing Clean Marina family.”

With more than one million registered motorized vessels in Florida, environmental education within marine industries is the first step toward safeguarding the state’s natural resources. By providing “green” education and alternatives the Florida Clean Marina Program, part of DEP’s Office of Sustainable Initiatives, helps ensure a sustainable future for the environment and a billion dollar marine industry. For more information about the Florida Clean Marina Program, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/cleanmarina.

DEP’s Office of Sustainable Initiatives is comprised of three voluntary, non-regulatory programs that assist Florida industry and citizens in protecting the environment. The Clean Marina Program, the Florida Green Lodging Program and the Florida Pollution Prevention Program offer a variety of services including on-site assessments, consultations, speakers and workshops, all at no cost to citizens or organizations. The goal of the Sustainable Initiatives programs is to meet the needs of the present population without compromising resources for future generations. To learn more about DEP’s Sustainable Initiatives, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/green.

DAYTONA BEACH – The Department is recognizing the environmental commitment of LKQ Corporation, an automobile recycler in Daytona Beach by designating the facility as a Florida Green Yard. The Florida Green Yards program helps automotive recyclers implement “green” practices that prevent pollution and find alternative uses for automobile parts. LKQ is the second facility in Volusia County and the 13th facility in DEP’s Central District to receive designation.

“DEP is excited to welcome LKQ in Daytona Beach to the select few members designated part of the Florida Green Yards Program,” said DEP Central District Director Vivian Garfein. “Automobiles are the most recycled product in the United States, making it crucial for those in the automotive salvage industry to go above and beyond what is required to help protect our environment.”

In an industry known for environmental challenges, the Florida Green Yards program helps automotive recyclers understand and comply with environmental regulations. Automotive recyclers that achieve the Green Yards designation prevent pollution by demonstrating environmental compliance with more than 35 best management practices ranging from proper container labeling to stormwater management.

LKQ has implemented best management practices in the yard and vehicle management areas, which include inspecting incoming vehicles for leaks, removing the fuel, refrigerant, and the battery as soon as possible and processing the vehicle by draining all fluids into appropriate containers. Other management practices include removing used engines, situating vehicles off the ground, storing vehicles in a manner so they can be inspected for leaks and also storing fluid containing parts that have been drained from the automobiles in covered secondary containment, minimizing exposure of potential pollutants to stormwater.

"We are proud to have earned a Florida Green Yard Designation,” said Dennis Gardner, LKQ Corporation Plant Manager. “Participating in environmental sustainability and teaming with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection will continue to preserve the environment for our future generations to enjoy."

Automobile recycling is one component that will help Florida reach its new statewide 75 percent recycling goal, which was established in House Bill 7135 and is known as the Energy, Climate Change, and Economic Security Act of 2008. The bill, signed into law by Governor Charlie Crist, also directs DEP to develop a program designed to achieve the 75 percent goal and submit it to the Legislature for approval by January 1, 2010. DEP is encouraging the public to assist in developing this plan and has created a public forum where interested persons can share thoughts, suggestions and comments, as well as view the contributions of other participants.

For more information on the new statewide recycling goal of 75 percent, and to share your comments on ways to achieve this goal and view comments from others on our web-based forum, visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/recyclinggoal75/.

For more information on the Florida Green Yards program visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/
hazardous/pages/AutomotiveRecyclers.htm.