Domestic
Wastewater to Wetlands Program
Wetlands
are among Florida’s most important natural resources. They provide
an array of ecological and environmental functions. These functions
are the biological, physical, and chemical processes which take place
between water, vegetation, soil, microbial and wildlife communities
within a wetland.
Wetland
functions result in environmental and economic values. The utilization
of wetlands for wastewater treatment is a good example of the
association between wetland functions and values. By using the natural
biogeochemical processes in wetlands, wastewater wetlands produce a
desired output: low energy, high quality wastewater treatment that
results in environmental enhancement, not degradation. This output
translates into economic benefits for the facility and environmental
benefits to Floridians.
In the context of
domestic wastewater activities, several wetland processes are
important, such as nutrient assimilation and storage, heavy metal
retention, organic decomposition, sediment filtration, hydrologic
storage and dispersion, and water resource recharge. These processes
result in improved water quality, flood control, and water supply.
The Department,
through
Chapter
62-611, F.A.C., allows a method of advanced wastewater treatment
which may be less expensive than conventional treatment processes,
while at the same time serves to maintain, create, and restore wetland
hydrology and habitat. Properly managed wastewater treatment wetlands
improve water quality and the environment.
For more
information on wastewater wetlands in Florida contact our Wastewater
to Wetlands Coordinator,
Shanin
Speas, at 850-245-8610.
Wastewater to Wetland Resources
If you are looking
for information on dredging and filling in wetlands or other wetland
activities besides wastewater discharges, contact the
Wetlands
Program.
Links
to Other Wetland Sites:
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2012 State of Florida