Domestic
Wastewater Wetlands as Reuse
Rule 62-610.810(2)g, F.A.C., allows for certain
wetlands for wastewater treatment to be classified as "reuse." This rule states
that wetlands creation, restoration, and enhancement projects can be considered reuse if
the applicant provides an affirmative demonstration that reclaimed water will be used to
create, restore, or enhance the wetlands. The wetlands creation, restoration, or
enhancement aspects must be described in detail and documented.
Based on the criteria in Rule 62-610.810(2)(g),
F.A.C., man-made
wetlands as well as hydrologically-altered wetlands used for wastewater treatment can be
considered reuse provided the proper documentation of created or restored habitat is
submitted.
Other wetlands projects may also be considered reuse if it
is properly demonstrated that the application of reclaimed water will effectively
"enhance" and continue to "enhance" the wetland. This
"enhancement" however, is not clearly defined by the rules and is determined on
a case by case basis.
Rule 62-610.810(4),
F.A.C., requires that wetlands
creation, restoration, and enhancement projects be reviewed at each permit renewal.
The permit renewal application must include documentation that the project
"continues to function as designed and that the wetlands creation, restoration, and
enhancement attributes of the project remain applicable."
Please note that wetlands that are classified as reuse are
still permitted under the wetland rules in Chapter 62-611, F.A.C., and are never permitted
under the reuse rules of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C. In short, wetlands classified as
reuse still must meet the stringent requirements of Chapter 62-611,
F.A.C.
Further, Rules 62-610.554(3) and 62-610.810(2)(f),
F.A.C.,
indicate that discharges to Class I waters are considered forms of indirect potable reuse;
therefore, those projects should be classified as reuse. For wastewater wetlands that are
Class I waters or are contiguous to Class I waters, Rules 62-600.554, and 62-610.555,
F.A.C., should be used to determine any additional levels of treatment that may be
required.
Wastewater to Wetland Resources
Back to Wastewater | Compliance
| Domestic | Industrial
Homepages
2012 State of Florida