Surface Water Quality Standards
 

News and Announcements

Florida Numeric Nutrient Criteria Development Plan

• The Department announces the completion of a revised Florida Numeric Nutrient Criteria Development Plan for the development of numeric nutrient criteria. This plan, which was recently submitted to EPA, provides detailed plans for the expedited development of numeric nutrient criteria for Florida’s lakes, streams and estuaries.

DRAFT Numeric Nutrient Criteria Reports for Florida Estuaries

• Two series of public meetings to discuss the draft reports were held in 2010. Workshop presentations and draft reports are available for selected estuaries and coastal systems. To view these or for further information... more

Lower Fenholloway River and Nearshore Waters Site Specific Alternative Criteria Established for Dissolved Oxygen, Iron, and Transparency ... more

Matanzas River Outstanding Florida Water (OFW) (For public workshop information relating to the designation of the Matanzas River as an OFW... more

With over 50,000 miles of rivers and streams, 7800 lakes, and 4000 square miles of estuaries, Florida has an abundance of surface waters that are used for a variety of purposes by the people who live and work here, by those who are visiting, and by the fish and wildlife that depend on these waters.

The federal Clean Water Act provides the statutory basis for state water quality standards programs. The regulatory requirements governing these programs (Water Quality Standards Regulation) are published in 40 CFR 131. States are responsible for reviewing, establishing, and revising water quality standards. Florida’s surface water quality standards system is published in 62-302 (and 62-302.530) of the Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.). The components of this system include: classifications, criteria, including site specific criteria, an anti-degradation policy, and special protection of certain waters (Outstanding Florida Waters).

In response to recent initiatives put forth by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Florida has been working to develop biological criteria and numeric nutrient criteria for fresh waters and estuaries.

Emerging Substances of Concern (ESOC)

This 2008 DEP report summarizes the conclusions of an internal Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Workgroup that was formed to evaluate strategies to effectively address a wide variety of potential contaminants, commonly referred to as Emerging Substances of Concern, or ESOC.

For more information please contact Ken Weaver at 850/245-8414.

Standards & Assessment Program
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
2600 Blair Stone Road - M.S. 6511
Tallahassee, FL 32399
850-245-8064
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