News
EPA, Florida DEP enforcing water quality standards
January 20, 2009 by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
NEWS HIGHLIGHT
EPA, Florida DEP enforcing water quality standards
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently issued a formal determination under the Clean
Water Act that numeric nutrient water quality criteria are necessary in Florida.
January 20, 2009, Washington, DC – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently issued a formal determination under the Clean Water Act that “numeric” nutrient water quality criteria are necessary in Florida.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is also accelerating its efforts to adopt numeric nutrient criteria into state regulations.
Through the federal determination, the EPA intends to build upon previous investments made in Florida involving nutrient data collection, analysis, and stakeholder involvement. The EPA stated the determination is fully consistent with the state and EPA’s commitment to a stronger nutrient control program. It’s also hoped the new numeric nutrient water quality standards will help Florida improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its water quality management tools, identify waters impaired because of nutrient pollution, establish total maximum daily loads and Basin Management Action Plans and derive National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit limits.
Local governments in Florida have worked to improve wastewater treatment and stormwater management. In addition, many in the agricultural community have implemented best management practices for nutrient control.
More information:
EPA’s decision letter on these actions: http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/standards/rules/#det
FDEP’s 2008 Integrated Report: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/docs/2008_Integrated_Report.pdf
FDEP’s Numeric Nutrient Criteria Development Plan: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/wqssp/nutrients
