Water Quality Restoration Challenges Tom Frick, Director Division Environmental Assessment and Restoration April 2016

Water Quality Framework Set water quality standards Monitor water quality Determine pollution problems Establish restoration goals (TMDLs) Work with community leaders Develop and implement restoration plans (BMAPs) Measure success and adapt

Water Quality Restoration Watershed Restoration Act (403.067 F.S.) Enacted in 1999, amended in 2006 Gives DEP clear legal authority for TMDLs & BMAPs Requires “Good Science” - DEP to adopt methodology for determining impaired waters = Impaired Waters Rule (62- 303, FAC) Requires “Public Participation” 303(d) lists and BMAPs are adopted by DEP secretary TMDLs are adopted by rule Requires “equitable allocation” of load reductions

The Springs Challenge

Estuary Challenge 11/22/2018

OSTDS Initiative Objectives Plan Evaluate and collect scientific information Develop education plan Identify and develop projects to reduce loading Plan Prioritize areas where greatest risk exists Determine areas of opportunity (cost/benefit ratio) Identify and develop an OSTDS Plan that includes Cost-effective and financially feasible projects that targets the reduction of nutrients from OSTDS systems as needed. 11/22/2018

Septic Tank Study Objectives Better understand: Attenuation and leaching of nitrogen from existing septic systems into the soil and ground water Conditions that may influence nitrogen attenuation local to this area Soil characteristics Geology, ground water recharge and flow pathways Septic system construction, age and usage Influence from other nitrogen sources Findings can be used to help us all understand how to best prioritize efforts and money spent to reduce nitrogen loads to the system. 7410

Septic Tank Study 11/22/2018

Tom Frick Thomas.frick@dep.state.fl.us (850) 245-7518 Contact Tom Frick Thomas.frick@dep.state.fl.us (850) 245-7518