February 20,
2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DEP Releases Everglades Water Quality Standard
-- Phosphorus standard restores and
protects balance of natural system --
CONTACTS: Deena Wells, (850) 245-2112 or (850) 528-2155
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary David B. Struhs today announced the proposed numeric water quality standard for phosphorus in America’s Everglades. Decades of scientific research and biological analyses provide the basis for the standard. The rule establishes the process for improving water quality and restoring natural systems in the famed River of Grass.
“No other water quality standard in Florida’s history has ever been so rigorously and comprehensively reviewed,” said Secretary Struhs. “We have used sound science and research to determine a standard that will use the best available technology over time to fully restore and protect this ultra-sensitive natural area.”
The proposed rule establishes a phosphorus standard of 10 parts per billion for the entire freshwater area of the Everglades Protection Area. Over 90 percent of the 2.4 million-acre area already meets this stringent water standard. The primary tools for reducing phosphorus in the remaining ten percent are continued implementation of Best Management Practices by farmers in the Everglades Agricultural Area and the optimization of 42,000 acres of new wetland filters, known as Stormwater Treatment Areas.
“Florida has already made more progress in less time to reduce phosphorus levels than ever predicted,” said Secretary Struhs. “Such unprecedented success is confirmation that we are on the right track. By making the right investments in the right areas, we will see further improvements that will lead to phosphorus reductions in the remaining 10 percent of impacted areas in the Everglades.”
The proposed rule requires the use of best available technologies to ultimately achieve the water quality standard. An estimated $450 million will be invested over the next decade to implement a detailed, enforceable, long-term plan to ensure continued water quality improvements and protection of America’s Everglades.
The Environmental Regulation Commission will review and consider the proposed rule on February 27. The 1994 Everglades Forever Act directs the DEP to adopt a numeric phosphorus standard by December 2003.
Copyright © 2003 DEP
All rights reserved.
Related Links;
FAQs - Phosphorus Q&A
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/comm/2003/february/files/qanda.pdfEFA vs Phosphorus - Everglades Forever Act
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/comm/2003/february/files/efa_v_rules.pdfMap of Everglades
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/comm/2003/february/files/map.pdfPhosphorus Reduction in Everglades Protection Area
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/comm/2003/february/files/reduction.pdfProgress Timeline
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/comm/2003/february/files/timeline..pdfTime Frame
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/comm/2003/february/files/timeframe.pdfFlorida Department of Environmental Protection Office of Ecosystem Projects Everglades Restoration
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/everglades/default.htmRelated Article;
Florida proposes standard to measure water quality in Everglades
