Orange Creek Basin Management Action Plan Alachua County Commission December 11, 2007 Fred Calder, FL DEP (850)

Provides: Quantitative restoration targets Identification of pollutant sources Regulatory “backstop” Application of good science to management Total Maximum Daily Loads Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs) implement TMDLs Water quality targets needed to return a waterbody to a healthy state

BMAP Waterbodies Newnans, Orange, Wauberg, & Alachua Sink: Nutrients Hogtown, Tumblin, & Sweetwater: Bacteria ______________ Related Waterbodies Hatchet Creek: Iron, natural condition Lochloosa: Elevated nutrients, TMDL on hold

Developed by stakeholders; guidance from DEP Adopted by DEP Secretarial Order Linked directly to municipal stormwater and GRU wastewater permits Linked to best management practices and education for nonpoint sources (e.g. agriculture) Evaluated annually; revised every five years BMAP Basics

BMAP Stakeholders ( ) EPD Public Works Health Dept. EPAC Others Public Works Water Mgmt. Comm. Others Sustainable Alachua County & Other Forestry Representatives Women for Wise Growth & others… Gainesville Clean Water Partnership

Key Parts of the BMAP Document Refined source identification Management actions (projects) Focused studies (good science) Funding Monitoring & project tracking Commitments Follow-up and plan revision

Improved scientific understanding (nutrients and bacteria) Developed new projects to address TMDLs, including cooperative efforts Expanded the scope of existing projects Began implementing projects to address known issues Identified additional studies to refine source understanding BMAP Development

Many unknowns remain in this watershed (e.g. lake nutrient sources) Thus, the Orange Creek BMAP does not lay out all necessary actions to achieve TMDLs Significant restoration efforts are underway to address known sources Additional projects will be implemented as the scientific understanding matures Working With Uncertainty Application of Good Science Wise Use of Resources

Stormwater retrofits Wastewater infrastructure management Pollution prevention Agricultural and municipal BMP implementation Land use planning and land development Public education BMAP Projects The BMAP contains over 100 activities that address bacteria and nutrient sources

Extensive water quality sampling and microbial source tracking (GRU & Alachua County) completed to identify hot spots “Hot Spots” addressed geographically Pilot = Elizabeth Creek Bacteria “Hot Spot” Project GRU = sewerACEPD = monitoring G’ville = stormwaterDEP = Data collection & evaluation ACHD = septic tanks

Paynes Prairie/Sweetwater Branch Sheetflow Restoration Feasibility study completed Constructed water quality treatment area Rehydrate existing wetlands Remove direct discharge to Floridan aquifer Will help meet TN reductions identified in TMDL Steps needed for project to proceed Funding commitments Land acquisition Project design

BMAP identifies specific studies and monitoring needed to guide management Studies Underway and Planned Microbial source tracking In-stream bioassessments Storm event nutrient assessments Stormwater inlet protection pilot project Reclaimed water master plan

Approx. $200M in projects completed or in progress for the Orange Creek BMAP area Detailed Studies Restoration Projects Directed Public Education Agricultural BMPs Land Acquisition Stormwater Permit Program Stormwater BMPs Wastewater Infrastructure Mgmt. BMAP Implementation Cost $14M in broader actions/ programs emphasized in BMAP areas Costs not estimated for most future projects (not adopted)

Once adopted by DEP, the BMAP is legally binding for responsible parties through Watershed Restoration Act and stormwater permit program Local commitments are needed before DEP will adopt the BMAP Government and non-government Working Group members signing statements of commitment Commitment to Plan Implementation

Recommended Action Adopt Resolution 07-xxx A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA, TO SUPPORT AND WORK ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ORANGE CREEK BASIN MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN