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

2. 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

3. Water Quality Restoration
Watershed Restoration Act ( 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 ( , 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

4. The Springs Challenge

5. Estuary Challenge
11/22/2018

6. 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

7. 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.
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8. Septic Tank Study
11/22/2018

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