Tags: Weeki Wachee Springs

On June 4, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection will be hosting a meeting to further the development of a long-term restoration plan for the Weeki Wachee springs system. Stakeholders and interested members of the public are invited to attend. DEP staff will outline the restoration plan development process, discuss pollutant sources in the basin and identify potential water quality improvement projects.

“Weeki Wachee is a historic landmark and a valuable natural resource for our state,” said Tom Frick, director of the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration. “We are working alongside stakeholders and the public to develop the most effective and informed restoration plan possible.”

Nutrient pollution, or an excess of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous, is one of the primary challenges to water quality restoration across the state. Nutrients are naturally present in water and necessary for the healthy growth of plant and animal life; however, an excess of nutrients, can lead to water quality problems like the rapid growth of algal mats, habitat smothering and oxygen depletion in the water.

To combat water pollution, DEP first develops a restoration goal known as a TMDL. The TMDL, or total maximum daily load, identifies the maximum amount of a specific pollutant that may be present in a given water body for the water body to remain healthy and functional. The TMDL then functions as the primary target for a restoration plan, called a BMAP or basin management action plan. The BMAP is a five-year plan with set milestones that identifies projects and strategies to reduce pollution or eliminate pollutant sources. This meeting will further the development of the BMAP for the Weeki Wachee springs system.

Weeki Wachee is a historic and world-renowned tourist attraction which has delighted visitors with an iconic underwater mermaid show since 1947. Weeki Wachee State Park is built around the spring and acts as an environmental and recreational resource for the state. Weeki Wachee Springs and several smaller springs form the headwaters of the Weeki Wachee River, a clear, swift water run that flows westward into the Gulf of Mexico.

Hernando County's "Springs into Action" - A free Educational Workshop in the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Banquet Hall June 5, 2015 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The purpose is to engage the public in protecting and restoring our springs. Sponsored by Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, a citizen support organization.

Announcing a Technical Meeting for the Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) for Weeki Wachee Spring and River. Topics will include a review of the BMAP process and a presentation on the nutrient source inventory for the basin. The BMAP is the means for implementation of the adopted Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs). A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: Terry Hansen, Watershed Planning and Coordination Section, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS 3565, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400, or by e-mail terry.hansen@dep.state.fl.us. Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 48 hours before the workshop/meeting by contacting: Terry Hansen at (850) 245-8561. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800)955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800)955-8770 (Voice).

Once this notice is published you will be able to view it by clicking the WEB link below.

"DEP wants to ensure that the local public and stakeholders are part of our restoration process,” said Tom Frick, director of the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration. “These meetings are an opportunity for involved citizens to be part of the conversation.”

Nutrient pollution, or an excess of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous, is one of the primary challenges to water quality restoration across the state. Nutrients are naturally present in water and necessary for the healthy growth of plant and animal life; however, an excess of nutrients can lead to water quality problems like rapid growth of algal mats, habitat smothering and oxygen depletion in the water.

To combat water pollution, DEP first develops a restoration goal known as a TMDL. The TMDL, or total maximum daily load, identifies the maximum amount of a specific pollutant that may be present in a given water body for the water body to remain healthy and functional. The TMDL then functions as the target for a restoration plan, called a BMAP or basin management action plan. The BMAP is a five-year plan with set milestones that identifies projects and strategies to reduce pollution or eliminate pollutant sources.

This nostalgic show will take you back to the early years of Weeki Wachee Springs by the ladies who created the magic. The former mermaid show includes performers representing the decades from the 50's to the 70's. Don't miss this magical performance by this special group of ladies. Show time is 12 PM & 2 PM.

Announcing a Technical Meeting for the Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) for Weeki Wachee Spring and River. Topic of discussion will be the development of the OSTDS remediation Plan for Weeki Wachee Spring. The BMAP is the means for implementation of the adopted Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs).

"DEP wants to ensure that the local public and stakeholders are part of our restoration process,” said Tom Frick, director of the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration. “These meetings are an opportunity for involved citizens to be part of the conversation.”

Nutrient pollution, or an excess of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous, is one of the primary challenges to water quality restoration across the state. Nutrients are naturally present in water and necessary for the healthy growth of plant and animal life; however, an excess of nutrients can lead to water quality problems like rapid growth of algal mats, habitat smothering and oxygen depletion in the water.

To combat water pollution, DEP first develops a restoration goal known as a TMDL. The TMDL, or total maximum daily load, identifies the maximum amount of a specific pollutant that may be present in a given water body for the water body to remain healthy and functional. The TMDL then functions as the target for a restoration plan, called a BMAP or basin management action plan. The BMAP is a five-year plan with set milestones that identifies projects and strategies to reduce pollution or eliminate pollutant sources.

A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: Terry Hansen, Watershed Planning and Coordination Section, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS 3565, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400, or by e-mail terry.hansen@dep.state.fl.us.

Announcing a meeting for the Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) for Weeki Wachee Spring and River and Aripeka Springs.

"DEP wants to ensure that the local public and stakeholders are part of our restoration process,” said Tom Frick, director of the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration. “These meetings are an opportunity for involved citizens to be part of the conversation.”

Nutrient pollution, or an excess of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous, is one of the primary challenges to water quality restoration across the state. Nutrients are naturally present in water and necessary for the healthy growth of plant and animal life; however, an excess of nutrients can lead to water quality problems like rapid growth of algal mats, habitat smothering and oxygen depletion in the water.

To combat water pollution, DEP first develops a restoration goal known as a TMDL. The TMDL, or total maximum daily load, identifies the maximum amount of a specific pollutant that may be present in a given water body for the water body to remain healthy and functional. The TMDL then functions as the target for a restoration plan, called a BMAP or basin management action plan. The BMAP is a five-year plan with set milestones that identifies projects and strategies to reduce pollution or eliminate pollutant sources.

AGENDA

- Priority Focus Area – Draft

- Nitrogen Source Inventory Loading Tool (NSILT) – Updated

1. Septic systems

2. Urban turfgrass fertilizer

3. Sports turfgrass fertilizer

- Septic System Testing Data

- Fertilizer Ordinance Updates

For more information, contact Terry Hansen, P.G. at 850-245-8561 or Terry.Hansen@dep.state.fl.us.

Prior meeting materials are available on the DEP website at the following location: http://publicfiles.dep.state.fl.us/DEAR/BMAP/Springs Coast/BMAPs/WW_BMAP/

Announcing a joint meeting for the Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs) for Crystal River/Kings Bay and Weeki Wachee Spring and River.

"DEP wants to ensure that the local public and stakeholders are part of our restoration process,” said Tom Frick, director of the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration. “These meetings are an opportunity for involved citizens to be part of the conversation.”

Nutrient pollution, or an excess of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous, is one of the primary challenges to water quality restoration across the state. Nutrients are naturally present in water and necessary for the healthy growth of plant and animal life; however, an excess of nutrients can lead to water quality problems like rapid growth of algal mats, habitat smothering and oxygen depletion in the water.

To combat water pollution, DEP first develops a restoration goal known as a TMDL. The TMDL, or total maximum daily load, identifies the maximum amount of a specific pollutant that may be present in a given water body for the water body to remain healthy and functional. The TMDL then functions as the target for a restoration plan, called a BMAP or basin management action plan. The BMAP is a five-year plan with set milestones that identifies projects and strategies to reduce pollution or eliminate pollutant sources.

AGENDA:

Public Education and Social Research

a) Tampa Bay Estuary Program

i. Be Floridian public outreach service

ii. Lessons learned

b) SWFWMD Communications Section

i. Public education and social research efforts to date in the Springs Coast area

ii. Results and feedback on prior efforts

Announcing a meeting to discuss the Nitrogen Source Inventory Loading Tool (NSILT) reports for Crystal River/Kings Bay and Weeki Wachee Spring and River (final) and Homosassa/Chassahowitzka (draft) Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs).

"DEP wants to ensure that the local public and stakeholders are part of our restoration process,” said Tom Frick, director of the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration. “These meetings are an opportunity for involved citizens to be part of the conversation.”

Nutrient pollution, or an excess of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous, is one of the primary challenges to water quality restoration across the state. Nutrients are naturally present in water and necessary for the healthy growth of plant and animal life; however, an excess of nutrients can lead to water quality problems like rapid growth of algal mats, habitat smothering and oxygen depletion in the water.

To combat water pollution, DEP first develops a restoration goal known as a TMDL. The TMDL, or total maximum daily load, identifies the maximum amount of a specific pollutant that may be present in a given water body for the water body to remain healthy and functional. The TMDL then functions as the target for a restoration plan, called a BMAP or basin management action plan. The BMAP is a five-year plan with set milestones that identifies projects and strategies to reduce pollution or eliminate pollutant sources.

AGENDA:

1. Nitrogen Source Inventory and Loading Tool (NSILT)

a. Process review

b. Homosassa and Chassahowitzka draft NSILT

c. Aripeka Springs draft NSILT

d. Weeki Wachee System and Crystal River/Kings Bay NSILT updates

2. Weeki Wachee Spring Priority Focus Area

A joint meeting related to the Crystal River/Kings Bay Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) and Weeki Wachee and Aripeka Springs BMAP is scheduled for Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at 9:00 AM at the Southwest Florida Water Management District Board Room; 2379 Broad Street; Brooksville, FL 34604.

"DEP wants to ensure that the local public and stakeholders are part of our restoration process,” said Tom Frick, director of the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration. “These meetings are an opportunity for involved citizens to be part of the conversation.”

Nutrient pollution, or an excess of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous, is one of the primary challenges to water quality restoration across the state. Nutrients are naturally present in water and necessary for the healthy growth of plant and animal life; however, an excess of nutrients can lead to water quality problems like rapid growth of algal mats, habitat smothering and oxygen depletion in the water.

To combat water pollution, DEP first develops a restoration goal known as a TMDL. The TMDL, or total maximum daily load, identifies the maximum amount of a specific pollutant that may be present in a given water body for the water body to remain healthy and functional. The TMDL then functions as the target for a restoration plan, called a BMAP or basin management action plan. The BMAP is a five-year plan with set milestones that identifies projects and strategies to reduce pollution or eliminate pollutant sources.

DRAFT AGENDA:

1. Public Education Plan - OSTDS

2. Public Education Plan - Urban Turfgrass Fertilizer

3. Fertilizer Ordinances

THIS MEETING IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

For more information, contact Terry Hansen, P.G. at 850-245-8561 or Terry.Hansen@dep.state.fl.us.

Springs Coast materials are available on the DEP website at the following location:

http://publicfiles.dep.state.fl.us/DEAR/BMAP/Springs%20Coast/

Announcing a joint Crystal River/Kings Bay, Weeki Wachee & Aripeka Springs BMAP Meeting focused on the nitrogen loading sources of agriculture, sports turfgrass fertilizer, wastewater treatment facilities, and atmospheric deposition.

"DEP wants to ensure that the local public and stakeholders are part of our restoration process,” said Tom Frick, director of the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration. “These meetings are an opportunity for involved citizens to be part of the conversation.”

Nutrient pollution, or an excess of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous, is one of the primary challenges to water quality restoration across the state. Nutrients are naturally present in water and necessary for the healthy growth of plant and animal life; however, an excess of nutrients can lead to water quality problems like rapid growth of algal mats, habitat smothering and oxygen depletion in the water.

To combat water pollution, DEP first develops a restoration goal known as a TMDL. The TMDL, or total maximum daily load, identifies the maximum amount of a specific pollutant that may be present in a given water body for the water body to remain healthy and functional. The TMDL then functions as the target for a restoration plan, called a BMAP or basin management action plan. The BMAP is a five-year plan with set milestones that identifies projects and strategies to reduce pollution or eliminate pollutant sources.

Additional Information:
In follow-up to the last joint BMAP meeting on November 16, 2016, please find attached information on a forthcoming grant opportunity for funding education-related BMAP projects: 319_2017 Education Grant.pdf

MEETING AGENDA:

1. Pollutant Load Reduction Milestones

2. Future Growth Strategies

3. Protection of Surface Water and Groundwater Resources through Land Conservation

4. Projects to Reduce Pollutant Loads

5. Funding Updates

A joint meeting on the Crystal River/Kings Bay (CR/KB) Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) and Weeki Wachee and Aripeka Springs (WW) BMAP is scheduled for March 2, 2017. Topic: Joint CR/KB and WW meeting focused on pollutant load reduction projects and remaining BMAP schedule.

"DEP wants to ensure that the local public and stakeholders are part of our restoration process,” said Tom Frick, director of the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration. “These meetings are an opportunity for involved citizens to be part of the conversation.”

Nutrient pollution, or an excess of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous, is one of the primary challenges to water quality restoration across the state. Nutrients are naturally present in water and necessary for the healthy growth of plant and animal life; however, an excess of nutrients can lead to water quality problems like rapid growth of algal mats, habitat smothering and oxygen depletion in the water.

To combat water pollution, DEP first develops a restoration goal known as a TMDL. The TMDL, or total maximum daily load, identifies the maximum amount of a specific pollutant that may be present in a given water body for the water body to remain healthy and functional. The TMDL then functions as the target for a restoration plan, called a BMAP or basin management action plan. The BMAP is a five-year plan with set milestones that identifies projects and strategies to reduce pollution or eliminate pollutant sources.

AGENDA

1. Projects to Reduce Pollutant Loads

2. Remaining BMAP Schedule

For more information, contact Terry Hansen, P.G. at 850-245-8561 or Terry.Hansen@dep.state.fl.us.