Published on: 6624729. The Department proposes to establish numeric surface water quality criteria for nutrients and, if necessary, associated standards, such as chlorophyll a. Numeric nutrient criteria and associated standards will be used in determining impairment of surface water quality under Chapter 62-303 of the Florida Administrative Code. During the rule development process, the Department may decide to amend any or all of the rule sections contained in Chapters 62-302 and 62-303 of the Florida Administrative Code.
Published on: 5816913. The Department is initiating its Triennial Review of state surface water quality standards as required by the Federal Clean Water Act. Proposed revisions to a number of rules in both Chapters 62-303 and 62-302, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C), are under consideration, but all surface water quality standards, including those within other F.A.C. chapters, are part of the Triennial Review and are subject to possible revision. Proposed amendments within Chapter 62-303, F.A.C., include: (1) establishment of biological health assessment impairment thresholds, (2) establishment of impairment threshold for fish/shellfish tissue methylmercury levels, (3) new definition for Predominantly Fresh Waters and revision of definition for Predominantly Marine Waters, and (4) addition of prioritization criteria for biological health assessments.
Published on: 526242. The purpose of the proposed revisions is to allow Chapter 62-303, F.A.C., to be re-adopted as a change to Florida’s water quality standards. While the rule will be re-adopted as a change to standards, the revisions clarify that the rule is intended to evaluate attainment of water quality standards and any thresholds for impairment used in the rule apply solely for purposes of assessment and listing under sections 303(d) and 305(b) of the Clean Water Act.