The purpose and effect of the proposed amendments to rules in Chapter 40C-8, F.A.C., will be to: (1) adopt minimum flows or water levels for the following Outstanding Florida Springs, as defined in subsection 373.802(4), F.S., and required by ...

 

WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS

St. Johns River Water Management District

RULE NOS.:RULE TITLES:

40C-8.011Policy and Purpose

40C-8.021Definitions

40C-8.031Minimum Surface Water Levels and Flows and Groundwater Levels

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of the proposed amendments to rules in Chapter 40C-8, F.A.C., will be to: (1) adopt minimum flows or water levels for the following Outstanding Florida Springs, as defined in subsection 373.802(4), F.S., and required by subsection 373.042(2), F.S.: Alexander Springs in Lake County, De Leon Springs in Volusia County, Gemini Springs in Volusia County, Silver Glen Springs in Marion/Lake Counties, and Silver Springs in Marion County; (2) amend the minimum water levels for Lake Cowpen in Putnam County; (3) adopt minimum flows or water levels for Alexander Springs Creek in Lake County and Silver River in Marion County; (4) clarify, correct, and update existing rules; and (5) reduce regulatory burdens while protecting water resources.

SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: This rule development will cover the amendment, repeal, or development of rules as needed to establish or amend minimum water levels or flows to meet statutory requirements, clean up inadvertent glitches, clarify existing rules, and reduce regulatory burdens. The proposed rules would establish or amend minimum water levels or flows for the springs and waterbodies mentioned above pursuant to the mandate of section 373.042, F.S. Each water level has an associated duration and return interval. The terms herein are already defined in Chapter 40C-8, F.A.C. As with all minimum levels and flows established by the District, if adopted, the minimum levels and flows in this rule amendment would be used as a basis for imposing limitations on withdrawals of groundwater and surface water in the consumptive use permit regulatory process and for reviewing proposed surface water management systems in the environmental resource permit regulatory process.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 373.044, 373.113 FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 373.042, 373.0421, 373.802(4) FS.

IF REQUESTED IN WRITING AND NOT DEEMED UNNECESSARY BY THE AGENCY HEAD, A RULE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP WILL BE NOTICED IN THE NEXT AVAILABLE FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE REGISTER.

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: Sandra Bertram, District Clerk, [phone]. 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).

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT, IF AVAILABLE, IS: Thomas Mayton, Jr., Esq., St. Johns River Water Management District, Office of General Counsel, 4049 Reid Street, Palatka, Florida 32177, [phone], [e-mail]

THE PRELIMINARY TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT IS NOT AVAILABLE.