Springs are of great scientific importance in understanding the diverse functions of aquatic ecosystems. Water quality of springs is an indicator of local conditions of the Floridan Aquifer, which is a source of drinking water for many residents of ...

 

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

RULE NOS.:RULE TITLES:

62-41.400Outstanding Florida Springs, Scope of Rule

62-41.401Outstanding Florida Springs, Conditions for Issuance of Permits

62-41.402Outstanding Florida Springs, Uniform Definition of Harmful to the Water Resources of the Area

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: Springs are of great scientific importance in understanding the diverse functions of aquatic ecosystems. Water quality of springs is an indicator of local conditions of the Floridan Aquifer, which is a source of drinking water for many residents of this state. Water flows in springs may reflect regional aquifer conditions. In addition, springs provide recreational opportunities for swimming, canoeing, wildlife watching, fishing, cave diving, and many other activities in this state.  In 2016, SB 552 (2016-01, Laws of Florida) amended section 373.219, F.S., to require the department to adopt uniform rules for issuing permits which prevent groundwater withdrawals that are harmful to the water resources and a uniform definition of the term “harmful to the water resources” to provide water management districts with minimum standards necessary to be consistent with the overall water policy of the state for Outstanding Florida Springs.  The rule is likely to affect consumptive use permitting in the Northwest Florida, Suwannee River, St. Johns River, and Southwest Florida Water Management Districts. 

SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: The Department’s rulemaking effort will address uniform rules for issuing permits which prevent groundwater withdrawals that are harmful to the water resources and a uniform definition of the term “harmful to the water resources” for Outstanding Florida Springs.  “Outstanding Florida Spring” includes all historic first magnitude springs, including their associated spring runs, and the following additional springs, including their associated spring runs: De Leon Springs; Peacock Springs; Poe Springs; Rock Springs; Wekiwa Springs; and Gemini Springs.  The term does not include submarine springs or river rises.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 373.026, 373.219, 373.813, FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 373.219, 373.223, 373.802, FS.

A RULE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:

DATE AND TIME: December 7, 2016, 1:00 p.m.

PLACE: Suwannee River Water Management District Governing Board Meeting Room, 9225 CR 49, Live Oak, FL 32060

DATE AND TIME: December 9, 2016, 10:00 a.m.

PLACE: Conf. Rm. A, 3900 Commonwealth Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32399 and by webinar. To sign up for the webinar, please register in advance at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6065332027568930820.

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 days before the workshop/meeting by contacting: Kristine Morris, [e-mail]. 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: Kristine Morris, [e-mail], [phone]

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