The Department of Environmental Protection (department) is initiating rulemaking to consider proposed revisions to the human health-based surface water quality criteria in Chapter 62-302, F.A. C., that are designed to ensure that Floridians can ...

 

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

RULE NOS.:RULE TITLE:

62-302.400Classification of Surface Waters, Usage, Reclassification, Classified Waters

62-302.530Table: Surface Water Quality Criteria

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The Department of Environmental Protection (department) is initiating rulemaking to consider proposed revisions to the human health-based surface water quality criteria in Chapter 62-302, F.A. C., that are designed to ensure that Floridians can safely eat Florida fish and drink local tap water. The revisions are based on updated scientific information, including more recent fish and drinking water consumption rate information, updated toxicological information, and revised methods to estimate bioaccumulation of pollutants in fish. Additionally, in accordance with the requirements of paragraph 403.061(29)(b) and paragraphs 403.861(21)(a) and (b), F.S., enacted under Chapter 2016-01, Laws of Florida, the department is proposing to establish a new sub-classification of surface waters (Class I-B, Treated Potable Water Supplies) and to reclassify seven surface waters into the new sub-classification.

SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: The department is initiating rulemaking to revise human health-based surface water quality criteria within Chapter 62-302, F.A.C. The department is also proposing to establish a new sub-classification of surface waters (Class I-B, Treated Potable Water Supplies) within Chapter 62-302, F.A.C., with reclassification of seven surface waters from Class III waters to Class I-B.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 403.061, 403.062, 403.087, 403.088, 403.504, 403.704, 403.804 FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 403.021(11), 403.061, 403.087, 403.088, 403.141, 403.161, 403.182, 403.502, 403.504, 403.702, 403.708, 403.861 FS.

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

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

PLACE: Martin County Building Department, Conference Room, 900 S.E. Ruhnke Street, Stuart, FL

DATE AND TIME: Wednesday, May 11, 2016, 9:00 a.m.

PLACE: Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Central District Office, 3319 Maguire Boulevard, Suite 232, Conference Rooms B & C, Orlando, FL

DATE AND TIME: Thursday, May 12, 2016, 9:00 a.m.

PLACE: Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Marjory Stoneman Douglas Building, Conference Rooms A & B, 3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, Tallahassee, FL

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 5 days before the workshop/meeting by contacting: Eric Shaw at [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: Eric Shaw, Water Quality Standards Program, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS 6511, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2400; telephone [phone], email: [e-mail].

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