Department of Environmental Protection, Departmental

 

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

NOTICE OF PROPOSED WATER QUALITY STUDY

Pursuant to subsection 62-650.500(6), Florida Administrative Code, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) gives notice of the intent of White Springs Agricultural Chemicals, Inc. (d/b/a PCS Phosphate – White Springs) to conduct a study of water quality in the streams to which the company currently discharges under its FDEP Permit No. 0000655 (Swift Creek, Hunter Creek, Camp Branch, and Roaring Creek), plus certain downstream waters including portions of the Upper Suwannee River. The purpose of this study is to evaluate appropriate numeric interpretations of the narrative water quality standards for nutrients for these existing discharges. At the conclusion of the study, these numeric interpretations may be established in the form of Site Specific Alternative Criteria (SSAC), Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), Water Quality Based Effluent Limits (WQBELs), or other site-specific order of the FDEP.

Any interested person may submit written comments on the plan of study (POS) to White Springs Agricultural Chemicals, P. O. Box 300, White Springs, Florida 32096, [phone], and provide a copy to Ken Weaver, Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Assessment and Restoration Support, MS #6511, 2600 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2400, [phone] or email: [e-mail]. Comments must be received within 14 days of publication of this notice.

In response to comments received pertaining to the POS prior to the proposed commencement date, the applicant may revise the POS if necessary. Upon approval of any revisions to the POS by FDEP, the applicant shall conduct the study for purposes of establishing numeric interpretations of the narrative nutrient standard for the affected discharger.

Although FDEP may allow for informal dispute resolution during the study period, the study is free-from agency decision-making and does not constitute proposed agency action until notice of such is given pursuant to subsection 62-650.500(8), Florida Administrative Code.

Upon request, the plan of study is available for public inspection during normal business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except legal holidays, at White Springs Agricultural Chemicals, P. O. Box 300, White Springs, FL 32096, [phone] or the Department of Environmental Protection, 2600 Blair Stone Road, Room 238, Tallahassee, FL 32399, [phone] or the Department of Environmental Protection, Northeast District Office, 7825 Baymeadows Way, Jacksonville, FL 32256, [phone].