The Department is initiating rulemaking to propose designating Grassy Waters Preserve (excluding the M canal) in Palm Beach County, Florida as an Outstanding Florida Water (OFW). OFWs receive additional regulatory protections as set forth in Rule 62-...

 

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

62-302.700Special Protection, Outstanding Florida Waters, Outstanding National Resource Waters.

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The Department is initiating rulemaking to propose designating Grassy Waters Preserve (excluding the M canal) in Palm Beach County, Florida as an Outstanding Florida Water (OFW). OFWs receive additional regulatory protections as set forth in Rule 62-4.242(2), Florida Administrative Code.

SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: The City of West Palm Beach submitted a petition on May 27, 2020, requesting the Department designate Grassy Waters Preserve, excluding the M Canal, as a Special Waters OFW.  Grassy Waters Preserve is 23-square mile aquatic preserve located in eastern Palm Beach County and is wholly owned by the City of West Palm Beach. The preserve is designated as protected conservation land in the City’s comprehensive plan. The Florida Legislature has recognized the significance of Grassy Waters Preserve and has limited its use to water supply, environmental, educational, or conservation purposes.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 403.061, 403.087, 403.088, 403.804, 403.805 FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 403.021(11), 403.061, 403.062, 403.087, 403.088, 403.101, 403.141, 403.182, 403.502, 403.702, 403.708 FS.

A RULE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP WILL BE NOTICED IN A FUTURE FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE REGISTER.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT, IF AVAILABLE, IS: Ken Weaver, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Water Quality Standards Program, 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.