The Department is initiating rule development to more effectively and efficiently address bacteria impairments using modern scientific identification and investigation techniques. Specifically, the Department is initiating rulemaking to 1) revise ...

 

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

RULE NOS.:RULE TITLES:

62-302.200Definitions

62-302.530Table: Surface Water Quality Criteria

62-302.800 Site Specific Alternative Criteria

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The Department is initiating rule development to more effectively and efficiently address bacteria impairments using modern scientific identification and investigation techniques. Specifically, the Department is initiating rulemaking to 1) revise the fecal indicator bacteria surface water quality criteria in Chapter 62-302, F.A.C., to reflect the current science, 2) revise the associated impaired water assessment methodologies in Chapter 62-303, F.A.C., to implement the updated fecal indicator bacteria criteria, 3) establish in Rule 62-304.900, F.A.C., a methodology that derives specific fecal indicator bacteria Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) pollutant reductions for any individual surface water segment based on the data used to verify the impairment of the waterbody, and 4) set forth restoration expectations by Rule that implement fecal indicator bacteria TMDLs.

The Department intends to convene a technical advisory committee (TAC) to provide technical assistance to the Department in developing the proposed rules. The Department will provide public notice of TAC meetings in advance of these meetings being scheduled.

SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Rule development is intended to comprehensively revise fecal indicator bacteria surface water quality criteria and the associated impaired water methodologies, establish a methodology that derives individual fecal indicator bacteria TMDLs, and establish appropriate restoration actions to implement the TMDL. Separate notices are being published for the associated rule development in Chapters 62-303 and 62-304, F.A.C.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 403.061, 403.062, 403.087, 403.504, 403.704, 403.804, 403.805 FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 403.021(11), 403.031, 403.061, 403.062, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.088, 403.141, 403.161, 403.182, 403.502, 403.702, 403.708, 403.802 FS.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT IS: Eric Shaw, Standards Development Section, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 2600 Blair Stone Road, Mail Station 6511, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400, telephone [phone], email [e-mail]

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