Purpose


The Department of Environmental Protection (Department) proposes to initiate the Triennial Review of state surface water quality standards. The Department is considering revisions to a limited number of rule sections at this time; however, all surface water quality standards in Chapter 62-4, Chapter 62-302 and Chapter 62-303, F.A.C., are under review and may be revised as part of Triennial Review. The Department intends to develop changes to human health-based surface water quality criteria based on updated science including fish consumption rate information. In addition, the Department is considering revisions to the criteria for dissolved oxygen in both fresh and marine waters statewide using Florida specific data, science and information. The current criteria for dissolved oxygen have been in existence since the 1970’s.