BOCC Regular Meeting 9/12/16 – Terry Hansen, who is an Enviromental Consultant with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), discussed the Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act, which was passed by the legislature in 2016. This law has guidelines for protecting the Everglades and Florida’s springs, particularly the 33 first magnitude springs, which includes Weeki Wachee.
The DEP ecological standard of water quality is in relation to the intended recreation use (swimming, fishing, etc.) and not a drinking water standard, Hansen said. Data is collected and analyzed for ecological impairment.
Ecological impairment refers to pollutants or excessive nutrients in the springs. Each year, approximately 1 million pounds of nitrogen seeps into the aquifer from various sources (fertilizer, animal waste, septic systems, golf courses, etc.). It is also impacted by stormwater and wastewater management practices. Those nutrients then enter the spring.
The DEP determines the total maximum daily load (TMDL), or what can the spring tolerate before it is considered impaired. Hansen stated that if a spring is determined to be impaired, he develops a BMAP to help restore the spring to its desired condition and reduce the “nutrient footprint”. Weeki Wachee and Aripeka are part of a larger project involving Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco Counties.
The Springs Protection Act outlines planning and funding goals that must be reached every five years in order to obtain the TMDL within 20 years. Approval of the BMAP will open funding sources for the projects, allowing for continued research and pilot projects. Currently, approximately 350,000 pounds of nitrogen flows from the Weeki Wachee spring each year. The TMDL goal is to drop that to about 100,000 pounds of nitrogen annually.
Hansen agreed that is a challenge. Because Florida has a groundwater-driven system, there are Priority Focus Areas (PRAs). The use of septic tanks is one focus area because conventional septic systems provide the largest inflow of nitrogen to the aquifer, which currently contains about 1 million pounds of nitrogen.
Referring to a map showing properties with septic tanks and septic lines, Hansen stated there are really two choices. “We can improve the existing tank,” he said, “Or we can sewer.” Both options present significant cost.
Another area in the county that is under review is Chassahowitzka, which has a finalized TMDL. The goal is not to overburden the county, Hansen said, but to prioritize the tasks so that funding is used effectively. The utilities department is already working on potential projects.
And while the BOCC can approve ordinances locally, that’s not the final answer, either, Hansen said. “People have to understand that they can make a difference. They have to understand that their small action contributes.”