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Florida Focus
January 2010
In This Edition:
- EPA schedules 3 hearings on proposed nutrient water quality rules
- USDA pilot program examines high-tunnel production
EPA schedules 3 hearings on proposed nutrient water quality rules
By Vicky Boyd, Editor
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has begun the process to establish metric standards for nutrients in Florida’s waterways and has scheduled three hearings in the state this month to seek input. The agency will continue to solicit written comments through March 14.
The draft standards are the result of a consent decree that the state entered into with the Florida Wildlife Federation in 2009. The wildlife group sued in 2008, contending the state’s nutrient criteria didn’t protect waterways under the federal Clean Water Act.
The 197-page draft document outlines numeric standards for nitrogen and phosphorus. It classifies the state’s lakes into three groups—colored, clear and alkaline, or clear and acidic. It assigns total nitrogen, total phosphorus and chlorophyll criteria for each lake.
In addition, the proposal divides the state into four different watershed-based regions and assigns nutrient standards to streams within each basin.
Even canals will have assigned chlorophyll, total nitrogen and total phosphorus standards.
The EPA expects to issue final standards for lakes and flowing waterways by October, according to a news release. The agency plans to release draft standards for the state’s coastal waterways and estuaries by January 2011, with final standards following in October 2011.
The three hearings are:
• Feb. 16—1-5 p.m. and 7-10 p.m., Holiday Inn Capitol East, 1355 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee.
• Feb. 17—1-5 p.m. and 7-10 p.m., Crowne Plaza Orlando Universal, 7800 Universal Blvd., Orlando.
• Feb. 18—1-5 p.m. and 7-10 p.m., Holiday Inn Palm Beach Airport, 1301 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach.
To view the draft standards, to sign up to make oral comments or to obtain information about how to submit comments, visit www.epa.gov.
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USDA pilot program examines high-tunnel production
Florida is one of 38 states that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has selected to participate in a high-tunnel pilot program.
The three-year project will verify whether high tunnels—also called hoop houses—help reduce pesticide use and fertilizer runoff, extend the growing season, increase yields and provide other grower benefits, according to a news release.
High tunnels in the study can cover up to 5 percent of 1 acre.
In some cases, cost-share funds are available through the Natural Resource Conservation Service’s EQIP—Environmental Quality Incentive Program.
For more information, contact your local NRCS office.
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