PRESS RELEASE: May 21, 2015
DEP CONTINUES INDIAN RIVER LAGOON RESTORATION EFFORTS
~ Progress and
implementation efforts topic of annual public workshop~
COCOA, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental
Protection is hosting a public meeting to review progress in water quality restoration
activities for the Indian River Lagoon. Stakeholders and the public are invited
to attend. Updates on ongoing activities and new
projects implemented since early 2014 will be provided.
“Water quality restoration is a long-term, complex process,”
said Tom Frick, director of the Division of Environmental Assessment and
Restoration. “Annually the department and local stakeholders review progress
and adapt to new information in order to achieve our ultimate goal of restoring
the Indian River Lagoon.”
The Indian River Lagoon is impaired due to excessive amounts
of nitrogen and phosphorus. To reduce nutrient pollution, the department adopted
basin management action plans, or BMAPs. BMAPs are detailed restoration plans
that identify projects and strategies to reduce pollution and return the lagoon
to a healthy state.
After BMAP adoption, the department hosts annual public
meetings to review progress and refine plans going forward. These meetings are
an opportunity for stakeholders and concerned citizens to receive updates and
become part of the restoration process.
The Indian River Lagoon system is a nationally renowned
estuary that supports remarkable biological diversity and recreational
resources. It is considered the most biologically diverse estuary in North
America and is recognized as part of the National Estuary Program. The lagoon
directly and indirectly generates billions of dollars in commerce and
recreation and supports thousands of jobs. Investing in projects and programs
to improve the lagoon’s water quality is vital to the environment, quality of
life and Florida’s economy.
For more information on the Indian River Lagoon BMAPs, please click here.
For more information on the upcoming meeting, including
location and agenda, please click here.
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