PRESS
RELEASE: June 1, 2015
DEP HOSTS PUBLIC MEETING TO DEVELOP
KINGS BAY RESTORATION PLAN
~Restoration planning process to be discussed~
CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. –
On June 3, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection will host a meeting to
discuss and further develop a long-term restoration plan for Crystal
River and the King’s Bay spring system. Stakeholders and interested members of
the public are invited to attend. DEP staff will outline the restoration plan development
process, discuss pollutant sources as well as potential water quality
improvement projects.
“DEP wants to ensure that the
local public and stakeholders are part of our restoration process,” said Tom
Frick, director of the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration. “These
meetings are an opportunity for involved citizens to be part of the
conversation.”
Nutrient pollution, or an excess
of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous, is one of the primary challenges to
water quality restoration across the state. Nutrients are naturally present in
water and necessary for the healthy growth of plant and animal life; however, an excess
of nutrients can lead to water quality problems like rapid growth of algal
mats, habitat smothering and oxygen depletion in the water.
To combat water pollution, DEP
first develops a restoration goal known as a TMDL. The TMDL, or total maximum
daily load, identifies the maximum amount of a specific pollutant that may be
present in a given water body for the water body to remain healthy and
functional. The TMDL then functions as the target for a restoration plan,
called a BMAP or basin management action plan. The BMAP is a five-year plan
with set milestones that identifies projects and strategies to reduce pollution
or eliminate pollutant sources. This meeting will further develop
the BMAP for Crystal River and the King’s Bay spring system.
King’s Bay is the sixth largest
spring system in Florida and is adjacent to the city of Crystal River. The
spring system constitutes a vital cultural and economic resource for the state.
King’s Bay is also the largest winter refuge for manatees on the Florida Gulf
Coast and is considered a National Wildlife Refuge. It is a popular ecotourism
destination for wildlife viewing, diving, snorkeling, fishing and boating. The
system was designated an Outstanding Florida Water by the state of Florida.
The meeting announcement,
location, agenda and other information can be viewed here.
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