FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug, 26, 2015
DEP
HOSTS MEETING TO FURTHER RESTORATION FOR WAKULLA SPRINGS BASIN
~Public input requested prior to finalizing restoration plan~
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of
Environmental Protection will host a public meeting on Aug. 31 to
discuss the water quality restoration plan for the Upper Wakulla River and
Wakulla Springs. DEP representatives will review the draft
restoration plan, the Upper Wakulla and Wakulla Springs Basin Management
Action Plan (BMAP), and take public comment prior to
finalizing and submitting the plan.
“The department has been
working closely with local stakeholders to develop a restoration plan that will
improve the water quality from Wakulla Springs,” said Tom Frick, director of
the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration. “We appreciate their
continued effort and commitment to this natural treasure.”
Nutrient pollution, or an
excess of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous, is one of the biggest water
quality challenges facing many of Florida’s spring systems. These nutrients
are naturally present in the water and necessary for the healthy growth of
plant and animal life; however, an excess of nutrients in the water can lead to
complications like rapid algal growth, habitat smothering and oxygen depletion.
The Upper Wakulla River and
Wakulla Springs Basin is located in the Big Bend area of Florida in Gadsden,
Jefferson, Leon and Wakulla counties. The greatest source of water to the Wakulla River is Wakulla
Springs. The river and springs are a
very dynamic ground water and surface water fed system. The Upper Wakulla River and Wakulla Springs
are important resources that have been designated as Outstanding Florida
Waters.
The meeting announcement,
location and other information can be viewed here.
| 
