FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 16, 2015

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

 RESTORATION OF UPPER OCKLAWAHA RIVER BASIN ADVANCES

~ DEP hosts meeting to discuss allocations and pollutant sources~

LEESBURG, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is hosting a technical meeting on Nov. 20 to review proposed nutrient load reduction allocations to further restore Lake Harris, Trout Lake, Lake Carlton, Lake Yale and the Palatlakaha River. Stakeholders and the public are invited to attend. Representatives will be discussing pollutant sources, load reduction allocations and strategies to improve water quality of these priority water bodies in the basin.  

“The expertise provided by stakeholders and locals is crucial to the restoration process,” said Tom Frick, director of the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration. “Combining the department’s research with first-hand knowledge allows us to identify the most targeted and efficient path towards restoration.”  

DEP adopted the second phase of a long-term restoration plan for the Upper Ocklawaha River Basin in 2014. The restoration plan, known as a basin management action plan or BMAP, identifies strategies and projects that will be implemented over the next five years to improve the water quality of the basin. The restoration plan includes water-quality improvement efforts for Lake Apopka, Lake Beauclair, Lake Dora, Lake Eustis and Lake Griffin in addition to the priority water bodies. Stakeholders continue to be actively engaged in implementing projects to improve water quality. 

Nutrient pollution, specifically excessive nitrogen and phosphorous, is the primary source of the water-quality imbalance in the lakes and streams in the Upper Ocklawaha River Basin. Nitrogen and phosphorous are naturally present in the water and necessary for the healthy growth of aquatic plant and animal life. Excess nutrients however, can cause rapid algal growth and lead to water-quality complications including oxygen depletion and habitat smothering.

For more information about the Upper Ocklawaha River Basin restoration plan, click here.

About the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the state’s principal environmental agency, created to protect, conserve and manage Florida’s environment and natural resources. The department enforces federal and state environmental laws, protects Florida’s air and water quality, cleans up pollution, regulates solid waste management, promotes pollution prevention and acquires environmentally sensitive lands for preservation. The agency also maintains a statewide system of parks, trails and aquatic preserves. Visit the department’s website at www.dep.state.fl.us.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/124dfea