FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 25, 2016

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

DEP CONTINUES TO ADVANCE RESTORATION OF UPPER OCKLAWAHA BASIN

~ Department hosts meeting to discuss nutrient-reduction strategies and water-quality improvement projects~

LEESBURG, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is hosting a technical meeting on Jan. 29 to continue review of proposed nutrient load reductions for Lake Harris, Trout Lake, Lake Carlton, Lake Yale and the Palatlakaha River to further restore these priority waterbodies. Stakeholders and the public are invited to attend. Representatives will be discussing nutrient-reduction strategies for improving water quality in the basin.

“The expertise provided by local stakeholders and residents 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 toward restoration.”  

In 2014, DEP adopted the second phase of a long-term restoration plan for the Upper Ocklawaha River. 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 in order to improve the water quality of the upper basin. The restoration plan also includes water-quality improvement efforts for Lake Apopka, Lake Beauclair, Lake Dora, Lake Eustis and Lake Griffin in addition to the priority waterbodies. 

Nutrient pollution, specifically excess nitrogen and phosphorous, is the primary source of the water-quality imbalance in the lakes and streams in the Upper Ocklawaha Basin. Nutrients 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.

Stakeholders continue to be actively engaged in coordinating with DEP and implementing projects to improve water quality. For more information about the Upper Ocklawaha River 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/1323ad0