STATEMENT FROM DEP REGARDING EPA ACTION TODAY ON NUMERIC NUTRIENT CRITERIA

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 2, 2014

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

STATEMENT FROM DEP REGARDING EPA ACTION TODAY ON NUMERIC NUTRIENT CRITERIA

TALLAHASSEE – "Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency took steps to make the state’s numeric nutrient criteria effective in Florida.

"EPA is proposing to withdraw the overlapping federal nutrient criteria that will allow Florida to implement its state-adopted water quality standards to attack nutrient pollution in Florida's waters.

"Today’s action proposes the withdrawal of the limited federal criteria in lieu of the state’s more comprehensive criteria for rivers, lakes, streams, springs, as well as estuaries and coastal waters.

"The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is appreciative of today’s action by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that will pave the way for more protection of Florida’s waters."