FIRST MEETING HELD TO DISCUSS RESTORATION PLAN FOR WEEKI WACHEE SPRINGS

Florida DEP Banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 23, 2014

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

FIRST MEETING HELD TO DISCUSS RESTORATION PLAN FOR WEEKI WACHEE SPRINGS

~ Department reviews potential programs and projects to improve the water quality for Weeki Wachee Springs ~

SPRING HILL – The Department of Environmental Protection invites local governments, scientists, environmentalists, agricultural producers and other stakeholders to participate in a work session to develop a restoration plan for Weeki Wachee Springs.

WHAT:     Weeki Wachee Springs Basin Management Action Plan Technical Meeting

WHEN:     Tuesday, May 27, 2014

WHERE:   Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

                 Ball Room (Enchanted Mermaid Banquet Hall)

                 6131 Commercial Way

                 Spring Hill, FL 34606

“Weeki Wachee Springs is one of our state’s invaluable natural resources endangered by nutrient pollution,” said Tom Frick, director of the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration. “DEP is committed to working with stakeholders and the public to develop a restoration plan and revitalize this exceptional water body.” 

Weeki Wachee Springs and the freshwater portion of the river were identified as having high levels of nutrients present in the water. These high nutrient levels have caused algal problems that have impacted the natural habitat of this natural treasure. At this meeting, DEP will discuss the restoration goal that has been identified to reduce nutrient levels to an appropriate and healthy level. This restoration goal is called a total maximum daily load, or TMDL. DEP representatives will also discuss the development of a restoration plan designed to meet the TMDL, called a basin management action plan, or BMAP. The BMAP will identify water quality restoration projects to benefit the health of the spring.

Weeki Wachee is a historic and world-renowned tourist attraction featuring an iconic underwater mermaid show, which has delighted visitors since 1947. Weeki Wachee State Park is built around the spring and acts as an environmental and recreational resource for the state. Weeki Wachee Springs and several smaller springs form the head of the Weeki Wachee River, a clear, swift water run that flows westward into the Gulf of Mexico.

With the support of Governor Rick Scott, twice as much funding has been dedicated exclusively to springs protection than in any other three-year period in Florida’s history.

The meeting announcement, location, agenda and other information can be accessed here.