FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 22, 2014
SILVER SPRINGS RESTORATION TOPIC OF THIS WEEK'S WORKSHOP
~Department to review potential programs and projects to improve water quality in Silver Springs~
OCALA – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection invites local governments, scientists, environmentalists, agricultural producers and other interested parties to a restoration plan development workshop for the Silver Springs Group and Silver River.
WHAT: Silver Springs Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) Meeting
WHEN: Thursday, July 24
9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: Marion County Growth Services
2710 East Silver Springs Boulevard
Ocala, Florida 34470
“Silver Springs is an icon and a priority for DEP’s water restoration program,” said Tom Frick, director of the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration. “The department is dedicated to working alongside stakeholders to craft an efficient restoration plan with real results. We are committed to restoring water quality in this spring system, a valuable resource for our citizens and our state.”
At this meeting, representatives from DEP will present a monitoring plan to track and record the groundwater quality of the springshed. DEP officials will also discuss how to estimate the contributions from potential future sources of pollution and provide updates on the restoration plan process. New projects to improve the water quality in Silver Springs will also be introduced, including the renovations being completed at Silver Springs State Park. In some spring systems, septic tanks can be a complex source of pollution. Representatives from the Florida Department of Health will discuss how to address this pollutant source with a presentation on the septic system permitting process.
Silver Springs is one of the largest and most well-known of Florida’s first magnitude springs. The system is historically an international tourist attraction for its naturally clear water, abundant fish and wildlife, and famous glass-bottom boats. In the past several decades however, changes have been observed and measured in the Silver Springs hydrological system. The dominant change in the water chemistry has been an increase in nutrient pollution, but there is also concern about a possible decrease in water clarity.
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 viewed here.
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