DEP HOSTS MEETING TO DISCUSS RESTORATION OF RAINBOW SPRINGS

Florida DEP Banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 11, 2014

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

DEP HOSTS MEETING TO DISCUSS RESTORATION OF RAINBOW SPRINGS

~ DEP continues to develop restoration plans for the springs basin  ~

DUNNELLON – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection invites local governments, scientists, environmentalists, agricultural producers and other interested parties to a meeting to discuss the status of the restoration plan for the Rainbow Springs system.

WHAT      Meeting to Discuss Rainbow Springs Restoration Plan  

WHEN:       Wednesday, August 13

                   2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

WHERE:     Dunnellon Public Library  

                   20351 Robinson Road

                   Dunnellon, Florida 34431

“Rainbow Springs is an iconic natural resource being impacted by nutrient pollution,” said Tom Frick, director of the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration. “Local stakeholder knowledge is important to help develop a targeted and efficient restoration plan.”

At this meeting, DEP staff will discuss the current status of the restoration plan, referred to as a BMAP, or basin management action plan. Representatives will provide updates to the nitrogen source loading inventory tool, a process which uses the best available data to quantify the pollutant contribution from various sources.

The Rainbow Springs system covers almost 700 square miles in Marion, Alachua and Levy counties. Nitrates from urban and agricultural fertilizer use, livestock and pet waste, and septic tanks are washed off by stormwater and seep into the underlying geology. Florida is characterized by karst geology which involves a number of open, underground passages that readily transport groundwater and any contaminants to springs.