DEP HOSTS PUBLIC WORKSHOPS ON ESTUARINE NUMERIC NUTRIENT CRITERIA

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 19, 2014

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

DEP HOSTS PUBLIC WORKSHOPS ON ESTUARINE NUMERIC NUTRIENT CRITERIA

~ DEP continues to work toward comprehensive and effective water quality standards~

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is hosting public workshops to present numeric nutrient criteria for Florida’s estuaries, defining limits for total nitrogen, total phosphorous and chlorophyll a. Adoption of these state standards will mean that the department has adopted protective, numeric nutrient criteria for 100 percent of Florida’s estuaries. 

“These standards are an example of the department’s commitment to comprehensive protection of Florida’s waters,” said Tom Frick, director of the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration. “Adoption of these criteria is another significant achievement for water quality across the state.” 

Nutrient pollution is one of the most critical water quality issues in Florida. Nutrient pollution is defined as excessive amounts of nitrogen or phosphorous in the water. Excess nutrients can contribute to rapid algal growth, leading to algal mats and harmful algal blooms, which can deplete oxygen levels in the water, inhibit navigation and smother natural habitat. Nutrient pollution not only threatens the environment, but can also negatively impact tourism, property values and Florida’s economy. 

Statewide numeric nutrient criteria represent part of the department’s broad nutrient management strategy that protects currently healthy waters and guides restoration of impaired waters. Florida is one of only two states that has a complete set of nitrogen and phosphorus criteria for all water types. 

WHEN:       Wednesday, Aug. 20 

                   9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

WHERE:     Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

                   Bob Martinez Center, Room 609 

                   2600 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32399 

The Tallahassee meeting can be accessed via GoToWebinar here. 

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WHEN:       Tuesday, Aug. 26

                   9 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

WHERE:     The Captain’s House at Goode Park 

                   1300 Bianca Drive NE, Palm Bay, Florida 32905

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WHEN:       Thursday, Aug. 28 

                   9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

WHERE:     Northeast Florida Regional Council 

                   Soforenko Board Room 

                   6850 Belfort Oaks Place, Jacksonville, Florida 32208 

For more information on numeric nutrient criteria, click here. Additional information on the workshops can be found here.