FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 30, 2015
~Science-based pollutant limit paves the
way for restoration ~
TALLAHASSEE
– The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has adopted water
quality restoration goals to reduce nutrient pollution in four Polk County lakes within the
Peace River Basin – Lake Bonny, Lake Hollingsworth,
Lake Lena and Deer Lake. The restoration goals, known as total maximum daily
loads (TMDLs), specify the pollutant reductions necessary to restore the waterbodies to health.The scientifically-derived restoration goals will act as the
target and driving force for the development of a long-term restoration plan.
“We
have developed these restoration goals using site-specific data and a careful
study of the waterbodies,” said Tom Frick, director of the Division of
Environmental Assessment and Restoration. “Adopting these goals allows us to
craft the best possible restoration plan.”
These waters have been
identified as impaired by nutrient pollution, or an abundance of nutrients such
as nitrogen and phosphorous in the water. Nutrient pollution can cause rapid
algal growth, which can in turn lead to other complications such as habitat
smothering or a depletion of oxygen in the water. Nutrient pollution can come
from a variety of sources including stormwater, wastewater and farming
activity.
Lake Bonny and Lake Hollingsworth are located in the city of Lakeland, while Deer Lake is located in the western area of Winter Haven and Lake Lena is located in Auburndale. The lakes are host to several public parks and popular recreational destinations for activities like walking, boating and bird watching.
For more information on the
TMDL program, please click here.
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