Memorandum: Everglades Water Quality Improvements

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Memorandum

M E M O R A N D U M

DATE:

TO:

FROM:


RE:
June 7, 2012

Interested Parties

Rachel Cone, Communications Director
Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Everglades Water Quality Improvements

As a part of the state of Florida’s ongoing efforts to improve water quality in the Everglades, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection submitted on June 6, 2012, to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency a revised National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit, along with an associated consent order, that authorizes the operation of 57,000 acres of Stormwater Treatment Areas south of Lake Okeechobee.

The revised permit and consent order represent a significant and historic step forward in achieving stringent water quality standards in the heart of the Everglades. The technical plan, first proposed last fall by Governor Rick Scott, is the result of extensive dialogue between EPA and the state of Florida.

The revised permit and consent order establish stringent discharge limits for the vast network of treatment facilities, and require the South Florida Water Management District to implement a comprehensive technical plan to ensure attainment of the ambient water quality standard established for the Everglades Protection Area, which includes some of the world’s most critical habitats, endangered species and delicate ecosystems. This will lead to significant water quality improvements in the water that flows through these natural areas.

The revised permit and consent order are subject to approval by the EPA.

The following documents are available on DEP's online newsroom:



     


    Media questions may be directed to:
     
    Lauren Engel
    Department of Environmental Protection
    (850) 245-2112

    Randy Smith
    South Florida Water Management District
    (561) 682-6197 
    rrsmith@sfwmd.gov