District to Hold Workshop on Minimum and Guidance Levels for Brant Lake in Hillsborough County

During the workshop, District staff will present the technical basis for the proposed minimum levels for Brant Lake. Minimum levels are established to protect lakes and wetlands and the minimum level is the limit at which further water withdrawals will cause significant harm to the water resources and/or environment.

The workshop is an opportunity for local government, citizens, and others to provide input regarding the proposed minimum and guidance levels. Information will be summarized and made available to the District’s Governing Board. At the Board’s September meeting, Board members will choose whether to recommend adoption of the minimum levels into District rules. Governing Board meetings are open to the public, and brief oral comments are permitted on meeting agenda items.

The Florida Legislature requires the District to set minimum flows and levels (MFLs) for priority water bodies within the District. Minimum flows are established to protect streams and rivers from impacts associated with ground water and surface water withdrawals, while minimum levels are established to protect lakes and wetlands. Minimum flows and levels serve as guidelines for the District’s permitting programs and for development of water resource projects.

A draft report summarizing the proposed minimum levels for Brant Lake will be posted before the meeting on the District’s website at WaterMatters.org/MFLreports. For more information regarding the proposed minimum levels, please contact David Carr at 1-800-423-1476, ext. 4246.

Written comments can be submitted via mail or email to David Carr, Staff Environmental Scientist, Water Resources Bureau, at 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34604 or david.carr@watermatters.org.