Senate Bill 1494c1
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Florida Senate - 2000 CS for SB 1494
By the Committee on Natural Resources and Senator Laurent
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1 A bill to be entitled
2 An act relating to Lake Okeechobee; amending s.
3 373.4595, F.S.; providing legislative findings
4 and intent; providing definitions; providing
5 for implementation of a Lake Okeechobee
6 Protection Program; requiring completion of a
7 Lake Okeechobee Protection Plan by a specified
8 date; requiring implementation of a regional
9 water quality treatment construction project;
10 requiring completion of research and rulemaking
11 related to Lake Okeechobee; requiring regional
12 water quality monitoring; regulating the
13 diversion of specified water; requiring a
14 phosphorus control program and implementation
15 of a best management practices program;
16 providing for interagency agreements and for
17 interim measures; providing for protection of
18 native flora and fauna; providing for a study
19 regarding phosphorus removal; requiring annual
20 reports; requiring certain permits for
21 activities in the Lake Okeechobee watershed;
22 preserving all existing state water quality
23 standards; preserving existing authority;
24 amending s. 373.406, F.S.; providing exemptions
25 from regulation under pt. IV of ch. 373, F.S.,
26 relating to management and storage of surface
27 waters; amending s. 403.067, F.S.; clarifying
28 total maximum daily load calculation;
29 clarifying that allocations may be made for
30 basins; changing a report's due date;
31 clarifying name of basin plans; providing the
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1 South Florida Water Management District with
2 certain authority to manage lands it acquires
3 for the Kissimmee River Headwaters
4 Revitalization Project; encouraging less than
5 fee title acquisition under certain
6 circumstances; providing an effective date.
7
8 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
9
10 Section 1. Section 373.4595, Florida Statutes, is
11 amended to read:
12 (Substantial rewording of section. See
13 s. 373.4595, F.S., for present text.)
14 373.4595 Lake Okeechobee Protection Program.--
15 (1) FINDINGS AND INTENT.--
16 (a) The Legislature finds that Lake Okeechobee is one
17 of the most important water resources of the state, providing
18 many functions benefiting the public interest, including
19 agricultural, public, and environmental water supply; flood
20 control; fishing; navigation and recreation; and habitat to
21 endangered and threatened species and other flora and fauna.
22 (b) The Legislature finds that land uses in the Lake
23 Okeechobee watershed and the construction of the Central and
24 Southern Florida Project have resulted in adverse changes to
25 the hydrology and water quality of Lake Okeechobee. These
26 hydrology and water quality changes have resulted in algal
27 blooms and other adverse impacts to water quality both in Lake
28 Okeechobee and in downstream receiving waters.
29 (c) The Legislature finds that improvement to the
30 hydrology and water quality of Lake Okeechobee is essential to
31 the protection of the Everglades.
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1 (d) The Legislature also finds that it is imperative
2 for the state, local governments, and agricultural and
3 environmental communities to commit to restoring and
4 protecting Lake Okeechobee and downstream receiving waters,
5 and that a watershed-based approach to address these issues
6 must be developed and implemented immediately.
7 (e) The Legislature finds that phosphorus loads from
8 the Lake Okeechobee watershed have contributed to excessive
9 phosphorus levels in Lake Okeechobee and downstream receiving
10 waters and that a reduction in levels of phosphorus will
11 benefit the ecology of these systems. The excessive levels of
12 phosphorus have also resulted in an accumulation of phosphorus
13 in the sediments of Lake Okeechobee. If not removed, internal
14 phosphorus loads from the sediments are expected to delay
15 responses of the lake to external phosphorus reductions.
16 (f) The Legislature finds that the Lake Okeechobee
17 phosphorus loads set forth in the South Florida Water
18 Management District's Technical Publication 81-2 represent an
19 appropriate basis for the initial phase of phosphorus load
20 reductions to Lake Okeechobee and that subsequent phases of
21 phosphorus load reductions shall be determined by the total
22 maximum daily loads established in accordance with s. 403.067.
23 (g) The Legislature finds that this section, in
24 conjunction with s. 403.067, provides a reasonable means of
25 achieving and maintaining compliance with state water quality
26 standards.
27 (h) The Legislature finds that the implementation of
28 the programs contained in this section is for the benefit of
29 the public health, safety, and welfare and is in the public
30 interest.
31
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1 (i) The Legislature finds that sufficient research has
2 been conducted and sufficient plans developed to immediately
3 initiate the first phase of a program to address the hydrology
4 and water quality problems in Lake Okeechobee and downstream
5 receiving waters.
6 (j) It is the intent of the Legislature to achieve and
7 maintain compliance with water quality standards in Lake
8 Okeechobee and downstream receiving waters through a phased,
9 comprehensive, and innovative protection program to reduce
10 both internal and external phosphorus loads to Lake Okeechobee
11 through immediate actions to achieve the phosphorus load
12 reductions set forth in Technical Publication 81-2 and
13 long-term solutions based upon the total maximum daily loads
14 established in accordance with s. 403.067. This program shall
15 be watershed-based, shall provide for consideration of all
16 potential phosphorus sources, and shall include research and
17 monitoring, development and implementation of best management
18 practices, refinement of existing regulations, and structural
19 and nonstructural projects, including public works.
20 (k) It is the intent of the Legislature that the Lake
21 Okeechobee Protection Program be developed and implemented in
22 coordination with and, to the greatest extent practicable,
23 through the implementation of Restudy project components and
24 other federal programs in order to maximize opportunities for
25 the most efficient and timely expenditures of public funds.
26 (l) It is the intent of the Legislature that the
27 coordinating agencies encourage and support the development of
28 creative public-private partnerships and programs, including
29 opportunities for pollutant trading and credits, to facilitate
30 or further the restoration of Lake Okeechobee, consistent with
31 s. 403.067.
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1 (2) DEFINITIONS.--As used in this section:
2 (a) "Best management practice" means a practice or
3 combination of practices determined by the coordinating
4 agencies, based on research, field-testing, and expert review,
5 to be the most effective and practicable on-location means,
6 including economic and technological considerations, for
7 improving water quality in agricultural and urban discharges.
8 Best management practices for agricultural discharges shall
9 reflect a balance between water quality improvements and
10 agricultural productivity.
11 (b) "Coordinating agencies" means the Department of
12 Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Department of
13 Environmental Protection, and the South Florida Water
14 Management District.
15 (c) "Corps of Engineers" means the United States Army
16 Corps of Engineers.
17 (d) "Department" means the Department of Environmental
18 Protection.
19 (e) "District" means the South Florida Water
20 Management District.
21 (f) "District's WOD program" means the program
22 implemented pursuant to rules adopted as authorized by this
23 section and ss. 373.016, 373.044, 373.085, 373.086, 373.109,
24 373.113, 373.118, 373.451, and 373.453, entitled "Works of the
25 District Basin."
26 (g) "Lake Okeechobee Construction Project" means the
27 construction project developed pursuant to paragraph (3)(b).
28 (h) "Lake Okeechobee Protection Plan" means the plan
29 developed pursuant to this section and ss. 373.451-373.459.
30 (i) "Lake Okeechobee watershed" means Lake Okeechobee
31 and the area surrounding and tributary to Lake Okeechobee,
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1 composed of 39 surrounding hydrologic basins, as defined by
2 South Florida Water Management District SWIM Plan Update dated
3 August 8, 1997.
4 (j) "Lake Okeechobee Watershed Phosphorus Control
5 Program" means the program developed pursuant to paragraph
6 (3)(c).
7 (k) "Project component" means any structural or
8 operational change, resulting from the Restudy, to the Central
9 and Southern Florida Project as it existed and was operated as
10 of January 1, 1999.
11 (l) "Restudy" means the Comprehensive Review Study of
12 the Central and Southern Florida Project, for which federal
13 participation was authorized by the Federal Water Resources
14 Development Acts of 1992 and 1996 together with related
15 Congressional resolutions and for which participation by the
16 South Florida Water Management District is authorized by s.
17 373.1501. The term includes all actions undertaken pursuant to
18 the aforementioned authorizations which will result in
19 recommendations for modifications or additions to the Central
20 and Southern Florida Project.
21 (m) "Total maximum daily load" means the sum of the
22 individual wasteload allocations for point sources and the
23 load allocations for nonpoint sources and natural background.
24 Prior to determining individual wasteload allocations and load
25 allocations, the maximum amount of a pollutant that a water
26 body or water segment can assimilate from all sources without
27 exceeding water quality standards must first be calculated.
28 (3) LAKE OKEECHOBEE PROTECTION PROGRAM.--A protection
29 program for Lake Okeechobee that achieves phosphorus load
30 reductions for Lake Okeechobee shall be immediately
31 implemented as specified in this subsection. The program shall
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1 address the reduction of phosphorus loading to the lake from
2 both internal and external sources. Phosphorus load reductions
3 shall be achieved through a phased program of implementation.
4 Initial implementation actions shall be technology-based,
5 based upon a consideration of both the availability of
6 appropriate technology and the cost of such technology, and
7 shall include phosphorus reduction measures at both the source
8 and the regional level. The initial phase of phosphorus load
9 reductions shall be based upon the district's Technical
10 Publication 81-2 and the district's WOD program, with
11 subsequent phases of phosphorus load reductions based upon the
12 total maximum daily loads established in accordance with s.
13 403.067. In the development and administration of the Lake
14 Okeechobee Protection Program, the coordinating agencies shall
15 maximize opportunities provided by federal cost-sharing
16 programs and opportunities for partnerships with the private
17 sector.
18 (a) Lake Okeechobee Protection Plan.--By January 1,
19 2004, the district, in cooperation with the other coordinating
20 agencies, shall complete a Lake Okeechobee Protection Plan in
21 accordance with this section and ss. 373.451-373.459. The plan
22 shall contain an implementation schedule for subsequent phases
23 of phosphorus load reduction consistent with the total maximum
24 daily loads established in accordance with s. 403.067. The
25 plan shall consider and build upon a review and analysis of
26 the following:
27 1. The performance of projects constructed during
28 Phase I of the Lake Okeechobee Construction Project, pursuant
29 to paragraph (b).
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1 2. Relevant information resulting from the Lake
2 Okeechobee Watershed Phosphorus Control Program, pursuant to
3 paragraph (c).
4 3. Relevant information resulting from the Lake
5 Okeechobee Research and Water Quality Monitoring Program,
6 pursuant to paragraph (d).
7 4. Relevant information resulting from the Lake
8 Okeechobee Exotic Species Control Program, pursuant to
9 paragraph (e).
10 5. Relevant information resulting from the Lake
11 Okeechobee Internal Phosphorus Management Program, pursuant to
12 paragraph (f).
13 (b) Lake Okeechobee Construction Project.--To improve
14 the hydrology and water quality of Lake Okeechobee and
15 downstream receiving waters, the district shall design and
16 construct the Lake Okeechobee Construction Project.
17 1. Phase I.--Phase I of the Lake Okeechobee
18 Construction Project shall consist of a series of project
19 features consistent with the recommendations of the South
20 Florida Ecosystem Restoration Working Group's Lake Okeechobee
21 Action Plan. Priority basins for such projects include S-191,
22 S-154, and Pools D and E in the Lower Kissimmee River. In
23 order to obtain immediate phosphorus load reductions to Lake
24 Okeechobee as soon as possible, the following actions shall be
25 implemented:
26 a. The district shall serve as a full partner with the
27 Corps of Engineers in the design and construction of the
28 Grassy Island Ranch and New Palm Dairy stormwater treatment
29 facilities as components of the Lake Okeechobee Water
30 Retention/Phosphorus Removal Critical Project. The Corps of
31 Engineers shall have the lead in design and construction of
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1 these facilities. However, the district shall encourage the
2 Corps of Engineers to complete a detailed design document by
3 July 1, 2001. Should delays be encountered in the
4 implementation of either of these facilities, the district
5 shall notify the department and recommend corrective actions.
6 b. By January 1, 2001, the district shall obtain
7 permits and complete construction of two of the isolated
8 wetland restoration projects that are part of the Lake
9 Okeechobee Water Retention/Phosphorus Removal Critical
10 Project. The additional isolated wetland projects included in
11 this critical project shall be permitted and constructed by
12 January 1, 2003, to further reduce phosphorus loading to Lake
13 Okeechobee.
14 c. By January 31, 2002, the district shall design and
15 complete implementation of the Lake Okeechobee Tributary
16 Sediment Removal Pilot Project. This project shall consist of
17 testing two alternative technologies for trapping and
18 collecting phosphorus-laden sediment in the secondary drainage
19 system prior to its discharge into the primary canal system
20 and Lake Okeechobee, thereby further reducing the total
21 sediment loading to the lake.
22 d. The district shall work with the Corps of Engineers
23 to expedite initiation of the design process for the Taylor
24 Creek/Nubbins Slough Reservoir Assisted Stormwater Treatment
25 Area, a project component of the Restudy. The district shall
26 propose to the Corps of Engineers that the district take the
27 lead in the design and construction of the Reservoir Assisted
28 Stormwater Treatment Area and receive credit towards the local
29 share of the total cost of the Restudy.
30 2. Phase II.--By January 1, 2004, the district, in
31 cooperation with the other coordinating agencies and the Corps
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1 of Engineers, shall develop an implementation plan for Phase
2 II of the Lake Okeechobee Construction Project. Phase II shall
3 include construction of additional facilities in the priority
4 basins identified in subparagraph (b)1., as well as facilities
5 for other basins in the Lake Okeechobee watershed. The
6 implementation plan shall:
7 a. Identify Lake Okeechobee Construction Project
8 facilities to be constructed to achieve a design objective of
9 40 parts per billion (ppb) for phosphorus measured as a
10 long-term flow weighted average concentration, unless an
11 allocation has been established pursuant to s. 403.067 for the
12 Lake Okeechobee total maximum daily load.
13 b. Identify the size and location of all such Lake
14 Okeechobee Construction Project facilities.
15 c. Provide a construction schedule for all such Lake
16 Okeechobee Construction Project facilities, including the
17 sequencing and specific timeframe for construction of each
18 Lake Okeechobee Construction Project facility.
19 d. Provide a land acquisition schedule for lands
20 necessary to achieve the construction schedule.
21 e. Provide a detailed schedule of costs associated
22 with the construction schedule.
23 f. Identify, to the maximum extent practicable,
24 wetland impacts expected to be associated with construction of
25 such facilities, including potential alternatives to minimize
26 and mitigate such impacts, as appropriate.
27 3. Evaluation.--By January 1, 2004, and every 3 years
28 thereafter, the district, in cooperation with the coordinating
29 agencies, shall conduct an evaluation of any further
30 phosphorus load reductions necessary to achieve compliance
31 with the Lake Okeechobee total maximum daily load established
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1 pursuant to s. 403.067. Additionally, the district shall
2 identify modifications to facilities of the Lake Okeechobee
3 Construction Project as appropriate if the design objective of
4 40 parts per billion (ppb) or the allocation established
5 pursuant to s. 403.067 for the Lake Okeechobee total maximum
6 daily load established pursuant to s. 403.067 is not being
7 met. The evaluation shall be included in the applicable annual
8 progress report submitted pursuant to paragraph (g).
9 4. Coordination and review.--To ensure the timely
10 implementation of the Lake Okeechobee Construction Project,
11 the design of project facilities shall be coordinated with the
12 department and other interested parties to the maximum extent
13 practicable. Lake Okeechobee Construction Project facilities
14 shall be reviewed and commented upon by the department prior
15 to the execution of a construction contract by the district
16 for that facility.
17 (c) Lake Okeechobee Watershed Phosphorus Control
18 Program.--The Lake Okeechobee Watershed Phosphorus Control
19 Program is designed to be a multifaceted approach to reducing
20 phosphorus loads by improving the management of phosphorus
21 sources within the Lake Okeechobee watershed through continued
22 implementation of existing regulations and best management
23 practices, development and implementation of improved best
24 management practices, improvement and restoration of the
25 hydrologic function of natural and managed systems, and
26 utilization of alternative technologies for nutrient
27 reduction. The coordinating agencies shall facilitate the
28 application of federal programs that offer opportunities for
29 water quality treatment, including preservation, restoration,
30 or creation of wetlands on agricultural lands.
31
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1 1. Agricultural nonpoint source best management
2 practices, developed in accordance with s. 403.067 and
3 designed to achieve the objectives of the Lake Okeechobee
4 Protection Program, shall be implemented on an expedited
5 basis. By March 1, 2001, the coordinating agencies shall
6 develop an interagency agreement pursuant to ss. 373.046 and
7 373.406(5) that assures the development of best management
8 practices that complement existing regulatory programs and
9 specifies how those best management practices are implemented
10 and verified. The interagency agreement shall address measures
11 to be taken by the coordinating agencies during any best
12 management practice reevaluation performed pursuant to
13 sub-subparagraph d. The department shall use best professional
14 judgment in making the initial determination of best
15 management practice effectiveness.
16 a. As provided in s. 403.067(7)(d), by October 1,
17 2000, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, in
18 consultation with the department, the district, and affected
19 parties, shall initiate rule development for interim measures,
20 best management practices, conservation plans, nutrient
21 management plans, or other measures necessary for Lake
22 Okeechobee phosphorus load reduction. The rule shall include
23 thresholds for requiring conservation and nutrient management
24 plans and criteria for the contents of those plans.
25 Development of agricultural nonpoint source best management
26 practices shall initially focus on those priority basins
27 listed in subparagraph (b)1. The Department of Agriculture and
28 Consumer Services, in consultation with the department, the
29 district, and affected parties, shall conduct an ongoing
30 program for improvement of existing and development of new
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1 interim measures or best management practices for the purpose
2 of adoption of such practices by rule.
3 b. Where agricultural nonpoint source best management
4 practices or interim measures have been adopted by rule of the
5 Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the owner or
6 operator of an agricultural nonpoint source addressed by such
7 rule shall either implement interim measures or best
8 management practices or demonstrate compliance with the
9 district's WOD program by conducting monitoring prescribed by
10 the department or the district. Owners or operators of
11 agricultural nonpoint sources who implement interim measures
12 or best management practices adopted by rule of the Department
13 of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall be subject to the
14 provisions of s. 403.067(7). The Department of Agriculture and
15 Consumer Services, in cooperation with the department and the
16 district, shall provide technical and financial assistance for
17 implementation of agricultural best management practices,
18 subject to the availability of funds.
19 c. The district or department shall conduct monitoring
20 at representative sites to verify the effectiveness of
21 agricultural nonpoint source best management practices.
22 d. Where water quality problems are detected for
23 agricultural nonpoint sources despite the appropriate
24 implementation of adopted best management practices, the
25 Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, in
26 consultation with the other coordinating agencies and affected
27 parties, shall institute a reevaluation of the best management
28 practices and make appropriate changes to the rule adopting
29 best management practices.
30 2. Nonagricultural nonpoint source best management
31 practices, developed in accordance with s. 403.067 and
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1 designed to achieve the objectives of the Lake Okeechobee
2 Protection Program, shall be implemented on an expedited
3 basis. By March 1, 2001, the department and the district shall
4 develop an interagency agreement pursuant to ss. 373.046 and
5 373.406(5) that assures the development of best management
6 practices that complement existing regulatory programs and
7 specifies how those best management practices are implemented
8 and verified. The interagency agreement shall address measures
9 to be taken by the department and the district during any best
10 management practice reevaluation performed pursuant to
11 sub-subparagraph d.
12 a. The department and the district are directed to
13 work with the University of Florida's Institute of Food and
14 Agricultural Sciences to develop appropriate nutrient
15 application rates for all nonagricultural soil amendments in
16 the watershed. As provided in s. 403.067(7)(c), by January 1,
17 2001, the department, in consultation with the district and
18 affected parties, shall develop interim measures, best
19 management practices, or other measures necessary for Lake
20 Okeechobee phosphorus load reduction. Development of
21 nonagricultural nonpoint source best management practices
22 shall initially focus on those priority basins listed in
23 subparagraph (b)1. The department, the district, and affected
24 parties shall conduct an ongoing program for improvement of
25 existing and development of new interim measures or best
26 management practices. The district shall adopt
27 technology-based standards under the district's WOD program
28 for nonagricultural nonpoint sources of phosphorus.
29 b. Where nonagricultural nonpoint source best
30 management practices or interim measures have been developed
31 by the department and adopted by the district, the owner or
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1 operator of a nonagricultural nonpoint source shall implement
2 interim measures or best management practices and be subject
3 to the provisions of s. 403.067(7). The department and
4 district shall provide technical and financial assistance for
5 implementation of nonagricultural nonpoint source best
6 management practices, subject to the availability of funds.
7 c. The district or the department shall conduct
8 monitoring at representative sites to verify the effectiveness
9 of nonagricultural nonpoint source best management practices.
10 d. Where water quality problems are detected for
11 nonagricultural nonpoint sources despite the appropriate
12 implementation of adopted best management practices, the
13 department and the district shall institute a reevaluation of
14 the best management practices.
15 3. The provisions of subparagraphs 1. and 2. shall not
16 preclude the department or the district from requiring
17 compliance with water quality standards or with current best
18 management practices requirements set forth in any applicable
19 regulatory program authorized by law for the purpose of
20 protecting water quality. Additionally, subparagraphs 1. and
21 2. are applicable only to the extent that they do not conflict
22 with any rules promulgated by the department that are
23 necessary to maintain a federally delegated or approved
24 program.
25 4. Projects which reduce the phosphorus load
26 originating from domestic wastewater systems within the Lake
27 Okeechobee watershed shall be given funding priority in the
28 department's revolving loan program under s. 403.1835. The
29 department shall coordinate and provide assistance to those
30 local governments seeking financial assistance for such
31 priority projects.
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1 5. The department shall require all entities disposing
2 of domestic wastewater residuals within the Lake Okeechobee
3 watershed to develop and submit to the department by July 1,
4 2001, an agricultural use plan that limits applications based
5 upon phosphorus loading. Phosphorus loading originating from
6 these application sites shall not exceed the limits
7 established in the district's WOD program.
8 6. By July 1, 2001, the Department of Agriculture and
9 Consumer Services shall initiate rulemaking requiring entities
10 within the Lake Okeechobee watershed which land-apply animal
11 manure to develop conservation or nutrient management plans
12 that limit application, based upon phosphorus loading. Such
13 rules may include criteria and thresholds for the requirement
14 to develop a conservation or nutrient management plan,
15 requirements for plan approval, and recordkeeping
16 requirements.
17 7. Prior to authorizing a discharge into works of the
18 district, the district shall require responsible parties to
19 demonstrate that proposed changes in land use will not result
20 in increased phosphorus loading over that of existing land
21 uses.
22 8. The district, the department, or the Department of
23 Agriculture and Consumer Services, as appropriate, shall
24 implement those alternative nutrient reduction technologies
25 determined to be feasible pursuant to subparagraph (d)6.
26 (d) Lake Okeechobee Research and Water Quality
27 Monitoring Program.--By January 1, 2001, the district, in
28 cooperation with the other coordinating agencies, shall
29 establish a Lake Okeechobee Research and Water Quality
30 Monitoring Program that builds upon the district's existing
31 Lake Okeechobee research program. The program shall:
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1 1. Evaluate all available existing water quality data
2 concerning total phosphorus in the Lake Okeechobee watershed,
3 develop a water quality baseline to represent existing
4 conditions for total phosphorus, monitor long-term ecological
5 changes, including water quality for total phosphorus, and
6 measure compliance with water quality standards for total
7 phosphorus, including the total maximum daily load for Lake
8 Okeechobee as established pursuant to s. 403.067. The district
9 shall also implement a total phosphorus monitoring program at
10 all inflow structures to Lake Okeechobee.
11 2. By July 1, 2003, develop a Lake Okeechobee water
12 quality model that reasonably represents phosphorus dynamics
13 of the lake and incorporates an uncertainty analysis
14 associated with model predictions.
15 3. By July 1, 2003, determine the relative
16 contribution of phosphorus from all identifiable sources and
17 all primary and secondary land uses.
18 4. By July 1, 2003, conduct an assessment of the
19 sources of phosphorus from the Upper Kissimmee Chain-of-Lakes
20 and Lake Istokpoga, and their relative contribution to the
21 water quality of Lake Okeechobee. The results of this
22 assessment shall be used by the coordinating agencies to
23 develop interim measures, best management practices, or
24 regulation, as applicable.
25 5. By July 1, 2003, assess current water management
26 practices within the Lake Okeechobee watershed and develop
27 recommendations for structural and operational improvements.
28 Such recommendations shall balance water supply, flood
29 control, and water quality considerations.
30 6. By July 1, 2003, evaluate the feasibility of
31 alternative nutrient reduction technologies, including
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1 sediment traps, canal and ditch maintenance, fish production
2 or other aquaculture, bioenergy conversion processes, and
3 algal or other biological treatment technologies.
4 (e) Lake Okeechobee Exotic Species Control
5 Program.--By June 1, 2002, the coordinating agencies shall
6 identify the exotic species that threaten the native flora and
7 fauna within the Lake Okeechobee watershed and develop and
8 implement measures to protect the native flora and fauna.
9 (f) Lake Okeechobee Internal Phosphorus Management
10 Program.--By July 1, 2003, the district, in cooperation with
11 the other coordinating agencies and interested parties, shall
12 complete a Lake Okeechobee internal phosphorus load removal
13 feasibility study. The feasibility study shall be based on
14 technical feasibility, as well as economic considerations, and
15 address all reasonable methods of phosphorus removal. If
16 methods are found to be feasible, the district shall
17 immediately pursue the design, funding, and permitting for
18 implementing such methods.
19 (g) Annual progress report.--Each January 1, beginning
20 in 2001, the district shall submit to the Governor, the
21 President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of
22 Representatives annual progress reports regarding
23 implementation of this section. The annual report shall
24 include a summary of water quality conditions in Lake
25 Okeechobee and the Lake Okeechobee watershed and the status of
26 the Lake Okeechobee Construction Project. The district shall
27 prepare the report in cooperation with the other coordinating
28 agencies.
29 (4) LAKE OKEECHOBEE PROTECTION PERMITS.--
30 (a) The Legislature finds that the Lake Okeechobee
31 Protection Program will benefit Lake Okeechobee and downstream
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1 receiving waters and is consistent with the public interest.
2 The Lake Okeechobee Construction Project and structures
3 discharging into or from Lake Okeechobee shall be constructed,
4 operated, and maintained in accordance with this section.
5 (b) Permits obtained pursuant to this section are in
6 lieu of all other permits under chapter 373 or chapter 403,
7 except those issued under s. 403.0885, if applicable. No
8 additional permits are required for the Lake Okeechobee
9 Construction Project or structures discharging into or from
10 Lake Okeechobee. Construction activities related to
11 implementation of the Lake Okeechobee Construction Project may
12 be initiated prior to final agency action, or notice of
13 intended agency action, on any permit from the department
14 under this section.
15 (c) By September 1, 2000, owners or operators of
16 existing structures which discharge into or from Lake
17 Okeechobee shall apply for a permit from the department to
18 operate and maintain such structures. The department shall
19 issue one or more such permits for a term of 5 years upon the
20 demonstration of reasonable assurance that schedules and
21 strategies to achieve and maintain compliance with water
22 quality standards have been provided for, to the maximum
23 extent practicable, and that operation of the structures
24 otherwise complies with provisions of ss. 373.413 and 373.416.
25 1. Permits issued under this paragraph shall also
26 contain reasonable conditions to ensure that discharges of
27 waters through district structures:
28 a. Are adequately and accurately monitored;
29 b. Will not degrade existing Lake Okeechobee water
30 quality and will result in an overall reduction of phosphorus
31 input into Lake Okeechobee, as set forth in the district's
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1 Technical Publication 81-2 and the total maximum daily load
2 established in accordance with s. 403.067, to the maximum
3 extent practicable; and
4 c. Do not pose a serious danger to public health,
5 safety, or welfare.
6 2. By January 1, 2004, the district shall submit to
7 the department a permit modification to the Lake Okeechobee
8 structure permits to incorporate proposed changes necessary to
9 ensure that discharges through the structures covered by this
10 permit achieve state water quality standards, including the
11 total maximum daily load established in accordance with s.
12 403.067. These changes shall be designed to achieve such
13 compliance with state water quality standards no later than
14 January 1, 2015.
15 (d) The department shall require permits for Lake
16 Okeechobee Construction Project facilities. Such permits shall
17 be issued for a term of 5 years upon the demonstration of
18 reasonable assurances that:
19 1. The Lake Okeechobee Construction Project facility,
20 based upon the conceptual design documents and any subsequent
21 detailed design documents developed by the district, will
22 achieve the design objectives for phosphorus required in
23 paragraph (3)(b);
24 2. For water quality standards other than phosphorus,
25 the quality of water discharged from the facility is of equal
26 or better quality than the inflows;
27 3. Discharges from the facility do not pose a serious
28 danger to public health, safety, or welfare; and
29 4. Any wetland impacts resulting from implementation
30 of that facility of the Lake Okeechobee Construction Project
31 are minimized and mitigated, as appropriate.
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1 (e) At least 60 days prior to the expiration of any
2 permit issued under this section, the permittee may apply for
3 a renewal thereof for a period of 5 years.
4 (f) Permits issued under this section may include any
5 standard conditions provided by department rule which are
6 appropriate and consistent with this section.
7 (g) Permits issued pursuant to this section may be
8 modified, as appropriate, upon review and approval by the
9 department.
10 (5) The South Florida Water Management District shall
11 not divert waters to the Indian River estuary, the
12 Caloosahatchee River or its estuary, or the Everglades
13 National Park, in such a way that the state water quality
14 standards are violated, that the nutrients in such diverted
15 waters adversely affect indigenous vegetation communities or
16 wildlife, or that fresh waters diverted to the Caloosahatchee
17 or Indian River estuaries adversely affect the estuarine
18 vegetation or wildlife, unless the receiving waters will
19 biologically benefit by the diversion. However, diversion is
20 permitted when an emergency is declared by the water
21 management district, if the Secretary of Environmental
22 Protection concurs.
23 (6) This section does not modify any provision of s.
24 373.4592.
25 (7) RELATIONSHIP TO STATE WATER QUALITY
26 STANDARDS.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to
27 modify any existing state water quality standard.
28 (8) PRESERVATION OF AUTHORITY.--Nothing in this
29 section shall be construed to restrict the authority otherwise
30 granted to agencies pursuant to chapters 373 and 403, and
31 provisions of this section shall be deemed supplemental to the
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1 authority granted to agencies pursuant to chapters 373 and
2 403.
3 Section 2. Subsections (9) and (10) are added to
4 section 373.406, Florida Statues, to read:
5 373.406 Exemptions.--The following exemptions shall
6 apply:
7 (9) Implementation of measures having the primary
8 purpose of environmental restoration or water quality
9 improvement on agricultural lands are exempt from regulation
10 under this part where these measures or practices are
11 determined by the district or department, on a case-by-case
12 basis, to have minimal or insignificant individual and
13 cumulative adverse impact on the water resources of the state.
14 The district or department shall provide written notification
15 as to whether the proposed activity qualifies for the
16 exemption within 30 days after receipt of a written notice
17 requesting the exemption. No activity under this exemption
18 shall commence until the district or department has provided
19 written notice that the activity qualifies for the exemption.
20 (10) Implementation of interim measures or best
21 management practices adopted pursuant to s. 403.067 that are
22 by rule designated as having minimal individual or cumulative
23 adverse impacts to the water resources of the state are exempt
24 from regulation under this part.
25 Section 3. Paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of subsection
26 (6) and paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (7) of section
27 403.067, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
28 403.067 Establishment and implementation of total
29 maximum daily loads.--
30 (6) CALCULATION AND ALLOCATION.--
31 (a) Calculation of total maximum daily load.
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1 1. Prior to developing a total maximum daily load
2 calculation for each water body or water body segment on the
3 list specified in subsection (4), the department shall
4 coordinate with applicable local governments, water management
5 districts, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer
6 Services, other appropriate state agencies, local soil and
7 water conservation districts, environmental groups, regulated
8 interests, and affected pollution sources to determine the
9 information required, accepted methods of data collection and
10 analysis, and quality control/quality assurance requirements.
11 The analysis may include mathematical water quality modeling
12 using approved procedures and methods.
13 2. The department shall develop total maximum daily
14 load calculations for each water body or water body segment on
15 the list described in subsection (4) according to the priority
16 ranking and schedule unless the impairment of such waters is
17 due solely to activities other than point and nonpoint sources
18 of pollution. For waters determined to be impaired due solely
19 to factors other than point and nonpoint sources of pollution,
20 no total maximum daily load will be required. A total maximum
21 daily load may be required for those waters that are impaired
22 predominantly due to activities other than point and nonpoint
23 sources. The total maximum daily load calculation shall
24 establish the amount of a pollutant that a water body or water
25 body segment may receive from all sources can assimilate
26 without exceeding water quality standards, and shall account
27 for seasonal variations and include a margin of safety that
28 takes into account any lack of knowledge concerning the
29 relationship between effluent limitations and water quality.
30 The total maximum daily load may be based on a pollutant load
31 reduction goal developed by a water management district,
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1 provided that such pollutant load reduction goal is
2 promulgated by the department in accordance with the
3 procedural and substantive requirements of this subsection.
4 (b) Allocation of total maximum daily loads. The total
5 maximum daily loads shall include establishment of reasonable
6 and equitable allocations of the total maximum daily load
7 among point and nonpoint sources that will alone, or in
8 conjunction with other management and restoration activities,
9 provide for the attainment of water quality standards and the
10 restoration of impaired waters. The allocations may shall
11 establish the maximum amount of the water pollutant from a
12 given source or category of sources that may be discharged or
13 released into the water body or water body segment in
14 combination with other discharges or releases. Allocations may
15 also be made to individual basins and sources or as a whole to
16 all basins and sources or categories of sources of inflow to
17 the water body or water body segments. Allocations Such
18 allocations shall be designed to attain water quality
19 standards and shall be based on consideration of the
20 following:
21 1. Existing treatment levels and management practices;
22 2. Differing impacts pollutant sources may have on
23 water quality;
24 3. The availability of treatment technologies,
25 management practices, or other pollutant reduction measures;
26 4. Environmental, economic, and technological
27 feasibility of achieving the allocation;
28 5. The cost benefit associated with achieving the
29 allocation;
30 6. Reasonable timeframes for implementation;
31
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1 7. Potential applicability of any moderating
2 provisions such as variances, exemptions, and mixing zones;
3 and
4 8. The extent to which nonattainment of water quality
5 standards is caused by pollution sources outside of Florida,
6 discharges that have ceased, or alterations to water bodies
7 prior to the date of this act.
8 (c) Not later than February 1, 2002 2001, the
9 department shall submit a report to the Governor, the
10 President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of
11 Representatives containing recommendations, including draft
12 legislation, for any modifications to the process for
13 allocating total maximum daily loads, including the
14 relationship between allocations and the basin planning
15 process. Such recommendations shall be developed by the
16 department in cooperation with a technical advisory committee
17 which includes representatives of affected parties,
18 environmental organizations, water management districts, and
19 other appropriate local, state, and federal government
20 agencies. The technical advisory committee shall also include
21 such members as may be designated by the President of the
22 Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
23 (7) IMPLEMENTATION OF TOTAL MAXIMUM DAILY LOADS.--
24 (a) The department shall be the lead agency in
25 coordinating the implementation of the total maximum daily
26 loads load allocation through water quality protection
27 programs. Application of a total maximum daily load
28 calculation or allocation by a water management district shall
29 be consistent with this section and shall not require the
30 issuance of an order or a separate action pursuant to s.
31 120.536(1) or s. 120.54 for adoption of the calculation and
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1 allocation previously established by the department. Such
2 programs may include, but are not limited to:
3 1. Permitting and other existing regulatory programs;
4 2. Nonregulatory and incentive-based programs,
5 including best management practices, cost sharing, waste
6 minimization, pollution prevention, and public education;
7 3. Other water quality management and restoration
8 activities, for example surface water improvement and
9 management plans approved by water management districts under
10 s. 373.456 or watershed or basin management plans developed
11 pursuant to this subsection;
12 4. Pollutant trading or other equitable economically
13 based agreements;
14 5. Public works including capital facilities; or
15 6. Land acquisition.
16 (b) In developing and implementing the total maximum
17 daily load for a water body allocation, the department, or the
18 department in conjunction with a water management district,
19 may develop a watershed or basin management basin plan that
20 addresses some or all of the watersheds and basins tributary
21 to the water body. These plans The basin plan will serve to
22 fully integrate all the management strategies available to the
23 state for the purpose of implementing the total maximum daily
24 loads and achieving water quality restoration. The watershed
25 or basin management basin planning process is intended to
26 involve the broadest possible range of interested parties,
27 with the objective of encouraging the greatest amount of
28 cooperation and consensus possible. The department or water
29 management district shall hold at least one public meeting in
30 the vicinity of the watershed or basin to discuss and receive
31 comments during the basin planning process and shall otherwise
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1 encourage public participation to the greatest practical
2 extent. Notice of the public meeting shall be published in a
3 newspaper of general circulation in each county in which the
4 watershed or basin lies not less than 5 days nor more than 15
5 days before the public meeting. A watershed or basin
6 management basin plan shall not supplant or otherwise alter
7 any assessment made under s. 403.086(3) and (4), or any
8 calculation or allocation made under s. 403.086(6).
9 Section 4. The South Florida Water Management District
10 shall have the authority to manage lands it acquires for the
11 Kissimmee River Headwaters Revitalization Project to protect
12 and improve water quality, implement hydrological
13 improvements, protect fish and wildlife and endangered
14 species, and accomplish other best management practices on
15 district land in a manner that is consistent with surrounding
16 parks and preserves owned by the state. In acquiring land for
17 the Kissimmee River Headwaters Revitalization Project, the
18 South Florida Water Management District is encouraged to
19 acquire less than fee title where feasible and beneficial to
20 the protection of ecological values, fish and wildlife, and
21 endangered species, provided the objectives of restoring the
22 Everglades system are advanced and the project purposes of the
23 Kissimmee River Restoration Project and the Kissimmee River
24 Headwaters Revitalization Project are met. In determining the
25 fair market value of lands to be acquired from willing sellers
26 in the upper Kissimmee Basin for such purposes, all appraisals
27 of such lands may consider income from the use of the property
28 for permanent plantings. The derived value may be deemed
29 attributable to the real estate.
30 Section 5. This act shall take effect upon becoming a
31 law.
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1 STATEMENT OF SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES CONTAINED IN
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR
2 Senate Bill 1494
3
4 Pursuant to s. 373.4595(3)1.a., F.S., a rule must be developed
for conservation plans. The rule must include thresholds for
5 requiring conservation and nutrient management plans and
criteria for the content of the plans.
6
The requirement that the Department of Agriculture and
7 Consumer Services (DACS) provide technical and financial
assistance for implementation of agricultural BMPs is now
8 subject to the availability of funds.
9 The bill has been revised to delete references to existing
structures discharging into or from Lake Okeechobee from s.
10 373.4595(4)(a) and (b), F.S., and to require that owners or
operations of existing structures discharging into or from the
11 lake apply for permits from the DEP by September 1, 2000.
12 The bill no longer includes the statement that s. 373.4595,
F.S., provides a schedule for achieving compliance with
13 existing narrative and numeric state water quality standards
and for implementing the department's total maximum daily load
14 program.
15 Section 403.067, F.S., is amended to make a number of
technical and clarifying changes that are consistent with the
16 process the DEP has implemented for establishing the TMDL for
Lake Okeechobee. These provisions include:
17
- Clarification of the process for calculating and
18 allocating TMDLs;
19 - Extending the deadline for the DEP's report to the
Legislature on TMDL allocations until February 1, 2002
20 (1-year extension); and
21 - Technical and clarifying changes to the process for
implementing TMDL allocations.
22
Finally, the bill now provides that, in determining the fair
23 market value of lands to be acquired from willing sellers in
the upper Kissimmee Basin for the Kissimmee River Headwaters
24 Revitalization Project, all appraisals of such lands may
consider income from the use of the property for permanent
25 plantings. The derived value may be deemed attributable to the
real estate.
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