FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug, 26, 2015
DEP HOSTS MEETING TO FURTHER RESTORATION FOR WAKULLA SPRINGS BASIN
~Public input requested prior to finalizing restoration plan~
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection will host a public meeting on Aug. 31 to discuss the water quality restoration plan for the Upper Wakulla River and Wakulla Springs. DEP representatives will review the draft restoration plan, the Upper Wakulla and Wakulla Springs Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP), and take public comment prior to finalizing and submitting the plan.
“The department has been working closely with local stakeholders to develop a restoration plan that will improve the water quality from Wakulla Springs,” said Tom Frick, director of the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration. “We appreciate their continued effort and commitment to this natural treasure.”
Nutrient pollution, or an excess of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous, is one of the biggest water quality challenges facing many of Florida’s spring systems. These nutrients are naturally present in the water and necessary for the healthy growth of plant and animal life; however, an excess of nutrients in the water can lead to complications like rapid algal growth, habitat smothering and oxygen depletion.
The Upper Wakulla River and Wakulla Springs Basin is located in the Big Bend area of Florida in Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon and Wakulla counties. The greatest source of water to the Wakulla River is Wakulla Springs. The river and springs are a very dynamic ground water and surface water fed system. The Upper Wakulla River and Wakulla Springs are important resources that have been designated as Outstanding Florida Waters.
The meeting announcement, location and other information can be viewed here.
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About the Florida Department of Environmental Protection
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the state’s principal environmental agency, created to protect, conserve and manage Florida’s environment and natural resources. The department enforces federal and state environmental laws, protects Florida’s air and water quality, cleans up pollution, regulates solid waste management, promotes pollution prevention and acquires environmentally sensitive lands for preservation. The agency also maintains a statewide system of parks, trails and aquatic preserves. Visit the department’s website at www.dep.state.fl.us. |
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