Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Florida Nutrient Criteria - Extension of Public Comment

U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is extending the comment period for the agency’s proposed Florida water quality standards. The comment period is being extended for 30 days and will now end on April 28. The agency will also hold three more public hearings in Florida to obtain additional input and comments on the proposed rulemaking.

In 2009, EPA entered into a consent decree, approved by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, with the Florida Wildlife Federation to propose limits for specific nutrients. The proposed action released for public comment would set a series of numeric limits for phosphorus and nitrogen.

The proposed action also introduces and seeks comment on a new adaptive management regulatory process for setting standards in a manner that drives water quality improvements in already impaired waters. The proposed new regulatory provision, called restoration standards, would be specific to nutrients in the State of Florida.

Caltha LLP provides expert consulting services to public and private sector clients nationwide to address water quality standards, wastewater permitting and assessing potential impacts of chemicals in the aquatic environment.

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