News - Polk.WaterAtlas.org

Fertilizer Bill Dies in Senate Committee

Unknown — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Five years after discussions began on the issue, a measure to restrict local laws regulating urban fertilizer application was killed Monday in a Senate Committee following the objections of local officials and environmental groups.

By 3-4 vote, the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee shot down the bill (SB 604), which have would set statewide standards for the commercial application of fertilizer within urban areas and prohibited local governments from enacting seasonal bans on fertilizer applications.

Cities and counties that had yet to adopt a local ordinance would have been prohibited from doing so until 2017 under the bill, which would not have affected home application.

The controversial measure has undergone changes as competing interests tried to craft a compromise.

"I come up here with a heavy heart because of the bill's unintended consequences to our environment and our economy," Lee County Commissioner Ray Judah told committee members. "This bill is a job killer."

With tourism pumping nearly $2.6 billion into the Lee County economy, Judah said toxic algae blooms and fish kills send tourists elsewhere Judah said.

"Tourists don't come to see blue green algae, the destruction of sea grasses and dead fish on the beaches."

Satellite Tracking Reveals Sea Turtle Feeding Hotspots

Unknown — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Satellite tracking of threatened loggerhead sea turtles has revealed two previously unknown feeding ‘hotspots’ in the Gulf of Mexico that are providing important habitat for at least three separate populations of the turtles, according to a study published recently in the journal Biological Conservation.

The two sites, located in the open waters off the coast of Southwest Florida and the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, were found by a team of scientists when they compiled and analyzed loggerhead tracking data.

The researchers' goal was to synthesize tracking data from three genetically distinct loggerhead populations to learn more about how they use the Gulf of Mexico. By identifying the specific location of regularly used habitat, the results provide invaluable information for marine planning and management for this species, whose populations in the Gulf of Mexico are well below historic levels and in recent years have continued to decline drastically in some areas.

The maritime feeding grounds also hold the first clues about how loggerhead sea turtles spend time at sea – which is, in essence, most of their lives.

"Up until now, management actions that affect loggerheads have often focused on their limited time at nesting beaches, or on fisheries regulations," said Kristen Hart, Ph.D., the U.S. Geological Survey research ecologist who led the synthesis. "Our findings open up important new options for marine habitat conservation, and provide valuable geographic data that can be used to strategically locate marine reserves based on the best available science, as called for in the new National Ocean Policy."

Florida Congressman Filing Water Pollution Bill

Unknown — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- U.S. Rep. Steve Southerland says he will file a bill in Congress that would put pressure on the Environmental Protection Agency to adopt state rather than federal water pollution rules for Florida.

The Panama City Republican announced his plans Monday on the steps of Florida's old Capitol.

The legislation would prohibit the EPA from adopting its own rules for Florida if the agency administrator determines state rules meet requirements of the federal Water Pollution Control Act. It would not affect other states.

Environmentalists contend the state's proposed rules setting numeric nutrient standards for phosphorous and nitrogen in lakes, streams and other water bodies would be too weak to prevent or clean up toxic algae choking Florida's waterways. The nutrients are contained in such pollutants as sewage, manure and fertilizer.

Agriculture, business and utility interests back the state's version. They contend the tougher federal rules would be too expensive to implement.

Bill Condemned by Environmentalists as Public-land Giveaway is Likely Dead, Sponsor Says

Unknown — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A bill environmentalists say would result in the giveaway of thousands of acres of state land is likely dead this session, the bill's sponsor said Thursday.

HB 1103 deals with the dividing line between private land and public submerged land. Agriculture groups complain that landowners are required to pay taxes on property along waterways that usually is dry but is classified as state-owned because it occasionally floods.

Environmental groups and former U.S. Sen Bob Graham had urged legislators to oppose the bill. Rep. Tom Goodson, R-Rockledge and the bill's sponsor, said Thursday he thinks there isn't enough time for the House to pass the measure during the 2012 session.

"I would assume right now, sir, you could say it's not going anywhere," Goodson said.

Florida Environmental Law & Policy Webinar Lectures

Unknown — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Free webinar series

FLORIDA ENVIRONMENTAL LAW AND POLICY LECTURES
St. Thomas University School of Law
Fridays, 9:30 - 11:20 a.m.
Available by remote access

Presented by the LL.M. Program in Environmental Sustainability at St. Thomas Law, Professor Keith Rizzardi’s semester-long series of guest seminars features expert instruction about current issues relevant to “Florida Environmental Law and Policy.” Please e-mail environmentLLM@stu.edu to register in advance for remote access.

Upcoming sessions feature:

Jan. 27, 2012: Strategies to End Overfishing in Federal Waters, with a focus on the Gulf of Mexico Fisheries.

Julie Morris, New College of Florida, provides insights into the policy, rulemaking, and the Congressional oversight process associated with fishery regulation. She will focus on new law and rules to end overfishing in federal waters. She will also discuss recent changes in regulations for Gulf of Mexico Gag Grouper and Red Grouper.

Feb. 3, 2012: Not-so-cooperative federalism? Clean Water Act regulation

James Nutt, South Florida Water Management District, discusses the rise of the administrative state, growing tensions over federal disrespect of local interest. Through cooperative federalism, Congress manifest respect for fundamentally local concerns and an expectation for the Executive and Judiciary to follow. The Clean Water Act is a classic example. With cries that the implementing agencies and courts are increasingly running roughshod over the states’ water and land management rights, is Congress’ intent being met? (This course is scheduled for one hour only, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.)

Feb. 10, 2012: The Unique Laws of Florida’s Native American Tribes

Michelle Diffenderfer, Lewis Longman & Walker, and Kelly Brooks Smith, Friedman & Frost, PL, examine the unique tribal, water and environmental laws associated with representing the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians and the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

Feb. 17, 2012: The Lawyer-Consultant Relationship: Petroleum Spill Case Studies

Chris Herin, Geosyntec Consultants, explores the role of the consultant and the lawyer in site assessment and remediation.

House takes step toward resolving water pollution feud

Unknown — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A years-long lawsuit-fueled dispute over the health standards for Florida waters moved toward resolution Tuesday after lawmakers approved a proposal put forth by the state environmental agency.

A House committee unanimously accepted a measure that would allow the state to apply individual health standards to each body of water.

The changes, which would allow Florida to override federal water protection rules, cannot take effect until the Environmental Protection Agency approves them.

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House Panel Agrees on Bill to Extend Water Permits Despite Environmental Concerns

Unknown — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A House committee on Wednesday voted unanimously to file a bill that would extend permits from 20 to 30 years for alternative water supply projects.

With Florida facing population growth and increasing competition for groundwater, utility and business groups say new reservoirs and aquifer storage projects are needed to store water during rainy periods. But some environmentalists are concerned about expanding the rights of utilities to use water without public review.

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River Network Offers Webinar on Water Quality Standards

Unknown — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

What: 401 Water Quality Certification, a webinar on a fundamental tool of the Clean Water Act: water quality standards.
Who: Merritt Frey, River Network's Rivers and Habitat Program Director
When: Wednesday, February 15 at Noon eastern/11 central/10 mountain/9 pacific

This will be a 101-level training, suitable for river and watershed organizations, land trusts, tribal governments and wildlife or lands groups interested in better understanding the power of one of the Clean Water Act's core programs. Water quality standards are the building blocks for all kinds of efforts to protect and restore our rivers, lakes and wetlands. Water quality standards establish the uses we make or want to make of our rivers (from swimming to trout habitat to irrigation) and set limits for pollutants and other parameters necessary to make rivers safe for those uses. In addition, standards establish policies that help keep clean waters clean. What will you learn in water quality standards 101?

The basic components of standards - designated uses, water quality criteria, and the antidegradation policy - and how they can be used to protect your rivers.
Mechanisms for public input and influence in standards development.
Where to find your own state's water quality standards, and how to navigate within them.
Opportunities for improving standards in your state and around the region - from nutrient pollution control to biocriteria development

Participation is limited to the first 40 individuals to reserve their place. Save your spot today! RSVP online at www.rivernetwork.org/forms/river-network-webinar-RSVP.

Note: This is a free webinar. As space is limited, please only RSVP if you sincerely plan to attend.and then make it a priority to ATTEND. The webinar may be free, but it is not without value.

Polk County Water School 2012 Holds 7 Week Symposium

Unknown — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Water School is a 7 week symposium designed to educate the public and community leaders about current issues and future concerns regarding water quality, quantity, and conservation in Polk County.

This year, in cooperation with PGTV, Water School will be available via webinar. If you or your business are interested in sponsoring a webinar, please see the info on their website by clicking on the link below.

DOI Announces New Everglades Headwaters NWR & Conservation Area

Unknown — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

As part of President Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors initiative, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today accepted a 10-acre donation of land in south-central Florida to officially establish the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area -- conserving one of the last remaining grassland and longleaf pine savanna landscapes in eastern North America.

The new refuge and conservation area – the 556th unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System -- is being established through a land donation from the Nature Conservancy of Florida with the support of local ranchers and landowners who have worked cooperatively with Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to conserve their lands while retaining their right to raise cattle or crops, an approach championed by the Obama administration.

If fully realized, the refuge and conservation area will span 150,000 acres north of Lake Okeechobee. Two-thirds of the acreage, or 100,000 acres, will be protected through conservation easements purchased from willing sellers. With easements, private landowners would retain ownership of their land, as well as the right to work the land to raise cattle or crops. The easements would ensure the land could not be developed.

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EPA Launches Recovery Potential Screening Website to Assist Restoration Planners

Unknown — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

EPA announces the release of a new technical assistance tool for state and watershed-level surface water quality protection and restoration programs: the recovery potential screening website - www.epa.gov/recoverypotential/ . Recovery potential screening is a flexible approach for comparing relative differences in restorability among impaired waters across a state, watershed or other area. The website provides step-by-step screening directions, restorability indicators and literature, and tools for scoring and displaying results.

EPA developed recovery potential screening to help users improve their restoration programs by revealing and comparing factors that influence restoration success. The method is applicable to watershed priority setting, impaired waters listing, TMDL implementation, 319/nonpoint source control, healthy watersheds assessment, and watershed plan development. For additional information, please contact Doug Norton norton.douglas@epa.gov

Annual Manatee Death Count Shows Cold Weather an Unusually Big Factor Again

Unknown — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A cold-related die-off of manatees in early 2011 set the stage for a third straight year with high numbers of deaths for the species. Biologists with the research arm of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) documented 453 manatee carcasses in state waters in 2011.

During the past three years, biologists documented the highest levels of cold-related manatee deaths, with the “cold stress” category accounting for 112 in 2011, 282 in 2010 and 56 in 2009. In the previous five years, cold stress accounted for an average of 30 manatee deaths per year.

The total number of reported manatee deaths in 2011 was the second-highest on record. Biologists documented a record 766 manatee deaths in 2010 and recorded the third-highest total of 429 in 2009.

“We are concerned about the number of manatee deaths the past three years, including those resulting from exposure to cold weather,” said Gil McRae, director of the FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. “Over the next few years, we will use data from monitoring programs to better understand any long-term implications for the population. We will continue to work with our partners to enhance the availability of natural warm-water sites, which are important habitats for the species’ survival,” McRae said.

FWC researchers, managers and law enforcement staff work closely together to evaluate mortality data and identify necessary actions. Managers focus on actions that can reduce risks to manatees and protect foraging and warm-water habitats. The FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement, in cooperation with partner agencies, uses knowledge of local boating habits, well-posted speed zones and up-to-date manatee information as part of its on-the-water enforcement operations. Informing boaters about manatee conservation and enforcing manatee-protection zones are priorities for the FWC.

Florida residents can help manatees by purchasing the manatee specialty license plate, available at county tax collectors’ offices. The funds collected for these plates go directly to manatee research and conservation.

To report a dead or distressed manatee, call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

Environmental Coalition Calls for End to Subsidies for High-Risk Coastal Development

Unknown — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

An environmental coalition on Wednesday called on the state to maintain its ban on nearshore oil drilling, to remove subsidies for high-risk coastal development and to encourage local ordinances regulating the use of fertilizer.

The Florida Coastal and Ocean Coalition says the 2010 BP oil spill demonstrated that Florida's coast is the state's "economic engine," attracting tourists and creating recreational opportunities for residents while providing habitat for numerous species of fish, birds, sea turtles and other wildlife.

The coalition of nine environmental groups on Wednesday issued a 32-page report updating its 2006 "Blueprint for Economic and Environmental Leadership." The updated report includes new issues that have arisen since 2006 including the oil spill, concerns about coastal development and the state's financial risk exposure through Citizens Property Insurance Corp.

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Click here to read the full story on The Florida Current

Southwest Florida Water Management District Extends Water Restrictions

Unknown — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Rainy Season Not Productive Enough for Resources to Recover

The Southwest Florida Water Management District's Governing Board voted today to extend Phase I water shortage restrictions for the District's entire 16-county area through Feb. 29, 2012, because of a disappointing summer rainy season and an approaching winter that is expected to be drier than normal.

The Phase I order is intended as an alert to prepare for worsening conditions. Under Phase I, residents are asked to check their irrigation systems to ensure they are working properly. This means testing and repairing broken pipes and leaks, and damaged or tilted sprinkler heads. Residents should also check their irrigation timers to ensure the settings are correct and the required rain sensors or soil moisture sensors are working properly in accordance with state law.

There are no changes to watering days or times in a Phase I water shortage compared to the District's year-round water conservation measures. This means lawn and landscape watering remains limited to a two-day-per-week schedule, and residents may only water before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

Some local governments have stricter local ordinances limiting lawn watering to one day per week or using different watering hours, so residents should always check with their local government or utility before adjusting their irrigation timers.

"There were some areas of the District that received heavy rainfall at times, but overall our rainy season was not as productive as we had hoped" said Lois Sorensen, manager of the District's demand management program. "There were improvements in October, but we are expecting a drier-than-normal winter due to the La Nia weather pattern."

The region's public water supplies are in relatively good shape, but Sorensen said that caution is in order.

"We need to watch conditions closely as the dry season continues and consider stricter measures if water resources or water supply conditions warrant them."

Under a Phase I water shortage, local governments and utilities are required to review and revise their watering restriction enforcement procedures and report enforcement activity to the District on a monthly basis.

For additional information about water restrictions and water conservation, please contact your local utility or visit the District's website at WaterMatters.org/conservation/. To report a possible violation, call 1-800-848-0499 or email Water.Restrictions@WaterMatters.org.