The Southwest Florida Water Management District is seeking public input about the order in which minimum flows and levels (MFL) for lakes, rivers, streams and aquifers in the District will be determined.
A minimum flow or level is the limit at which further water withdrawals will cause significant harm to the water resources and/or environment. The District Governing Board sets these limits as part of achieving the delicate balance between meeting human water needs and those of Florida’s natural systems. The District continues to make significant progress in the establishment of MFL for key water bodies in both the Northern Tampa Bay and Southern Water Use Caution Areas. Last year the District expanded the list to include remaining 1st and 2nd magnitude springs not previously listed and began expanding its efforts in the northern part of the District.
Four public meetings will be held on the following dates:
*Monday, Oct. 2, at the District’s Bartow Service Office, 170 Century Boulevard
*Wednesday, Oct. 4, at the District’s Tampa Service Office, 7601 U.S. Hwy. 301
*Monday, Oct. 9, at the District’s Brooksville Headquarters, 2379 Broad Street
*Wednesday, Oct. 11, at the District’s Sarasota Service Office, 6750 Fruitville Road
All meetings will begin at 6 p.m. and will be held in the boardroom at each office.
The purpose of the meetings is to receive public input on a draft revised priority schedule for establishing minimum flows and levels. Legislation requires the District to review and, if necessary, revise the schedule each year.
The meetings will afford an important opportunity for local governments, citizens
and others to be part of the scheduling of minimum flows and levels for rivers, streams and other flowing waters, lakes and aquifers. The revised schedule will be considered for adoption at the Governing Board’s regularly scheduled meeting in October at the District’s Brooksville headquarters.
The adopted Minimum Flows and Levels Priority List and Schedule for 2006 is available on the District’s Web site at www.WaterMatters.org. on the Water Management Issues page. The draft Priority List and Schedule for 2007 will also be made available online by Sept. 28.
Written comments are also welcome and can be submitted via mail or E-mail to Marty Kelly, the District’s ecological evaluation manager, no later than October 14. The addresses are 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34604-6899 or Marty.Kelly@swfwmd.state.fl.us.
For more information, please contact Marty Kelly or Barbara Matrone at (352) 796-7211, ext. 4233, or 1-800-423-1476, ext 4233.