Update 2024-05-24: What progress has been made towards springs nitrogen loading reduction by the Suwannee River BMAP? 2024-05-24.

SRWMD is holding two meetings about springs protection on Friday, May 24, 2024, at 10AM for the Suwannee River Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP), and at 1:30 PM for its Santa Fe River BMAP.

SRWMD BMAP meetings, Online May 24, 2024, Suwannee River Basin 10 AM, Santa Fe River Basin 1:30 PM

Everybody knows the main problem and the cause: nitrates from fertilizer leaching through the soil and causing algae blooms in springs such as Madison Blue Spring and Gilchrist Blue Spring, because of too much fertilizer and irrigation using Floridan Aquifer withdrawals.

Nothing much has changed since this article was published in 2018: State geologist Greenhalgh says BMPs don’t work to solve BMAPs. The BMAPs use the same Best Management Practices (BMPs) that were already in use for the previous decades, during which the problem got worse. There is little reason to believe those BMPs alone will improve the situation.

To affect these BMAPs, it’s going to take more than just people showing up or even experts providing opinions. Grasstops are needed: people who can influence the decision makers, both inside SRWMD and FDEP, and elected statewide officials.

But a good first step is for people to show up or send letters of comment.

Two years ago, SRWMD and SJRWMD held a North Florida Regional Water Supply Plan meeting @ SRWMD 2022-11-15. As I had back in 2016, I recommended a water budget, and limiting withdrawal permits to stay within budget. As before, they ignored that, and anybody else’s recommendations that might have limited withdrawals.

A year ago SRWMD held Upper and Middle Suwannee River MFL Peer Review Meetings, at which I and others spoke. I recommended studying what effect various potential water withdrawals in various locations could have on flows and levels. While this process could not make such economic decisions on limiting water withdrawals, it could do modeling to supply a basis on which the policymakers could make such decisions. The Chair of the three-person expert panel, Dr. Gregg Jones, seemed to agree. Yet as far as I can tell nothing came of that.

Some of you remember two years of opposition to a water withdrawal permit for Nestle on the Santa Fe River at Gilchrist Blue Springs, after which the SRWMD board voted as fast as the roll could be called to grant the permit. Nevermind 30 speakers against at the decision meeting and hundreds of thousands of petition signatures.

So think about who you know or can contact who might be able to influence these BMAPs. And showing up or commenting is a good first step.

The invitations are identical except for the basin names, times of day, and registration links.

To: Santa Fe River Stakeholders

Thank you for your involvement in the Santa Fe River Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP). A public meeting will be held virtually on May 24, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. EDT. The presentation will focus on the upcoming BMAP updates, including topics on the Nitrogen Source Inventory Loading Tool (NSILT) results, spring vent analysis and next steps.

Registration is now open for the webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information about joining the webinar. A follow-up email will be sent with the agenda.

This is the Santa Fe BMAP meeting registration link:
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/572033457797768288

This is the Suwannee River BMAP meeting registration link:
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4823848220942479189

To: Suwannee River Stakeholders

Thank you for your involvement in the Suwannee River Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP). A public meeting will be held virtually on May 24, 2024 at 10 a.m. EDT. The presentation will focus on the upcoming BMAP updates, including topics on the Nitrogen Source Inventory Loading Tool (NSILT) results, spring vent analysis and next steps.

Registration is now open for the webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information about joining the webinar. A follow-up email will be sent with the agenda.

Please email Chandler Keenan or call 850-245-8555 with any questions.

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, handicap or marital status. Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or persons who require translation services (free of charge) are asked to contact Stacie Taylor at 850-245-2118 or LEP@FloridaDEP.gov at least ten (10) days before the meeting. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 800-955-8771 (TDD) or 800-955-8770 (voice).

Plus there’s a Rainbow and Silver Springs BMAP meeting Thursday, May 30 at 1:30 PM.
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4413889812968306526

If you want to be involved in organizing for citizen involvement at these meetings, please let me know.

There is also a Crystal River/ Kings Bay, Homosassa/ Chassahowitzka Springs Groups, and Weeki Wachee BMAP Annual Meeting, Thursday, May 30, 2024 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM EDT.
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7396208450682664285

For even more BMAP meetings, see FDEP’s web page of Basin Management Action Plans Public Meetings:
https://floridadep.gov/dear/water-quality-restoration/content/bmap-public-meetings

 -jsq, John S. Quarterman, Suwannee RIVERKEEPER®

You can help with clean, swimmable, fishable, drinkable, water in the 10,000-square-mile Suwannee River Basin in Florida and Georgia by becoming a WWALS member today!
https://wwals.net/donations/

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