DEP Schedule Meetings

[jj1987]

So what can we do to help if we show up to the meetings? What agenda items should we comment on? Any studies to use or present while there?

[tflaris]

Jj1987
On a personal level attending the meeting opened my eyes and increased my awareness of the processes and the players. The meeting was more of a public announcement of the changes that were coming. I was surprised by the wide variety of people and groups attending the meetings.

As Kelly mentioned if you would like to get involved ASAP there are links for groups that you can support with your time and /or money.

Currently I'm waiting to hear back on a volunteer program that might allow us to be trained and equipped to assist in water sampling for SRWMD.

TF


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[snakedoc]

It has been my experience that TMDLs are very expensive documents that take years to complete. They do, in part, characterize water quality problems and pollutant loads within the water body. Unfortunately, they are often short on cost effective, enforceable solutions.
Therefore, a concern would be whether or not the TMDL incorporates pollution abatement/ control solutions that can be rigidly enforced.

[Kelly Jessop]

It has been my experience that TMDLs are very expensive documents that take years to complete. They do, in part, characterize water quality problems and pollutant loads within the water body. Unfortunately, they are often short on cost effective, enforceable solutions.
Therefore, a concern would be whether or not the TMDL incorporates pollution abatement/ control solutions that can be rigidly enforced.

I think identifying the problems are critical first,and as mentioned abatement and control are necessary next steps. Enforcement,when budget cuts occur that seems to be the first area to get nailed. I think an important point to this is that cave divers need to be made aware of the issues,and get involved. There may reach a day where your recreation is put on hold,not because of rising river levels,but spring closure due to dangerously high nutrient levels. If anybody read Mike Stine's article in the last NFSA newsletter,they will see that Florida has some challanges and issues to over come. Presently,I see a lot of tree farming property north of Peacock,in the Peacock basin area,that is being converted to row crop land. Have to wonder what will be the end result to Peacock. Have to wonder if we are seeing insidious changes now. I see dive reports for Eagle's Nest with people talking about 50' of viz and how great that was. 15 years ago,50' of viz for Eagle's Nest was practically blown,and we wouldn't waste our time. I wonder in 15 years from now what dive reports for Peacock will look like,someone getting excited because visibility went up to 20' and nitrate loading dropped to a "safe" level.

[SlowDiver]

Don't think it can not ever happen. I am 68 years old and grew up in SW Ga. diving and swimming in Radium Springs and Crystal Lake. Albany Ga. was know as the Artesian City because of the many springs. The city seal has two water faucets on it with flowing water. The city needs to change there seal. Radium Springs stays low or no flow most of the time, I balm the large industry that pump millions of gallons of water out of the aquifer and Crystal Lake is closed due to pollution.


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[Kelly Jessop]

Crystal Lake is closed due to pollution.

I think Crystal lakes main issue was two law suits that occurred back to back.