Commissioners hear update on Santa Fe River basin impairment and possible DEP planning
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Summary
A commissioner reported that five of six springs in the Santa Fe River basin are now listed as impaired and said the DEP is studying plans to restore minimum flows, including a controversial option to discharge treated wastewater into the basin; the commission agreed to seek an expert briefing
Commissioners heard a report on Oct. 9 that most springs in the Santa Fe River basin are now listed as impaired and that state planning work could include proposals with major environmental trade-offs.
A commissioner who attended a recent basin meeting said six springs are in the Santa Fe River basin and that five — including Devil's Complex, Hornsby Spring, Ichetucknee group, Columbia and Treehouse — are listed as impaired. The commissioner said the only spring not currently listed as impaired in the basin is Poe Spring.
The commissioner said the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is in "preplanning stages" to restore minimum flows and levels in the basin and, as part of that discussion, was considering options including routing treated wastewater from the City of Jacksonville into the Santa Fe River Basin. The speaker urged caution, noting the potential for domestic wastewater to carry contaminants such as pharmaceuticals that could affect aquatic life and reproduction.
"If you think about domestic wastewater, think about all the pharmaceuticals that are going in the stream," the commissioner said, adding that some contaminants can have long-term ecological effects. The commissioner asked the commission to invite Stacy Greco (identified by the speaker as an expert) to brief the commission on the technical issues and possible consequences.
Why it matters: Changes to minimum flows and management plans in the Santa Fe basin would affect springs that are regionally important for ecology and recreation. The commission agreed to request a briefing to better understand technical options and environmental costs.
Evidence in the meeting: Commissioner reported impairment status of springs, described DEP preplanning, and asked staff to request a presentation by Stacy Greco to explain technical and ecological implications.
Ending: The commission agreed to ask staff to invite a subject-matter expert to brief the body at a future meeting.