NWFWMD Moves Forward with MFL Development

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 25, 2014
CONTACT: NWFWMD Communications, (850) 539-2663 or Public.Information@yopmail.com

NWFWMD Moves Forward with MFL Development

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District recently completed an unprecedented work plan for the establishment of minimum flows and levels (MFLs) in Northwest Florida, a vital step for the long-term protection of three regional spring systems including the St. Marks River Rise, Sally Ward Spring and Wakulla Springs.

The work plan includes the data, technical information and assessments the District is now using to successfully establish realistic, science-based MFLs. The plan also includes a public involvement and peer review process, as well as a schedule and cost estimate for development of the MFLs.

“One of the District’s top priorities is establishing a meaningful and realistic MFL program that will help us ensure the long-term protection and sustainability of our water resources,” said District Executive Director Jon Steverson. “This work plan is our road map to achieving a successful MFL program by clearly laying out the steps the District is taking as we move forward with developing these three MFLs for our region.”

Since 2012, the District has begun work to develop MFLs for five waterbodies in Northwest Florida: St. Marks River Rise, Wakulla Springs, Sally Ward Spring, the Florida Aquifer in Coastal Franklin County and Jackson Blue Spring. The District anticipates the technical assessment of its first MFL—St. Marks River Rise—to be completed in 2018.

“MFLs serve as an important tool in protecting Florida’s water resources, including many of the state’s treasured springs,” said Drew Bartlett, Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Deputy Secretary of Water Policy and Ecosystem Restoration. “The Department appreciates the District’s commitment to establishing MFLs throughout the region and commends District staff on the progress they’ve made over the past two years.”

MFLs set water flows, levels and limits necessary to prevent significant harm to the water resources or ecology of an area from water withdrawals. Florida law (section 373.042(1), Florida Statutes,) requires each water management district to develop and set MFLs to protect the waterbodies, including springs, rivers and aquifers, within their region.

MFLs are calculated using the best available information and science, and the process of developing those MFLs includes a series of steps including identification of priority waterbodies and establishment of the District’s ambitious but achievable schedule; technical analysis of data collection; and finally, the adoption of District rules establishing MFLs.

For more information and to view the work plan, visit http://nwfwp.sgssys.info/water-resources/minimum-flows-minimum-water-levels/.