Florida Matters: Water Quality: EPA Takes Over (February 12, 2010)

On the Radio

Water Quality: EPA Takes Over

Last year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency agreed to set specific limits on phosphorus and nitrogen in Florida waters to settle an ongoing lawsuit. It’s the first time the EPA has stepped in and set water quality standards for a state. The proposed regulations are out for public review and comment, and they are already drawing opposition from business interests and others. This week, we’ll look at the proposed rules and how they might help -- or hurt -- our state.

Listen Now

Download Audio

Program Schedule

Radio - Tuesday at 6:30 PM | Sunday at 7:30 AM on WUSF 89.7 Friday at 7:00 PM on WSMR 89.1

Radio Guests

David ChildsLawyer with Hopping Green & Sams in Tallahassee

Manley FullerPresident of the Florida Wildlife Federation

Jose GonzalezVice President of Governmental Affairs for Associated Industries of Florida

David GuestManaging Attorney for EarthJustice in Tallahassee

Audio extras

Jose Gonzalez says the nitrogen and phosphorus limits proposed by the EPA would cause 80 percent of the state's water bodies to have nutrient levels that would be considered too high. (2:07)

David Childs and Manley Fuller talk about assertions by opponents of the proposed standards that the limits would reduce nitrogen and phosphorus below natural levels and harm aquatic life in some water bodies. (3:07)

Childs says the state already has a proven method for restoring bodies of water with nutrient problems -- the Total Maximum Daily Load program. (1:46)

David Guest explains how the proposed water-quality standards would break the state into different regions and treat different types of water bodies differently. (2:05)

Radio: Related Links

Associated Industries of Florida

EarthJustice Florida Office

EPA’s Proposed Water Quality Standards for Florida Lakes and Flowing Waters

Florida Wildlife Federation

Florida Farm Bureau Federation

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Related Files

Consent decree between the U.S. EPA and environmental groups prompting the agency to propose water-quality standards for Florida

For more information

The EPA has scheduled a series of public hearing about the proposed nutrient limits:

February 16, 2010 - Tallahassee
Florida State University Conference Center
555 West Pensacola Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1640 Map
10 a.m. to noon
1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

February 17, 2010 - Orlando
Crowne Plaza Orlando Universal
7800 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819 Map
1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

February 18, 2010 - West Palm Beach
Holiday Inn Palm Beach Airport
1301 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33405 Map
Noon to 5 p.m.
6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Bookmark/Search this post with

Program

Florida Matters

Florida Matters tackles tough issues, highlights little-known stories from our part of the world, and provides a greater perspective of what it means to live in the Sunshine State.