Governor Rick Scott today directed Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Noah Valenstein to issue an Emergency Order urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) to take emergency actions to help redirect the flow of water out of Lake Okeechobee to the south. [Read more…] about Gov. Scott Directs DEP to Take Steps to Curb Potential Algae Blooms
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Announces New Statewide Recycling Education Campaign
State, industry partnership works to reduce
contamination of curbside recycling through education
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, on Florida Recycles Day, will announce the launch of a statewide public education campaign, Rethink. Reset. Recycle. Designed in partnership with Waste Management, MARPAN, Waste Connections and Single Stream Recyclers, LLC., the campaign aims to educate Floridians about curbside recycling.
The campaign serves to remind Floridians of the basics of curbside recycling: clean and dry aluminum and steel cans, plastic bottles and jugs, and paper and cardboard. About 30 percent of all household materials recycled in Florida are actually not recyclable at curbside, according to estimates by Waste Management, leading to the shutdown of processing centers for hours at a time each day. Contamination costs an average of $125 per ton. By eliminating the 30 percent of contaminated materials in curbside recycling bins, Floridians could save up to $100 million in recycling costs in one year.
The centerpiece of the campaign is FloridaRecycles.org, a website that serves as the hub for the program, housing informational messaging and resources for recycling coordinators across Florida to use in their own counties. Resources include a robust social media kit with content; best practices and a response guide; fact sheet; infographic; rack card; mail insert; website banners; messaging and styleguide.
“With the increased popularity of curbside recycling across Florida’s 67 counties, we’ve seen a big increase in participation — but many items ending up in the bins aren’t actually recyclable at curbside,” said Joe Ullo, Division Director of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. “We are pleased to be a partner in the launch of this statewide campaign, which calls on Floridians to rethink what they knew and reset their recycling behavior to focus on the basics.”
“Waste Management is pleased to lead a group of industry colleagues as part of the recycling partnership’s recycling education campaign,” said Dawn McCormick, Communications Director for Waste Management, Inc. of Florida. “We all share the important goal of recycling more material that has an environmental benefit, and keeping non-recyclables out of curbside containers to remain environmentally and economically sustainable.”
As Floridians commit to improve their recycling efforts and reduce curbside contamination, the partnership seeks to help Florida reach its long-term goal of a 75 percent recycling rate by 2020. Since 2011, the statewide recycling rate has increased from 30 percent. In 2016, Florida recycled 16.4 million tons of municipal solid waste – increasing the statewide overall recycling rate from 54 to 56 percent from the year before.
For more information, visit FloridaRecycles.org.
Governor Scott Appoints Noah Valenstein as Secretary of DEP
Governor Rick Scott today appointed, and the Florida Cabinet approved, Noah Valenstein as the Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
Governor Scott said, “Throughout his entire career, Noah has demonstrated an unyielding commitment to protecting our state’s incredible and diverse natural treasures. As a native Floridian, Noah knows firsthand how important our natural resources are to our families and visitors, and he understands that we must work each day to protect our environment on behalf of our future generations. Noah has worked hard to manage and oversee a range of environmental issues over his more than 15 years of public service, and I know he will use this invaluable experience in his new role as DEP Secretary. I am confident that Noah will continue to be a strong leader and advocate for preserving the future of our state’s beautiful and pristine environment.”
Noah has served as executive director for the Suwannee River Water Management District since 2015 where he implemented a restructuring of the agency and oversaw the protection and conservation of water and land resources across 15 counties. Noah previously served as the Policy Coordinator for Energy, Agriculture and Environment in the Executive Office of the Governor from 2012 through 2015. Noah also previously served as Director of Legislative Affairs for the Everglades Foundation and worked in the Legislative Affairs Office for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his law degree from Florida State University.
DEP awards $21.5 million to Brevard County for continued restoration of Indian River Lagoon
Legislative appropriation helps fund muck dredging project
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection recently awarded Brevard County an additional $21.5 million legislative appropriation grant for Phase II of the Brevard County Muck Dredging project. This latest funding builds on the previous $20 million awarded in the past two years for muck removal in the Indian River Lagoon, for a total investment of $41.5 million to date.
Muck build-up is a result of nutrient pollution, sediment, grass clippings, leaves and other organic matter entering the Indian River Lagoon over time and accumulating at the bottom. As muck decomposes, it consumes oxygen needed by fish and it releases nutrients that feed algal blooms. Muck sediments also negatively impact navigation and can damage seagrass beds.
“Eliminating current sources of muck is a crucial step toward improving water quality and the overall health of the Lagoon,” said DEP Interim Secretary Ryan Matthews. “Brevard County continues to demonstrate its commitment to protect and restore the Indian River Lagoon and we look forward to continued collaboration to protect this important resource.”
This newest phase of the project will remove approximately 400,000 additional cubic yards of muck sediments from the south Sykes Creek and Grand Canal sites within the Indian River Lagoon, the Banana River Lagoon and associated tributaries.
“We are grateful to DEP for this additional funding to help restore the Indian River Lagoon,” said Virginia Barker, Brevard County Natural Resources Management Department director. “The continuation of muck removal projects is important to the overall health, productivity, aesthetic appeal and economic value of the Lagoon, and saving the Lagoon is a top priority for the people who live, work and play here.”
Previous funding includes $20 million for the ongoing Phase I of the Brevard County Muck Dredging project, which when completed will remove approximately 350,000 cubic yards of muck from the north Cocoa Beach, Mims boat ramp and Turkey Creek sites within the Indian River Lagoon, the Banana River Lagoon and associated tributaries. Additionally, $800,000 was awarded to identify sources of muck in the Indian River Lagoon and remove aquatic vegetation from the Lagoon watershed.
Together, both phases of the muck dredging project are estimated to remove a total of approximately 1,400 tons of nitrogen and 300 tons of phosphorous contained within Indian River Lagoon muck sediments.
The Indian River Lagoon Research Institute at Florida Institute of Technology (FIT), has been awarded $1.5 million to assist in monitoring project effectiveness, as well as conduct research on the chemical, physical and biological effects of muck removal within the Indian River Lagoon system.
“FIT is proud to be a research partner in this project,” said Professor Emeritus Dr. John Windsor at Florida Institute of Technology Department of Ocean Engineering and Science. “It was very foresighted of the legislature, DEP and Brevard County to assess the benefits of environmental muck dredging in coastal waters and support the research necessary to optimize Indian River Lagoon restoration from muck removal. It is also important for our students to experience how one state, one school or one person can change the world and help save a national treasure like the Indian River Lagoon, and be prepared to continue the ongoing restoration and maintenance plan.”
The department is working aggressively to improve water quality in the Indian River Lagoon by identifying and funding additional wastewater and stormwater projects to reduce the amount of nutrients going into the Lagoon, as well as dredging projects to remove muck from the bottom of the Lagoon.
Governor Rick Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Families” budget proposes funding for a 50/50 state matching grant program with local communities, including those along Indian River Lagoon, to provide funding to encourage residents to move from septic tanks to sewer systems in order to curb pollution that is currently entering impacted water bodies. Additionally, this proposal will support local communities to help build wastewater systems to meet the increased demand for wastewater services.
About DEP’s Division of Water Restoration Assistance
The Division of Water Restoration Assistance is responsible for providing loans and grants for projects that improve the quality and quantity of the state’s water resources and provide a significant benefit to the environment and local communities. Projects in several program areas are funded that improve stormwater quality, reduce pollutants entering surface water and groundwater, protect springs, collect and treat wastewater, produce and distribute drinking water, nourish beaches and reclaim mined land. For more information, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/water/waterprojectfunding/.
DEP awards more than $24 million for projects to improve water quality in the Indian River Lagoon
Department funds 12 projects to help restore Indian River Lagoon
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has awarded more than $24 million in funding for 12 recent projects to continue efforts to improve water quality in the Indian River Lagoon. These projects will help communities reduce stormwater nutrient loads, continue stormwater treatment improvements, reduce or eliminate nonpoint source pollution and eliminate muck sediments.
“We are committed to partnering with local communities to expedite and implement projects that improve water quality and contribute to the ongoing restoration of the Indian River Lagoon, which is vital to Florida’s environment, economy and quality of life,” said DEP Interim Secretary Ryan Matthews.
Recent projects benefiting the Indian River Lagoon include:
Brevard County: Awarded a total of $556,100 in grant funding and a legislative appropriation for a nutrient-reduction project at Pines Industrial Pond, a 71-acre commercial and industrial area, including construction of a treatment train system to treat stormwater runoff. The enhanced pond system is estimated to remove approximately 800 pounds of nitrogen and 100 pounds of phosphorous per year.
Brevard County was also awarded a $122,350 legislative appropriation, for a total of $361,850, for the Johnson Jr. High School pond retrofits. These will enhance the efficiency of an existing retention pond by regulating and redirecting stormwater flow through nitrogen-removing and phosphorous-absorbing chambers to reduce pollution entering the northern Indian River Lagoon.
Cape Canaveral: Awarded a $98,400 grant for shoreline restoration at Banana River Park and Manatee Sanctuary Park, along approximately 1,700 feet of the eastern shore of the Banana River Lagoon. Restoration includes a combination of coquina rock placement, native vegetation such as mangroves and wire grass, and enhancement of an infiltration swale. This project will protect the shoreline from high winds, wave erosion and sediment deposit.
Edgewater: Awarded a $159,300 grant for stormwater treatment improvements at Lamont and Hubbell streets, which will reduce untreated stormwater runoff directly discharged into the Indian River Lagoon. Project benefits include reducing nutrients entering the estuary, increasing groundwater recharge, reducing saltwater intrusion and encouraging seagrass growth. The project is estimated to remove approximately 24 pounds of nitrogen and three pounds of phosphorous per year.
Indialantic: Awarded a $65,500 grant for a stormwater retrofit at Lily Park, including clearing invasive melaleuca trees, installing approximately 900 linear feet of storm sewer and excavation of a stormwater treatment area within a 1960s era storm sewer system draining directly into the Indian River Lagoon. The project will improve the quality of stormwater discharged into the lagoon.
Melbourne: Awarded a $517,050 grant for a stormwater retrofit within approximately 200 acres in the high-density residential neighborhoods of Bell and Garfield, both with stormwater currently draining into the Eau Gallie River and northern Indian River Lagoon.
Ocean Breeze: Awarded a total of $465,000 in a grant and a legislative appropriation for a stormwater retrofit of a 46-acre watershed to the Indian River Lagoon, including construction of a treatment train consisting of bioswale excavation and plantings, two baffle boxes and exfiltration pipe. The project will help remove nutrients from stormwater entering the estuary.
Palm Bay: Awarded a $400,000 legislative appropriation for stormwater treatment at Palm Bay Marina near the mouth of Turkey Creek, which flows into the Indian River Lagoon. Treatment includes retrofit and installation of treatment trains that will reduce untreated stormwater, which damages seawalls, while discharging into the lagoon. The project will prevent further seawall erosion and is estimated to remove approximately 40 pounds of nitrogen and 1,600 pounds of phosphorous per year.
Rockledge: Awarded an additional $162,500 grant, for a total of $937,500 for phase one of a septic tank elimination project in the Rockwood and Knollwood Gardens subdivisions adjacent to the Indian River Lagoon to reduce nutrient pollution. Construction of a central sewer line will connect approximately 140 residential lots to a lift station.
St. Johns River Water Management District: Awarded an increase of $10 million for a total of $20 million from legislative appropriation grants for a muck dredging project in the Eau Gallie River, a tributary of the Indian River Lagoon. This additional funding and expansion of the project allows for completion of all dredging and the removal of approximately 625,000 cubic yards of muck sediment. Muck soils will be removed from the main stem of the Eau Gallie River, and from the southern branch of the river, Elbow Creek. The project is estimated to remove approximately 1,200 tons of nitrogen and 260 tons of phosphorous contained within the Eau Gallie River muck deposits.
Titusville: Awarded a $352,752 grant for stormwater treatment that includes installation of two treatment trains with catch basins for stormwater flowing from the Main Street and Sycamore Street sub-basins, totaling 588 acres. The project is designed to improve water quality and reduce pollutants carried by stormwater from entering the Indian River Lagoon.
Titusville was also awarded a $105,000 legislative appropriation for watershed improvements in the city’s Knox McRae Basin, including construction of a treatment train. The project is estimated to remove approximately 280 pounds of nitrogen and 55 pounds of phosphorous.
Project funding is provided by the state’s Total Maximum Daily Load Water Quality Restoration Grant, legislative appropriation grants and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Section 319 Nonpoint Source Grant.
The department is working aggressively to improve water quality in the Indian River Lagoon by identifying and funding additional wastewater and stormwater projects to reduce the amount of nutrients going into the lagoon, as well as dredging projects to remove muck from the bottom of the lagoon.
Governor Rick Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Families” budget proposes funding for a 50/50 state matching grant program with local communities, including those along Indian River Lagoon, to provide funding to encourage residents to move from septic tanks to sewer systems in order to curb pollution that is currently entering impacted water bodies. Additionally, this proposal will support local communities to help build wastewater systems to meet the increased demand for wastewater services.
About DEP’s Division of Water Restoration Assistance
The Division of Water Restoration Assistance is responsible for providing loans and grants for projects that improve the quality and quantity of the state’s water resources and provide a significant benefit to the environment and local communities. Projects in several funding program areas improve stormwater quality, reduce pollutants entering surface water and groundwater, protect springs, collect and treat wastewater, produce and distribute drinking water, nourish beaches and reclaim mined land. For more information, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/water/waterprojectfunding/.
