The Florida Legislature recently adopted a new law that allows the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (“FDEP”) to establish surface water quality standards in the state. The Governor is expected to support the new law. The new law essentially approved FDEP’s nutrient standards for streams, springs, lakes, and estuaries in accordance with the document entitled “Implementation of Florida’s Numeric Nutrient Standards.”  The water quality standards primarily focus on Nitrogen(N) and Phosphorus (P) found in surface waters. The adoption of the law resolves years of conflict between the EPA and the State regarding  EPA’s efforts to  set numeric nutrient standards within the State of Florida. Generally, the business and agricultural community supported the new law, while the environmental community opposed the law.

For more information on environmental law topics, please contact one of the Burr & Forman team members for assistance. We are happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.