Bill > S1576

This bill establishes the "Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act" to protect and restore Outstanding Florida Springs, which are defined as significant natural springs and their associated waterways. It requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and water management districts to establish minimum flow and water level requirements for these springs, which are the limits at which further water withdrawals would harm the springs' resources or ecology. The bill also mandates the DEP to delineate "spring protection and management zones" around these springs, identifying areas vulnerable to contamination or reduced water levels, and requires water management districts to develop "recovery or prevention strategies" if a spring is or is projected to fall below its minimum flow or level. Furthermore, it addresses water quality by requiring assessments for nutrient pollution, the development of "basin management action plans" to reduce pollution from various sources including onsite sewage systems and agricultural runoff, and prohibits certain activities within the protection zones, such as new wastewater disposal facilities above a certain capacity or new hazardous waste disposal sites. The bill also outlines funding mechanisms for restoration projects and requires annual progress reports to the legislature.