World Water Crisis (LIFE)

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EPA Steps-in to Regulate Water Quality in Florida – and ignites controversy
(see EPA rules and public meeting schedule). http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/standards/rules/florida/
Last year, EPA 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 drawing opposition and support. Public radio features the issues this week (hear broadcast). http://www.wusf.usf.edu/news/program/florida_matters/episode/2010-02/water_quality_epa_takes_over FL Rural Water (and other water associations) take strong stand in opposition EPA’s rules (see comments). http://www.ruralwater.org/frwa%20nnc.pdf
http://www.ruralwater.org/

Florida
Proposed Water Quality Standards for the State of Florida's Lakes and Flowing Waters
Overview
EPA has proposed numeric nutrient water quality standards for lakes and flowing waters, including canals, within the State of Florida and has proposed regulations to establish a framework for Florida to develop “restoration standards” for impaired waters. EPA issued this proposed rule pursuant to a determination that EPA made on January 14, 2009, under section 303(c)(4)(B) of the Clean Water Act. The determination states that numeric nutrient water quality standards for lakes and flowing waters and for estuaries and coastal waters are necessary for the State of Florida to meet the requirements of Clean Water Act section 303(c). EPA signed the proposed rule addressing lakes and flowing waters on January 14, 2010, per the terms of a consent decree. This proposed rule will be published in the Federal Register shortly.

Press Release (January 15, 2010) http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/d0cf6618525a9efb85257359003fb69d/393728cbe28ce582852576ac00515a61!OpenDocument
Fact sheet (January 2010) http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/standards/rules/florida/factsheet.html
Federal Register Notice | http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-1220.htm PDF Version (54 pp, 541K, http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-1220.pdf
Technical Support Document http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#docketDetail?R=EPA-HQ-OW-2009-0596