Urgent need for comment submission on FDEP Rule intended to replace EPA Numeric Nutrient Criteria
 
FDEP spent the summer drafting a state rule that would replace the EPA numeric nutrient criteria.
 
This FDEP draft rule has been embraced by many opponents of the EPA Rule for the obvious reasons: 1.It would allow the continued discharge of sewage, animal manure and fertilizer pollution into most of the
State’s water resources; 2.It would keep the burden of prevention and clean-up costs on the taxpayer and off industry polluters; and 3.It would give the state legislature control of the nutrient pollution issue.
 
However, FDEP has made it clear throughout the drafting process that the decision to go forward with rule-making depends on having public support to do so.
 
We have the opportunity for the next 3 weeks to bombard FDEP with comments against the draft rule and prove that Floridians do not want less protection for our water bodies but rather, we want more protection. 
 
We can send a clear message to FDEP if we mobilize ourselves, our members and our allies.
 
Attached is a Policy Alert that includes some easy talking points. 
 
Comments can be provided directly on the webpage (2000 character limit) or posted as attachments to the webpage. The link to the public comments webpage is
http://floridadep.nutrient-criteria-rule-feedback.sgizmo.com/s3/
 
Comments opposing the FDEP draft rule should be submitted by October 18. The deadline for technical comments on the draft is Wednesday, September 28.
 
You can view the comments submitted to FDEP on their proposed rule by way of the Department’s nutrient criteria webpage
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/wqssp/nutrients/index.htm
 
Please contact me for more info and thanks for joining our efforts. 
Please forward this message.
 
Regards,
Cris Costello
 
Regional Representative
Sierra Club
1365 Fruitville Road
Sarasota, FL 34236
Office: 941-951-6084  
Cell: 941-914-0421