For those wishing to speak on the EPA's proposed Florida water quality standards...

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.

If you have questions about the proposed rule contact Danielle Salvaterra at 202-564-1649.

Stakeholder Input on Proposed Rulemaking
EPA is holding three public hearings in Florida during the public comment period for the proposed rule. The public comment period will begin on the day the proposed rule is published in the Federal Register, and will last for 60 days. The public hearings will afford an opportunity for the public to provide comments on EPA’s proposed rule. Brief oral comments and written comments will be accepted at the hearings. Due to the large number of expected commenters, EPA expects to limit each oral comment to five minutes or less in order to give everyone an opportunity to speak. You do not have to be present at the hearings in order to provide written comments on the proposed rule (the proposed rule will contain information on how you can submit written comments). The dates and locations of the hearings are as follows:

* February 16, 2010: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Capitol East, 1355 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32301
* February 17, 2010: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Orlando Universal, 7800 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819
* February 18, 2010: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Palm Beach Airport, 1301 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33405

Participation in Public Hearings
EPA encourages you to pre-register for this hearing. Registration is strongly encouraged, as we expect a large number of participants. Everyone who attends will have the opportunity to speak, however those who have registered will be able to speak first. EPA expects to limit each oral comment to five minutes or less. You do not need to register to attend and/or speak at the hearings. In addition, you do not have to be present at the hearings to provide written comments on the proposed rule (the proposed rule contains information on how you can submit written comments).

If you have questions about the public hearings contact Sharon Frey (frey.sharon@epa.gov) at 202-566-1480.

http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/standards/rules/florida/