The spending plan announced today by Governor Rick Scott and funded with legislative appropriations, water management districts, and local partners, should bring benefits of reduced nitrogen and increased water flows in several springsheds.
The projects to remove nitrogen from the wastewater effluent currently harming Silver Springs and Ichetucknee Springs, conserve agricultural water use, and convert septic tanks to sewer systems will have a net positive effect on springs. Audubon has long recommended improved agricultural Best Management Practices, water conservation, and reducing pollution from wastewater sources.
"The money is well spent on these projects," said Eric Draper, Executive Director of Audubon Florida.
"Protection of our springs will require a long term commitment and so we urge Governor Scott and the Legislature to continue funding springs projects while tightening rules on fertilizer use and water conservation.”