7679604, 40D-8.041 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 7679604

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS

Division:

Southwest Florida Water Management District

Chapter:

WATER LEVELS AND RATES OF FLOW

Overview

RULE:

40D-8.041

Minimum Flows

PURPOSE:

To amend Rule 40D-8.041, F.A.C.m to establish Minimum Flows for the Lower Alafia River System as required pursuant to Section 373.042, Florida Statutes. For purposes of this rule the Lower Alafia River System includes the watercourse downstream of the USGS Gage No. 02301500 Alafia River at Lithia, FL including Lithia Springs, Buckhorn Spring, and their associated spring runs.

SUMMARY:

The Minimum Flow is proposed as 81% of the daily flow to the Lower Alafia River System that is above 120 cfs. Flow to the lower river is calculated as flow at the United States Geological Survey gaging station Alafia River at Lithia (multiplied by a factor of 1.117 to account for flow between the gage and Bell Shoals Road), plus flows from Lithia and Buckhorn Springs. In addition, a Low Flow Threshold (LFT) of 120 cubic feet per second (cfs) is proposed which prohibits all withdrawals from the river and springs when flows in the lower river fall are below that rate of flow. Minimum five-year and ten-year moving average values are set forth in the rule as a tool to assess whether flows to the Lower Alafia River remain above flow rates that are expected to occur with implementation of the Minimum Flow.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

373.044, 373.113, 373.171 FS.

LAW:

373.036, 373.0361, 373.042, 373.0421 FS.

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

9/25/2009 Vol. 35/38

COMMENTS:

From 9/25/2009 To 10/16/2009 (21 Days)
The public comment period for this notice has already expired.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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