Cover photos courtesy of the Orange Coun ty Historical Society and Jim Peterson

## SWIM P LAN FOR



## L AKE 

## A POPKA 

## , F LORIDA

Issued in compliance with the Surface Water Improvement and Management Act Chapter 87-97, Laws of Florida , and
Rule 17-43.035, Florida Administrative Code

Prepared by

Victoria R. Hoge, Environmental Scientist Roxanne Conrow, Supervising Environmental Scientist David L. Stites, Ph.D., Supervising Environmental Scientist*

Michael F. Coveney, Ph.D., Technical Program Manager Erich R. Marzolf, Ph.D., Superv ising Environmental Scientist Edgar F. Lowe, Ph.D., Division Director
Lawrence E. Battoe, Ph.D., Assistant Division Director

With contributions from

Walt Godwin, Elizabeth Mace, Rolland Fult on, Pam Bowen, Dawne Wilson,* Brian
McGurk, Gianfranco Basili, Lois Bush,* Je ff Cole, Nancy Christman, and Janet Lowe*

*Previously with SJRWMD

July 2003Executive Summary

St. Johns River Water Management District

iii 

## E XECUTIVE 

## S UMMARY

The Surface Water Impr ovement and Management (SWIM) Act of 1987 identified Lake Apopka as a priority water body in need of restoration and preservation. Effective management of the Lake Apopka watershed is necessary to reverse the degradation of the system. In response to this mandate, the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) has prepared a comprehensive management plan to restore and preserve

the lake and its environment.

Lake Apopka was specifically identified fo r restoration efforts in 1985 by the Lake Apopka Restoration Act (Chapter 85, Laws of Florida ). The Lake Apopka Restoration Council (LARC), SJRWMD, the Florida De partment of Enviro nmental Protection (FDEP) (formerly the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation), the Florida

Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (formerly the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission), and Lake and Orange counties identified specific projects to be conducted in a scope of work. Proj ects planned and implemented under this mandate were incorporated into the Lake Apopka SWIM Plan.

SJRWMD has relied upon staff knowledge, agency and governmental reviews, public comment, and general goals de veloped by the LARC for guidance in developing the Lake Apopka SWIM Plan. These efforts have resulted in a coordinated, planned approach to develop economically feasible an d environmentally sound strategies for the Lake Apopka restoration effort. Previous versions of the Lake Apopka SWIM Plan were published in 1989 and 1993.

The goals of the plan are to (1) restore the wa ter in Lake Apopka to meet Class III water quality standards, (2) restore the functional ca pabilities of the lake’s natural systems, (3) re-establish previous recreational and aesthetic values, and (4) implement a comprehensive basin management plan.

Seven priority issues were identified for acti on in the Lake Apopka restoration effort:

• Agricultural discharges

• Lack of fish and wildlife habitat

• Poor water quality and flocculent sediments

• Degradation of downstream lakes

• Low recreational and aesthetic values

• Nonpoint source pollution

• Future basin developmentSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

iv In the 18 years since the Lake Apopka Restoration Act, SJRWMD has implemented a comprehensive array of SWIM projects to address each of these issues. Through years of scientific study (diagnostic and feasibility programs), an implementation plan with six programs (restoration, planning, land acquisition, regulatory, technical support, and public information) and 16 projects was developed. Implementat ion has four main

components:

• Reduce phosphorus (P) loading from external sources, primarily agricultural operations, through regulation and land acquisition.

• Remove P and flocculent sediments from the lake to accelerate recovery of the lake through wetland filtration (marsh flow-way) and removal of gizzard shad.

• Improve food-web structure to improve water quality and benefit production of game fish by removal of gizzard shad.

• Restore lake habitat through littoral zone planting an d increased fluctuation in lake

levels.



### R EDUCTION IN 

### N UTRIENT 

### L OADING

The first and foremost step towards the restoration of Lake Apopka is to reduce external nutrient loading, focusing primarily on P re ductions. Regulatory, land acquisition, and restoration activities have been initia ted that decrease external phosphorus loading to Lake Apopka.

A major regulatory action in support of the Lake Apopka restoration was to restrict external nutrient loading from muck farms on the northern shore of the lake. In June
1988, SJRWMD and A. Duda and Sons, Inc. (Duda), entered into a consent order designed to reduce discharges and help protect water quality according to a fixed time schedule through a major restructuring of the surface water control system on Lake Jem

Farm.

In May 1989, SJRWMD and th e Zellwood Drainage and Water Contro l District (ZDWCD) signed a similar consent order, although an administrative challenge delayed implementation of those consen t order conditions until 1991.

The 1996 Lake Apopka legislation

• Set a phosphorus criterion for the lake of 55 parts per billion “in the event the district does not adopt a rule...by January 1997”

• Gave SJRWMD the legal authority to set a phosphorus discharge limitationExecutive Summary

St. Johns River Water Management District

v • Determined that it was in the public interest for SJRWMD to pursue buyout of the farms as the long-term solution to the problem

• Provided partial funding toward farm acquisition

SJRWMD established a phosphorus criterion of 55 parts per billion for Lake Apopka in August 1996. The criterion “will be used to establish discharge limitations for all regulated activities within the Lake Apopka drainage basin.”

Phosphorus discharge limitations for Lake Apopka were approved by the Governing Board in December 2002. The rule amendments, which involve Chapters 40C-4, 40C-41,
40C-42, and 40C-44, F.A.C. , and related Applicant’s Handbooks, became effective
March 7, 2003.

With funding available from federal and state sources, a total of 13,846 acres (ac) east of the Apopka-Beauclair Canal was purchased by the end of 2000. Earlier, all muck farm areas (5,833 ac) west of the Apopka-Beaucla ir Canal were purchased for the Marsh Flow-Way Project, a restoration project using marshes to remove particulate phosphorus from lake water.



### R EMOVE 

### P AND 

### F LOCCULENT 

### S EDIMENTS

Recirculation of lake water through the marsh flow-way, a 21 km 2 constructed treatment wetland located west of the Apopka-Beauclair Canal, will lead to the removal of particle-bound phosphorus. The Marsh Flow-Way Project included design, construction, and oper ation of a 530-ac, demo nstration-scale wetland filter. This pilot project provided necessary experience and data for the design and construction of the 3,400-ac, full-scale flow-way. Co nstruction of Phase I ( 650 ac) of the project was completed in 2001. Phase I will start operation wh en the currently record low lake levels increase sufficiently and when consultations with federal agencies are completed. The full project is expected to re move 30 metric tons of phos phorus annually from Lake Apopka.



### I MPROVE 

### F OOD 

### -W EB 

### S TRUCTURE

The Trophic Structure Manipulation and Rough-Fish Harvesting projects tested and implemented rough fish (gizzar d shad) harvest as an econ omical means of removing nutrients from the lake, increasing water cl arity, and improving conditions for game fish. Lake Denham (a small hypereutrophic la ke representative of Lake Apopka) served as the site for an initial pilot study. After removal of gizzard shad was followed by an improvement in water quality in Lake Denham, various harvesting techniques wereSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

vi tested in Lake Apopka to determine the mo st cost-effect ive method. From 1993 through 2002, the commercial rough-fish harvest funde d by SJRWMD in Lake Apopka removed 3,729,945 kg (8.2 million pounds) of fish. In addit ion, removal of shad will benefit the lake by reducing internal phosphorus loading caused by fish stirring up the bottom sediments, by reducing predation of shad on zooplankton which feed on algae, and by reducing the phosphorus recycling that results from the shad’s digestive processes.



### R ESTORE 

### L AKE 

### H ABITAT

The Littoral Zone Restoration Project examin ed the potential for stabilization of nearshore sediments with inexpe nsive, moveable breakwaters and planting of desirable vegetation for improved habitat. The first barriers were installed in 1991, followed by on-going planting of native vegetation beginning in 1992. By 2001, 40 sites had been planted around the 40-mile perimeter of the lake.

In addition to providing valuable habitat, submersed macrophytes will hasten the recovery of the lake through several positive feedback mechanisms.

Planting “events,” with volu nteers of all ages participating, have been sponsored in cooperation with county and local governments and the Friends of Lake Apopka (FOLA) to restore littoral zone areas bo rdering public parks around the lake.



### R ESTORATION 

### B ENEFITS TO 

### D ATE

Beginning in 1993, consent orders with the fa rms resulted in modest reductions in phosphorus loading. Also, SJRWMD began removing gizzar d shad from the lake. The

combined effects of these efforts beca me evident in mid-1995, when the total phosphorus (TP) concentratio n began to fluctuate around a 30% lower value. This improvement has persisted to da te. Chlorophyll, a measure of algal abundance, also

declined in mid-1995 and has continued its downward trend. Secchi depth, a measure of water clarity, increased over the same period of time. Since 1995, native submersed aquatic vegetation, especially Vallisneria americana (eelgrass), has reappeared and has continued to recolonize Lake Apopka. In fall 2000, 83 patches of eelgrass were found

with a combined area of more than 6 ac. Th ese improvements are hi ghly significant in that they indicate that Lake Apopka can and will recover from decades of pollution once the full restoration program has been implemented.Executive Summary

St. Johns River Water Management District

vii 

### P ESTICIDE 

### R ESIDUES IN 

### F ORMER 

### A GRICULTURAL 

### A REAS

Since the Legislature determined that it was in the public interest for SJRWMD to begin acquisition of the farms on the north sh ore of Lake Apopka in 1996, approximately
13,500 ac of farmland have b een acquired east of the Apopka-Beauclair Canal by SJRWMD and the USDA National Resource and Conservation Service (NRCS). This area, the North Shore Restoration Area (NSRA) , will ultimately be restored to wetland habitat, thereby reducing the nutrient-rich discharges to the lake.

During the fall of 1998 and winter of 1999, a si gnificant bird morta lity event occurred on a flooded portion of the NSRA. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has linked this mortality to organochlorine pesticide toxicosis. The NSRA curre ntly is being kept dry—by pumping excess water due to rainfall— to discourage its use by wetland birds.

In March 1999, SJRWMD and NRCS , with support from a 13-ag ency Technical Advisory Group, launched a $1.5 million project to invest igate the cause of th e bird mortality and to determine safe levels for pesticide residu es in organic soils. All data on soils and sediments, birds, and fish were provided to Ex ponent Inc., a consul ting firm based in Bellevue, Washington. Their analysis of the data and draft report on the mortality event were completed for review in September 2000. A further draft, which incorporated comments from academic and ag ency reviewers, as well as new data from USFWS, was received in April 2003. The information provided by this study will be used to help guide interim management of the NSRA and other former muck farms targeted for

restoration.

A primary uncertainty for eval uating risk from pesticide residues is the rate of bioaccumulation of pesticides from soils/sediments through the food chain to fish and then to birds. Soils with high organic matter contents, like those on the NSRA have not
been studied, nor has environmental fate modeling for pesticides been evaluated under similar high organic conditions. Therefore, three additional phases of study were necessary: (1) laboratory microcosms, (2) field-scale mesocosms, and (3) bird feeding

studies. SJRWMD initiated these studies during the spring of 2001.

In addition to the above studies, SJRWMD started cleanup during 2002 of a small, highly contaminated area. Th is site was discovered during the intensive soil sampling

conducted in 1999. Also as a result of th e intensive sampling and subsequent risk analysis, SJRWMD and NRCS ha ve begun reflooding a 700-ac portion of the Duda farm.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

viii 

### P ROJECT 

### D ESCRIPTIONS

Diagnostic projects further our understanding of the functioning of the lake and the causes of its degradation. Fe asibility projects ar e directed toward the investigation and testing of potential restoration techniques. Of the 16 diagnostic and feasibility projects developed, 13 have been completed or no fur ther action is planned. The scopes of the remaining three projects have been expanded and are near completion or are on-going. A number of restoration techniques originally proposed for Lake Apopka were found upon examination to be either ineffective or too costly . These include large-scale dredging and sediment recyc ling, phosphorus inactivation in the lake sediments, microbial decomposition, and ichthyofaunal reconstruction. The decision not to proceed with pilot-scale implementation of these techniques freed resources to support restoration methods that appear more promising.

In the Lake Apopka SWIM Plan, goals and sp ecific strategies ha ve been developed to address the seven priority issues. A total of eight programs implement the strategies of the plan. The programs are organized into 32 projects, some of which have been completed. The programs and projects includ ed in the Lake Apopka SWIM Plan are

outlined below.

A. Diagnostic Program

1. External Nutrient Budget—Quantified the exchange of water and nutrients between Lake Apopka and its watershed. COMPLETED

2. Internal Nutrient Budget—Mapped the type , depth, and chemical characteristics of lake sediments. Quantified nutrients returning from the sediments to the water. Surveyed the levels and potential toxic e ffects of substances in the sediments. Studied accumulation rates of nutrients in sediments and changes in these rates over the past 100 years. COMPLETED

3. Mathematical Modeling—Used data co llected in the diagn ostic and feasibility programs to project the effects of selected restoration techniques. COMPLETED

4. Phytoplankton-Nutrient Interactions—Provided baseline information on algal biomass and productivity. Assessed the consequences of nutrient reduction on algal growth. COMPLETED

5. Bathymetry—Provided a more recent an d complete bathymetric survey of Lake Apopka. COMPLETEDExecutive Summary

St. Johns River Water Management District

ix 6. Fishery—Obtain current information on the fishery in Lake Apopka by monitoring the game and rough fish populations. Determine changes in the fish community resulting from restoration efforts. Evaluate potential effects of existing organic toxins on alligator, turtle, and bird populations in Lake Apopka. ONGOING

7. Seismic Reflection Profiling—Examined subsurface geology across Lake Apopka and assessed the nature of the confining layers between the lake and the Floridan aquifer. COMPLETED

8. Hydrodynamic Survey—Modeled velocities and directions of water currents in selected portions of the lake. Evaluated the mixing dynamics of discharge from the marsh flow-way and evaluated possible “short circuiting” of filtered water back to

the inlet. COMPLETED

B. Feasibility Program

1. Water Hyacinth Demonstration—Tested the ability of water hy acinths to remove

nutrients from the lake. COMPLETED

2. Phosphorus Inactivation/P recipitation—Evaluated the fe asibility of using alum as a precipitant to trap nutrients in an insoluble matrix. COMPLETED

3. Sediment Recycling—Evaluated dredging costs and potential markets for lake sediment to make dredging econ omically feasible. COMPLETED

4. Microbial Decomposition—Evaluated ways of stimulating natural microbial processes to reduce the bulk of lake sediments and sequester nutrients.

COMPLETED

5. Ichthyofaunal Reconstruction (I, II)—Phase I: Compiled a literature review on biomanipulation to determine the applicabili ty to problems in Lake Apopka. Phase II: Evaluated the potential for use of exotic fish species to aid in the restoration of Lake Apopka by consumption of excess production of algae. COMPLETED

6. Trophic Structure Manipulation (I, II, III)—Phase I: Provided baseline data on the role of rough fish in plankton and nutrient dynamics. Phase II: Determined the effects of gizzard shad removal on lake trophic structure and nutrient recycling. Phase III: Tested standard harvesting ge ar for large-scale rough fish removal in Lake Apopka and tested feasibility of using harvested rough fish (primarilySWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

x gizzard shad) as marketable products to offset the cost of fish removal.

COMPLETED

7. Drawdown and Lake Level Fluctuation— Evaluate the feasibility and ecological effects of temporarily lowering the water level in the lake or enhancing water level

fluctuation. ONGOING

8. Socioeconomic Assessment and Methodology—Developed techniques for socioeconomic assessment of a lake basin. Assessed the present economic value of the recreational and commercial uses of Lake Apopka and predicted future economic growth concomitant with water quality improvement. Assessed the impact of muck farm buyout on the local economy. COMPLETED

C. Restoration Program

1. Marsh Flow-Way Restoration—Restores muck farmland to marsh land in order to

filter nutrient-rich water from Lake Apopka. ONGOING; Phase I COMPLETED

2. Rough Fish Harvesting—Harvests rough fish species to remove nutrients from Lake Apopka and improves water quality through food-web manipulation.

ONGOING

3. Wetland Restoration—Restores acquir ed properties to wetland habitat and examines restoration for effects upon water quality, vegetation, and wildlife.

ONGOING

4. Littoral Zone Restoration—Evaluates the feasibility of isolating and restoring small portions of Lake Apopka’s shoreline to vegetated littoral zone and examines the potential macrophyte seed source from littoral zone sediments. Establishes an on-going planting and monitoring effort. ONGOING

D. Regulatory Program

1. Nonpoint Source Pollution Control—Identifies and controls sources of nonpoint pollution affecting Lake Apopka. ONGOING

2. Nutrient Loading Limits Adoption—Developed and adopted more stringent permitting criteria to protect water resources in the Lake Apopka Basin from future development and establishes numerical nutrient loading limits. COMPLETEDExecutive Summary

St. Johns River Water Management District

xi E. Planning Program

1. District Water Management Plan—Provide s a means to identify and address water resource issues by coordinating with various governmental agencies and other

entities. ONGOING

2. Local Government Comprehensive Plan Review—Reviews and comments on local government comprehensive plans. ONGOING

3. Land Management Plan for the Lake Apopka Restoration Area—Develops a land management plan for the Lake Apopka Restoration Area. ONGOING

F. Public Information Program

1. Public Awareness—Uses multimedia co mmunication techniques to inform and educate the public regarding the ongoing and future restoration efforts for Lake Apopka. ONGOING

2. Local Government Information Proj ect—Makes formal informational SWIM Program presentations to Planning Commissions, County Commission Boards, and other advisory and governing bodies. ONGOING

G. Land Acquisition Program

1. Marsh Flow-Way Land Acquisition—Acquired farmland west of the ApopkaBeauclair Canal in support of the Marsh Flow-Way Project. COMPLETED

2. North Shore Land Acquisition—Acquired muck farms and adjacent conservation and preservation lands in the Lake Apopka Basin. COMPLETED (over 99%)

H. Technical Support Program

1. Implementation of Restoration and Ma nagement Techniques—Provides overall analysis and coordination of diagnostic, feasibility, regulatory, planning, and pilot restoration projects. ONGOING

2. Restoration Monitoring and Analys is—Implements a restoration and postrestoration monitoring regime. ONGOINGSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

xii 3. Overall Program Management—Manages Lake Apopka SWIM Program. Provides annual and quarterly SWIM Plan updates. Provides interagency coordination and report preparation as necessary. ONGOING

The SWIM Plan also contai ns information on project timetables and budgets. A summary of the timetable has been included with the Executive Summary for reference.

Results of projects mandated and initiated under the 1985 Lake Apopka Restoration Act provided a basis for further efforts under SWIM to restore and preserve surface water resources in the Lake Apopka Basin. Continued implementation of this SWIM Plan will result in recovery of Lake Apopka with attendant economic and social benefits to the
residents of central Florida. Since 1995, severa l critical and interrelated water quality measures have improved by over 30%. In addition, native submersed plants have reappeared and persisted in the lake for the first time in decades. These improvements demonstrate that Lake Apopka can and will im prove in response to ongoing restoration efforts. These improvements in Lake Apopka also facilitate the SWIM-based restoration
efforts in the Ocklawaha River Basin, whic h receives the improved downstream flow from Lake Apopka.

Eventual restoration of the most severely polluted large lake in Florida should provide the impetus and the technical knowledge for restoration of other severely degraded water bodies. Thus, the successful restoration of Lake Apopka represents not only a major test of the skills of water resource managers and policy makers, but also the commitment of Florida residents to reverse the trend of environmental degradation throughout the state.Figure ES1. Overall timetable for the Lake Apopka SWIM Program

St. Johns River Water Management Dist r i ct

xi ii Executive SummaryFigure ES1—Continued

St. Johns River Water Management District

xiv

SWIM Plan for Lake ApopkaContents

St. Johns River Water Management District

xv 

## C ONTENTS

Executive Summary .............................................................................................................. ........... iii

List of Fi gures................................................................................................................ .................. xix

List of Tables................................................................................................................. ................... xxi

List of Abbreviations.......................................................................................................... .......... xxiii

INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................................1

The Surface Water Im provement and Management (SWIM) Act ...................................1 SWIM Plan Development ......................................................................................................2 Relationship of SWIM Planning to Other Planning and Management Efforts..............3

OVERVIEW OF THE LAKE APOPKA BASIN.......................................................................11 Description of the Water Body System..............................................................................11 History....................................................................................................................... .............11 Climate and Hydrology .......................................................................................................15 Physiography.................................................................................................................. .......21 Water Quality ................................................................................................................. .......25

Sediments ..................................................................................................................... ..........28

Biota ......................................................................................................................... ...............28

Land Use/Land Cover .........................................................................................................29

Recreation and Public Use ...................................................................................................37

Nutrient Pollu tion Sources ..................................................................................................38

Toxic Pollutants.............................................................................................................. .......41

GOVERNMENTAL JURISDICTION .......................................................................................45

Federal ....................................................................................................................... .............45

State......................................................................................................................... ................47 Regional...................................................................................................................... ............50

Local......................................................................................................................... ...............51

PLANNING: ISSUES, GOALS, STRATEGIES, PROGRAMS, AND PROJECTS...................53 District Planning ............................................................................................................. ......53 Lake Apopka SWIM Plan ....................................................................................................54SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

xvi PROGRESS OF THE LAKE APOP KA RESTORATION PROGRAM..................................75

Overview...................................................................................................................... ..........75

Reduction in Nu trient Loading...........................................................................................75 Removal of Phosphorus and Flocculent Sediments.........................................................83 Improve Food-W eb Structure .............................................................................................86 Improve Lake Habitat .......................................................................................................... 86

Other Efforts ................................................................................................................. .........89

PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS..................................................................................................95 Project Coding ................................................................................................................ .......95 Program and Proj ect Descriptions......................................................................................96

DETAIL OF PROJECTS............................................................................................................103 Project (LA-1-101-D): Exte rnal Nutrient Budget ............................................................103 Project (LA-1-102- D): Internal Nutrient Budget .............................................................108 Project (LA-4-103-D): Ma thematical Modeling...............................................................111 Project (LA-4-104-D): Phytoplank ton-Nutrient Interactions ........................................112 Project (LA-4-106- D): Bathymetry ....................................................................................114 Project (LA-4- 107-D): Fishery............................................................................................115 Project (LA-1-108-D): Seis mic Reflection Profiling ........................................................119 Project (LA-4-109-D): Hydrodynamic Survey ................................................................120 Project (LA-4-201- F): Water Hyacinth Demonstration ..................................................121 Project (LA-4-202-F): Phosphorus Inactiva tion/Precipitation .....................................123 Project (LA-4-204-F): Sediment Recycling .......................................................................123 Project (LA-4- 205-F): Microbial Decomposition.............................................................124 Project (LA-4-206- F): Ichthyofaunal Reconstruction......................................................125 Project (LA-4-207- F): Trophic Structure Manipulation .................................................127 Project (LA-4-208-F): Drawdown and Lake Level Fluctuation ....................................129 Project (LA-4-209-F): Socioeconomic Assessment and Methodology .........................132 Project (LA-3-301- M): Marsh Flow-Way Restoration ....................................................133 Project (LA-3- 302-M): Rough Fish Harvesting ...............................................................141 Project (LA-3-303-M): Wetland Restoration....................................................................143 Project (LA-2-304-M): Littor al Zone Restoration............................................................156 Project (LA-3-402-M) : Nonpoint Source Pollution Control ..........................................159 Project (LA-3-403-M) : Nutrient Loading Limits Adoption...........................................160 Project (LA-6-501-M) : District Water Management Plan ..............................................162 Project (LA-6-502- S): Local Government Comprehensive Plan Review.....................164 Project (LA-6-503-M): La nd Management Plan for the Lake Apopka

Restoratio n Area................................................................................................................165 Project (LA- 5-602-S): Public Awareness ..........................................................................167Contents

St. Johns River Water Management District

xvii Project (LA-5- 603-S): Local Government Information Project......................................169 Project (LA-3-701-S) : Marsh Flow-Way La nd Acquisition ...........................................171 Project (LA-3-704- S): North Shore Land Acquisition ....................................................172 Project (LA-6-802- S): Implementation of Res toration and Management Techniques ..................................................................................................................... ....173 Project (LA-6-803-S) : Restoration Monitoring and Analysis ........................................175 Project (LA-6-804- S): Overall Program Management ....................................................177

SUMMARY OF PROJ ECT FUNDING ...................................................................................181

Introduction .................................................................................................................. .......181 Funding Sources............................................................................................................... ...181

LITERATURE CITED ...............................................................................................................187

Appendix A—Legislation and Rules .....................................................................................197 Appendix B—Chronol ogy of Lake Apopka..........................................................................303 Appendix C—Lakes Inventory ...............................................................................................313 Appendix D—Land Use/Land Cover Categories ...............................................................317 Appendix E—Permits...............................................................................................................319 Appendix F—Governmental Units ........................................................................................333 Appendix G—Bibliography.....................................................................................................339 Appendix H—Report Summaries ..........................................................................................369 Appendix I—Co nsent Or ders .................................................................................................527SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

xviiiFigures

St. Johns River Water Management District

xix 

## F IGURES

ES1 Overall timetable for the Lake Apopka SWIM Program ............................................xiii

1 The St. Johns River Water Management District............................................................12

2 Major water bodies in the Ocklawaha River Basin ........................................................13

3 Lake Apopka area features................................................................................................14

4 Conversion of wetlands to agricultural lands on the north shore of Lake Apopka,
1941, 1947, 1953, and 1985..................................................................................................16

5 Subbasins and tributaries that pote ntially contribute st ormwater runoff..................18

6 Lake Apopka regulation schedule and average monthly discharge volume for the Apopka-Beauclair Canal, 1959–88 ....................................................................................19

7 Topographic relief of the Lake Apopka Basin ................................................................22

8 Soil hydrologic groups of the Lake Apopka Basin ........................................................24

9 Lake Apopka mean monthly tota l phosphorus, January 1987–March 2002 ..............26

10 Lake Apopka mean monthly chlorophyll a , January 1987–March 2002 .....................26

11 Lake Apopka mean monthly Secch i depth, January 1987–March 2002......................27

12 Land use/land cover, 1995, Lake Apopka drainage basin ...........................................35

13 1995 land use/land cover composition............................................................................37

14 Muck farms in the Lake Apopka Basin, 1988..................................................................39

15 External phosphorus bud get for Lake Apopka, 1989–94..............................................40

16 Overall Lake Ap opka SWIM Plan ....................................................................................56

17 Agricultural discharges..................................................................................................... .58SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

xx 18 Lack of fish and wildlife habitat .......................................................................................60

19 Poor water quality and flocculent sediments .................................................................63

20 Degradation of do wnstream lakes ...................................................................................66

21 Low recreational and aesthetic value...............................................................................68

22 Nonpoint pollution sources...............................................................................................70

23 Future basin development.................................................................................................72

24 Land acquisition 2002—Lake Apopka.............................................................................78

25 Lake Apopka Basin muck farm dis charge of total phosphorus, 1989–1996...............80

26 Lake Apopka Basin muck farm volumetric discharge, 1989–1998 ..............................81

27 Lake Apopka mean monthly tota l phosphorus, January 1987–March 2002 ..............81

28 Lake Apopka mean monthly chlorophyll a , October 1988–March 2002.....................82

29 Lake Apopka mean monthly Secch i depth, January 1987–March 2002......................82

30 Lake Apopka Marsh Flow -Way conceptual design.......................................................84

31 Littoral zone plantin g locations, May 2002 .....................................................................88

32 Overall timetables for the Lake Apopka SW IM Program...........................................104Tables

St. Johns River Water Management District

xxi 

## T ABLES

1 Most probable ranges for trophic state variables in pre-impacted and Class III

states......................................................................................................................................27

2 Animal species that may occur in the Lake Apopka Basin and that have been granted special status by federal or state agencies ........................................................30

3 Plant species that may occur in the La ke Apopka Basin and that have been granted special status by federal or state agencies ........................................................31

4 Bird species observed at the Lake Apopka restoration site..........................................32

5 Population by municipality wi thin the Lake Apopka Basin ........................................36

6 Evaluation and appraisal report schedule, 2002–2010 ................................................163

7 Estimated capital and operating fundin g required for Lake Apopka SWIM projects, FY 2002–2006......................................................................................................182

8A SJRWMD land acquisition in the Lake Apopka Basin as of December 20, 2002 .....183

8B Properties under contract as of December 20, 2002 .....................................................184SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

xxiiAbbreviations

St. Johns River Water Management District

xxiii 

## A BBREVIATIONS

ac acre AOR area of responsibility ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials AWPB Annual Work Plan and Budget

BMP best management practice

CBC Christmas bird count

cm centimeter

DWMP District Water Management Plan

EAR environmental assessment report ECFRPC East Central Florida Regional Planning Council EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ERP environmental resource permit

ESA environmental site assessment ET evapotranspiration

F.A.C. Florida Administrative Code FDACS Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services FDCA Florida Department of Community Affairs FDEP Florida Department of Environmental Protection FDER Florida Department of Environmental Regulation FDNR Florida Department of Natural Resources FDOT Florida Department of Transportation FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency FOLA Friends of Lake Apopka

FS Florida Statutes FSA Farm Service Agency

ft foot

ft

3 cubic foot

ft

3 /s cubic feet per second

FWC Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

GIS geographic information system

GPS global positioning systemSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

xxiv ha hectare

IFAS Institute of Food and Agricultural Science

in. inch

kg kilogram

km kilometer

LARC Lake Apopka Restoration Council

m meter

m 3 cubic meter

m 3 /s cubic meters per second mgd million gallons per day mg/L milligrams per liter

MSSW management and storage of surface waters

N nitrogen

NGVD National Geodetic Vertical Datum

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NPDES National Pollution Discharge Elimination System

NRCS National Resource and Conservation Service

NSRA North Shore Restoration Area

NWS National Weather Service

OCP organochlorine pesticide

P phosphorus

P2000 Preservation 2000

PLRG pollutant load reduction goal ppb parts per billion

RPC regional planning council

SCS Soil Conservation Service SJRWMD St. Johns River Water Management District

SOR Save Our Rivers

SRPP strategic regional policy plan

SWIM surface water improvement and management

TCC Tower Chemical CompanyAbbreviations

St. Johns River Water Management District

xxv TMDL total maximum daily load

TP total phosphorus

UF University of Florida

USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture

USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

USGS U.S. Geological Survey

WRP Wetlands Reserve Program

yd 3 cubic yard

ZDWCD Zellwood Drainage and Water Control DistrictSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

xxviIntroduction

St. Johns River Water Management District

1 

## I NTRODUCTION

This section discusses the various legislative and administrative programs that augment the Lake Apopka Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) Plan. The next section of this document prov ides a brief overview of Lake Apopka and its watershed, followed by a section outlining the local, re gional, state, and federal governments that have jurisdiction over Lake Apopka and/or the area within one mile of its banks, as required in Chapter 87-97, Laws of Florida (Appendix A).

Seven priority issues have been identified for Lake Apopka. These issues represent the major problems that must be addressed in order to achieve restoration of the lake. The Planning section defines these issues and pr esents the goals, strategies, programs, and projects that address each issue. The status and progress of the Lake Apopka restoration are discussed in the next section. The Programs and Projects section is followed by the Details of Projects sectio n, which contains details of program and project organization, describes project ide ntification coding, and provides a brief description of the individual projects.

The Lake Apopka SWIM Plan is designed to be project-oriented. It is at the project level

where the substance of the plan is implemented. Each project addresses a specific activity; active projects are detailed with timelines and itemized budgets in the Summary of Project Funding section.

SWIM programs are not intended to replace existing efforts or responsibilities, but rather to integrate efforts by local, regional , state, and federal ag encies. Likewise, SWIM funds supplement programs and identify area s where monies need to be appropriated by other agencies.



### T HE 

### S URFACE 

### W ATER 

### I MPROVEMENT AND 

### M ANAGEMENT 

### A CT

The SWIM Act (Chapter 87-97, Laws of Florida , and Section 373.451, Florida Statutes [ FS ], in Appendix A), was enacted in 1987 by the Florida Legislature to address one of the state’s most pressing problems. That body found that the qua lity of many surface

waters of the state had been or were in da nger of becoming degr aded. This degradation resulted from point and nonp oint source pollution and destruction of natural systems that purify surface waters and provide habi tats for plants, fish, and wildlife. It was determined that surface water problems can be corrected and prevented through programs implemented by the regional water management districts with the cooperation of state agenci es and local governments.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

2 The intent of the legislation was to provide aesthetic and recreational pleasure for the people of the state; to provide habitat for native plants, fish, and wildlife, including endangered and threatened species; to provide safe drinking water to the growing population of the state; and to attract visitors and accrue other economic benefits. The SWIM legislation specifical ly designated Lake Apopka as a water body in need of

restoration.

Each of the state’s five water management districts, in cooperation with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), the Florida Department of Community Affairs (FDCA), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and local governments, was mandated to prepar e a list of prioritized water bodies of regional or statewide significance based upon criteria adopted by FDEP rule. In compliance with this mandate, the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) staff prioritized water bodies within SJRWMD in 1988 (SJRWMD 1988). The water bodies were reprioritized in 1991 (Adamus 1992).

The legislation also charged the water manage ment districts, in c ooperation with state agencies and local governmen ts, to develop and implement SWIM plans for surface water improvement and management of water bodies based upon the priority list approved by FDEP. The SWIM plans are required to be u pdated at least every three years. These updates provide continued opportunities for input and re-evaluation of the plans as the restoration and management programs develop.

FDEP established a uniform format for SWIM plans with the necessary flexibility to accommodate particular circumstances of the individual water bodies. The format designates the following six central concerns as the focus of the SWIM Act:

1. Point and nonpoint source pollution 2. Destruction of natural systems 3. Correction and prevention of surface water problems 4. Research for better management of surface waters and associated natural systems

5. Public awareness 6. Improved coordination and management



### SWIM P LAN 

### D EVELOPMENT

Chapter 85-148, Laws of Florida , created the Lake Apopka Restoration Act and established the Lake Apopka Restorat ion Council (LARC) in 1985 (Appendix A).Introduction

St. Johns River Water Management District

3 SJRWMD, in conjunction with FDEP, FWC, Lake and Orange counties, and the LARC,

was mandated to determine environmenta lly sound and economically feasible restoration projects for Lake Apopka. As a re sult of that mandate, a scope of work for the restoration of Lake Apopka was developed by the LARC and adopted by the SJRWMD Governing Board. In 1986, the Governing Board directed the staff to begin restoration efforts for the lake. With the passage of the SWIM Act, SJRWMD incorporated projects from the scope of work into the SWIM planning process.

The SWIM Act specifically designated Lake Apopka, the lower St. Johns River, and the Indian River Lagoon as th e first SWIM programs in SJRWMD (Adamus 1992).

The original Lake Apopka SWIM Plan expanded on previous restor ation efforts (see the Planning section for a detaile d description of the planning pr ocess), using several steps:

• Identification of problems and issues

• Definition of goals

• Program development

• Determination of program strategies

• Project development

• Definition of project objectives

• Determination of priorities for action

The original Lake Apopka SWIM Plan was accepted by the Governing Board in 1989 and approved by FDEP in the same year. With the development of this plan and the primary mission of the LARC complete, th e Governor did not re-appoint the members

of the restoration council fo r further service. In 1993, an u pdate of the Lake Apopka SWIM Plan was completed.



### R ELATIONSHIP OF 

### SWIM P LANNING TO 

### O THER 

### P LANNING AND


### M ANAGEMENT 

### E FFORTS

District Water Management Plans

District water management plans (DWMPs), initially prepared by the five water management districts in 1994 and updated every five years, provide long-term guidance for water management district activities, identify performance measures for

the districts and distric t programs, and serve as a source of technical information on water resources. The DWMPs are incorporated into the Florida Water Plan, initially prepared by FDEP in 1995 and al so updated every five years.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

4 Requirements for the DWMPs are found in the Water Reso urce Implementation Rule (62-40.520, Florida Administrative Code [ F.A.C. ]) and in Section 373.036, FS . The format of the plans is developed jointly by the wate r management districts and FDEP. Additional guidance for preparation of the DWMPs comes from the policies, responsibilities, and authority relating to water management districts in various state statutes and rules.

The overall goal for the DWMPs and activities of all the water management districts is

stated in the Water Resources element of the State Comprehensive Pl an (Chapter 187,

FS ), as follows:

Florida shall assure the availability of an adequate supply of water for all competing uses deemed reasonable an d beneficial and shall maintain the functions of natural systems and the overall present level of surface and ground water quality. Florida shall improve and restore the quality of waters not presently meeting water quality standards.

The state’s goal is realized through individu al district goals esta blished for the four district areas of responsibility (AORs): water supply, flood protection and floodplain management, water quality, and natural systems.

SJRWMD’s May 2000 DWMP identifies issues, objectives, strategi es, and performance measures as well as a goal for each AOR, and issues, strategies, and program-specific performance measures for major watersheds . Issues were identif ied using resource assessments, information gathered from SJ RWMD and other agency staff and various data sources, and input received from local government staff, elected officials, and the public at workshops conducte d as part of the DWMP deve lopment process. Strategies to address the issues were developed by SJRWMD staff, taking into account input received at the DWMP workshops.

Issues, strategies, and performance measures relating to the Lake Apopka SWIM program are included in the chapter on watersheds. SJRWMD’s schedule for developing pollutant load reduction goals (PLRGs) for SWIM and other water bodies and related strategies are included in the chapter on the water quality AOR. PLRGs for Lake Apopka are more fully discussed in th e Progress section and in the description for Project LA-3-403-M (Nutrient Loading Limits Adoption) in the Detail of Projects

section.

Watershed Management Program

Beginning in July 2000, FDEP began imple menting a comprehensive approach to protect water quality involving basinwide assessments and the application of a fullIntroduction

St. Johns River Water Management District

5 range of regulatory and nonregulatory strategies to reduce pollution through the Watershed Management Program. This program is based on a five-phase cycle that rotates through Florida’s basins every five years. The five phases include

• Initial basin assessment

• Strategic monitoring

• Data analysis and total maximum daily load (TMDL) development

• Watershed plan development

• Watershed plan implementation

Each cycle will lead to the development of a detailed watershed management plan that focuses on protecting healthy water bodies and reducing pollution in impaired surface waters, usually by developing a TMDL. The Ocklawaha River Basin, which contains Lake Apopka, is included in the first group of basins that is being evaluated.

TMDLs establish the maximum amount of a pollutant that a water body can assimilate without causing exceedances of water qua lity standards. Imple mentation of TMDLs refers to any combination of regulatory, nonregulatory, or incentive-based actions that attain the necessary reduction in pollutant loading. Section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act requires states to submit lists of surface waters that do not meet applicable water quality standards and establish TMDLs for these waters on a prioritized schedule. FDEP’s authority for Florida’s TMDL program was established with the 1999 Florida Watershed Restoration Act. TMDLs may be based on PLRGs. PLRGs are

defined as estimated numeric reductions in pollutant loadings needed to preserve or restore designated uses of receiving bodies of water and maintain water quality consistent with applicable st ate water quality standards. PLRGs are developed by the water management districts.

Local Government Comprehensive Plans

Each local government is required to have a comprehensive plan to guide its future development and growth purs uant to the Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development Regulation Act (Chapter 163, FS ). The act specif ies elements to be included and requires that they be internally consistent and that plans be economically feasible, sets out procedures for plan adoption and amendments, addresses plan implement ation, and contains sanction and enforcement provisions. It also requires that local government comprehensive plans be consistent with the applicable strategic regional policy plan an d the state comprehensive plan. Given the broad scope of a comprehensive plan and th e strong consistency requirements, there may be no action a local government can take which has more impact on its constituentsSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

6 and resources, including natural resources, than development. All private and public development and all local land development regulations must be consistent with the adopted comprehensive plan. Also, although a comprehensive plan can be amended, it sets the tone and direction for the municipality or county it covers for at least a 10-year period.

A number of the elements required in local government comprehensive plans provide a means to address many water resource issues in the Lake Apopka Basin. These include the Future Land Use Element; the Conservation Element; the Sanitary Sewer, Solid Waste, Stormwater Management, Potable Water and Natural Groundwater Aquifer Recharge Element; the Capital Improvements Element ; and the Intergovernmental Coordination

Element.

Local governments are also required to perform periodic assessments of their progress in implementing their comprehensive plans. These assessments, known as evaluation and appraisal reports (EARs), identify any n eeded actions or corr ective measures. The next round of due dates for EARs for local governments in the Lake Apopka Basin ranges from July 2005 for Orange County to June 2009 for Montverde. The schedule for submittal of adopted EAR reports for the years 2002 through 2010 is included in Project

LA-6-502-S in the Detail of Projects section.

SJRWMD intergovernmental coordinators work with local governments on land development regulations to promote improv ed implementation of comprehensive plan policies to protect water resources.

Stormwater Planning

Stormwater issues are addressed at the local, regional, state, and national levels. Historically, stormwater conc erns centered on how to most expediently transport storm water from urban or agricultur al areas. More recently, st ormwater issues have been broadened to include water quality concerns, not just draining the land.

Stormwater management is most effectiv e from a watershed perspective, with coordination among local governments in the watershed or subbasins within the watershed. Local government comprehensive plans, required by Chapter 163, FS

, provide an excellent opport unity for local governments to review their existing stormwater management facilities and programs, adopt policies to address existing
deficiencies and meet future needs, and coordinate with adjacent local governments. Stormwater master plans may be tied to lo cal government comprehensive plans. Master plans are useful tools for performing inventories and evaluating drainage improvement

and stormwater treatment needs within individual watersheds.Introduction

St. Johns River Water Management District

7 Regulatory Programs of Governmental Bodies

Regulation of water quality is delegated to the states under Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act. The state originally regulated surface water quality through the wetland resource management (dredge and fill) and stormwater rules. The water management districts administered the management and storage of surface waters (MSSW) rule and the stormwater rule. In ad dition, under a formal operating agreement with FDEP, SJRWMD administered a portion of the Wetland Resource Management program. Under the 1993 Streamlining Ac t, the MSSW, Stormwater, and Wetland Resource Management regulatory programs were combined to create the environmental resource permit (ERP) progr am. First issued in 1995, the purpose of ERPs is to address impacts to wetlands and to ensure that construction takes into account flood protection and the protection of waterways from stormwater pollution.

County and municipal governments have several regulatory means to address

stormwater issues. The most direct means of stormwater regulation is through a local “stormwater management ordinan ce.” The effectiveness of such an ordinance depends on the permitting thresholds, the restrictiveness of the requirements, and the degree of inspection and enforcement established by the local government.

Regional Planning Councils

Pursuant to changes made to the Florida Regional Planning Council Act in 1993, regional planning councils (RPCs) prepared and adopted strategic regional policy plans (SRPPs) which contain regional goals and policies addressing natural resources of regional significance, affordable housing, economic development, emergency preparedness, regional transportation, and an y other subjects relating to the particular needs and circumstances of a region. The SR PPs also identify and address significant regional resources and facilit ies. They replaced the comprehensive regional policy plans previously adopted by the RPCs but still are required to be consistent with the state comprehensive plan. The SRPPs provide the basis for regional reviews of local government comprehensive plans and plan am endments, developments of regional impact/Florida quality developments, and other regional comment functions.

The Lake Apopka Basin is contained within the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council jurisdiction. The east-central Florida SRPP consists of four documents : At This

Point in Time (physical, economic, and social profile of the region), What the Future Holds (trends over the next 30 years), Water, Plants and Concrete (resources and facilities of regional significance), and Taking the Next Step (goals and policies/planning process/regional review functions/use of geographic information systems). Taking theSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

8 Next Step contains general policies on water-related resources but also anticipates additional planning and policy development for sub-areas of the region. General planning objectives are being implemented under a coordinated regional planning effort, the Lake Apopka Basin Planning Initiative.

SJRWMD planning staff participated in the RPC processes used to develop the SRPPs applicable to counties in SJRWMD. That part icipation involved serving on technical advisory committees, evaluating policies, and providing techni cal data. Review of the

east-central Florida SRPP in 2001 did not resu lt in any amendments affecting Lake Apopka.

Land Acquisition Program

When the water management dis tricts were established in 1972, the Florida Legislature provided the districts with the general author ity to utilize land acquisition as one of the primary tools for carrying out the mission of “flood control, water storage, water management, and preservation of wetlan ds, streams, and lakes” (Section 373.139, FS )

. Subsequently, the Legislature established ad ditional land acquisition programs with specific directives for the expenditure of funds.

The Save Our Rivers (SOR) legislation of 1981 created the Water Management Lands Trust Fund for acquiring a fee-simple or other interest in lands necessary for water management, water supply, and the conservation and protection of water resources. In

1986, Section 373.59, FS (Appendix A), was amended to allow for the use of up to 10% of the monies from the trust fund for management, maintenance, and capital improvements. This allocation was incr eased to 15% in 1992. In 1995, the statute was amended to allow up to a maximum of 25% of the Water Management Lands Trust Fund to be used for manage ment purposes. In 1997, the lim it on management use was removed altogether.

The Preservation 2000 (P2000) Act passed in 1990 provided additional funding for the water management districts for land acqu isition, contingent on annual funding appropriated by the Legislature over a 10-year period . The program used bond proceeds supported by the general revenue portion of the documentary stamp tax. The P2000 Act recommended that governmental ag encies work together to purchase lands jointly with a coordinated goa l of protecting ecological systems. A major recipient of P2000 funding was the Conservation and Recr eation Lands program. Established in 1979 by the Florida Legislature, the Cons ervation and Recrea tion Lands program received funding from bond proceeds, severance taxes on phosphate mining, and excise

taxes on real estate and financial documents.Introduction

St. Johns River Water Management District

9 The Florida Forever Act (Section 259.105, FS ) was passed in 1999 as the successor to the P2000 Act. It provides for the issuance of up to $3 billion in bonds over a 10-year period to be used for land acquisition, water reso urce development, stormwater management, water body restoration, recreational facility construction, public access improvements, invasive plant control, and related projec ts. The annual appropriation of up to $300 million is divided among programs administered by FDEP, the Florida Communities Trust, the Division of Forestry, FWC, and the five water management districts. Over the life of the program, at least 50% of the funds must be spent on land acquisition and the balance on capital improvement projects.

SJRWMD’s Land Acquisition and Management Five Year Plan has been replaced by the

Florida Forever Work Plan. The Florida Forev er Work Plan, which covers a five-year period with updates in January of each ye ar, presents pr ojects eligible for funding

under the Florida Forever Act and re ports on project implementation.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

10Overview of the Lake Apopka Basin

St. Johns River Water Management District

11 

## O VERVIEW OF THE 

## L AKE 

## A POPKA 

## B ASIN

D ESCRIPTION OF THE 

### W ATER 

### B ODY 

### S YSTEM

Lake Apopka, the fourth largest lake in Fl orida, is the headwater lake for the Harris Chain of Lakes (Figure 1). The la ke is located at latitude 28 o 37’ N and longitude 81 o 38’ W and is within Orange and Lake counties (Figure 2). The nearest major metropolitan area is Orlando, located to the southeast about 25 kilometers (km) (15 miles). The water

surface of the lake is a pproximately 12,465 hectares (ha) (30,800 acres [ac]) at lake surface elevation 20.2 meters (m) (66.5 feet [ft]) National Geodetic Vertical Datum 1929 (NGVD 29). Average dept h at this surface elev ation is 1.6 m (5.4 ft).

The only surface water outflow from Lake Apopka is the Apopka-Beauclair Canal,

which flows north into Lake Be auclair (Figure 3). Discharge from the canal is controlled at the Apopka-Beauclair Lock and Dam, wh ich therefore influenc es lake stage.



### H ISTORY

Historically, Lake Apopka covered ap proximately 20,235 ha (50,000 ac) and had an average depth of 2.4–2.7 m (8–9 ft ). The northern third of th e lake was a shallow marsh system, which afforded habitat for abundant fish and wildlife populations. Prior to its decline, the lake provided superb sportfishi ng of national renown. During periods of high water, the lake likely drained to the no rthwest into Little Lake Harris, through an area known as Double Run Swamp.

Numerous activities in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries have contributed to the decline of the lake. Significant human impa ct affecting Lake Apopka probably began with the construction of the Apopka-Beauc lair Canal, which altered the hydrology of the lake. In order to create a waterway for na vigation and agricultur al use, dredging of the Apopka-Beauclair Canal was originally begun by the Apopka Canal Company in 1880 (Schiffer 1994). In 1893, the Delta Canal Company successfully completed 32 miles of lateral ditches and 12 miles of canal from Lake Apopka through Lakes Beauclair, Dora, and Eustis to the Ocklawaha River. This action effectively lowered the water surface of Lake Apopka by about 4 ft, leaving approxi mately 8,100 ha (20,000 ac) of predominantly sawgrass land dry enough fo r farming (Shofner 1982). Crop production was mostly unsuccessful due to difficulty in water table management and a series of freezes in the mid and late 1890s. By 1910, the canal was filled with vegetation and the lake stage was similar to its original state (M.H. Connell an d Associates 1954).ORANGE SEMINOLE

Blue Cypress Lake Lake Washington Lake Winder Lake Harney Lake Jesup Lake Monroe Lake Woodruff Lake George Crescent Lake

Lake Apopka Lake Harris Lake Weir Orange Lake

MARION FLAGLER ST JOHNS BAKER NASSAU

DUVAL

PUTNAM

ALACHUA

Figure 1. The St. Johns River Water Management District A T L A N T I C

O C E A

N S T

J O H N S

R

I V

E R

VOLUSIA LAKE CLAY Fernandina

Beach

Jacksonville

Green

Cove Springs St Augustine

Palatka Gainesville

Ocala Bunnell

DeLand

Tavares

Orlando Sanford

Titusville

POLK OSCEOLA

OKEECHOBEE INDIAN RIVER BREVARD BRADFORD

O c k l a w a h a R i v e r

County boundary

SJRWMD boundary

Town

Water body Daytona Beach

Melbourne 0 20 40 N

Approximate scale in miles 82 00 W 81 00 W 80 00 W

30 00 N

29 00 N

28 00 N	

		




		   
	  		 







 









       

   





 




	

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(Overview of the Lake Apopka Basin

St. Johns River Water Management District

15 In 1915, the Zellwood Produce Company continued improving the canal in order to plant potatoes. The lake level was again lowe red, this time to 63 ft NGVD 29 despite the protest of agricultural producers on the southern shore of the lake who feared water supply shortages, decreased co ld protection, and a threat to navigation. However, a

destructive blow was st ruck by a hurricane in 1926, and th e entire north shore farm area

reverted to marshland “under six to ei ght feet of water” (Shofner 1982).

Due to improved technology, farming returned during World War II. In 1941, the Zellwood Drainage and Water Control District (ZDWCD) was created by a special act of the Legislature and charged with facilitating agricultural produc tion activities. In
1941, the mean elevation of the lake was approximately 67 ft NGVD 29, the same elevation as the muck and peat land along the northern shore at that time. These lands

were inundated when the lake rose above th e mean elevation, and during lower lake stages, these lands drained into the lake or into the Apopka-Beauclair Canal. Under the management of ZDWCD, a levee was constructed on the north shore, effectively separating the marshes from the lake and allowing drainage of the farm fields (Shofner 1982). Aerial photography of the northern end of the lake taken in 1947 shows approximately 1,162 ha (2,870 ac) in row crops and an additional 1,974 ha (4,875 ac) being prepared for farming (Figure 4). A lake stabilizat ion program was begun in 1952 (Schiffer 1994), and the Apopka-Beauclair Ca nal was deepened just two years later. Agricultural production pe aked within the muck farms during the 1980s, with 7,290 ha (18,000 ac) of farmed land. With the final government purchase of the remaining muck farms on August 20, 1999, ZDWCD was dissolved in February 2000 by mandate of the 1999 Florida Legislature. A detailed chrono logy of Lake Apopka’s degradation is provided in Appendix B.



### C LIMATE AND 

### H YDROLOGY

Rainfall

Due to the subtropical climate of the Lake Ap opka area, annual rainfall averages about 127 centimeters (cm) (50 inches [in.]). Typical seasonal pr ecipitation patterns include a dry season from November to May and a wet season from June to September. About

60% of the total annual rainfall occurs du ring the four-month summer season as convective thunderstorms. Fr equency of precipitation during the remainder of the year
is lower, with measurable amounts occurring on about 25% of the days. Precipitation during this period occurs primarily from frontal events and is usually moderate. Rainfall is the major source of water to the lake. Rainfall statistics for area monitoring stations at Lisbon, Ocala, and Clermont are summarized in Jenab et al. (1986), Rao (1988, 1991), and Rao et al. (1989, 1990a, and 1990b).Overview of the Lake Apopka Basin

St. Johns River Water Management District

17 Evapotranspiration

Evapotranspiration (ET) is the combin ed water loss due to evaporation and transpiration. ET is a major component of the water budget in the basin. Affected by wind, temperature, solar radiation, relative humidity, and plant transpiration, the average annual potential ET value for the Lake Apopka Basin is approximately 109 cm (43 in.) (Fernald and Purdum 1998).

Drainage Basin

The area of the Lake Apopka drainage basin, including the surface of the lake, is approximately 48,471 ha (119,773 ac). Several subbasins contribute either direct stormwater runoff or runoff through small tributaries during rainfall events (Figure 5). However, many portions of the drainage basin contribute runoff infrequently. More than 60 small lakes are scattered throughout the basin, but they are generally landlocked except in periods of extreme runoff events (Appendix C).

Springs

The largest spring in the basin, Apopka Spring, also known as Gourd Neck Spring, discharges into Gourd Neck, a narrow water body located in the southwest corner of the lake. The spring opening is at a dept h of approximately 11.2 m (37 ft) (Rao and Clapp 1996). Fed by the Floridan aquifer, the spring discharge s from a single submerged oval-shaped opening 5–6 ft in diameter (LCWA 1985). The average discharge rate of Apopka Spring was a pproximately 0.85 cubic meters per second (m 3 /s) (29.9 cubic feet per second [ft 3 /s]) from 1988 through 1998 (range, 0.76–0.99

m 3 /s), depending on the lake st age level (Stites et al. 2001). Based on the Meinzer spring discharge scheme, Apopka Spring is classified as a magnitude 2 spring (Rosenau et al. 1977). McGurk and Presley (2002) projected that by the year 2020, a discharge reduction of up to 24% could be realized due to projected increases in groundwater withdrawals if

alternative water sources are not utilized . This could reduce total discharges to

downstream water bodies.

Three other named springs exist in the basin; however, discharge information is not available. Holt Lake Spring is located just south of Holt Lake. Bear Spring and Wolf’s Head Spring are located just southwest of Clay Island.Overview of the Lake Apopka Basin

St. Johns River Water Management District

19 Stage Discharge and Regulation

Lake Apopka has a moderate hydraulic de tention time of approximately 2.5 years (1959–88 average). Water discharge from the lake occu rred via the Apopka-Beauclair

Canal at a mean annual rate of 6.81 x 10 7 m 3 /year (76.4 ft 3 /s) for the years 1959–99 (USGS 2002).

The water control structure in the canal has al tered the natural periodic fluctuation of the lake stage and discharge. From 1956, when the present struct ure was installed, through July 2002, the lake level has ranged from a low of 19.0 m (62.5 ft) recorded in June 2002 to 20.8 m (68.4 ft).

The seasonal regulation schedul e is nearly the opposite of natural seasonal fluctuations in water levels; the lake is held at its lowest levels during the summer wet season in order to provide flood storage capacity (Figure 6). During periods of low water, a minimum discharge is released downstream. This alteration in the natural hydrologic cycle may have contributed to declines in aquat ic habitat, water quality, and fisheries in the basin (SJRWMD 2001b). The U.S. Army Corp s of Engineers is initiating an Upper

66.7 66.8 66.9 67.0 67.1 67.2 67.3

J FMAMJ J ASOND

**Month Lake elevation (ft)** 

20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120**monthly discharge (cfs)**

Lake regulation schedule Average monthly discharge

Figure 6. Lake Apopka regulation schedule and average monthly discharge volume for the Apopka-Beauclair Canal, 1959–1988SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

20 Ocklawaha River Basin Restudy project, whic h will evaluate operat ional modifications that could be implemented to enhance environmental restoration benefits of the basin. During the study phase of this project, alternative lake regulation schedules may be

tested.

Aquifer Systems

Two aquifer systems occur in the study are a, the surficial aquifer and the underlying artesian Floridan aquifer (Jenab 1986). An aq uifer system consists of two or more hydraulically connected aquifers (Fer nald and Purdum 1998).

The surficial aquifer is the permeable hydr ogeologic unit contiguous with the land

surface. It holds the water table with wa ter generally under un confined conditions between a depth of 0–60 m (0–200 ft) (Jenab 1986) . The water usually contains iron in sufficient quantities to give it a pronounced taste.

The Floridan aquifer is separated from the surficial aquifer thro ughout most of the region by the intermediate confining unit. This unit consists of poorly permeable Miocene age Hawthorn Group sediments and, locally, low permeability beds of early Pliocene age (Miller 1986; Murray and Halford 1996). Localized beds of permeable sand, shell, gravel, or limestone exist within and above the Hawthorn Group sediments. These beds can constitute a localized intermediate aquifer when permeable enough to produce significant quantities of water to a well, but they are not really extensive enough in western Orange County and eastern Lake County to be considered an aquifer system. The Hawthorn Group sediments are rich in phosphorus, which may contribute to the natural productivity of surface waters in the area.

The underlying Floridan aquifer is the re gional water-yielding hydraulic unit. Water from the Floridan aquifer is generally good in quality and suitable for most domestic, small irrigation, and light industrial applic ations. The depth to the top of the Floridan aquifer varies throughout the basin and ranges from approximately 25 to 90 m (80–300 ft). Wells in the Floridan aquifer are usually cased from ground level to the top of the aquifer. The wells are then extended without casing into the aquifer to allow water to enter the open hole from the various layers (USGS 1988).

The height at which water stan ds in a tightly cased well pene trating an artesian aquifer is called the potentiometric surface (Mille r 1986; Murray and Halfor d 1996) and reflects the hydraulic head in the artesian aquifer. The potentiometric surface in the Lake Apopka Basin generally decreases in a northeasterly direction toward the Atlantic Ocean. It ranges from appr oximately 23 to 26 m (75–85 ft) NG VD 29 at the southwestern shore to 16 to 20 m (55–65 ft) on the northeaste rn shore (Knowles et al. 1995; O’Reilly etOverview of the Lake Apopka Basin

St. Johns River Water Management District

21 al. 1996). Since shallow aquifer or ground water movement is a function of the permeability of deposits and the slope of the potentiometric surface, seepage enters the lake from the western and southern boundaries and exits the lake through the eastern

and northern shores.



### P HYSIOGRAPHY

Lake Apopka is located at the southern edge of the Central Valley region of Florida. The surrounding terrain is composed of mildly rolling to undulating hills dotted with numerous small lakes and depressions (Fig ure 7). Evidence suggests that uplift has occurred. Since the Florida peninsula is consid ered tectonically stable and is in a karst region, this uplift may be ca used by the dissolution of large volumes of limestone (Meyer 1983). The basin is bord ered on the east by the Mou nt Dora Ridge and on the west by the Lake Wales Ridge. Ridge el evations are from 23 to 94 m (75–308 ft), and elevation in the Central Valley is from 18 to 27 m (59–89 ft). It is ge nerally accepted that these parallel ridges were developed as be ach dune systems during the higher sea levels of the Neogene Period (Meyer 1983), approximately 23.7–1.6 million years ago (McClellan and Smith 1998).

The lake is underlain by clay, sandy cl ay, and sand of Mioc ene epoch (23.7–5.3 million years ago) and younger age. This layer retards water movement between the lake and the underlying aquifers (Anderson 1971). Gene rally, the organic soil in the basin is underlain by undifferentiated marl from the Upper Pleistocen e epoch (1.6–0.01 million years ago) (Meyer 1983). This layer, whic h lies at approximately 5–15 m (15–50 ft) in depth, contains dark bluish gray to green clay with imbedded marine fossils. At approximately 15 m (50 ft), the Jackson Bluff Formation of the Lower Pliocene epoch (5.3–1.6 million years ago) contains unfossiliferous clayey qu artz sand. Marine fossils are again present at about 20 m (65 ft) in a dark greenish-gray sand layer that contains gypsum. The Hawthorn Group lies below the 25 m (80 ft) depth. This layer, from the Middle Miocene epoch, contai ns sandy phosphatic dolomi te to dolomitic phosphatic

sand.

Soil types within the basin range from exce ssively drained sandy soils located on the ridges to very poorly drained organic soils bordering the northern edge of Lake Apopka (Furman et al. 1975). Generally, soils of the uplands and low ridges are moderately well drained to excessively drained soils that are sandy throughout. If a weak organicstained subsoil is present, it is at a depth of greater th an 1 m (40 in.) (Doolittle and Schellentrager 1989). Soils of th e flatwoods, low ridges, and knolls are generally very poorly to moderately drained and have a sandy surface with an organic-stained orOverview of the Lake Apopka Basin

St. Johns River Water Management District

23 loamy subsoil, sometimes at a depth of less than 0.76 m (30 in.). The swamps, sloughs, and floodplains in the basin are dominated by very poorly to poorly drained organic soils that are subject to ponding or flooding.

Hydrologic soil groups are used by the Na tural Resources and Conservation Service (NRCS) to estimate runoff from precipitat ion (Doolittle and Schellentrager 1989). The groups are classified according to their intake of water, or infiltration, when the soils are thoroughly wet and receive precipitation for a long duration. The gr oups located in the Lake Apopka drainage basin are (Figure 8) as follows:

• Group A Even when thoroughly wet, these soils have a high infiltration rate.

• Group C When wet, these soils have a slow infiltration rate due to either a layer which impedes downward movement of water or a fine texture.

• Group D These soils have a very slow infiltration rate due to a high permanent water table, a shrink-swell potential, or an impervious layer near the surface of the soil when thoroughly wet.

• Group B/D These soils have a moderate inf iltration rate when drained, but a very

slow infiltration rate when undrained.

The buildup of marsh vegetation, predominately saw grass, over thousands of years is responsible for the accumulation of the highly productive organic soils (peats and mucks). The age of the soils is approximately between 2,000 to 6,000 years, according to radiocarbon dating (Meyer 1983) . Agriculturalists generally describe peats as fibrous and undecomposed, while mucks become well decomposed after tillage. Organic soils reached a depth up to 20 ft thick at one time on the northeastern shore of the lake (Davis 1946). The marsh generally had shallower de posits to the northw est (6–8 ft) and the central portion of the marsh had deposi ts approximately 8–10 ft during the 1940s. However, subsidence has resulted in a loss of the organic layer thickness.

Subsidence is the shrinkage, consolidation, an d biological oxidation of organic soils that are exposed to the atmosphere through dr ainage and aeration. During biological oxidation, microbial organisms begin to break down the organic material, and nutrients

are released. Hortenstine and Forbes (1972) compared the nu trient content of the soil solution from an undisturbed, swampy area and an adjacent drained, newly cleared, unfertilized area of an Everglades mucky peat within the Lake Apopka Basin. The

results showed that in the dr ained area, inorganic phosphor us was 10 times higher and nitrate-nitrogen was 8 times higher in the soil solution than in the undrained area.

These nutrients are available for release when the soil is reflooded. Other factors that contribute to subsidence include wind erosion, water erosion, compaction, water table depth, character of the organic materi al, and the cropping system (Lucas 1982).Overview of the Lake Apopka Basin

St. Johns River Water Management District

25 

### W ATER 

### Q UALITY

Lake Apopka is considered the most severely polluted large Florida lake (EPA 1979). The lake water is well buffered, alkaline, highly turbid, and pea-green in color. The Secchi transparency is approxima tely 30 cm (12 in.) or less. Lake Apopka has received heavy external loading of nutrients from muck farms previously situated within the northern floodplain. In additio n, nutrients are recycled th rough decomposition in the sediments and subsequent wind-driven mixing (internal loading).

The Trophic State Index is a water quality index for lakes based on nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, tr ansparency, and chlorophyll a values. The index rating for Florida lakes ranges from 0 to 59 (goo d), 60 to 69 (fair), and 70 to 100 (poor) (Huber et al. 1982). Lake Apopka’s average Trop hic State Index has varied from 82 to 91 (poor/hypereutrophic conditio n) (Conrow et al. 1993). However, the 2000 Florida Water Quality Assessment reports an improving water quality trend (Hand et al. 2001).

In 1995, the total phosphorus (TP ) concentration began to fluc tuate around a new, lower level (Figure 9). Chlorophyll concentrations also declined in mid-1995 and have continued downward trajector y (Figure 10). In fact, the January 2000 value was the lowest monthly average measur ed in a decade of SJRWMD monitoring. Secchi depth, a measure of water clarity, increased during the same period, showing a significant improving trend (Figure 11). These changes occurred during a period when average wind speeds measured at Lake Apopka were constant. Whether ch lorophyll and Secchi depth have reached equilibrium with the new, lower average TP concentration or if chlorophyll and Secchi depth will improve further without additional P loading

reductions is unknown.

Chapter 62-302, F.A.C ., designates Lake Apopka as a Class III water body and sets water quality standards for such water bodies (Lowe et al. 1995). The rule do es not set specific
numerical criteria for nutrients, but refe rs to “natural” and “n atural background”

conditions. Particular attentio n is paid to waters which are presently high in nutrient

concentrations. The criteria for surface water qu ality classification (62-302.530, F.A.C .) address transparency by stating that “the depth of the compensation point for photosynthetic activity shall not be reduced by more than 10% compared to the natural background value.” The “com pensation point” is defined as the “depth at which one percent of the light inte nsity at the surface rema ins unabsorbed” (62-302.200(6), F.A.C .).SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

26 **0.145 0.205** 

**0 0.05** 

**0.1 0.15** 

**0.2 0.25** 

**0.3 0.35** 

**0.4**

**1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 TP-T (mg/l)** 

F

Figure 9. Lake Apopka mean monthly total phosphorus, January 1987–March 2002

**64.58 92.47** 

**0 50**  **100 150**  **200 250** 

**1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 CHLA (mg/m3)** 

Figure 10. Lake Apopka mean monthly chlorophyll a (uncorrected), January 1987–March 2002Overview of the Lake Apopka Basin

St. Johns River Water Management District

27 **0.295**

**0.230**

**0 0.1**  **0.2 0.3**  **0.4 0.5**  **0.6 0.7** 

**1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 SECCHI (m)** 

Figure 11. Lake Apopka mean monthly Secchi depth, January 1987–March 2002

Lowe et al. (1995) estimated the natural leve ls of these parameters and determined the target range for phosphorus which would allow the lake to achieve Class III conditions.

Since the natural condition can be difficult to ascertain due to limited information, modern lake surveys and modeling techniques were used to determine background levels (Table 1). These levels are measures of annual ce ntral tendency, such as the median or mean, and are not meant to apply to individual measurements (Lowe et al. 1995).

Table 1. Most probable ranges for trophic state variables in pre-impacted and Class III (restored) states

Lake Condition Total Phosphorus (ppb) Chlorophyll a (ppb) Secchi Depth (m)

Pre-impact 32 to 46 8 to 23 1.39 to 0.90

Class III 38 to 55 10 to 23 1.25 to 0.81

Note: m = meter ppb = parts per billion

Source: Lowe et al. 1995SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

28 In 1996, the Florida Legislature created Section 373.461, FS , (Appendix A) which established a total phosphorus criterion of 55 parts per billion (ppb) for Lake Apopka if SJRWMD did not establish a rule by Janu ary 1997. SJRWMD responded with revisions to Chapter 40C-4, F.A.C ., and the Applicant’s Handbook: Management and Storage of Surface

Waters (Appendix A), effective August 1996. This rule es tablished a phosphorus criterion of 55 ppb for Lake Apopka and disch arge limitations for all activities within the Lake Apopka Basin permitted to discharge, directly or indirectly, into Lake Apopka,
the Lake Level Canal, or the McDonald Cana l. The phosphorus criterion specifies a numeric interpretation for phosphorus of the Class III narrative nutrient criterion.

Phosphorus discharge limitations for Lake Apopka were approved by the Governing Board in December 2002. The rule amendments, which involve Chapters 40C-4, 40C-41,
40C-42, and 40C-44, F.A.C. , and related Applicant’s Handbooks, became effective March 7, 2003 (Appendix A).



### S EDIMENTS

The sediments in Lake Apopka are composed of six different layers, including an
unconsolidated floc, a conso lidated floc, peat, sand, clay, and marl (Gale and Reddy 1994). The unconsolidated floc, which contains up to 97% water, covers 96% of the lake bottom to an average depth of 32 cm (1.0 ft) (Reddy and Graetz 1991). The high sedimentation rate is due to the abundance of nutrients being assimilated by algae. Upon their death, algal cells are deposited on the sediment surface, thus resulting in sediment buildup (Reddy et al. 1988).

Schelske (1997) concluded that phosphorus storag e in the sediments has increased at least threefold in the last 50 years, based on comparisons by deca de, and as much as

fourfold if annual rates are compared. Sediment porewater nutrient levels are high andmay provide the primary internal recycling of phosphorus for the lake through windinduced mixing. Reddy and Graetz (1991) esti mated the mass of total phosphorus stored
in the unconsolidated floc was 1,371 metric tons. More than 5,200 tons was stored in the consolidated floc layer.



### B IOTA

The biota of Lake Apopka reflect its chemical status. Blue-green algae dominate the water column throughout the year. The limited amount of emergent vegetation is predominantly cattails ( Typha spp.), with some stands of bulrush ( Scirpus spp.) and knot grass ( Paspalidium geminatum ) interspersed around the la ke shoreline. In 1995, several small patches of eelgrass ( Vallisneria americana ) were observed near the north shore. ByOverview of the Lake Apopka Basin

St. Johns River Water Management District

29 January 2001, 83 patches of submergent vege tation, primarily eel grass, totaling about 2.6 ha (6.5 ac) had been discovered around the lake, and small areas of musk-grass ( Chara spp.) and southern naiad ( Najas guadalupensis ) were found and are being monitored for expansion.

The dominant zooplankton in the lake are smaller members of the water fleas ( Cladocera ) and rotifers (Crisman and Beaver 1988) . Benthic invertebrate populations in the lake are low in diversity and density an d are composed primarily of sludgeworms (tubificids) and midges (chirono mids) (Brezonik et al. 1978). Mos t of the taxa in the lake are pollution-tolerant forms that can endure high levels of organic enrichment (Belanger 1979). The fish community is dominated by gizzard shad ( Dorosoma cepedianum ) and blue tilapia ( Tilapia aurea ) with remnant populations of sunfish ( Centrarchidae ). An active commercial fishery for catfish ( Ictaluridae ) existed in the lake un til the early 1990s. That fishery has subsequently declined.

Several animal and plant species that occu r or may occur in the Lake Apopka Basin have special protection status with federal and state agencies . These species are listed in Tables 2 and 3. All species listed may not be present within the i mmediate confines of the Lake Apopka Basin. The abundance of bird species that utilize the basin was apparent by a one-day visit in 1994 by Southeast Nature Tours to Zellwood Farms, where 70 different species of birds were si ghted (Ganong 1994). Stenberg et al. (1998) reported 71 bird species duri ng investigations in the de monstration marsh flow-way from 1990 through 1994. In 1998, the Zellwoo d/Mount Dora Christmas Bird Count recorded a likely North American inland record of 174 species (Cornell University 2002). Table 4 lists the birds observed at the Lake Apopka restoration site by SJRWMD personnel and volunteers.



### L AND 

### U SE 

### /L AND 

### C OVER

Land Use

Land use activity and development in a basin usually combine with regional geology to determine the quality of water in a receiving water body. In 1995, agriculture covered 21,626 ha (53,437 ac) of the 48,471 ha (119,773 ac) within the Lake Apopka drainage basin (Figure 12). Surface waters covered approximately 13,794 ha (34,084 ac). The remaining 19,353 ha (22,252 ac) was composed of wetland, forest, rangeland, urban development, and barren land. These land use/land cover categories are defined in Appendix D.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

30 Table 2. Animal species that may occur in the Lake Apopka Basin and that have been granted special status by federal or state agencies

Common Name Scientific Name Category

**Fish** Lake Eustis pupfish* Cyprinodon varigatus hubbsi SSC

Southern tesselated darter* Etheostoma olmstedi maculaticeps SSC **Reptiles and Amphibians** American alligator Alligator mississippiensis SSC Eastern indigo snake Drymarchon corais couperi FT, ST

Bluetailed mole skink Eumeces egregious lividus FT, ST Gopher tortoise Gopherus polyphemus SSC

Sand skink Neoseps reynoldsi FT, ST Florida pine snake Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus SSC Gopher frog Rana capito SSC

Short tailed snake Stilosoma exenuatum ST

**Mammals** Florida panther Felis concolor coryi FE, SE

Florida mouse Podomys floridanus SSC Sherman’s fox squirrel Sciurus niger shermani SSC

Florida black bear Ursus americanus floridanus ST

**Birds** Roseate spoonbill Ajaia ajaja SSC Florida scrub jay Aphelocoma coerulescens FT, ST Limpkin Aramus guarauna SSC Florida burrowing owl Athene cunicularia floridana SSC

Little blue heron Egretta caerulea SSC Snowy egret Egretta thula SSC

Tricolored heron Egretta tricolor SSC

White ibis Eudocimus albus SSC Arctic peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus tundrius SE

Southeastern American kestrel Falco sparverius paulus ST Whooping crane Grus americana SSC, FT (E/P)

Florida sandhill crane Grus canadensis pratensis ST Southern bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus leucocephalus FT, ST

Wood stork Mycteria americana FE, SE Red-cockaded woodpecker Picoides borealis FE, ST

Audubon’s crested caracara Polyborus plancus audubonii FT, ST

Snail kite Rostrhamus sociabilus plumbeus FE, SE

Black skimmer Rynchops niger SSC

Least tern Sterna antillarum ST

*These fish species have not been found in Lake Apopka

Source: FWC 1997; Peterson 1997; USFWS 2001

Status code: FE = federal endangered FT = federal threatened E/P = experimental population SE = state endangered SSC = species of special concern ST = state threatenedOverview of the Lake Apopka Basin

St. Johns River Water Management District

31 Table 3. Plant species that may occur in the Lake Apopka Basin and that have been granted special status by federal or state agencies

Common Name Scientific Name Category

Curtiss’ milkweed Asclepias curtissii SE

Florida bonamia Bonamia grandiflora FT, SE Ashe’s savory Calamintha ashei ST Pygmy fringe-tree Chionanthus pygmaea FE, SE Pigeon wings (butterfly pea) Clitoria fragrans FT, SE Short-leaved rosemary Conradina breviflora FE, SE Large-flowered rosemary Conradina grandiflora SE Beautiful pawpaw Deeringothamnus pulchellus FE, SE

Scrub mint Diceranda frutescens FE, SE

Water sundew Drosera intermedia ST

Scrub buckwheat Eriogonum floridanum FT, SE Harper’s beauty Harperocallis flava FE, SE Florida hartwrightia Hartwrightia floridana ST

Florida hasteola Hasteola rovertiorum SE

Yellow star anise Illicium parviflorum SE Cooley’s water willow Justica cooleyi SE, FE Nodding pinweed Lechea cernua ST Catesby’s lily Lilium catesbaei ST Bog spicebush Lindera subcoriacea SE

Cardinal flower Lobelia cardinalis ST Scrub lupine Lupinus westianus var. aridorum FE, SE

Florida milkweed Matela floridana SE Pinesap Monotropa hypopithys SE

Slender naiad Najas filifolia ST Fall flowering pleat-leaf Nemastylis floridana SE Florida beargrass Nolina atopocarpa ST Scrub beargrass (Britton’s beargrass) Nolina brittoniana FE, SE Hand adder’s tongue fern Ophioglossum palmatum SE Papery whitlow-wort Paronychia chartacea FT, SE Pepper Peperomia humilus SE Southern yellow fringeless orchid Platenthera integra SE Lewton’s polygala Polygala lewtonii SE, FE Small’s jointweed (sand lace) Polygonella myriophylla FE, SE Scrub plum Prunus geniculata FE, SE

Wild coco Pteroglossaspis ecristata ST Needle palm Rhapidophyllum hystix SSC

Florida willow Salix floridana SE Hidden stylisma Stylisma abdita SE Clasping warea (wide-leaf warea) Warea amplexifolia FE, SE

Carter’s mustard Warea carteri FE, SE

East Coast coontie Zamia umbrosa C Simpson’s zephyr lily Zephyranthes simpsonii ST

Source: FWC 1997; Peterson 1997; USFWS 2001

Status code: FE = federal endangered FT = federal threatened E/P = experimental population SE = state endangered SSC = species of special concern ST = state threatenedSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

32 Table 4. Bird species observed at the Lake Apopka restoration site

**L OONS AND**  **G REBES**  **D UCKS**  **, G EESE**  **, S WANS**  **R AILS**  **, G ALLINULES**  **, C OOTS**  **, C RANES**  Pied-billed grebe Blue-winged teal Limpkin Horned grebe Cinnamon teal Sandhill crane Eared grebe Northern shoveler Whooping crane

**P ELICANS AND**  **A LLIES**  Northern pintail **P LOVERS AND**  **S ANDPIPERS**  American white pelican Green-winged teal Black-bellied plover Brown pelican Canvasback American golden plover

Double-crested cormorant Redhead Semipalmated plover Anhinga Ring-necked duck Killdeer

**H ERONS**  **, I BISES** 
**, AND**  **A LLIES**  Greater scaup Black-necked stilt

American bittern Lesser scaup American avocet

Least bittern Bufflehead Greater yellowlegs

Great blue heron Hooded merganser Lesser yellowlegs Great white heron Red-breasted merganser Solitary sandpiper Great egret Ruddy duck Willet Snowy egret **H AWKS AND**  **A LLIES**  Spotted sandpiper

Little blue heron Osprey U PLAND SANDPIPER

Tricolored heron Swallow-tailed kite Whimbrel Reddish egret White-tailed kite Long-billed curlew Cattle egret Snail kite Marbled godwit

Green heron Bald eagle Ruddy turnstone Black-crowned night-heron Northern harrier Red knot Yellow-crowned night-heron Sharp-shinned hawk Sanderling

White ibis Cooper’s hawk Semipalmated sandpiper

Scarlet ibis Red-shouldered hawk Western sandpiper Glossy ibis Broad-winged hawk Least sandpiper Roseate spoonbill S HORT

- TAILED HAWK White-rumped sandpiper

**S TORKS AND**  **V ULTURES**  Swainson’s hawk Baird’s sandpiper

Wood stork Red-tailed hawk Pectoral sandpiper

Black vulture Rough-legged hawk Dunlin Turkey vulture Golden eagle Curlew sandpiper

**D UCKS**  **, G EESE**  **, S WANS**  Crested caracara Stilt sandpiper Black-bellied whistling-duck American kestrel Buff-breasted sandpiper Fulvous whistling-duck Eurasian kestrel Ruff White-faced whistling-duck Merlin Short-billed dowitcher Greater white-fronted goose Peregrine falcon Long-billed dowitcher Snow goose **T URKEYS AND**  **Q UAIL**  Common snipe Ross’ goose Wild turkey American woodcock Canada goose Northern bobwhite Wilson’s phalarope Muscovy duck **R AILS**  **, G ALLINULES**  **, C OOTS**  **, C RANES**  Red-necked phalarope

Wood duck King rail **G ULLS**  **, T ERNS** 
**, AND**  **A LLIES** 
Gadwall Virginia rail Laughing gull American wigeon Sora Franklin’s gull American black duck Purple gallinule Bonaparte’s gull

Mallard Common moorhen Ring-billed gull

Mottled duck American coot Herring gullOverview of the Lake Apopka Basin

St. Johns River Water Management District

33 Table 4— Continued

**G ULLS**  **, T ERNS** 
**, AND**  **A LLIES**  **F LYCATCHERS**  **K INGLETS AND**  **G NATCATCHERS**  Lesser black-backed gull Eastern wood-pewee Golden-crowned kinglet

Gull-billed tern Acadian flycatcher Ruby-crowned kinglet Caspian tern Willow flycatcher Blue-gray gnatcatcher Royal tern Least flycatcher **S TARLINGS**  **, P IPITS**  **, W AXWINGS** 
Common tern Eastern phoebe European starling

Forster’s tern Vermillion flycatcher American pipit

Least tern Ash-throated flycatcher Cedar waxwing

Black tern Great-crested flycatcher **Wood Warblers and Allies**

Black skimmer Cassin’s kingbird Blue-winged warbler

**P IGEONS AND**  **D OVES**  Western kingbird Tennessee warbler

Rock dove Eastern kingbird Orange-crowned warbler Eurasian-collared dove Gray kingbird Nashville warbler White-winged dove Scissor-tailed flycatcher Northern parula Mourning dove Fork-tailed flycatcher Yellow warbler Common ground-dove **S HRIKES**  Chestnut-sided warbler

**C UCKOOS AND**  **A NIS**  Loggerhead shrike Magnolia warbler

Black-billed cuckoo **V IREOS**  Cape May warbler Yellow-billed cuckoo White-eyed vireo Black-throated blue warbler

Groove-billed ani Bell’s vireo Yellow-rumped warbler

**O WLS AND**  **G OATSUCKERS**  Yellow-throated vireo Black-throated green warbler

Barn owl Blue-headed vireo Blackburnian warbler Eastern screech-owl Philadelphia vireo Yellow-throated warbler Great horned owl Red-eyed vireo Pine warbler

Barred owl **J AYS AND**  **C ROWS**  Prairie warbler

Short-eared owl Blue jay Palm warbler Lesser nighthawk Florida scrub jay Bay-breasted warbler Common nighthawk American crow Blackpoll warbler

Chuck-will’s-widow Fish crow Cerulean warbler Whip-poor-will **S WALLOWS**  Black-and-white warbler Purple martin American redstart **S WIFTS**  **, H UMMINGBIRDS** 
**, AND**  **K INGFISHERS**  Tree swallow Prothonotary warbler Chimney swift Northern rough-winged swallow Worm-eating warbler Ruby-thro ated hummingbird Bank swallow Ovenbird Black-chinned hummingbird Cliff swallow Northern waterthrush Belted kingfisher Barn swallow Louisiana waterthrush

**W OODPECKERS**  **C HICKADEES AND**  **T ITMICE**  Kentucky warbler Red-headed woodpecker Carolina chickadee Common yellowthroat Red-bellied woodpecker Tufted titmouse Hooded warbler Yellow-bellied sapsucker **W RENS AND**  **B UBULS**  Yellow-breasted chat Downy woodpecker Carolina wren Wilson’s warbler Hairy woodpecker Bewick’s wren **Sparrows**

Northern flicker House wren Eastern towhee Pileated woodpecker Sedge wren Chipping sparrow

Marsh wren Clay-colored sparrowSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

34 Table 4— Continued

**S PARROWS**  **Grosbeaks and Allies Blackbirds and Allies**  Field sparrow Lapland longspur Bobolink Vesper sparrow Northern cardinal Red-winged blackbird Lark sparrow Rose-breasted grosbeak Eastern meadowlark Lark bunting (unverified) Blue grosbeak Yellow-headed blackbird Savannah sparrow Indigo bunting Rusty blackbird Grasshopper sparrow Painted bunting Common grackle Henslow’s sparrow Dickcissel Boat-tailed grackle Le Conte’s sparrow **T HRUSHES AND**  **A LLIES**  Shiny cowbird Fox sparrow Veery Bronzed cowbird Song sparrow Gray-cheeked thrush Brown-headed cowbird Lincoln’s sparrow Bicknell’s thrush Orchard oriole Swamp sparrow Swainson’s thrush Baltimore oriole White-throated sparrow Hermit thrush **Finches and Allies** White-crowned sparrow Wood thrush American goldfinch **Tanagers** American robin **O LD**  **W ORLD**  **S PARROWS**  Summer tanager Gray catbird House sparrow Scarlet tanager Northern mockingbird

Brown thrasher

Source: Robinson 2000, 2001; SJRWMD staff reports (unpublished)

Due to multicropping, nearly 10,449 ha (25,800 ac) of total crops were harvested in 1996 within the muck farm area of 5,913 ha ( 14,600 ac), located on the lake’s former floodplain. The estimated average econom ic value of the 1991–95 harvests totaled approximately $62 million in direct annual sa les (Apogee, Inc. 1996). A wide variety of vegetable crops were produced, including sweet corn, carrots, celery, cucumbers, cabbage, radishes, and other vegetables. Du ring the early 1990s, Fl orida was the third highest state in the nation in fresh market carrot production and first in sweet corn production (Crnko et al. 1993). Statewide, approximately 90% of the carrots and 25% of the sweet corn were grown in the central Florida agricultural area around Zellwood (Crnko et al. 1993).

Due to soil subsidence, oxidation, and compaction, the former farm area lies approximately 1 m (3 ft) below the surface of the lake and is protected from flooding by

a levee. The area was draine d by a system of field ditch es, canals, and large pumps. When water was required for irrigation or flooding of fields for pest control, water from the lake was used. During periods of excess rainfall, water was pumped back into the lake. The installation of detention ponds on several farms allowed recycling of water on the farm and greatly redu ced pumping to Lake Apopka (Stites et al. 2001).SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

36 Citrus production on the eastern and western slopes of the lake peaked during the
1979–80 season, then declined quickly after killing freezes in December 1983 and January 1985. Trees on the sout h shore of Lake Apopka had minimum damage during the Christmas freeze of 1983 (Attaway 1997). However, the 1985 freeze produced temperatures below -5.6 ° C (22 ° F) for more than 6.5 hours in Groveland, just 15 miles west of Lake Apopka (Attaway 1997). The co mbined effects of the two severe freezes plus earlier freezes in 1981 and 1982 k illed many acres of citrus trees.

Population growth is rapid within the basin (Table 5). For example, the population of Apopka grew approximately 96% from 1990 to 2000 (UF 2001). In 1996, Orange County

Table 5. Population by municipality within the Lake Apopka Basin

City April 1, 1990 (census) April 1, 2000 (census) Total Change

1990–99 Percent Change

1990–99

Apopka 13,611 26,642 13,031 +96

Montverde 890 882 -8 -0.9

Oakland 700 936 236 +34

Winter Garden 9,863 14,351 4,488 +46

Source: UF 2001

was estimated to be the fourth fastest growing county in the state and was ranked as the sixth most populated county in Florida. By 2010, Orange County is projected to have a population of 1.1 million, based on a grow th rate of 24% since 1990 (UF 2001). During the same time period, it is projected that the population of Lake County will grow by

26%, to 264,800.

Land Cover—Wetlands

Freshwater wetlands still cover approximately 8% of the land in the basin (Figure 13), and include swamps, bayheads, flatwoods depressions, deep marshes, and shallow marshes. Freshwater swamps are dominated by woody species such as cypress, red maple, sweetgum, and black tu pelo. Freshwater depressions, marshes, sloughs, and artificial drainage ways are usually dominated by herbaceous and shrub species including grasses, sedges, rushes, ferns, buttonbush, Coastal Plain willow, primrose willow, cattail, saw grass, water lilies, submersed aquatics, and other water-tolerant plants.Overview of the Lake Apopka Basin

St. Johns River Water Management District

37 Other: Rangeland; forests; barren land; and transportation,

communication and ut ilities 3% 6%

8%

28% 45% 10% Not mapped

Other

Wetlands

Urban or developed

Water

Agriculture

Figure 13. 1995 land use/land cover composition



### R ECREATION AND 

### P UBLIC 

### U SE

Lake Apopka supported a very popular sport and commercial fishery during the early portion of the twentieth century. In 1950, fish camps could accommodate over 300 overnight guests, and nearly 200 fishing boats were availabl e for hire (Apogee, Inc. 1996). The estimated economic values of recreational an d commercial fishing were
estimated to be over $1 million and $250,000, re spectively, in 1951 dollars. Largemouth bass, black crappie, and panfish were popular with sport fishermen, while the commercial interests targeted turtles and catfish. Between 1956 and 1965, the number of fish camps dwindled from 21 to 9 (Heaney et al. 1989).

Currently, the recreational facilities on La ke Apopka include Magnolia Park on the southwest shore, Winter Garden City Park and the Oakland Nature Park on the south shore, and a small public boat ramp in Montv erde located on the southwest shore of the lake (see Figure 3). According to a 1996 econ omic analysis by Ap ogee, Inc., the Lake Apopka recreational sport fishery is well below usage levels of other nearby lakes. TheSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

38 aesthetic quality of the lake discourages all water contact sports, such as swimming and skiing (Conrow et al. 1993). Recreational bo ating is well under-utilized, and there is limited opportunity for wate rfowl hunting or bird watching (Apogee, Inc. 1996).



### N UTRIENT 

### P OLLUTION 

### S OURCES

Farms located in Lake and Orange counties on the northern shore of Lake Apopka (Figure 14) were historically the largest contributors of nutrient loading to the lake (Figure 15). SJRWMD estimates are that, until recently, fa rming operations discharged over 20 billion gallons of water annually for drainage, flood control, and pest control. The quality of this discharge water (one third of the lake’s total volume) was poor due to high concentrations of nutrients. For example, the average mean volume-weighted TP concentration in farm discharges from 1989 to 1994 wa s 0.897 milligrams per liter (mg/L) (Stites et al. 2001). During that same time period, the farms contributed approximately 85% of the net phosphorus loading to Lake Apopka. During the late
1980s, SJRWMD entered into co nsent order agr eements with th e major farming interests, A. Duda and Sons and ZDWCD, which were designed to reduce discharges and improve water quality according to a fixed time schedule.

Ultimately, the farms were purchased follo wing the passage of legislation in 1996, which determined that it was in the public interest for SJRWMD to pursue buyout of the farms to reduce phosphorus loading to the lake. The SJRWMD acquisition of the farms was completed in August 1999 using fe deral and state funds. The area will be restored to wetlands and, ultimately, reconnected to the lake.

The degree to which nonpoint pollution sources other than agriculture contribute to problems in the lake is pres ently small. An inventory of permitted nonpoint discharges (Chapter 373, Part IV, permits) is found in Appendix E. The relative contribution of pollutants from other nonpoi nt sources will increase as agricultural sources are successfully controlled.

Discharges to the lake from industrial or domestic point source s have been reduced over time. Since 1980, the City of Winter Garden Wastewater Treatment Facility has utilized a percolation/evaporat ion system for land application of it s effluent, with no direct discharge to the lake. In 1996, the plant had an averag e daily flow of approximately 1.35 million gallons per day (mg d) and a capacity of 2.0 mgd. Currently, groundwater seepage moves through underdrains to an unnamed ditch and then flows through approximately one mile of wetlands and swamp to Lake Apopka. A proposed expansion to the plant would increase the tot al permitted capacity to 2.5 mgd, with a total design capacity of 4.0 mgd. Mining of peat deposits on approximately 170 ha

#   	


 	

 	

   

 



	

 !! 
 



### 	


   

### 

 


   Apopka-Beauclair

Canal

9.95 Muck farms

52.13 (84.94%) Atmospheric deposition

5.03
(8.20%)

Overland runoff

.60 (0.98%)

Tributaries

1.45
(2.36%)

Point sources

.64 (1.04%) Bottom seepage

.06 Net storage

in sediments:

51.39

Apopka Spring

1.00 (1.63%) Lateral seepage

.52 (0.85%)

Figure 15. External phosphorus budget for Lake Apopka 1989-94 (all values are mean annual fluxes in metric tons)Overview of the Lake Apopka Basin

St. Johns River Water Management District

41 (425 ac) on Pine Island by the Scotts Hyponex Corporat ion consistent ly discharged approximately 1–1.5 billion gallons annually until the digging operation was closed in

late 1997. This reduced annual phosphorus loading to the lake by approximately 350 kilograms (kg). Winter Garden Citrus Products constructed percolation ponds and spray fields in 1977, which limited the plant’s surface water discharge to approximately 2.5 mgd.

All current point sources ar e listed in Appendix E.



### T OXIC 

### P OLLUTANTS

The Zellwood groundwater contamination site, a 23-ha (57-ac) Superfund site, is located approximately one-half mile west of Ze llwood (EPA 2001). Due to past waste disposal practices by four separate industries, groundwater, sediments, soil, and sludges at the site became contaminated with organic compounds including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pesticides, and heavy meta ls. Abandoned drums were removed and

contaminated soil was excavated and solidified on-s ite. However, a plume of groundwater contamination containing metals and nutrients is present in the surficial aquifer and extends several hundred feet south of West Jones Avenue. A baseline risk assessment for human health indicated an unacceptable risk to human health would occur only if future residents/businesses were to use the shallow groundwater at and around the site for drinking water. The selected remedy is monitored natural

attenuation with inst itutional controls.

From 1957 to 1981, Tower Chemical Compan y (TCC) manufactured, produced, and stored various pesticides (EPA 2002a). TCC di scharged wastewater into a 0.5-ac unlined percolation/evaporation pond which was located over a relict sinkhole that created a conduit to the Floridan aquifer. Waste was burned and buried on a 1.5-ac plot. In 1980, following an overflow from a wastewater pond into Go urd Neck, TCC constructed a spray irrigation field for waste disposal that was not permitted by the state. TCC ceased operations following two court orders that prohibited the use of the sprayfield and of DDT. Following the spill, vegetation changes and a fish kill were reported within the Gourd Neck area of Lake Apopka (Ric e and Percival 1996). The area was later designated a Superfund site by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) due to the presence of copper and pesticides, includ ing DDT, in on-site surface and subsurface soils, groundwater (including th e surficial aquifer and the deeper Floridan aquifer), and the on-site pond. Also, pesticides contaminated on- and off-site sediments and volatile organic compounds, including ethyl benzene, were present in on-site soils. To prevent

contaminants from ente ring the Floridan aquifer, 1,720 cubic meters (m 3 ) (2,275 cubic yards [yd 3 ]) of contaminated soil, 1,170 m 3 (1,545 yd 3 ) of sediment, and 72 drums wereSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

42 excavated and disposed of off-site in 1983 by EPA. In addition, over a million gallons of wastewater was pumped from the pond and treated, soil that was removed was replaced by clean fill, and a surface wate r runoff system was constructed to prevent migration of the contaminants off-site. The most recent groundwater data show that pesticides and other organic contaminants pe rsist in the groundwater. Soil data from

March 1997 show DDT and its me tabolites are present to a de pth of 8.5 m (28 ft) below ground surface (EPA 2002a). Mon itoring of nearby potable we lls was also initiated. An
Interim Action Record of Decision, whic h provides an alternate water supply to the nearby residents, was signed in August 2000, but has not yet been funded (EPA 2002a). A baseline risk assessment was complete d in 2001. EPA is currently analyzing tentatively identified and unknown compounds and determining their toxicity. The investigation is centering on improving th e identification and quantification of dichlorobenzophene (DBP), a degradation product of DDT, which was used by TCC to

formulate miticides for the ci trus industry (EPA 2002b).

In 1981, a major decline was observed in juven ile alligator abundance in Lake Apopka (Woodward et al. 1993). An analysis of alligat or eggs collected in 1985 showed that eggs from Lake Apopka had significantly elevated levels of DDD, DDT, and DDE (Rice and Percival 1996). These compounds and many other pesticides can act as hormones or as inhibitors of natural hormones in developin g embryos (Guillette et al. 1994). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), University of Florida (UF), and FWC researchers identified reproductive failure in alligator an d turtle populations in the lake and found a possible link to DDE and other organic contaminants. Such compounds are found in low concentrations in Lake Ap opka sediments. However, recent research by Gross et al. (1998) does not support the ea rlier hypothesis of a DDT or DDE link to clutch viability.

Two distinct alligator popula tions have been found in the lake (Gross et al. 1998). Clutches from the southern portion of Lake Apopka had higher nested egg numbers, hatched egg numbers, neonatal survivor numbers, viability rate, hatch rate, and production rate than clutches from the northern portion of Lake Apopka. According to Rice and Percival (1996), an increasing overall tr end in the juvenile population and in clutch viability has occurred on Lake Ap opka since 1989. They suggest two very different potential fates for alligators (and other vertebrate populations) in Lake Apopka. Either the system, damaged in the past by environmental contamination or other causes, is in recovery, or this apparent recovery phase may end, and juvenile animals present today might not reproduce or survive.

Overall, the studies of wildlife on Lake Ap opka indicate altered reproductive function for alligators, turt les, and possibly largemouth bass. Research conducted by the UF has

indicated that contaminant-in duced endocrine disru ption occurs in w ildlife, specificallyOverview of the Lake Apopka Basin

St. Johns River Water Management District

43 fish and alligators, and several effective bi omarkers have been identified to study these

effects.

As a result of previous findings, FDEP (at that time, FDER) contracted with the UF in 1986 to conduct a survey of toxi c organic chemical compounds in aquatic sediments and tissues of aquatic organism s throughout the st ate (Delfino et al. 1987). Sediments sampled in Lake Apopka contained low levels of DDT-related res idues. Catfish tissue

also showed low levels of DD T-related residues, although these low concen trations do not generally pose a threat to consumers of the fish. The findings were in general agreement with pr evious analyses.

During 1990 and 1991, a survey of levels and potential toxic effects of substances specifically in Lake Apopka sediments was conducted (Segal and Pollman 1991). Sediment cores from two depths at 10 locati ons were analyzed for the 152 elements and compounds on the EPA Toxic Compounds List. Thirteen elements occurred in sufficiently high concentrations to warrant a detailed examination; two—copper and lead—appear to pose the greatest threat of toxicity to the lake biota. Due to the complex interactions that occur in biological systems, the potential toxic effects of these elements

were difficult to assess.

Prior to SJRWMD purchase of the muck farm properties on the north shore of Lake Apopka, all properties received an environm ental site assessment (ESA) in accordance with the American Society for Testing an d Materials Standard E1527. The ESA and subsequent remediation activities identified and removed highly contaminated soil from the farms in accordance with a site-specific cleanup plan.

In addition to the ESA, SJRWMD also conduc ted an environmental risk assessment to evaluate the potential for long -term (chronic) risk for wildlif e from the average residual pesticide levels expected to remain in the farm soils after remediation was completed. The risk assessment and a subsequent follow up evaluation indicated no likelihood that background residual pesticide levels would present an acute toxicity risk to aquatic or wetland animals. Some concerns about long-term, sub-lethal effects on growth or reproduction were raised, and SJRWMD planned a monitoring program to assess these potential problems du ring restoration.

In late November 1998, unusually high bird mortality, especia lly among American white pelicans, was observed in one area of the former farmlands. Over a period of four months, 441 American white pe licans, 43 wood storks, 34 gr eat egrets, 58 great blue
herons, and smaller numbers of 20 other bird species died on-site. On February 17, 1999, USFWS issued a press release with a prelim inary conclusion that the birds had diedSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

44 from poisoning by organochlorine pestic ides, including toxaphen e, dieldrin, and DDT

and its metabolites.

SJRWMD and NRCS launched an investigatio n of the bird morta lity event in early 1999. To aid in the investigation of the mortality event, SJRWMD convened a team of experts from 13 federal, state, county, and private organizations to create a technical advisory group. Approximately 1,300 water, soil, and wildlife tissue samples were analyzed to help identify the chain of events that le d to the bird mortality. More detailed information concerning this issue is available in the Progress of the Lake Apopka Restoration Program section.

In 1999, the Florida Department of Health evaluated human exposu res from ingestion of fish from Lake Apopka. They evaluated the concentrations of 30 different pesticides

and 30 different metals in the edible fillet portions of brown bullhead catfish, white catfish, largemouth bass, and blue tilapia. The risk assessment established the cancer

risk for an individual who consumes fish fr om a source at 30 grams per day, 350 days per year, for 30 years. Based on their fin dings, they issued an advisory for brown

bullhead catfish and recommended that cons umption be limited to one 8-ounce fillet every two weeks.Governmental Jurisdiction

St. Johns River Water Management District

45 

## G OVERNMENTAL 

## J URISDICTION

Numerous governmental agencies have jurisdiction within the Lake Apopka Basin. Section 373.453(2)(b), FS , requires that the SWIM Plan co ntain an “identification of all governmental units that have jurisdiction over the water body and its drainage basin within the approved surface water improv ement and management plan area, including local, regional, state, and federal units.” A complete directory of addresses is found in Appendix F.



### F EDERAL

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

EPA was created under Reorganization Pl an 3 of 1970 to consolidate the federal government’s environmental regulatory activities under the jurisdiction of a single agency. The majority of environmental regulations are contained in United States Code

, Title 40—Protection of the En vironment. EPA administer s several major programs based on specific legislation, including th e Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, an d Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund), and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). EPA issues National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits and air quality permits. In Florida, FDEP assumed the ad ministration of the NPDES stormwater program beginning in October 2000, except in Indian country lands. EPA also issues permits and reviews permits issu ed by FDEP for the treatment, disposal, and storage of hazardous wastes. EPA reviews USACE permit activities, sets minimum water quality standards, and sets guidelines for state environmental programs.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

• The Natural Resources and Conservation Service (NRCS), formerly the Soil Conservation Service (SCS), was authorized by the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994. NRCS works with private landowners on their lands to help them conserve natural resources. NRCS has responsibility for the three major areas covered by SCS: soil an d water conservation, natural resource surveys, and community resource protection and management. In addition, NRCS administers the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) in consultation with the Farm Service Agency and other federal agencies. WRP is a voluntary program to restore and protect wetlands on private property. Landowners who choose to participate in WRPSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

46 may sell a conservation easement or enter into a cost-share restoration agreement with USDA to restore and protect wetlands.

• The Consolidated Farm Service Agency (FSA) is a new USDA agency formed in 1994 consisting of the Agricultur al Stabilization and Conservation Service, Farmer’s Home Administration, and NRCS. FSA provides administration of farm commodity programs, operating and emer gency loans, conservation and environmental programs, emergency and disaster assistance, domestic and international food assistance, and international export credit programs. FSA provides support at a local level to help protect wetlands and solve water, woodla nd, and pollution problems on farms and

ranches.

U.S. Department of the Interior

• The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is responsible for the protection and improvement of fish and wildlif e and their habitats and has jurisdiction over federally listed threatened, endangered, and migrat ory species. USFWS reviews U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) permits for effects on fish and wildlife, conducts environmental research, manages migratory birds, and performs law enforcement.

• The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) monitors surface and subsurface water resources, including lake levels, river and stream fl ow, water quality, and water use. USGS conducts and publishes results of hydrog eological research and maps related to topography, landforms, and hydrology. The Orlando subdistrict office of USGS is responsible for the collection of hydrologic data and interpretive studies of hydrology

in central and northeast Florida. This work is conducted in cooperation with the St. Johns River, South Florida, and Southwest Florida water management districts, other federal agencies, counties, and other municipalities.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

USACE is responsible for construction, maintenance and planning of navigation, flood control, shore protection, recreation, and implementation of specific environmental restoration projec ts. USACE and FDEP regulate dred ge and fill permits in Florida waters using a joint application, but un der separate authorities and programs.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

FEMA advises on building codes and floodpl ain management; assists with local and state emergency preparedness; coordinates the federal response to disasters; trainsGovernmental Jurisdiction

St. Johns River Water Management District

47 emergency managers; administers the national flood insurance program; and makes
disaster assistance available to states, communities, businesses, and individuals.

U.S. Department of Commerce

The Department of Commerce promotes job creation, economic growth, sustainable development, and improved living standards by working in partnership with business,
universities, communities, and workers.

• The mission of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is to describe and predict changes in the Eart h’s environment and wisely manage the

nation’s coastal and marine resources.

• The National Weather Service (NWS) is part of NOAA. NWS delivers climate, analysis, and forecast produc ts and conducts research to improve the understanding and stewardship of the environment.

U.S. Department of Transportation

The U.S. Coast Guard assumed responsibility for bridges in 1967 when moved into the Department of Transportation from USACE. The Coast Guard is responsible for approval of the location and plans of bridges and causeways constructed across navigable waters of the United States.



### S TATE

Florida Department of Envir onmental Protection (FDEP)

In 1993, the Departments of Natural Resource s (FDNR) and Environmental Regulation (FDER) were consolidated to form FDEP. Th e regulatory responsi bilities of FDER relating to water resources were assumed by FDEP. FDEP’s primary responsibility is to preserve the environmental integrity of Florida’s air, water, and land resources. The department has permit jurisdiction over point and nonpoint source discharges, some MSSW, some dredge and fill, hazardous and solid wastes, drinking water systems, power plant siting, mines, and many construction activi ties in waters of the state. FDEP interacts closely with other state and federal agencies on water-related matters.

FDEP has also assumed the responsibilit ies of the former FDNR, including the
administration of all state lands, incl uding parks and aquatic preserves; land acquisition; enforcement fo r the Florida Endangered Species Act and the Oil SpillSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

48 Prevention and Pollution Control Act; coor dination of aquatic plant research and
control in the state; issuance of permits for transport of aqu atic plants; and for herbicide spraying and other plant control methods in aquatic environments.

The Florida Wetland Information Center utiliz es ecosystem manage ment and ecological principles to develop a framework for a stat ewide ecological restoration program for wetlands and their associated uplands.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

The Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission and the Marine Fisheries Commission were replaced with FWC July 1, 1999. FWC is responsible for conserving the state’s freshwater aquatic life, marine life, and wild animal life. Its mission is to manage aquatic life and wild animal life and their habitats to perp etuate a diversity of species with densities and distributions that provide sustained ecological, recreational,
scientific, educational, aesthetic, and econ omic benefits. The commission has a formal commenting role in the regulatory proce ss relating to listed endangered species protection in wetland areas. The Division of Law Enforcement provides protection and enforces laws relating to all wild animal and aquatic resources and boating safety on the

state’s waters.

University of Florida / Institute of Food & Agricultural Science (UF/IFAS)

UF/IFAS is a statewide organization dedicated to teaching, research, and extension and serves the agricultural, human, and natural resource needs for the State of Florida. UF/IFAS is a partnership in food, agricultur e, natural and renewable resource research, and education and is funded through fede ral, state, and local governments and industry. UF/IFAS has nearly 1,000 faculty loca ted on the University of Florida campus

and at extension offices in 67 counties, 21 research an d education centers, and 4

demonstration units.

Florida Department of Community Affairs (FDCA)

FDCA has five service areas which include Community Planning, Emergency Management, Coastal Management, Housing and Community Development, and the Florida Communities Trust. The Bureau of Local Planning in the Division of Community Planning reviews local government comprehensive plans and plan amendments for compliance with state law and provides technical assistance to local governments. It also reviews developments of regional impact and Florida quality developments in coordination with regional planning councils and local governments. The Bureau of State Planning in the Division of Community Planning is responsible forGovernmental Jurisdiction

St. Johns River Water Management District

49 coordination and developmen t of FDCA’s policy relating to Florida’s growth management statutes and rules. The Division of Emergency Management directs the state’s programs that plan for and respond to disasters , prepares a Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and serves as th e state’s liaison with federal and local agencies.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)

FDACS is responsible for safeguarding the pu blic and supporting Fl orida’s agricultural economy. FDACS performs all regulatory and inspection services relating to agriculture, with the exception of those fun ctions which primarily protect the public health, and regulates the registration, labelin g and inspection of pesticides, commercial fertilizer, gasolines and oils, and the licensing and regulation of pesticide applicators. The Office of Agricultural Water Policy provides support for the 63 soil and water conservation districts in the state. The Division of Forestry manages state forest lands and promotes the use of good silviculture practices on public and private lands. It is the lead fire control agency of the state and is responsible fo r authorizing prescribed burns as well as for suppressing wildfires.

Florida Department of Health

The Florida Department of Health responsib ilities include permitting for public health functions of water supplies (primarily small to medium supplies), onsite sewage treatment and disposal, septic tank cleani ng and waste disposal (in conjunction with FDEP), and solid waste cont rol (secondary role).

Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)

FDOT directs and coordinates roadway and bridge construction activities and related environmental studies, including corr idor and impact mitigation planning.

Public Service Commission

The Public Service Commission is responsible for regulating the rates, services, and safety of several types of investor-owned utilities, including water and wastewater

utilities.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

50 

### R EGIONAL

Water Management Districts

Florida is divided into five water manageme nt districts, which are dedicated to the preservation and management of Florida’s water resources. Duties of the districts include issuing permits for various water use ac tivities and/or activities that have the potential to adversely impact ground or surface water resources and adjacent lands; buying land to preserve or restore vital wetlands and water resources; conducting research about the quality and quantity of ground and surface water resources; mapping ground and surface water resources; and conducting outreach and public education programs.

SJRWMD is responsible for managing ground and surface water supplies in all or part

of 19 counties in northeas t and east-central Florida.

Regional Planning Councils (RPCs)

RPCs are multipurpose regional entities in a position to plan for and coordinate intergovernmental solutions to growth-related problems or greater-than-local issues, provide technical assistance to local governments, and meet other needs of the communities in their regions. RPCs review amendments to local government comprehensive plans for impacts to re gionally significant resources and extrajurisdictional impacts and provide tec hnical assistance and other services to local governments relating to comprehensive planning. RPCs serve as a coordination and review function for developments of regional impact/Florida quality developments.

The East Central Florida Regional Planning Council provides regional planning services to Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia counties.

Soil and Water Conservation Districts

T he 63 soil and water conservation districts located statewide are organized under Chapter 582, FS , as a governmental subdivision of the state. The appointed or elected volunteers serving on the governing boards coordinate public and private assistance to develop local solutions to natural resource concerns. The two local soil and water conservation districts located within the Lake Apopka Basin are those of Lake County and Orange County.Governmental Jurisdiction

St. Johns River Water Management District

51 Water Authorities

The Lake County Water Authority, formerly known as the Ocklawaha Basin Recreation and Water Conservation and Control Authority, was created in 1953 by the Legislature to protect surface waters. It is actively involved in aquatic plant control, stormwater treatment, wetlands pr otection, providing recreational fac ilities, and land acquisition and

management.



### L OCAL

County Governments

• Lake County contains 14 municipalities, with Tavares as the county seat. Board of County Commissioners Environmental Management Division Mosquito Control and Aquatic Plant Management Department of Growth Management Health Department Department of Community Services Department of Economic Development and Tourism Department of Public Safety Department of Public Works

• Orange County contains 13 municipalities, with Orlando as the county seat. Board of County Commissioners Department of Community and Environmental Services Department of Growth Management Department of Health and Family Services Director of Public Safety Public Works Department Utilities Department

Municipal Governments

• Lake County

Town of Montverde

• Orange County City of Apopka City of Oakland City of Winter GardenSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

52Planning: Issues, Goals, Strategies, Programs, and Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

53 

## P LANNING 

## : I SSUES 

## , G OALS 

## , S TRATEGIES 

## , P ROGRAMS



## , AND



## P ROJECTS

D ISTRICT 

### P LANNING

SJRWMD has an integrated planning, budge ting and reporting system under which long-term plans guide short-term plans, budge ts are linked to plans, progress is tracked using statewide water management and program-specific performance measures, and progress is reported on a regular basis. Th e District Water Mana gement Plan (DWMP), SJRWMD’s comprehensive long-term plan, an d other long-term pla ns, such as SWIM plans, provide direction for the Annual Wo rk Plan and Budget (AWPB), fiscal plans, and other District planning efforts. The AWPB connects tasks listed for each District program with program budgets.

The DWMP contains strategies for identified water resource issues to be implemented over the five-year period between DWMP upda tes. The strategies for the Lake Apopka SWIM program in the May 2000 DWMP, as updated for the June 2001 Florida Forever
Work Plan, are as follows:

• Adopt and achieve full implementation of a PLRG-based rule for reducing and allocating phosphorus loads in the Lake Apopka Basin.

• Operate Phase I of the marsh flow-way and achieve removal efficiencies of at least 30% of total phosphorus, 30% of total nitr ogen, and 80% of total suspended solids.

• Construct Phase II of the Lake Apopka Marsh Flow-Way.

• Continue to harvest gizzard shad up to 900,000 pounds a year or until the annual stock is depleted.

• Treat remaining former farm areas to bind sediment phosphorus.

• Complete all necessary pesticide studies and remediation activities.

• Continue lake littoral zo ne planting and management to encourage native and discourage exotic vegetation.

• Complete and begin implement ation of a restoration plan for the NSRA as approved by partners and stakeholders.

• Complete infrastructure de velopment as set out in the NSRA restoration plan.

• Shallowly flood appropriate areas in the NSRA as soon as the necessary infrastructure is completed and over sight agency approv al is received.

• Restore 13,000 acres of wetlands in the NSRA, pending approval of the USDANRCS.

• Attain a healthy diversity of wetland plant and animal communities.

• Complete revisions to the SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

54 • Evaluate progress made in the lake ecosystem restoration.

• Provide technical assistance and cost-share funding for implementation of the Lake Apopka Basin Planning Initiative Work Program, to be comple ted by fiscal year

2000–2001.

• Provide technical assistance to and coordinate SJRWMD restoration activities with local governments in the Lake Apopka Basin, developing and implementing smallarea plans to guide their future development.

Tasks for the Lake Apopka SWIM program in the AWPB contribute to the implementation of these strategi es, as well as the strategies identified in the SWIM Plan. Performance measures for the Lake Apop ka SWIM program in the May 2000 DWMP and AWPB follow, along with baseline data and standards for the measures.

Measure: Designated use determinations in the FDEP 305(b) report for Lake Apopka watersheds

Baseline: Lake Apopka watershed not meeting and Apopka (Gourd Neck) Spring watershed partially meeting its designated use in 1998

Standard: Both watersheds fully meeting their designated use

Measure: Mean total phosphorus concentration in Lake Apopka

Baseline: 0.218 mg/L from 1987 to 1995

Standard: 0.055 mg/L



### L AKE 

### A POPKA 

### SWIM P LAN

A planning process for the rest oration of Lake Apopka was initiated in 1985 under the
Lake Apopka Restoration Act. The Lake Apopka Restoration Council 

### ( LARC) recommended specific goals for rest oration of the lake, as follows:

• Rooted native vegetation at 50% lake bottom coverage

• Fish biomass in the littoral zone of 37 kg/ha (200 lbs/ac)

• Sportfish biomass at 70% of total

• Largemouth bass greater than 25 cm (9.8 in.) total length in littoral zone at six fish/ha (15 fish/ac)

• Fishing success rate of .25 largemouth bass/ hour of effort and 1.25 panfish/hour of

effort

• Macroinvertebrate Shannon-We aver Diversity Index of 1.9

• Total phosphorus and total nitrogen at specified concentrations (to be set)

• Chlorophyll a at specified levels (to be set)

• Specified Secchi disk depth (to be set)Planning: Issues, Goals, Strategies, Programs, and Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

55 The technical advisory committee to the LARC recommended the following values for the latter four specific goals: total phosph orus, 0.02 mg/L (20 ppb); total nitrogen, 0.50 mg/L (50 ppb); chlorophyll a , 6.0 grams per liter (g/L) ( 6.0 ppb); Secchi disc depth, 1.3 m (4.2 ft). To achieve these goals, the LARC recommended th e following strategies as some of the most logical alternatives to pursue:

• Conversion of muck farms to wetland systems

• Lake level drawdown/increas ed water level fluctuation

• Sediment recycling or dredging

• Sediment phosphorus inactivation

• Lake drawdown combined with dredging

• Lake drawdown combined with phosphorus inactivation in non-drawdown areas

• Microbial decomposition with sediment aeration

• Microbial decomposition without sediment aeration

• Lake drawdown combined with microbia l decomposition of non-drawdown areas

• Introduction of exotic fish and management of the food web

• Littoral zone restoration

• Growth and harvesting of water hyacinths

• Alteration of the density of plankton-feeding fishes in the lake

• No action taken after nutrient diversion

Based on the LARC 1986 and 1987 reports and the Interim SWIM Plan (Battoe et al. 1988), the 1989 SWIM Plan (Conrow et al. 1989) developed seven priority issues for Lake Apopka (Figure 16). These issues, which must be addressed in order to achieve the restoration of the lake and to help in protection of downstream water bodies, are as

follows:

• Agricultural discharges

• Lack of fish and wildlife habitat

• Poor water quality and flocculent sediments

• Degradation of do wnstream lakes

• Low recreational and aesthetic values

• Nonpoint pollution sources

• Future basin development

The SWIM Plan establishes water body goals which reflect the broader goals of the

SWIM Act as follows:SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

56 

### ISSUES A. Agricultural discharges

B. Lack of fish and wildlife habitat C. Poor water quality and flocculent sediments D. Degradation of downstream lakes

E. Low recreational and aesthetic values F. Nonpoint pollution sources G. Future basin development



### PROGRAMS and PROJECTS

Diagnostic
External Nutrient Budget Internal Nutrient Budget Mathematical Modeling Phytoplankton-Nutrient Interactions Bathymetry Fishery Seismic Reflection Profiling Hydrodynamic Survey

Technical Support
Implementation of Restoration and Management Techniques Restoration Monitoring and Analysis Overall Program Management

Figure 16. Overall Lake Apopka SWIM Plan Feasibility
Water Hyacinth Demonstration Phosphorus Inactivation/Precipitation Sediment Recycling Microbial Decomposition Ichthyofaunal Reconstruction (I, II) Trophic Structure Manipulation (I, II, III)

Drawdown and Lake Level Fluctuation

Socioeconomic Assessment and Methodology

Planning

District Water Management Plan
Local Govt. Comp. Plan Review

Land Management Plans Restoration

Marsh Flow-Way Restoration

Rough Fish Harvesting

Wetland Restoration

Littoral Zone Restoration Land Acquisition
Marsh Flow-Way Lands Acquisition
North Shore Land Acquisition Regulatory
Nonpoint Source Pollution Control

Nutrient Loading Limits Adoption

Public Information

Public Awareness
Local Government Information ProjectPlanning: Issues, Goals, Strategies, Programs, and Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

57 Lake water restored to meet Cl ass III water quality standards

• Natural systems restored

• Recreational and aesthetic values restored

• A comprehensive management plan develope d for maintenance of the water body

and its environment

The following sections present details on the seven priority issues for the restoration of Lake Apopka. The goals associated with each priority issue, the st rategies that will be employed to attain the goal(s), and the program s and projects considered necessary for implementing the strategies are listed un der each issue. Progress made towards achieving the goals is summarized for each priority issue, and detailed status summaries are available for each project (Detail of Projects section).

An identification numbering system has been developed to facilitate tr acking of individual projects. These codes are described in the Programs and Projects section , along with detailed explanations of Lake Apopka SWIM programs and projects.

The restoration goals recommended by the LARC and the technical advisory committee

are maintained as desirable results of the restoration program developed in the Lake Apopka SWIM Plan. The feasibility of attaining these specific goals cannot yet be determined. LARC goals dealing with habitat and sport fishery will be considered in the Littoral Zone Restoration Project (LA- 2-304-M). Technical advisory committee goals dealing with nutrients, chlorophyll a , and Secchi depth will be considered in the setting of PLRGs (Nutrient Loading Limits Adopti on, LA-3-403-M). Many of the studies recommended by the LARC were completed as SWIM proj ects. A bibliography and abstracts of many of these studies are incl uded in Appendices G and H, respectively.

A. Agricultural Discharges

Issue Description . Agricultural discharge s (Figure 17) have been the major source of external nutrient loading to Lake Apopka. Prior to implementation of consent orders, SJRWMD estimated that over one-third of the lake’s water volume was discharged annually to Lake Apopka and the Apopka-Beauclair Canal from the adjacent agricultural operatio ns. These discharge waters were nutrient-laden and contributed approximately 85% of the ph osphorus loading to Lake Apopka from 1989 to 1994. The discharge waters did not comply with wate r quality standards as in Chapter 62-302,

F.A.C. , and negatively affected the natural systems of the lake.

Goal . Decrease agricultural nutr ient loading to meet or exceed established PLRGs.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

58 

### Figure 17. Agricultural discharges Project Numbers

LA-1-101-D

LA-4-103-D Diagnostic Program

Project Number

LA-3-403-M Regulatory Program

Project Numbers

LA-5-602-S

LA-5-603-S Public Info Program

Project Numbers

LA-3-701-S

LA-3-705-S Land Acquisition Program Monitor agricultural discharge

Acquire agricultural lands

Consider water treatment facility **Strategies**

Measure nutrient load

Evaluate impact

Enforce regulations **Goal**

Meet or exceed established pollutant load reduction goals **Issue**

Agricultural discharges



### Figure 17. Agricultural discharges Project Numbers

LA-1-101-D

LA-4-103-D Diagnostic Program

Project Number

LA-3-403-M Regulatory Program

Project Numbers

LA-5-602-S

LA-5-603-S Public Info Program

Project Numbers

LA-3-701-S

LA-3-705-S Land Acquisition Program Monitor agricultural discharge

Acquire agricultural lands

Consider water treatment facility **Strategies**

Measure nutrient load

Evaluate impact

Enforce regulations **Goal**

Meet or exceed established pollutant load reduction goals **Issue**

Agricultural dischargesPlanning: Issues, Goals, Strategies, Programs, and Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

59 Strategies

• Measure nutrient loading from agricultural discharges.

• Evaluate the impact of agri cultural nutrient loading.

• Develop and adopt nutrient loading limits for the lake.

• Pursue regulatory enforcement and consent order compliance.

• Monitor agricultural discharges to assure compliance.

• Reduce number of acres in agricult ural production by acquiring land.

• Investigate potential for matching grant program for agricultural waste treatment facility construction.

Programs and Projects . The following programs and proj ects are considered necessary to implement designated strategies:

1. Diagnostic Program Project LA-1-101-D (External Nutrient Budget Study) Project LA-4-103-D (Mathematical Modeling)

2. Regulatory Program Project LA-3-403-M (Nutrien t Loading Limits Adoption)

3. Public Information Program Project LA-5-602-S (Public Awareness) Project LA-5-603-S (L ocal Government In formation Project)

4. Land Acquisition Program Project LA-3-701-S (Marsh Fl ow-Way Land Acquisition) Project LA-3-704-S (North Shore Land Acquisition)

B. Lack of Fish and Wildlife Habitat

Issue Description . There has been a substantial loss of fish and wildlife habitat in Lake Apopka (Figure 18). The once-prolific beds of submerged vegetation that provided food and cover for game fish have disappeared due to increased turbidity from algal blooms and resuspended flocculent sediments. W ildlife habitat provided by the original palustrine wetlands of the lake has been destroyed by encroachment of muck farms, and flocculent organic sediments have buried the original, firmer lake bottom. Cultural eutrophication of the water body has resulted in a shift of primary productivity from large plants to algae. This loss of habitat has resulted in a drastic decline in the recreational fishery of Lake Apopka.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

60 

### Figure 18. Lack of fish and wildlife habitat Project Numbers

LA-4-107-D

LA-4-109-D Diagnostic Program

Project Numbers

LA-4-206-F LA-4-208-F LA-4-207-F Feasibility Program

Project Numbers

LA-3-301-M LA-3-302-M

LA-3-303-M LA-2-304-M Restoration Program

Project Number

LA-3-403-M Regulatory Program

Project Numbers

LA-5-602-S LA-5-603-S Public Info Program

Project Numbers

LA-3-701-S LA-3-705-S Land Acquisition Program

Project Numbers

LA-6-501-M

LA-6-503-M

LA-6-502-S Planning Program **Goals**
Restore wetlands Protect remaining habitat
Restore littoral zone and submerged rooted vegetation **Issue** Lack of fish and wildlife habitat

Acquire agricultural lands Restore littoral zone Adopt nutrient loading limits **Strategies** Participate in local government comprehensive planning Test methods to improve habitat



### Figure 18. Lack of fish and wildlife habitat Project Numbers

LA-4-107-D

LA-4-109-D Diagnostic Program

Project Numbers

LA-4-206-F LA-4-208-F LA-4-207-F Feasibility Program

Project Numbers

LA-3-301-M LA-3-302-M

LA-3-303-M LA-2-304-M Restoration Program

Project Number

LA-3-403-M Regulatory Program

Project Numbers

LA-5-602-S LA-5-603-S Public Info Program

Project Numbers

LA-3-701-S LA-3-705-S Land Acquisition Program

Project Numbers

LA-6-501-M

LA-6-503-M

LA-6-502-S Planning Program **Goals**
Restore wetlands Protect remaining habitat
Restore littoral zone and submerged rooted vegetation **Issue** Lack of fish and wildlife habitat

Acquire agricultural lands Restore littoral zone Adopt nutrient loading limits **Strategies** Participate in local government comprehensive planning Test methods to improve habitat

Acquire agricultural lands Restore littoral zone Adopt nutrient loading limits **Strategies** Participate in local government comprehensive planning Test methods to improve habitat

Acquire agricultural lands Restore littoral zone Adopt nutrient loading limits **Strategies** Participate in local government comprehensive planning Test methods to improve habitatPlanning: Issues, Goals, Strategies, Programs, and Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

61 Goals

• Protect remaining fisheries/wildlife habitat

• Restore marshes adjacent to the lake

• Restore and expand lake littoral zone and emergent vegetation along the shore

• Improve lake bottom habitat and re store submerged rooted vegetation

Strategies

• Purchase available lands appropriate for habitat restoration.

• Investigate and test methods to improve fisheries habitat by increasing water clarity and consolidating sediments.

• Identify and map existing fisheries/wildlife habitat and investigate restoration and expansion of littoral zone.

• Develop and adopt special nutrie nt loading limits for the lake.

• Assist in the development and implement ation of stronger local ordinances.

Programs and Projects . The following programs and proj ects are considered necessary for strategy implementation:

1. Diagnostic Program Project LA-4-107-D (Fishery) Project LA-4-109-D (H ydrodynamic Survey)

2. Feasibility Program Project LA-4-206-F (Ichthyofaunal Recons truction I, II) Project LA-4-207-F (Trophic Struct ure Manipulation I, II, III) Project LA-4-208-F (Drawdown and Lake Level Fluctuation)

3. Restoration Program Project LA-3-301-M (Marsh Flow-Way Restoration) Project LA-3-302-M (Rou gh Fish Harvesting) Project LA-2-304-M (Littoral Zone Restoration) Project LA-3-303-M (W etland Restoration)

4. Regulatory Program Project LA-3-403-M (Nutrien t Loading Limits Adoption)

5. Planning Program Project LA-6-501-M (Distric t Water Management Plan) Project LA-6-502-S (Loc al Government Compre hensive Plan Review)SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

62 Project LA-6-503-M (Land Management Plans)

6. Public Information Program Project LA-5-602-S (Public Awareness) Project LA-5-603-S (L ocal Government In formation Project)

7. Land Acquisition Program Project LA-3-701-S (Marsh Fl ow-Way Land Acquisition) Project LA-3-704-S (North Shore Land Acquisition)

C. Poor Water Quality and Flocculent Sediments

Issue Description . Lake Apopka was once crystal clear with a firm bottom. Water quality in the lake has become severely degraded, and the bottom is now covered with flocculent organic sedi ments several feet thick (Schelsk e 1997). High nutrient loading, primarily from agricultural sources, has resulted in high nitrogen and phosphorus levels, excessive algal production, and reduce d water clarity in the lake. The lack of sufficient light reaching the lake’s bottom limits submerged aquatic vegetation growth. The excessive algal production has caused accelerated accretion of flocculent sediments over most of the lake bottom (Figure 19).

Goals

• Develop and implement a cost -effective and scientifically sound restoration program to improve water quality an d consolidate sediments.

• Restore and manage wetlands for improvement and maintenance of water quality.

• Undertake appropriate basin management to promote improved water quality and long-term management to prevent water quality degradation.

Strategies

• Develop a clear understanding of water qu ality problems and associated ecological
impacts.

• Determine external and in ternal nutrient inputs.

• Continue diagnostic studies to fill critical data deficiencies.

• Continue feasibility studies to evaluate potential restoration techniques.

• Plan and implement nutrient lo ading limits for the watershed.

• Establish a long-range comprehensive management plan for the basin.

• Participate in local and regional planning efforts.

• Implement cost-effective restoration projects.Planning: Issues, Goals, Strategies, Programs, and Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

63 

### Figure 19. Poor water quality and flocculent sediments Project Numbers
LA-1-101-D LA-1-102-D LA-4-103-D LA-4-104-D LA-4-106-D LA-1-108-D Diagnostic Program

Project Numbers LA-3-301-M

LA-3-302-M Restoration Program

Project Numbers

LA-3-701-S LA-3-705-S Land Acquisition Program

Project Numbers

LA-4-201-F LA-4-202-F LA-4-204-F LA-4-205-F LA-4-206-F LA-4-207-F LA-2-208-F Feasibility Program

Project Numbers

LA-6-501-M LA-6-502-S Planning Program

Project Number

LA-3-403-M Regulatory Program

Project Numbers

LA-5-602-S

LA-5-603-S Public Info Program

Implement nutrient loading limits/cost-effective restoration Establish management plan Promote local government comprehensive plans **Strategies**

Determine nutrient inputs Perform diagnostic/feasibility studies Define water quality problems and ecological roles **Goals** Restore water quality/sediment Restore and manage wetlands Manage basin appropriately **Issue** Poor water quality and flocculent sediments

LA-3-303-M
LA-3-304-M

LA-6-503-M



### Figure 19. Poor water quality and flocculent sediments Project Numbers
LA-1-101-D LA-1-102-D LA-4-103-D LA-4-104-D LA-4-106-D LA-1-108-D Diagnostic Program

Project Numbers LA-3-301-M

LA-3-302-M Restoration Program

Project Numbers

LA-3-701-S LA-3-705-S Land Acquisition Program

Project Numbers

LA-4-201-F LA-4-202-F LA-4-204-F LA-4-205-F LA-4-206-F LA-4-207-F LA-2-208-F Feasibility Program

Project Numbers

LA-6-501-M LA-6-502-S Planning Program

Project Number

LA-3-403-M Regulatory Program

Project Numbers

LA-5-602-S

LA-5-603-S Public Info Program

Implement nutrient loading limits/cost-effective restoration Establish management plan Promote local government comprehensive plans **Strategies**

Determine nutrient inputs Perform diagnostic/feasibility studies Define water quality problems and ecological roles **Goals** Restore water quality/sediment Restore and manage wetlands Manage basin appropriately **Issue** Poor water quality and flocculent sediments

LA-3-303-M
LA-3-304-M

LA-6-503-MSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

64 Programs and Projects . The following programs and proj ects are considered necessary to implement the primary strategies:

1. Diagnostic Program Project LA-1-101-D (Exte rnal Nutrient Budget) Project LA-1-102-D (Int ernal Nutrient Budget) Project LA-4-103-D (Mathematical Modeling) Project LA-4-104-D (Phytoplank ton-Nutrient Interactions) Project LA-4-106-D (Bathymetry) Project LA-1-108-D (Seism ic Reflection Profiling)

2. Feasibility Program Project LA-4-201-F (Water Hyacinth Demonstration) Project LA-4-202-F (Phosphorus Inactivation/Precipitation) Project LA-4-204-F (S ediment Recycling) Project LA-4-205-F (Mic robial Decomposition) Project LA-4-206-F (Ichthyofaunal Recons truction I, II) Project LA-4-207-F (Trophic Struct ure Manipulation I, II, III) Project LA-4-208-F (Drawdown and Lake Level Fluctuation)

3. Restoration Program Project LA-3-301-M (Marsh Flow-Way Restoration) Project LA-3-302-M (Rou gh Fish Harvesting) Project LA-3-303-M (W etland Restoration) Project LA-3-304-M (Littoral Zone Restoration)

4. Regulatory Program Project LA-3-403-M (Nutrien t Loading Limits Adoption)

5. Planning Program Project LA-6-501-M (Distric t Water Management Plan) Project LA-6-502-S (Loc al Government Compre hensive Plan Review) Project LA-6-503-M (Land Management Plans)

6. Public Information Program Project LA-5-602-S (Public Awareness) Project LA-5-603-S (L ocal Government In formation Project)

7. Land Acquisition Program Project LA-3-701-S (Marsh Fl ow-Way Land Acquisition) Project LA-3-704-S (North Shore Land Acquisition)Planning: Issues, Goals, Strategies, Programs, and Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

65 D. Degradation of Downstream Lakes

Issue Description . Lake Apopka is the headwater lake and primary source of surface water for the Harris Chain of Lakes (Lakes Be auclair, Dora, Eustis, Harris, Griffin, and Yale) and the Upper Ocklawaha River. Nutrient-laden water from Lake Apopka contributes significantly to the eutrophication of the remaining lakes in the chain.

Goal . Reduce or eliminate the degradation of downstream lakes from Lake Apopka discharge water (Figure 20).

Strategies . Reduction in nutrient and sediment transport from the Lake Apopka Basin requires (1) a reduction in external nutrient loading, especially from farms along the Apopka-Beauclair Canal, (2) improvement in water quality in Lake Apopka, and (3) discharge of water from Lake Apopka through the marsh flow-way instead of directly

from the lake.

• Purchase available ag ricultural lands.

• Enforce existing water quality regula tions and consent order compliance.

• Confine downstream discharges to waters filtered through the marsh flow-way

system.

• Monitor downstream discharge at the Apopka-Beauclair Canal.

• Develop and adopt nutrient loading limits for the watershed.

• Evaluate potential for matching grants for agricultural wa stewater treatment
facilities construction.

Programs and Projects . The following programs and projects are necessary to reduce downstream discharge of degraded water:

1. Diagnostic Program Project LA-1-101-D (Exte rnal Nutrient Budget) Project LA-4-103-D (Mathematical Modeling)

2. Restoration Program Project LA-3-301-M (Marsh Flow-Way Restoration)

3. Regulatory Program Project LA-3-403-M (Nutrien t Loading Limits Adoption)SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

66 

### Figure 20. Degradation of downstream lakes Project Numbers

LA-1-101-D

LA-4-103-D Diagnostic Program

Project Number

LA-3-301-M Restoration Program

Project Number

LA-3-403-M Regulatory Program

Project Numbers

LA-5-602-S

LA-5-603-S Public Info Program

Project Numbers

LA-3-701-S

LA-3-704-S Land Acquisition Program **Strategies**

Monitor canal discharge Adopt nutrient loading limits Purchase lands Enforce regulations/consent orders Filter discharge water through marsh **Goal** Reduce or eliminate downstream degradation from Lake Apopka discharge waters **Issue** Degradation of downstream lakes



### Figure 20. Degradation of downstream lakes Project Numbers

LA-1-101-D

LA-4-103-D Diagnostic Program

Project Number

LA-3-301-M Restoration Program

Project Number

LA-3-403-M Regulatory Program

Project Numbers

LA-5-602-S

LA-5-603-S Public Info Program

Project Numbers

LA-3-701-S

LA-3-704-S Land Acquisition Program **Strategies**

Monitor canal discharge Adopt nutrient loading limits Purchase lands Enforce regulations/consent orders Filter discharge water through marsh **Goal** Reduce or eliminate downstream degradation from Lake Apopka discharge waters **Issue** Degradation of downstream lakesPlanning: Issues, Goals, Strategies, Programs, and Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

67 4. Public Information Program Project LA-5-602-S (Public Awareness) Project LA-5-603-S (L ocal Government In formation Project)

5. Land Acquisition Program Project LA-3-701-S (Marsh Fl ow-Way Land Acquisition) Project LA-3-704-S (North Shore Land Acquisition)

E. Low Recreational and Aesthetic Value

Issue Description . Lake Apopka was once a lake with clear waters, a stable habitat for fish propagation, and a productive sports fishery. The lake environment also provided excellent potential for water contact recreation and wildli fe observation. Due to water quality degradation and loss of habitat, the lake environment is now one of unsightly blue-green algal blooms, soft bottom sediments, and very limited wetland habitat. These changes have resulted in lost recrea tional opportunities in and around Lake Apopka (Figure 21).

Goals

• Attain water quality suitable for water contact recreation.

• Improve multi-use recreational opportunities.

• Restore abundant and diverse populations of native plants, wildlife, and fish to the

basin.

Strategies

• Acquire available ag ricultural lands.

• Test feasibility of littoral zo ne restoration and expansion.

• Investigate methods of water quality restoration and sediment consolidation.

• Establish marsh flow-way.

• Develop and adopt additional regulato ry criteria for the lake basin.

• Establish a long-range comprehensive management plan for the basin.

• Develop land management plans for acquired properties.

• Implement rough fish harvest.

• Participate in local government comprehensive planning.

Programs and Projects . The following programs and proj ects are considered necessary for strategy implementation:SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

68 

### Figure 21. Low recreational and aesthetic value Project Numbers

LA-2-208-F

LA-2-209-F Feasibility Program

Project Numbers

LA-2-304-M LA-3-301-M

LA-3-302-M LA-3-303-M

Restoration Program

Project Number

LA-3-403-M Regulatory Program

Project Numbers

LA-6-501-M
LA-6-502-S Planning Program

Project Numbers

LA-5-602-S
LA-5-603-S Public Info Program

Project Numbers

LA-3-701-S
LA-3-705-S Land Acquisition Program Develop comprehensive management plan and regulatory criteria Establish marsh flow-way Implement rough fish harvest **Strategies** Acquire lands Test feasibility of restoration Investigate methods and adopt management plans **Goals**

Make water safe for contact recreation Improve multi-use recreational opportunities Restore populations of plants, wildlife, and fish to basin **Issue**
Low recreational and aesthetic value

LA-6-503-M



### Figure 21. Low recreational and aesthetic value Project Numbers

LA-2-208-F

LA-2-209-F Feasibility Program

Project Numbers

LA-2-304-M LA-3-301-M

LA-3-302-M LA-3-303-M

Restoration Program

Project Number

LA-3-403-M Regulatory Program

Project Numbers

LA-6-501-M
LA-6-502-S Planning Program

Project Numbers

LA-5-602-S
LA-5-603-S Public Info Program

Project Numbers

LA-3-701-S
LA-3-705-S Land Acquisition Program Develop comprehensive management plan and regulatory criteria Establish marsh flow-way Implement rough fish harvest **Strategies** Acquire lands Test feasibility of restoration Investigate methods and adopt management plans **Goals**

Make water safe for contact recreation Improve multi-use recreational opportunities Restore populations of plants, wildlife, and fish to basin **Issue**
Low recreational and aesthetic value

LA-6-503-MPlanning: Issues, Goals, Strategies, Programs, and Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

69 1. Feasibility Program Project LA-4-208-F (Drawdown and Lake Level Fluctuation) Project LA-4-209-F (Socioeconomic Assessment and Methodology)

2. Restoration Program Project LA-3-301-M (Marsh Flow-Way Restoration) Project LA-3-302-M (Rou gh Fish Harvesting) Project LA-3-303-M (W etland Restoration) Project LA-2-304-M (Littoral Zone Restoration)

3. Regulatory Program Project LA-3-403-M (Nutrien t Loading Limits Adoption)

4. Planning Program Project LA-6-501-M (Distric t Water Management Plan) Project LA-6-502-S (Loc al Government Compre hensive Plan Review) Project LA-6-503-M (Land Management Plans)

5. Public Information Program Project LA-5-602-S (Public Awareness) Project LA-5-603-S (L ocal Government In formation Project)

6. Land Acquisition Program Project LA-3-701-S (Marsh Fl ow-Way Land Acquisition) Project LA-3-704-S (North Shore Land Acquisition)

F. Nonpoint Pollution Sources

Issue Description . The degree to which nonpoint sources other than agriculture contribute to problems in Lake Apopka was unclear during the formulation of the SWIM Plan. High nitrogen and phosphorus levels, exce ssive algal production, and reduced water clarity in the lake necessitated an evaluation of the relative importance of all nonpoint sources of pollution (Figure 22).

Goal . Evaluate and eliminate significant nonpoint sources of pollution to Lake Apopka.

Strategies

• Assess external sources of nutrients and internal recycling.

• Assess the extent of urban runoff around the lake.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

70 **Strategies**

Participate in local government comprehensive planning Assess urban runoff

Develop enforcement contracts
Adopt nutrient loading limits Assess external sources of nutrients and internal recycling

Determine failed septic systems

LA-1-101-D

LA-1-102-D

LA-4-103-D LA-3-402-M

LA-3-403-M

LA-5-602-S

LA-5-603-S



### Figure 22. Nonpoint pollution sources Project Numbers Diagnostic Program

Project Numbers Regulatory Program

Project Numbers Public Info Program

Project Numbers

LA-6-501-M

LA-6-502-S Planning Program **Goal** Evaluate and eliminate nonpoint sources **Issue** Nonpoint pollution sources

**Strategies**

Participate in local government comprehensive planning Assess urban runoff

Develop enforcement contracts
Adopt nutrient loading limits Assess external sources of nutrients and internal recycling

Determine failed septic systems

LA-1-101-D

LA-1-102-D

LA-4-103-D LA-3-402-M

LA-3-403-M

LA-5-602-S

LA-5-603-S



### Figure 22. Nonpoint pollution sources Project Numbers Diagnostic Program

Project Numbers Regulatory Program

Project Numbers Public Info Program

Project Numbers

LA-6-501-M

LA-6-502-S Planning Program **Goal** Evaluate and eliminate nonpoint sources **Issue** Nonpoint pollution sourcesPlanning: Issues, Goals, Strategies, Programs, and Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

71 • Determine the extent of failed se ptic systems around the lake.

• Participate in local government compre hensive planning and assist in the development and implementation of stronger local ordinances.

• Assess potential for enforcement contracts with Lake and Orange counties.

• Adopt nutrient loading limits.

Programs and Projects . The following programs and proj ects are considered necessary to implement designated strategies:

1. Diagnostic Program Project LA-1-101-D (Exte rnal Nutrient Budget) Project LA-1-102-D (Int ernal Nutrient Budget) Project LA-4-103-D (Mathematical Modeling)

2. Regulatory Program Project LA-3-402-M (Nonpoint Source Pollution Control) Project LA-3-403-M (Nutrien t Loading Limits Adoption)

3. Planning Program Project LA-6-501-M (Distric t Water Management Plan) Project LA-6-502-S (Loc al Government Compre hensive Plan Review)

4. Public Information Program Project LA-5-602-S (Public Awareness) Project LA-5-603-S (L ocal Government Info rmation Project)

G. Future Basin Development

Issue Description . Simultaneously with the completion of the projects that have addressed the preceding six issues, it will be necessary to support comprehensive basin planning to ensure maintenance of restored conditions in Lake Apopka. Proper protection and restoration of the lake’s resources require coordination among the federal, state, regional, and local agen cies that have planning, regulatory, or management authority in the basin. The SWIM Act partially fulfills this requirement by directing SJRWMD, with the participation of other governmental agencies, to develop and implement an interagency management plan (Figure 23).SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

72 

## Figure 23. Future basin development Project Numbers

LA-6-501-M

LA-6-502-S Planning Program

Project Numbers

LA-3-403-M

LA-3-402-M Regulatory Program **Strategies**
Adopt nutrient loading limits

Develop a comprehensive District water management plan

Assist local governments in comprehensive planning **Goals**

Develop appropriately

Enforce compliance

Standardize agency management **Issue**

Future basin development



## Figure 23. Future basin development Project Numbers

LA-6-501-M

LA-6-502-S Planning Program

Project Numbers

LA-3-403-M

LA-3-402-M Regulatory Program **Strategies**
Adopt nutrient loading limits

Develop a comprehensive District water management plan

Assist local governments in comprehensive planning **Goals**

Develop appropriately

Enforce compliance

Standardize agency management **Issue**

Future basin developmentPlanning: Issues, Goals, Strategies, Programs, and Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

73 Goals

• Develop plan consistent with envi ronmental protection of the lake.

• Enforce effective rules and permit compliance.

• Standardize resource management among regulatory agencies.

Strategies

• Establish nutrient loading limits for the water body.

• Evaluate the implementation of the Dist rict Water Manageme nt Plan annually.

• Participate in local government compre hensive planning and assist in the development and implementation of stronger local ordinances.

• Establish a long-range comprehensive management plan for the basin.

Programs and Projects . The following programs and proj ects are considered necessary to implement designated strategies:

1. Regulatory Program Project LA-3-403-M (Nutrien t Loading Limits Adoption) Project LA-3-402-M (Nonpoint Source Pollution Control)

2. Planning Program Project LA-6-501-M (Distric t Water Management Plan) Project LA-6-502-S (Loc al Government Compre hensive Plan Review)SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

74Progress of the Lake Apopka Restoration Program

St. Johns River Water Management District

75 

## P ROGRESS OF THE 

## L AKE 

## A POPKA 

## R ESTORATION 

## P ROGRAM

O VERVIEW

The Lake Apopka restoration effort is a holistic water resources, economic, and recreational restoration approach designed to return the water body to a condition that meets Class III water quality standards. In the years since the 1985 Lake Apopka Restoration Act, SJRWMD has implemented a comprehensive array of SWIM projects to address the seven priority issues described in the previous section. Following thorough scientific study, a four-part restoration program was developed:

• Reduce phosphorus loading from external sources, primarily resulting from agricultural operations , through regulation and land acquisition.

• Remove phosphorus and flocculent sediments to accelerate recovery of the lake by wetland filtration (marsh flow-way) and by mass removal of rough fish.

• Improve food-web structure by removal of gizzard shad to benefit production of game fish and improve water quality.

• Restore lake habitat through littoral zone planting an d increased fluctuation in lake

levels.



### R EDUCTION IN 

### N UTRIENT 

### L OADING

Actions are under way that will decrease phosphorus loading to the lake through regulatory, land acquisition, an d nutrient reduction activities.

Regulatory

A major regulatory action in support of the Lake Apopka restoration was to restrict phosphorus loading from the muck farms formerly located on the northern edge of the lake. Two major farming entities operated on the former marshes: A. Duda and Sons (Duda), with approximately 2,633 ha (6,500 ac) of muck farm fields on both sides of the Apopka-Beauclair Canal, and the Zellwood Drainage and Water Control District (ZDWCD), controlling discharges from ab out one dozen farms on 3,524 ha (8,700 ac) east of the Duda Jem Farm holdings. ZDWCD contained two large farming areas, Unit I

to the north of the McDonald Canal and Unit II to the south of the McDonald Canal.

On June 1, 1988, SJRWMD began regulating ag ricultural discharges under authority transferred by FDEP. That same month, SJRWMD and Duda entered into a consent order designed to reduce discharges and protect water quality according to a fixed timeSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

76 schedule (Appendix I). The consent order required Duda to construct a reservoir for Jem Farm and acknowledged that the farms west of the Apopka-Beauclair Canal would be sold to SJRWMD. In May 1989, SJRWMD and ZDWCD signed a consent order (Appendix I). In the case of ZDWCD, a cha llenge brought by a local resident delayed implementation of the consent order until 1991. Later modificat ions of the consent order

between ZDWCD and SJRWMD outlined a provision for construction of an alum injection system to reduce orthophosphate loads from ZDWCD, beginning in 1995.

In 1994, SJRWMD published a proposed Works of the District rule for Lake Apopka as the means of meeting the PLRG set for the la ke. ZDWCD challenged the rule in a State of Florida Administrative Hearing. In August 1995, the Final Or der of the Hearing Officer stated that SJRWMD did not have the regulatory auth ority to implement narrative water quality standards through nu trient limitatio ns for the lake, and found that certain components of the technical basis of the rule were flawed.

The 1996 Legislature gave SJRWMD the legal authority to set a ph osphorus discharge limitation for Lake Apopka (Appendix A). The legislation provided for the development of a cost-shared detention pond system in the event that the buyout program was not successful. It also set a phosphorus criterion for the lake of 55 ppb in the event that SJRWMD did not adopt a rule by January 1997.

SJRWMD responded with revisions to Chapter 40C-4, F.A.C ., and the Applicant’s Handbook: Management and Storage of Surface Waters (Appendix I) effe ctive August 1996. This rule “establishes a phosphorus criter ion for Lake Apopka.” It will be used to establish discharge limitations for all regu lated activities within the Lake Apopka drainage basin that are permitted to dischar ge, directly or indirectly, into Lake Apopka,
the Lake Level Canal, and the McDonald Canal.

PLRGs will be a primary tool to control the level of nutrient inputs to Lake Apopka from all sources. These goals will serve as the basis for the EPA-mandated TMDL process, required for all impaired water bo dies and administered through FDEP. Public workshops to discuss phosphorus discharge limits were conducted during 1997, 2000, 2001, and 2002. A notice of development of proposed rules was published in the Florida Administrative Weekly on December 29, 2000 (FAW 2001). Based on further discussions and a consultant’s review of the existing stormwater treatment criteria, SJRWMD staff incorporated several revisions to the propos ed rule. The proposed rule was approved by the Governing Board in 2002 and was published in the Florida Administrative Weekly on April 19, 2002. Following concer n by the public over the implementation cost of the
rule, SJRWMD considered less co stly alternatives that wo uld still meet the statutory objectives of the proposed rule. The final rule adoption hearing was held in December

2002. The rule became effective in March 2003. For activities SJRW MD regulates, theProgress of the Lake Apopka Restoration Program

St. Johns River Water Management District

77 rule will limit the loading of phosph orus, which must not increase over predevelopment rates. SJRWMD and FDEP will share implementatio n responsibilities.

Land Acquisition

Nutrient loading to Lake Apopka was decr eased by SJRWMD’s purchase of all muck farms west of the Apopka-Beauclair Canal (2,362 ha or 5,833 acres). A portion of this land is being converted to the Marsh Flow-Way Project, which will remove particulate phosphorus from lake water. Lease-back agreements (which provided for orderly termination of farming ac tivities) ended in August 1993 for Hooper Farms and Duda/Whittle. Similar agreements with W ilkinson-Cooper and C.C. Ranch ended in May 1994. Agricultural discharges from thisarea were primarily to the ApopkaBeauclair Canal and contribut ed to downstream loading.

The 1996 Legislature determined that it was in the public intere st for SJRWMD to pursue buyout of the farms east of the Apopka-Beauclair Canal as the long-term solution to the nutrient loading prob lem and provided $20 million toward farm acquisition. In addition, SJRWMD received $26 million from the USDA WRP. With the federal and state funding available, SJ RWMD purchased the 1,285 ha (3,173 ac) Duda Lake Jem farm in April 1997. A technical res toration plan is being developed with the assistance of NRCS, which oversees the reserve program.

During the 1997 legislative year, the state appropriated an additional $45 million for purchasing additional agri cultural lands within the NSRA (Appendix A). Under Chapter 99-226, Laws of Florida , the Legislature authorized Specific Appropriation 1205 to release $11 million for purchase of farmlands from the Water Management Lands Trust Fund during the 1999–2000 fiscal year.

In August 1999, the final farmlands were purchased within ZDWCD. Through the end of 2000, a total of 7,972 ha (19,684 ac) had been approved by the Governing Board for purchase. Bringing the land into public ow nership completes SJRWMD’s acquisition of Lake Apopka muck farms, with acquisition of small non-farming areas still pending (Figure 24). ZDWCD was dis solved in February 2000 as directed by 1999 state legislation. Water management responsib ilities within ZDWCD were transferred to

SJRWMD.

All of the SJRWMD-acquired muck lands with in the NSRA will eventually be restored to wetland and aquatic habitat. Restoratio n work will include modifications to the extensive network of drainage, pump, and levee systems; planting; and monitoring the progress of habitat development. Partial fun ding for initial restor ation work is being provided by NRCS.Progress of the Lake Apopka Restoration Program

St. Johns River Water Management District

79 Nutrient Reduction Activities

In 1991, the Lake Apopka Hydrologic Unit Ar ea Project was initiated jointly by the IFAS/Florida Cooperative Extens ion Service, NRCS, and the Consolidated Farm Service Agency. SJRWMD cooperated with this program, which provided technical and financial assistance to the 19 vegetable and sod growers to implement best management practices (BMPs), which reduced discharges into Lake Apopka and limited nutrient loading. For example, approximately 124,000 kg (273,000 pounds) of phosphorus fertilizer were applied to vegetables in the Lake Apopka Basin in 1991 (Crnko et al. 1993). After emphasizing the us e of calibrated soil testing for nutrient management through field trials, the amou nt of phosphorus fertilizer applied to farms in the Lake Apopka Basin was reduced 55% by 1993 (Crnko et al. 1993). During the same period, 14 internal pumps, 164 water control structures, and 3 floating staff gauges were installed to promote water recycling and reduce discharges (Neal et al. 1994).

Following purchase of the farms, SJRW MD developed a plan to further reduce phosphorus loading to meet discharge target s. Because the initial phosphorus release from reflooding the purchased farms on the north shore of Lake Apopka could be substantial, a soil amendment is being a dded to the soil surface to bind phosphorus with a single application. Soil treatment will reduce the time until the farms can be reconnected to the lake or until other final restoration steps are taken. Approximately 800 ha (1,968 ac) of Jem Farms was treated in spring 1999, and Phase I of the marsh flow-way was treated as part of final construction. ZDWCD w ill be treated when studies of pesticide re sidues are completed.

The soil amendment selected for use within the NSRA and the mars h flow-way is alum residual, a by-product of the drinking water treatment process. Surface water, in this case from Lake Washington in Brevard County, contains suspended materials such as sand, microscopic organisms, clay, and organic particles that cause color, taste, odor, and turbidity. Aluminum sulfate, or alum, is used to coagulate thes e particles so that they may be separated out. Other ingredients that are added during the process include granulated activated carbon and quick lime. Polymers are used to dewater the material. The residual was thoroughly tested for safety and effectiveness. Nationally, this material is becoming popular as a phosphorus pollution abatement tool and also is used

worldwide as a soil additive (Hoge 2001).

Reductions in Discharge and Nutrient Loading

An additional methodology implemented to reduce phosphorus loadings to Lake Apopka is to treat pumped discharges fr om ZDWCD Unit I and Unit II. When SJRWMD acquired th e ZDWCD properties, ZDWCD had already implemented a liquidSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

80 alum treatment system in Unit II, but discharges from Unit I were untreated. In September 2001 it became necessary to disch arge water from Unit I, so SJRWMD implemented a second liquid alum treatment system. To improve water treatment and water control efficiency, SJRWMD has contracted with a consultant to redesign both alum injection systems. The redesign is ex pected to be completed and implemented by

mid-2003.

Since 1989, there has been a significant decrea se in the average annual muck farm total phosphorus (TP) loading to the lake (Figure 25) (Stites et al. 2001). Farm phosphorus discharges decreased due to altered water management practices, purchase of farm properties east of the Apopka-Beauclair Cana l, and low rainfall in 1993 (Figure 26).

0 20 40 60 80 100 120**metric tons**

1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996

Figure 25. Lake Apopka Basin muck farm discharge of total phosphorus, 1989–96

Water Quality Improvements

In 1995, the TP concentration began to fluctu ate around a new, lo wer level (Figure 27). Chlorophyll concentrations also declined in mid-1995 and have continued on a downward trajectory (Figur e 28). In fact, the January 2000 value was the lowest monthly average measured in a decade of SJRWMD monitoring. Secchi depth, a measure of water clarity, incr eased by approximately 30% over the same period of time, with a significant increasing trend (Figure 29). These changes occurred during a period when average wind speeds measured at Lake Apopka were constant. Whether chlorophyll and Secchi depth have reached eq uilibrium with the new, lower average TPProgress of the Lake Apopka Restoration Program

St. Johns River Water Management District

81 0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 12000 14000**Volume (Ha-M)**

1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998

Figure 26. Lake Apopka Basin muck farm volumetric discharge, 1989–98

Figure 27. Lake Apopka mean monthly total phosphorus, January 1987–March 2002 **0.145 0.205** 

**0 0.05** 

**0.1 0.15** 

**0.2 0.25** 

**0.3 0.35** 

**0.4**

**1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 TP-T (mg/l)** 

FSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

82 Figure 28. Lake Apopka mean monthly chlorophyll a , October 1998–March 2002

Figure 29. Lake Apopka mean monthly Secchi depth, January 1987–March 2002 **64.58 92.47** 

**0 50**  **100 150**  **200 250** 

**1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 CHLA (mg/m3)** 

**0.295**

**0.230**

**0 0.1**  **0.2 0.3**  **0.4 0.5**  **0.6 0.7** 

**1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 SECCHI (m)** Progress of the Lake Apopka Restoration Program

St. Johns River Water Management District

83 concentration or if chlo rophyll and Secchi depth will improve further without additional P loading redu ctions is unknown. With the fi rst phase of the Lake Apopka Marsh Flow-Way scheduled to begin filtering the lake in the near future and the restoration of the acquired farmlands under way, even more dramat ic improvements in water quality and clarity are anticipated within Lake Apopka in the coming years.



### R EMOVAL OF 

### P HOSPHORUS AND 

### F LOCCULENT 

### S EDIMENTS

Due to the sedimentary store of available phosphorus and the moderate hydraulic detention time in Lake Apopka (2.5 years), decreased nutrient loading to the lake will need to be augmented by aggressive phosphorus removal techniques to hasten the recovery of the lake.

Marsh Flow-Way Project

The Lake Apopka Marsh Flow-Way, a created wetland located west of the ApopkaBeauclair Canal, will remove phosphorus fr om lake water and permanently bury it in marsh sediments. Algae, resuspended sedime nts, and particle-boun d nutrients will be

removed from lake water as it flows thro ugh 13 independent marsh cells and returns to the lake (Figure 30). A portion of the treated water will also entirely replace the poorquality water now flowing through the Apopka-Beauclair Canal to the downstream lakes, thus improving their quality as well. Over the long term, about 10% of flow through the wetland will be discharged down stream and 90% will re-circulate to Lake Apopka. The full project is expected, given current water quality conditions, to remove 30 metric tons of phosphorus annually from Lake Apop ka (Lowe et al. 1989). The three long-term goals for the full-scale Marsh Flow-Way Project are to

• Establish and maintain a hydrologic regi me and vegetation that will maximize phosphorus removal in terms of both power (mass P removed/unit time) and capacity (mass P removed over project life)

• Create a broad and persistent biological connection with the lake

• Establish and maintain a diversity of habi tats to support aquat ic and wetland wildlife (Lowe et al. 1992)

Until water quality conditions in the lake are sufficiently improved to warrant a change of focus, the marsh flow-way will be operat ed to meet the first of the three goals.

The first step of the Marsh Flow-Way Project was the design, construction, and operation of a 223-ha (550-ac ) demonstration-scale constructed wetland. This pilot project provided necessary experience and da ta for the design and construction of**A B1**  **B2 C1**  **C2**

**Phase I (constructed)** 

**Demonstration project**  **Lake Apopka** 

Inlet channel **D1 D2**  **E1 E2**  **F1 G1** 

**F2 G2**  **H**

**Phase II (future)** 

**Phase III (future)**  

##  Apopka− Beauclair

Lock and Dam



##  Apopka − Beauclair Canal

Clay

Island 

# 

Figure 30. Lake Apopka Marsh Flow− Way conceptual design   **Flow direction**

**Pumping station**

**Lock and dam**

**Existing levee**

**Planned levee**

**Legend**

**Conveyance canal**

**Dashed − planned canal** 

**Solid − existing canal**  0 1 0.5 MilesProgress of the Lake Apopka Restoration Program

St. Johns River Water Management District

85 Phase I. Physical design, flow regimes, mana gement tools, and operational costs for this type of wetland treatment system were evaluated in the seven-year effort. Experimental planting of emergent wetland plant species in three 2-ha (5-ac) plots were used to assess possible benefits of planting the system compared to the natural revegetation process

allowed in the rest of the wetland.

Lessons learned included th e following (Coveney 1995):

• Hydraulic functioning is key to effective nutrient control.

• Multiple parallel cells are preferable to a single large treatment area.

• Large-scale channelization must be avoided to maximize the hydraulic time

distribution.

• Drawdown was a necessary an d effective technique to co nsolidate newly deposited

sediment.

The demonstration wetland was capable of removal of total suspended solids and total phosphorus at or ab ove target efficiencies of 85% and 30%, respectively (Coveney, Lowe, and Battoe 2001). Several design features, such as multiple inlet and outlet locations and the creation of regularly spaced ditches perpendicular to flow, were applied in the design of Phase I to minimize channelization.

Construction of Phase I of the full project began in December 1997. Funding for Phase I

included

• $1.5 million in SWIM funds allocated by the Legislature in 1996

• 25% of invoices up to $4 million from Lake County and the Lake County Water Authority

• $1 million from the EPA Clean Water Act fund

Phase I construction was completed in 2001 for approximately $4.32 million. SJRWMD will start operation of the projec t when the currently low lake levels increase sufficiently and when discussions with federal agencies re garding pesticide residu es in the soils arecompleted. The first phase of construction developed 4 of 13 treatment cells in the flowway. The design allows future construction phases to proceed wh ile Phase I is fully operational. Phases II and III will be co nstructed as funding becomes available.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

86 

### I MPROVE 

### F OOD 

### -W EB 

### S TRUCTURE

Gizzard Shad Harvest

The purpose of the Trophic Structure Manipulation and Rough Fish Harvesting Projects is to remove “rough fish,” primarily gizzard shad ( Dorosoma cepedianum ). Shad harvest

is a cost-effective means of re moving phosphorus stored in the lake and helping change water quality and the trophic structure (animal community) of the lake toward conditions conducive to a diverse fish community with abundant game fish. The gizzard shad, presently the dominant fish in Lake Apopka, is a filter-feeding species that thrives in the current turbid, algal-dominated water of the lake. Its dominance reflects current poor quality conditions in the lake. The fish helps to maintain those conditions by increasing the rate at wh ich the phosphorus in the water is made available for algal growth, by stirring up loose bottom sediments, and by removing the larger zooplankton grazers that more efficiently feed on blue-green algae. Removal of the gizzard shad population from Lake De nham, a 120-ha (300-ac) lake connected to
downstream Lake Harris, between 1990 an d 1992 provided a success ful demonstration of the potential benefits of this restoration technique. Haul seine removal of gizzard shad from Lake Denham resulted in signif icantly improved water quality, including reductions in total phosphorus, nitrogen, suspended solids, turbidity, and chlorophyll a concentrations and increased water clari ty measured by Secchi disk. Recreational fishing improved dramatically as well.

From 1993 through 2002, commercial fishermen harvested 3,729,945 kg (8.2 million pounds) of gizzard shad from Lake Apopka. A winter/spring harvest, supported by SJRWMD funding, is augmented by the availa bility of year-round permits for commercial fishermen that have yielded as much as 250,000 pounds annually without cost to SJRWMD. Low lake levels prevented large-scale harvest of gizzard shad in 2001 and the spring of 2002. To improve lake access for commercial fishing, a new dock facility was

constructed in 2002 on McDonald Canal on the former A. Duda and Sons Jem Farm

property.



### I MPROVE 

### L AKE 

### H ABITAT

Littoral Zone Replanting

Historically, the northern third of Lake Apopka was a vast floodplain wetland dominated by saw grass. A healthy littoral zone surrounded the rest of the lake, including a shallow-water habitat for fish population development. However, the 7,290 ha (18,000 ac) of northern wetlands were elim inated and the remaining littoral zone isProgress of the Lake Apopka Restoration Program

St. Johns River Water Management District

87 degraded, with loose sediments unsuitable for game fish nesting sites. Dense stands of cattail, which provide a poor habitat for fish (Johnson and Crumpton 1998), make up approximately 48% of the areal coverage of the existing near-shore vegetation (SJRWMD, unpublished data).

In the Littoral Zone Restoration Project, desirable native vegetation is planted behind inexpensive, moveable breakwaters to reintr oduce emergent wetland species lost to littoral zone areas and to begin to stabilize the loose surficial sediments. It is expected that in addition to providing the pr otection from wave action necessary for newly planted vegetation to establish and thrive, th ese breakwaters will help reduce sediment resuspension, clear the water column, and promote development of submerged vegetation. A contract effort to transplant six native aquatic plant species behind protective barriers and at un protected control sites began in July 1992 and was completed in December 1993. Additional aquatic vegetati on planting was begun by SJRWMD staff in June 1992, primarily on the northern shore of th e lake. This is an ongoing effort, and over one noncontiguous mile of shoreline, comprising over 40 sites, has been planted (Figure 31). Planting “events” have been sponsored by SJRWMD with county and local governments and the Friends of Lake Apopka (FOLA) to restore littoral zone areas fronting public parks along the lake. Voluntee rs of all ages have participated in these events. Also, the existing shoreline vegetation around the 40-mile perimeter of the lake has been mapped using global positioning and geographic informatio n systems (Conrow and Peterson 2000). This effort will establish a baseline for quantifying changes in future vegetative coverage.

New Vegetation Development

Since 1995, Vallisneria americana (eelgrass) has increased markedly in the lake after being nearly absent from the lake bottom in recent decades. By January 2001, more than 83 patches with a combined area over 2.6 ha ( 6.5 ac) were documented. This spontaneous return of submersed macrophytes may be a response to improved underwater light conditions. In addition to providing valuable habitat, submersed macrophytes will hasten the recovery of the lake through several positive feedback mechanisms.Progress of the Lake Apopka Restoration Program

St. Johns River Water Management District

89 

### O THER 

### E FFORTS

Wetland Restoration Area Pesticide Residue Effort

As discussed in the Overview section, two different evaluations were performed as steps in the land acquisitio n process at Lake Apopka: (1) an environmental site assessment (ESA) and (2) an environmental risk assessment (ERA).

The ESA and subsequent remediation activities identified and removed highly

contaminated soil from former storage areas, with mix/load sites, solid waste sites, etc. The ERA evaluated the potential for acute or long-term (chronic) problems to occur with wildlife as a result of the average pest icide residue concentrat ions in the purchased

areas that resulted from no rmal farming operations.

All properties considered for acquisition received a Phase I ESA in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Stan dard E1527. Eleven properties were audited, although not all of these properties are part of the currently active 9,000-

acre restoration area.

Final remediation included removal of over 18,600 tons of soil that were contaminated by petroleum, metals, and pesticides. SJRWMD also conducted an ERA of the residual pesticide levels expected to remain in the farm soils after remediation was completed. Approximately 400 soil samples were analyz ed for pesticide re sidues in the ERA process. The risk assessment and subsequent follow up evaluation indicated no likelihood that background residual pesticide levels would present an acute toxicity risk to aquatic or wetland animals. Some concerns about long-term, sub-lethal effects on growth or reproduction were raised, and SJRWMD planned a monitoring program to assess these potential prob lems during restoration.

The promotion of lush emergent vegetation through shallow flooding was identified as the best management strategy to remediate the background levels of pesticides. This approach combined the beneficial effects of (1 ) a halt to further application of pesticides, (2) accelerated microbial breakdown of pest icides in a nutrient-rich, anaerobic soil environment, and (3) burial and dilution of the pesticide residues with new organic

matter.

Flooding the Farm Fields and Bird Mortality

Remediation activities at the farms were completed during the summer of 1998, and the farms were shallowly flooded. Shallow floodin g of the farm fields was the farmers’ historical practice to control crop pests and reduce erosion during the summer fallowSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

90 period. Shallow flooding was extended into the fall in order to expedite restoration efforts, specifically to

• Limit weed growth to facilitat e soil amendment application

• Minimize pumping of drainage water to Lake Apopka

• Provide habitat for migrating shorebirds

As autumn progressed, an enormous number and variety of birds came to the site. SJRWMD began draining the site in early No vember to prepare for treatment of the area with a soil amendment to trap excess phosphorus left by the farming process. The range of water depths created in the NSRA as fields began to dry resulted in an extraordinary response by bird populations. The 1998 Zellwood/Mount Dora Christmas Bird Count recorded a likely North American inland re cord of 174 species (Cornell University 2002).

However, in late fall 1998, a significant morta lity event affecting prim arily white pelicans

occurred on the site. Birds were also found si ck or dead in other parts of Florida. The deaths of about 1,000 white pe licans and other fish-eating birds statewide have been attributed to the mortality event on the no rth shore of Lake Apopka. The number of dead pelicans represented a significant fr action of the white pelican population wintering in Florida.

In order to discourage fish-eating birds from coming to the area, SJRWMD accelerated draining of the farmland in January 1999. The fields were com pletely drained by February. By March, the pelican population had migrated from the sites and mortalities of all bird species were infrequent.

Investigating the Causes of the Bird Mortality

USFWS, the federal agency responsible for mi gratory birds and federally listed species, began an investigation of the bird mortality shortly after the deaths began. On February 17, 1999, USFWS issued a press release with a pr eliminary conclusion that the birds had died from poisoning by organochlorine pe sticides. Among the pesticides that were implicated are toxaphene, dieldrin, and DDT and its metabolites.

SJRWMD and NRCS, with the concurrence of other Florida government agencies,

determined that further inve stigation was necessary. A total of $1.5 million for Phase 1 of the study was pledged from SJRWMD an d NRCS, and other organizations pledged in-kind support. In March 1999, a team of experts from 13 fe deral, state, county, and private organizations co nvened as the technical advisory group to the investigation.Progress of the Lake Apopka Restoration Program

St. Johns River Water Management District

91 Using the USFWS conclusions as a working hypothesis, the technical advisory group investigation was designed to evaluate two potential hypotheses. The first hypothesis was that typical pesticide concentrations in the fields were sufficiently high to cause acute toxicity. The second hypothesis was that a highly contaminated site was not found during the ESAs conducted for each farm.

All data on soils and sediments, birds, and fish were provided to Exponent Inc., a consulting firm based in Bellevue, Washingto n. Their analysis of the data and a draft report on the mortality event were completed for review in September 2000. The draft Exponent report generated significant debate among the technical advisory group and others as to the cause of the bird mortality. In April 2001, USFWS released a significant amount of data that it had obtained through necropsies conducted by USFWS on birds that were sequestered by USFWS after the bird mortality. These data, along with technical review comments, were then made available to Exponent for preparation of the final report. A further draft was received in April 2003.

A primary uncertainty for evaluating risk from pesticide residu es is the rate of bioaccumulation of pesticides from soils/sediments through the food chain to fish and then to birds. Soils with high organic matter contents, like those on the NSRA have not
been studied, nor has environmental fate mo deling for pesticides been evaluated under similar high organic conditions. Therefore, three additional phases of study are necessary initial components of restoration efforts for the NSRA: (1) laboratory microcosms, (2) fieldscale mesocosms, and (3) bird feeding studies. SJRWMD initiated these studies during the spring of 2001.

In addition to the above studies, SJRWMD star ted cleanup of a small, highly contaminated area during 2002. Through January 2003, a tota l of 9,203 tons of contaminated soil had

been excavated. This site was discovered duri ng the intensive soil sampling conducted in 1999. Also as a result of the intensive sampli ng and subsequent risk analysis, SJRWMD developed and submitted to NRCS a plan for re flooding a portion of the Duda farm. This 700-acre area had the lowest pesticide concentrations found on the NSRA, with soil concentrations below all thresholds sugg ested by Exponent (2000). Reflooding was initiated in June, 2002 and will be accompanied by intensive monitoring of water chemistry, hydrology, bird use, and pesticide residues in fish, sediments, and water. Finally, additional soil sampling for pesticid es has been completed on portions of the NSRA not involved in the mortality event.

After any necessary remediation is comple te, SJRWMD will flood the site to begin shallow marsh development. The present lo ng-term restoration plan includes several potential management areas such as shallow marsh, deep marsh connected to the lake, and shorebird management ar eas. As final restoration activities are developed,SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

92 SJRWMD may consider and implement other a ppropriate management alternatives as

well.

Further information on the bird mortality, pesticide study obje ctives, and possible remediation methods is found in the Detail of Projects section under Project

LA-3-303-M: Wetland Restoration.

Future Basin Management Alternatives

The restoration projects out lined above will continue beyond the time horizon covered by this plan. Because these restoration effort s represent a large investment of time and resources, important consideration will be given to protecting the quality of the water body during and after restoration.

One important effort toward that end is the Lake Apopka Basin Planning Initiative, initiated by FOLA, a coordinated regional planning effort involving local elected officials, the East Central Florida Region al Planning Council (ECFRPC), SJRWMD, and other interested parties. In 2000, a steering committee consisting of loca l elected officials from the two counties and six municipalit ies in the basin examined needs and opportunities relating to fi ve areas considered to be key pieces for achieving an ecologically and economically sustainable future for the basin. Those five areas are shoreline protection, greenways and trails, viewsheds, public access, and natural setting.

One major opportunity identified through the initiative is development of a recreational trail around Lake Apopka. Using a conc ept plan prepared by ECFRPC, FOLA is promoting a detailed study of ways such a tr ail could link all the municipalities in the

basin and SJRWMD lands within a 50+ mile loop. Also, a resident’s group in Lake County is attempting to have County Road 455 on the west side of the lake designated as a Florida Scenic Highway in an effort to feature an d protect environmental and cultural resources in the western portion of the basin. A similar group is organizing around old Highway 50 in Oakland.

Using a grant from Orange County, FOLA hired professional planners to develop the Lake Apopka Development Design Guidelines. Each of the eight local jurisdictions will be asked by FOLA to adopt and apply the shoreline protective measures as they approve future developments. Lake County has written a new ordinance based on the guidelines and several new proposed develo pments have incorporated the guidelines.

The Jones Avenue Regional Stormwater Ma nagement Project will provide a regional wet detention pond system to improve the water quality in the northern portion of theProgress of the Lake Apopka Restoration Program

St. Johns River Water Management District

93 basin. The 16-ha (40-ac) project will be lo cated on SJRWMD property within the NSRA and will be funded by a cost -share agreement between SJ RWMD and Orange County.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

94Programs and Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

95 

## P ROGRAMS AND 

## P ROJECTS

This section contains an over view of programs and projec ts to be implemented in the Lake Apopka SWIM Plan. All of the projects are categorized under the following eight

programs:

1. Diagnostic Program—studies to collect nece ssary information on Lake Apopka. This includes studies designed to further understand the functioning of the lake and the causes of its degradation.

2. Feasibility Program—investig ation and testing of potent ial restoration techniques.

3. Restoration Program—demons tration and full project rest oration efforts. This will include implementation of techniques developed as pilot studies under the Feasibility Program.

4. Regulatory Program—compliance enfo rcement actions regarding point and nonpoint source pollution. An assessment and development of regulatory needs and a compilation of a database necessary to promulgate additional regulatory criteria will be completed.

5. Planning Program—planning and coordination of efforts with state agencies and local governments. Efforts will be closely coordinated with the Regulatory Program.

6. Public Information Program—public information and aw areness efforts.

7. Land Acquisition Program—acquis ition planning and acquisition.

8. Technical Support Program—support activi ty such as budget pr eparation, project planning, integration of diagnostic and feasibility projects, data management, and

SWIM Plan revisions



### P ROJECT 

### C ODING

Each project has been assigned a code. The code has (1) a two-letter prefix to identify the water body (e.g., LA = Lake Apopka), (2) a single-digit number which relates the project to the most applicable central conc ern of the SWIM Act (e.g., LA-1 = Lake Apopka, point and nonpoint source pollution central concern), (3) a three-digit number, the first to identify the appropriate progra m and the remaining digits to identify eachSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

96 project (e.g., LA-1-105 = Lake Apopka, poin t and nonpoint source pollution central concern, diagnostic program, project number five), and (4) a single-letter suffix (D, F, M, or S) for a budget code (e.g., LA-1-105-D = Lake Apopka, point an d nonpoint source pollution central concern, diagnostic program, project number five, diagnostic fiscal budget code). The code segments for the Lake Apopka SWIM Program follow.

Prefix: LA—Lake Apopka

Central concerns of the SWIM Act:

• Point and nonpoint source pollution

• Destruction of natural systems

• Correction and prevention of surface water problems

• Research for better management of surface waters and associated natural systems

• Public awareness

• Improved coordination and management

Programs:

100 series Diag nostic Program 200 series Feasibility Program 300 series Restoration Program 400 series Regulatory Program 500 series Planning Program 600 series Public Information Program 700 series Land Acquisition Program 800 series Technical Support Program

Suffix:

D Diagnostic F Feasibility/Applied Research M Management/Restoration S Technical Support



### P ROGRAM AND 

### P ROJECT 

### D ESCRIPTIONS

The following are brief descript ions of complete, ongoing, and proposed projects for Lake Apopka. Each project is described in detail in the following section.Programs and Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

97 A. Diagnostic Program

1. External Nutrient Budget

LA-1-101-D Quantifies the exchange of water and nutrients between Lake Apopka and its

watershed.

2. Internal Nutrient Budget

LA-1-102-D Maps the type, depth, and chemical characteristics of lake sediments. Quantifies nutrients returning from the sediments to the water and examines sediment deposition rates in the Lake Apopka Basin.

3. Mathematical Modeling

LA-4-103-D Uses data collected in the diagnostic and feasibility programs to project the effects of selected restoration techniques.

4. Phytoplankton-Nutrient Interactions

LA-4-104-D Provides baseline information on algal biomass and productivity. Assesses the consequences of nutrient reduction on algal growth.

5. Bathymetry

LA-4-106-D Provides a bathymetric survey of the bottom contours of Lake Apopka.

6. Fishery

LA-4-107-D Obtains current information on the fishery in Lake Apopka for modeling purposes. Monitors the game and rough fish populations.

7. Seismic Reflection Profiling

LA-1-108-D Examines subsurface geology across Lake Apopka and assesses the nature of the confining layers between the lake and the Floridan aquifer.

8. Hydrodynamic Survey

LA-4-109-D

Characterizes the dominant seasonal meteorological condit ions and models

velocities and directions of water current s in selected portions of the lake.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

98 B. Feasibility Program

1. Water Hyacinth Demonstration

LA-4-201-F Tests the ability of water hyacinths to remove nutrients from the lake.

2. Phosphorus Inacti vation/Precipitation

LA-4-202-F Evaluates the feasibility of using alum as a precipitant to trap nutrients in an

insoluble matrix.

3. Sediment Recycling

LA-4-204-F Evaluates dredging costs and potential ma rkets for lake sediment to make dredging economically feasible.

4. Microbial Decomposition

LA-4-205-F Evaluates ways of stimulating natural microbial processes which reduce the bulk of lake sediments and sequester nutrients.

5. Ichthyofaunal Reconstruction (I, II)

LA-4-206-F Phase I—Compiles a literature review on biomanipulation to determine applicability to problems in Lake Apopka. Phase II—Evaluates the potential for use of exotic fish species to aid in the restoration of Lake Apopka by consumption of excess production of algae.

6. Trophic Structure Manipulation (I, II, III)

LA-4-207-F Phase I—Provides baseline data on the role of rough fish in plankton and nutrient dynamics. Phase II—Determines the effects of gizzard shad removal on lake trophicstructure and nutrient recycling. Phase III—Tests standard harvesting gear for largescale rough fish removal in Lake Apopka and tests feasibility of using harvested rough fish as marketable products to offset the cost of fish removal.

7. Drawdown and Lake Level Fluctuation (I, II, III)

LA-4-208-F Phase I—Evaluates the feasibility and ecological effects of temporary lowering the water level in the lake or enhancing wate r level fluctuation. Phase II—Examines the effects of a partial drawdown of a si milar nearby lake. Phase III—FormulatesPrograms and Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

99 alternative enhanced lake fluctuation schedules, assesses socioeconomic consequences, and recommends new regulation schedules.

8. Socioeconomic Assessment and Methodology

LA-4-209-F Develops techniques for socioeconomic assessment of the Lake Apopka Basin. Assesses the present economic value of the recreational and commercial uses of Lake Apopka and predicts economic growth with water quality improvement. Assesses the impact of a total farm buyout on the local economy.

C. Restoration Program

1. Marsh Flow-Way Restoration

LA-3-301-M

Restores muck farmland to a treatment marsh in order to filter nutrient-rich water from Lake Apopka.

2. Rough Fish Harvesting

LA-3-302-M Harvests rough-fish species to remove nutrients from Lake Apopka and improves water quality through food-web manipulation.

3. Wetland Restoration

LA-3-303-M Restores acquired properties to wetland ha bitat and examines re storation for effects upon water quality, ve getation, and wildlife.

4. Littoral Zone Restoration

LA-2-304-M Evaluates the feasibility of isolating and restoring small portions of Lake Apopka’s shoreline to vegetated littoral zone and examines the potential macrophyte seed

source from littoral zone sediments.

D. Regulatory Program

1. Nonpoint Source Pollution Control

LA-3-402-M Identifies and controls sources of nonpoint pollution affecting Lake Apopka.

2. Nutrient Loading Limits Adoption

LA-3-403-MSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

100 Develops and adopts more-stringent perm itting criteria, as necessary, to protect water resources in the Lake Apopka Basi n from future development and establishes numerical nutrient loading limits.

E. Planning Program

1. District Water Management Plan

LA-6-501-M Provides a means to identify and address water resource issues.

2. Local Government Comprehensive Plan Review

LA-6-502-S Reviews and comments on local government comprehensive plans.

3. Land Management Plan for the Lake Apopka Restoration Area

LA-6-503-M Develops land management plan for the entire Lake Apopka restoration effort.

F. Public Information Program

1. Public Awareness

LA-5-602-S Uses media communication techniques to inform and educate the public regarding ongoing and future restoration efforts for Lake Apopka.

2. Local Government Information Project

LA-5-603-S Makes formal informational SWIM program presentations to Planning Commissions, County Commission Boards , and other municipal advisory and governing bodies.

G. Land Acquisition Program

1. Marsh Flow-Way Land Acquisition

LA-3-701-S Acquires 2,360 ha (5,833 ac) of farmland in support of th e Marsh Flow-Way Project.

2. North Shore Land Acquisition

LA-3-704-SPrograms and Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

101 Evaluates potential acquisitions of mu ck farms and adjacent conservation and preservation lands in the Lake Apopka Ba sin, prioritizes purc hases, and acquires

lands.

H. Technical Support Program

1. Implementation of Restoration and Management Techniques

LA-6-802-S Provides overall analysis and coordinatio n of diagnostic, feasibility, regulatory, planning, and pilot res toration projects.

2. Restoration Monitoring and Analysis

LA-6-803-S Implements a post-restoration monitoring regime.

3. Overall Program Management

LA-6-804-S Manages Lake Apopka SWIM Program. Provides inter-agency coordination and
report preparatio n, as necessary.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

102Detail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

103 

## D ETAIL OF 

## P ROJECTS

Diagnostic projects further our understanding of the functioning of the lake and the causes of its degradation. Feasibility projects are directe d toward investigation and testing of potential restoration techniques. Of the 16 diagnostic and feasibility projects
discussed within this section, no further action is planne d for 13. The remaining three projects are ongoing, some with expanded scopes of work. Successful completion of these studies represents a major mileston e. A number of restoration techniques originally proposed for Lake Apopka were found upon examination to be inefficient or ineffective. These techniques include la rge-scale sediment recy cling, phosphorus
inactivation in the lake sediments, micr obial decomposition, and ichthyofaunal reconstruction. The decision not to proceed with pilot-scale implementation of these techniques has freed resources to support the restoration methods that have been

shown to be effective for this lake.

The following individual project presentation s contain a priority code assigned to the project, an issue category which refers to the seven priority issues, an objective, a scope of work, and a status report. Each project is related to the central concerns of the SWIM Act by applicable intent and focus. Schedules through fiscal year 2005–2006 are included for projects that are incomplete or ongoing. Timelines for Lake Apopka projects over the planning period of this document are illustrated in Figure 32.



### PROJECT (LA-1-101-D): E XTERNAL 

### N UTRIENT 

### B UDGET

PROGRAM : Diagnostic

PRIORITY : Completed

ISSUE CATEGORIES : Agricultural discharges; poor water quality and flocculent

sediments

PROJECT OBJECTIVE : To quantify all interchanges of water and nutrients between Lake Apopka and its environment by monitor ing surface and subsurface flow, rainfall and dry deposition, evaporation, and pump discharges from farms and restoration

areasFigure 32. Overall timetable for the Lake Apopka SWIM Program

St. Johns River Water Management District

104 SWIM Plan for Lake ApopkaFigure 32—Continued

St. Johns River Water Managem e nt Distri ct
105 Detail of ProjectsSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

106 SCOPE OF WORK : Conduct full-scale monitoring du ring calendar years 1989 and 1990. Continue nutrient monitoring after 1990 as part of ongoing pr oject. External sources of

nutrients and water include th e following: precipitat ion, tributaries, muck farms (new SJRWMD restoration areas), Apopka Spring, direct overland runoff, groundwater seepage, and industrial and municipal poin t sources. Losses of nutrients and water occur through the Apopka-Beauclair Canal, muck farm (restoration area) withdrawals, removal by fish harvesting, seepage, an d evaporation. During the full monitoring period, implement a telemetry network to provide meteorological data: temperature, solar radiation, wind speed, precipitation, barometric pressure, evaporation, and relative humidity. Monitor permanent tributaries with the radio telemetry system and seasonal tributaries manually , once a month. Sample mo nthly water quality at all flowing tributaries, at Apopka Spring, at stations located in the lake, and at the ApopkaBeauclair Canal. Monitor agricultural dischar ge by event at nine point discharges from the Lake Apopka muck farms. Quantify do mestic and industrial discharges provided through monthly operating reports to FDEP. Characterize groundwater quality with monthly samples of shallow aqu ifer wells located around th e lake. Measure subsurface seepage with a network of piezometers located along the dikes and around the lake. Monitor flow continuously at the Apopka-Bea uclair and Lake Level canals. Develop an FDEP-approved Qualit y Assurance Plan.

RELATIONSHIP TO FOCUS AND INTENT OF SWIM ACT : This project provides the necessary data to calculate a water budget for the lake and to quantify external nutrient

loads to the lake. Such information has been used in enforcement compliance, regulation planning, and planning a restorat ion program for the lake. Information on response of the lake to past development will help in evaluation of the effects of present and future land use. External nutrient loading data will also provide a basis to evaluate

recent and future effects of nutrient reductio ns and of other restor ation measures in the

lake.

SUMMARY AND STATUS : Nutrient loading to the lake is calculated by combining the results of a water budget analysis with wate r quality measurements. This is a difficult process, which requires a larg e amount of accurate data to account for the inherent variability in field data from a comple x system. The quality assurance plan was approved by FDEP (then, FDER) in January 1989.

Monitoring of hydrologic variables with the full telemetry sensor net and water quality sampling proceeded during calendar ye ars 1989 and 1990. From 1991 to 1998, SJRWMD efforts focused on monitoring of atmospheri c deposition, ambient water quality, and discharges from the Apopka-Beauclair Canal. Other data on phosphorus loading to the lake and losses from the lake were compile d from farmers’ cons ent order reports and

from industrial and domestic wastewater discharge permit compliance reports. A draftDetail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

107 technical memorandum describing a six-ye ar (1989–94) phosphorus budget for Lake Apopka was completed (see Appendix H). After acquisition of most of the agricultural area in 1998, SJRWMD again began monitorin g nutrient discharge s from that area.

One source of water to Lake Apopka is Apopka Spring (Gourd Neck Spring). The orifice of the spring is covered by natura l and man-made debris and is irregular in shape, which creates difficulty in obtain ing accurate measurem ents. Therefore, a substantial discharge variability (31.4 to 70.4 c ubic feet per second) was evident in the six spring discharge measurements made by USGS in Apopka Spring from 1988 to 1992.

In order to more precisely predict Apopka Spring’s contribution to the water quality and quantity of Lake Apopka, 15 additional discharge measurements were taken by Karst Environmental Services between May 1997 and June 1999 inside the spring vent. These measurements were used to refine the relationship between Floridan aquifer and Lake Apopka elevations and spring flow so that spring discharges could be estimated.

A 1996 assessment of muck farm development using aerial ph otography from 1941 to 1990 provided a clearer picture of the historic al loading changes that Lake Apopka has undergone (see Figure 4). Monitoring and analysis of nutrient loading and water quality for Lake Apopka during the implementation of the restoration program are accomplished under Project LA-6-803-S: Restoration Monitoring and Analysis.

Reports

Bryant, C.T. 1990. A groundwater flow analysis an d cost of sampling program for Lake Apopka. M.S. thesis, University of Florida, Gainesville.

Bryant, C.T., and S.F. Shih. 1990. A groundwater flow analysis of Lake Apopka, Florida. Final report to St. Johns River Water Management District. IFAS, University of Florida,

Gainesville.

———. 1990. Hydraulic conductivity analysis of inflow and outflow regions adjacent to Lake Apopka, Florida. In Proceedings of the Soil and Crop Science Society of Florida 49:32–36.

———. 1991. Site vs. regional analys es of the groundwater flow in Lake Apopka, Florida. In Proceedings of the Soil and Cr op Science Society of Florida 50:117–122.

Karst Environmental Services, Inc. 1999. Results of discharge measurements of Lake Apopka Gourdneck Spring, Lake County, Florida. Fift een reports from May 14, 1997, to June 16, 1999. Contract 97W285, prepared for St. Johns Ri ver Water Management District, Palatka,

Fla.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

108 Schiffer, D.M. 1994. Quality of water and bottom sediments, an d nutrients and dissolved solids loads in the Apopka-Beauclair Canal, Lake County, Florida, 1986–90 . Water-Resources Investigations Report 93-4103. Tallahassee, Fla.: U.S. Geological Survey.

[SJRWMD] St. Johns River Water Management Di strict. 1988. QA projec t plan for external nutrient loading study. Palatka, Fla.

Stites, D.L., M. Coveney, L. Battoe, E. Lowe, and V. Hoge. 2001 (draft). An external phosphorus budget for Lake Apopka, 1989–1994. Technical memorandum. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.



### PROJECT (LA-1-102-D): I NTERNAL 

### N UTRIENT 

### B UDGET

PROGRAM : Diagnostic

PRIORITY : Completed

ISSUE CATEGORY : Poor water quality and flocculent sediments

PROJECT OBJECTIVE : To map the type, depth, distr ibution, and quality of lake sediments, and to quantify internal nutrient dynamics in the lake; to examine the dynamics of nutrient conversion and exchange with the atmosphere due to processes such as gaseous nitrogen fixation, denitrification, carbon fixation, and respiration

SCOPE OF WORK : Take intact sediment cores at 100 sampling stations that approximate the locations sampled in 1968 by Schneider and Little (1969). Compare data between the two studies to provide an indication of changes in sediment characteristics over the intervening 19-year period. Process the cores to determine rates of accumulation of organic carbon, aerobic and anaerobic decompos ition zones, spatial variation in organic sediment depth, and conc entrations of different forms of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Determine the net flux of dissolved nutrients from thesediments to the overlying water column, the importance of biological and physicochemical transformation of sedimentary nutrients, and the rates of transformation. Analyze sediments for metals, volatile an d semi-volatile organic compounds, and pesticides. Utilize diatom analysis and 210 Pb dating techniques to evaluate sediment characteristics of the sediment layers and accumulation rates.

RELATIONSHIP TO FOCUS AND INTENT OF SWIM ACT : This project will provide the data necessary to evaluate internal nutrient loading and recycling in Lake Apopka and provide a basis for simul ation models to predict how internal loading can be

reduced.Detail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

109 SUMMARY AND STATUS : The original contractual proj ects were completed and the final report was prepared in two parts. Phas e I was accepted by the Governing Board in March 1991. Phase II was accepted by the Gove rning Board in May 1991 and revised in

December 1992. Additional research based on th e results of the administrative hearing on the Lake Apopka Nutrient Limitation Rule, which became Phase III, was completed and approved by the Governing Board in 1997.

Phase I—The Internal nutrient budget for Lake Apopka , completed by a University of Florida research team, prov ides a compendium of basic data from chemical and physical analyses on sediment samples from a 90-station grid over the bottom of Lake Apopka (Reddy and Graetz 1991). These data have been used in the report to map sediment type and thickness. SJRWMD staff have used the data to estimate available nutrient stores in the sediments and to provide a measure of permanent burial of phosphorus. The basic information in this repo rt is central to our understanding of the role that the sediments in Lake Apopka play during the restoration process. The report also provides measurements of various exchange rates between the sediments and lake water for the nutrients carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Design and evaluation of restoration projects and establishment of loading limits for Lake Apopka have relied and will continue to rely heavily on data provided in this report.

Phase II— Assessment of potential sedime nt contaminat ion for the restoration of Lake Apopka presented a survey of levels and potential toxic effects of substances in Lake Apopka sediments (Segal and Pollman 1991). Sediment cores from tw o depths at 10 locations were analyzed by KBN Engineering and Applied Sciences for the 152 elements and compounds on the EPA Toxic Compounds List. Thirteen elements occurred in sufficiently high concentrations to warrant detailed examination; two (copper and lead) appear to pose the greatest threat of toxicity to the lake biota. Because of the complexity of interactions that occur in biological systems, the potential toxic effects of these elements are difficult to assess. SJRWMD staff have enlisted the support of other state agencies in determining the need for further studies, su ch as fish tissue analyses.

Phase III—Research on internal nutrient dynamics stemming from the results of the administrative hearing on the Lake Apop ka Nutrient Limitatio n Rule focused on evaluating sediment characteristics of the sediment layers and accumulation rates using methods independent of previous research in this area. In 1996, a research group at UF

under the direction of Dr. Claire Schelske was awarded a contract to further research the development and characteristics of the lake sediments using diatom analysis and

210

Pb dating techniques (Appendix H). The fi nal report was approved by the Governing Board in December 1997. Diatom analysis in dicates two dis tinct sediment layers, the upper layer from a phytoplankton-based system and the lower layer from aSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

110 macrophyte-dominated system (Schelske 1997). This comparis on indicates that calculated storage of organic matter closely approximates storage evaluated independently. The whole-basin inventory of total phosphorus in flocculent sediments
was estimated at 2,250 metric tons.

Reports

Aldridge, F.J., C.L. Schelske, and H.J. Carrick. 1993. Nutrient limitations in a hypereutrophic

Florida lake. Arch. für Hydrobiologie 127(1):21–37.

Gale, P.M., and K.R. Reddy. 1994. Carbon flux between sediment and water column of a shallow, subtropical, hypereutrophic lake. J. Environ. Qual . 23:965–972.

Moore, P.A., Jr., K.R. Reddy, and D.A. Graetz. 1991. Phosphorus geochemistry in the sedimentwater column of a hypereutrophic lake. J. Environ. Qual . 20:869–875.

Newman, S., and K.R. Reddy. 1993. Alkaline phos phatase activity in the sediment-water column of a hypereutrophic lake. J. Environ. Qual . 22(4):832–838.

Olila, O.G., and K.R. Reddy. 1995. Influence of pH on phosphorus retention in oxidized lake

sediments. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J . 59:946–959.

———. 1997. Influence of redox potential on phosphate-uptake by sediments in two subtropical eutrophic lakes. Hydrobiologia 345:45–57.

Reddy, K.R., and D.A. Graetz. 1991. Internal nutrient budget for Lake Apopka . Special Publication SJ91-SP6. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

Reddy, K.R., M.M. Fisher, and D. Ivanoff. 1996. Re suspension and diffusive flux of nitrogen and phosphorus in a hypereutrophic lake. J. Environ. Qual . 25:363–371.

———. 1996. Sediment studies in Lake Apopka, Phase I, interim report, October 15, 1995– January 15, 1996

. St. Johns River Water Management District Contract 96W136. Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville.

———. 1997. Sediment and phosphorus deposition in Lake Apopka . Final report. Special Publication SJ97-SP21. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

Schelske, C.L., F.J. Aldridge, and H.J. Carrick. 1992. Phytoplankton-nutrient interactions in Lake Apopka . Special Publication SJ92-SP9. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management

District.

Schelske, C.L., C.M. Donar, and E.F. Stoermer. 1999. A test of paleolimnological proxies for the planktonic/benthic ratio of microfossil diatoms in Lake Apopka. In 14 th

International DiatomDetail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

111 Symposium . Mayama, Idei, and Koizumi, eds., 387–407. Tokyo, Japan: Koeltz Scientific Books. Koenigstein.

Segal, D.S., and C.D. Pollman. 1991. Assessment of potential sediment contamination for the restoration of Lake Apopka . Special Publication SJ91-SP8. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.



### PROJECT (LA-4-103-D): M ATHEMATICAL 

### M ODELING

PROGRAM : Diagnostic

PRIORITY : Completed

ISSUE CATEGORIES : Agricultural discharges; poor water quality and flocculent sediments; degradation of downstream lakes

PROJECT OBJECTIVE : To develop simulation models with data collected in the diagnostic and feasibility projects to project the effects of selected restoration techniques

SCOPE OF WORK : Develop conceptual and mathemat ical models to help understand the present condition of the lake, how that condition is maintain ed, and what effects

different restorat ion treatments will have. Build models that will simulat e conditions in the lake by mathematically defining and lin king processes that describe lake system functions. Simulate management alternatives and their effects by changing the rates and

levels at which the different processes occur and defining new processes that describe

restoration methods.

RELATIONSHIP TO FOCUS AND INTENT OF SWIM ACT : This project will provide a predictive capability to determine the allowa ble phosphorus loading consistent with the restoration of Lake Apopka. Th e project also will predict effects of proposed restoration techniques on lake water quality.

STATUS : Model formulation and te sting proceeded concomitan t with data collection. Input-output models were deve loped to predict the effect of removal of phosphorus in the marsh flow-way on phosphorus levels in the lake. Models also were used to determine the allowable phosphorus loadin g (from all sources) consistent with restoration goals.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

112 Report

Coveney, M.F. 2000 (draft). Sedimentary phos phorus stores, accumulation rates, and

sedimentation coefficients in Lake Apopka. Prediction of th e allowable phosphorus loading rate. Technical memorandum. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.



### PROJECT (LA-4-104-D): P HYTOPLANKTON 

### -N UTRIENT 

### I NTERACTIONS

PROGRAM : Diagnostic

PRIORITY : Completed

ISSUE CATEGORY : Poor water quality and flocculent sediments

PROJECT OBJECTIVE : To provide baseline inform ation on algal biomass and productivity. Nutrient and light limitation will be assessed to enable prediction of the effects of restoration measures on algal growth.

SCOPE OF WORK : Evaluate the methodology and the utility of physiological indicators of phytoplankton nutrient st atus in Lake Apopka, including assays for N and P limitation in the lake water. Develop procedures to measure daily phytoplankton primary production in vertical profiles usin g light-dark bottle methodology. Sample the center lake station twice per month; conduct assays for N and P limitation and phytoplankton primary production, and measure water column light extinction concurrently. Determine photosynthesis as a function of light intensity for lake phytoplankton.

RELATIONSHIP TO FOCUS AND INTENT OF SWIM ACT : This project will establish baseline levels of algal biomass and pr oduction, which are primary symptoms of eutrophication. Data on nutrient limitatio n conditions for alga e are critical for evaluating the potential effects on algal growth of nutrient reduction through

restoration activities.

SUMMARY : In May 1989, SJRWMD entered a co ntract with UF, Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, to conduct field measurements and experiments to monitor the growth and nutrient status of algae (phytoplankton) in Lake Apopka. The report provides important data on which management decisions can be based and from which the results of management decisions can be a ssessed. The last historical data were from

1977 and 1978.Detail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

113 Phytoplankton biomass is high in Lake Apopka and is controlled partly by wind-driven resuspension of settled algae. Phytoplankton are responsible for approximately half of the light absorption of Lake Apopka water. Phytoplankton production is high and

without distinct season ality. Production levels were similar to those measured in 1977

and 1978.

Monthly experiments showed a primary nitr ogen limitation to grow th 96% of the time, with secondary phosphorus limitation about 25% of the time . Phytoplankton are nitrogen-limited because of cellular storage of phosphorus from excessive loading to the lake. Phosphorus loading must be reduced to reduce algal levels. Experiments provided evidence that, as algal levels are reduced through filtration of lake water through the marsh flow-way, remaining algae will be en riched in phosphorus. These processes should improve efficiency of phosph orus removal in the flow-way.

Reports

Belanger, T.V. 1981. Benthic oxygen demand in Lake Apopka, Florida. Water Res. 15:267–274.

Carrick, H.J., and C.L. Schelske. 1997. Have we overlooked the im portance of small phytoplankton in productive waters? Limnol. Oceanog. 42(7):1613–1621.

Carrick, H.J., F.J. Aldridge, and C.L. Schelske . 1993. Wind influences phytoplankton biomass and composition in a shallow, productive lake. Limnol. Oceanog. 38(6):1179–1192.

Carrick, H.J., C.L. Schelske, F.J. Aldrid ge, and M.F. Coveney. 1993. Assessment of phytoplankton nutrient limitation in producti ve waters: Application of dilution bioassays. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci . 50(10):2208–2221.

Kenney, W.F., C.L. Schelske, and A.D. Chapman. 2001. Changes in polyphosphate sedimentation: A response to excessive phosph orus enrichment in a hypereutrophic lake. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci . 58(5):879–887.

Schelske, C.L. 1994. Assessing nutrient limitation in a hypereutrophic lake. Lake Reserv. Manage. 9(2):112.

Schelske, C.L., F.J. Aldridge, and H.J. Carrick. 1992. Phytoplankton-nutrient interactions in Lake Apopka. Special Publication SJ92-SP9. Palatka, Fl a.: St. Johns River Water Management

District.

Schelske, C.L., M.F. Coveney, F.J. Aldridge, W.F. Kenney, and J.E. Cable. 1999. Wind or nutrients: Historic development of hypereutro phy in Lake Apopka, Florida. T. Berman, ed.

In Proceedings from the Kinneret Symposium on Limnology and Lake Management 2000+

, September 6–11, 1999, Tiberias, Israel.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

114 Shumate, B.C., C.L. Schelske, T.L. Crisman, and W.F. Kenney. 2002. Response of the cladoceran community to trophic state chan ge in Lake Apopka, Florida. Journal of Paleolimnology

27:71-77.



### PROJECT (LA-4-106-D): B ATHYMETRY

PROGRAM : Diagnostic

PRIORITY : Completed

ISSUE CATEGORY : Poor water quality and flocculent sediments

PROJECT OBJECTIVE : To conduct a new bathymetric survey of Lake Apopka

SCOPE OF WORK : Map the bottom contours of Lake Apopka using a recording fathometer on a 600-m (2000-ft) or smaller grid pattern. From the bathymetric data obtained, draw publication qu ality bathymetric and water depth maps of the lake (in metric and foot scales) with isopleth interva ls of 0.25 m and 1.0 ft. Calculate stage-area and stage-volume relationships . Make quantitative analyses of errors and provide 95% confidence limits for the several relationships developed.

RELATIONSHIP TO FOCUS AND INTENT OF SWIM ACT : This project will provide an up-to-date bottom contour profile of La ke Apopka. Accurate bathymetric data are essential for the engineering of restoration projects and to evaluate future changes in bottom contours resulting from restoration efforts.

SUMMARY : The field survey was completed in June 1989. The Governing Board accepted a final report in January 1990. The resu lts have been used to estimate the lake volume and provide relationships between la ke stage, volume, an d surface area. The lake was shown to be relatively flat, with some evidence of scouring channels, particularly in the southwest. Bathymetric survey data are being used in analysis of water circulation patterns in the lake for siting of marsh flow-way intake structures and for design of littoral zone restoration plantings. The mean lake depth at 20 m (66 ft) (msl) is 1.46 m (4.81 ft).

Report

Danek, L.J., and M.S. Tomlinson. 1989. Bathymetric analysis of Lake Apopka . Special Publication SJ89-SP6. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.Detail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

115 

### PROJECT (LA-4-107-D): F ISHERY

PROGRAM : Diagnostic

PRIORITY : Completed

ISSUE CATEGORIES : Lack of fish and wildlife habita t; low recreational and aesthetic

values

PROJECT OBJECTIVE : To obtain information on game and rough-fish populations in Lake Apopka

SCOPE OF WORK : Phase I—To collect data from electrofishing and blocknet studies prior to restoration efforts in the lake. Phase II—To determine any changes in the fish community resulting from ongoing restoration efforts; to collect data in the same manner and locations to allow comparisons with the Phase I project; to add new sampling sites in recently pla nted littoral zone areas; and to include electrofishing, blocknets, gill nets, and otter trawl sampling methods on adult and subadult game fish.

RELATIONSHIP TO FOCUS AND INTENT OF SWIM ACT : This project will provide ongoing information on the effects of efforts to improve fisheries and fisheries habitat in Lake Apopka.

SUMMARY AND STATUS : Phase I—This cooperative (non-contract) effort with FWC (formerly the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission) to monitor fish stocks began in 1988 and was implemented on a coop erative and no-cost basis. The project

terminated at the end of the 1990–91 fiscal year. FWC has provided SJRWMD with a final report on the three-year effort. Littora l blocknet sample results show a 22% relative abundance for the four pr imary Centrarchid gamefish species in the 1973–76 period, and a 39% relative abundance for these sp ecies in the 1989–91 period. Average littoralzone biomass of these species increase d from 125 kg/ha for the 1973–76 period to 240 kg/ha for the 1988–91 period. Black crappie was the only gamefish species to make a

substantial contribution to the pelagic fish population of Lake Apopka; however, there was no significant difference in the percent relative abundance of this species between the two time periods. Although the total litto ral zone gamefish biomass of Lake Apopka has apparently increased since 1976, the biom ass of the most important recreational species, largemouth bass, remains low when compared to other eutrophic lakes in the region (17.5 kg/ha for Lake Apopka, 25.7 kg/ ha for nearby Lake Griffin for the 1989–91 period). The cause for the apparent gamefish population increase in Lake Apopka isSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

116 unknown; however, water quality improvement and germination of emergent littoral vegetation during the 1981 low-wate r period are suspected causes.

Phase II—This contractual project with FWC is designed to determine any changes in the gamefish community resulting from ongoing restoration efforts. Beginning in November 1996 and continuing through November 1997, adul t and subadult samples were collected from the Lake Apopka shor eline zone. When compared with blocknet samples taken from 1989 to 1991, average total biomass and numbers of harvestablesize sport fish were lower or unchanged in 1997 samples.

Beginning in 1981, a major decline was observed in juvenile alligators on Lake Apopka. USFWS, UF, and FWC researchers identified reproductive failure in alligator and turtle populations in the lake and found a possible link to DDE and other organic contaminants. Such compound s are found in low concentr ations in Lake Apopka
sediments. However, recent work by Gross et al. (1998) does not support th e hypothesis that DDT or DDE are linked to alligator clutch viability. Also, two distinct populations of alligators have been detected. Clutches from south Lake Apopka had higher nested egg numbers, hatched egg numbers, neonatal survivor numbers, viability rate, hatch rate, and production rate than clutches from north Lake Apopka. According to Rice and Percival (1996), an increasing trend in the ju venile population and in clutch viability has occurred on Lake Apopka since 1989. They sugge st that the system may be recovering or that the juvenile animals, though currently surviving, might not reproduce or

survive in the future.

A National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences grant, based upon EPA Superfund resources, was awarded to a group of researchers centered at UF to study environmental effects of organic toxins in Lake Apopka and elsewhere. This research

has indicated that contaminant-induced endocrine disruption occurs in wildlife, specifically fish and alligators, and several effective biomarkers have been identified to study these effects.

Crain et al. (1999) found that embryonic exposure to 2,4-D or atrazine did not cause significant alterations in gonadal structure or hepatic steroidogenic enzyme activity of hatchling American alligators. The results indicate that these herbicides alone are not responsible for the gonadal abnormalities pr eviously reported fo r juvenile alligators from Lake Apopka. Since struct ural assessment (i.e., histological analysis) alone may be

insufficient to detect subtle endocrine alterations, the function (i.e., steroidogenic enzyme activity) should also be analyzed. Also, they suggested examining the effects of other endocrine-disrupting contaminants that are pr esent in Lake Apopka.Detail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

117 Further assessments and analyses of the fish community or of other wildlife populations in Lake Apopka during the im plementation of the re storation program are accomplished under Project LA-6-803-S: Restoration Monitoring and Analysis.

Reports

Benton, J., D. Douglas, and L. Prevatt. 1991. Oklawaha Basin fisheries investigations: Study XII. Lake Apopka fisheries studies

. Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission completion report. Wallop-Breaux project F-30-18. Eustis, Fla.

Crain, D.A., I.D. Spiteri, and L.J. Guillette Jr. 1999 . The functional and structural observations of the neonatal reproductive system of alligators exposed in ovo to atrazine, 2,4-D or estradiol. Toxicology and Industrial Health 15:180–185.

Gallagher, E.P., and K.M. Sheehy. 2000. Altered glutathione S-transferase catalytic activities in

female brown bullheads from a co ntaminated central Florida lake. Marine Environ. Res

. 50:399–403.

Gallagher, E.P., T.S. Gross, and K.M. Sheeh y. 2001. Decreased glutathione S-transferase expression and activity and altered sex st eroids in Lake Apopka brown bullheads ( Ameiurus

nebulosus ). Aquat. Toxicol. 55:223–237.

Gross, T.S., and N. Kernaghan. 2002. Endocrine disr upting effects of chlorinated hydrocarbons in fish and alligators in central Florida. SIS1998. Progress report accessed on 3/4/02. Available at [http://www.fcsc.usgs.gov/Environmental_Contaminants/Contaminant_Current_Projects].
Florida Caribbean Science Center, Gainesville.

Gross, T.S., and M. Sepulveda. 2002. Chlorinated hydrocarbons and developmental toxicity in wildlife. SIS4292. Progress report accessed on 3/4/02. Available at [http://www.fcsc.usgs.gov/Environmental_Contaminants/Contaminant_Current_Projects].
Florida Caribbean Science Center, Gainesville.

Gross, T.S., and J. Wiebe. 2002. Immuno-toxicit y and endocrine disruption in Lake Apopka alligator neonates. SIS2002. Progress report accessed on 3/4/02. Available at [http://www.fcsc.usgs.gov/Environmental_Contaminants/Contaminant_Current_Projects].
Florida Caribbean Science Center, Gainesville.

Gross, T.S., D. Giroux, D.A. Gross, and H.F. Percival. 1998. Lake Apopka revisited: An

evaluation of environmental contaminants and associated reproductive anomalies in alligators. In Proceedings of the Seventh Annual Southeast Lakes Management Conference , April
15–18, 1998, Orlando, Fla.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

118 Gross, T.S., R. Roberts, J.M. de Oca, and H.F. Perc ival. In preparation. Sex reversal in freshwater turtles as a response to estrogenic enviro nmental contaminants. University of Florida,

Gainesville.

Gross, T.S., M. Sepulveda, S.D. Ruessler, J.N. Wiebe, and C.M. Wieser. 2002. Microcosm and mesocosms evaluation of the bioaccumulation of chlorinated pesticides in the North Shore Restoration Areas. SIS4944. Progress report accessed on 3/4/02. Available at [http://www.fcsc.usgs.gov/Environmental_Contaminants/Contaminant_Current_Projects].
Florida Caribbean Science Center, Gainesville, Fla.

Gu, B., C.L. Schelske, and M.V. Hoyer. 1997. Intrapopulation feeding diversity in blue tilapia: Evidence from stable-isotope analyses. Ecology 78:2263–2266.

Guillette, L.J., Jr. 1995. Endocrine disrupting en vironmental contaminants and developmental abnormalities in embryos. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment 1(2):25–36.

Guillette, L.J., Jr., and D.A. Crain. 1996. Endocrin e-disrupting contaminants and reproductive abnormalities in reptiles. Comments Toxicology 5(4-5):381–399.

Guillette, L.J., Jr., J.W. Brock, A.A. Rooney, and A.R. Woodward. 1999. Serum concentrations of

various environmental contaminants and their re lationship to sex steroid concentrations and phallus size in juvenile American alligators. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol . 36:447–455.

Guillette, L.J., Jr., D.A. Crain, A.A. Rooney, and D.B. Pickford. 1995. Organization versus activation: The role of endocrine-disrupting contaminants during embryonic development

in wildlife. Environ. Health Perspect . 103(7):157–164.

Guillette, L.J., Jr., T.S. Gross, D.A. Gross, A.A. Rooney, and H.F. Percival. 1995. Gonadal steroidogenesis in vitro from juvenile alligators obtained from contaminated or control lakes. Environ. Health Perspect. 103(Suppl.4):31–36

.

Guillette, L.J., Jr., D.B. Pickford, D.A. Crain, A. A. Rooney, and H.F. Percival. 1995. Reduction in penis size and plasma testosterone concentrations in juvenile alligators living in a

contaminated environment. Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. 101:32–42.

Guillette, L.J., Jr., T.S. Gross, G.R. Masson, J.M. Matter, H.F. Percival, and A.R. Woodward. 1994. Development abnormalities of the gonad and abnormal sex hormone concentrations in juvenile alligators from contaminated and control lakes in Florida. Environ. Health Perspect

. 102:680–688.

Johnson, W.E., and J.E. Crumpton. 1998. Lake Apopka fish population assessment . Final report for Contract 97W121 for St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla. Florida Game
and Fresh Water Fish Commission, Eustis, Fla.Detail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

119 Percival, H.G. 1994. Lake Apopka’s alliga tors: The end of the ruling reptiles? Lake Reserv. Manage. 9(2):102.

Rice, K.G., and H.F. Percival, eds. 1996. Effe cts of environmental contaminants on the demographics and reproduction of Lake Apopka’s alligators and other taxa. Technical report 53. Fla. Coop. Fish and Wildlife Res. Unit, University of Florida, Gainesville.

Rotstein, D.S., T.R. Schoeb, L.M. Davis, T.C. Glenn, B.S. Arnold, and T.S. Gross. 2002. Detection by microsatellite analysis of early embryonic mortality in an alligator population in Florida.

J. Wildl. Dis . 38(1):160–165.

Semenza, J.C., P.E. Tolbert, C.H. Rubin, L.J. Guillette Jr., and R.J. Jackson. 1997. Reproductive toxins and alligator abnormalit ies at Lake Apopka, Florida. Environ. Health Perspect.

105:1030–1032.

Willingham, E., and D. Crews. 1999. Sex reversal effects of environmentally relevant xenobiotic

concentrations on the red-eared slider turt le, a species with temperature-dependent sex

determination. Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. 113(3):429–435.



### PROJECT (LA-1-108-D): S EISMIC 

### R EFLECTION 

### P ROFILING

PROGRAM : Diagnostic

PRIORITY : Completed

ISSUE CATEGORY : Poor water quality and flocculent sediments

PROJECT OBJECTIVE : To examine subsurface geology across Lake Apopka and assess the nature of the confining layers between the lake and the Floridan aquifer

SCOPE OF WORK : Construct approximately 70 km (44 miles) of continuous seismic reflection profiles. Use existing well data to interpret the profiles.

RELATIONSHIP TO FOCUS AND INTENT OF SWIM ACT : This project provides data to quantify potential subsurface water exchange which would affect the water budget for Lake Apopka.

SUMMARY AND STATUS : A final report was submitted to SJRWMD in August 1988 by the University of South Florida. The report concludes that significant water exchange between Lake Apopka and the underlying Flor idan aquifer is unlikely. No further work is planned for this pr oject at present.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

120 Report

Locker, S.D., G.R. Brooks, and L.J. Doyle. 1988. Results of a seismic reflection investigation and hydrogeologic implications for Lake Apopka, Florida . Special Publication SJ88-SP5. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.



### PROJECT (LA-4-109-D): H YDRODYNAMIC 

### S URVEY

PROGRAM : Diagnostic

PRIORITY : Completed

ISSUE CATEGORY : Lack of fish and wildlife habitat

PROJECT OBJECTIVE : To characterize dominant season al meteorological conditions at Lake Apopka; to model water current velocities and directions in Lake Apopka and describe how water movements vary with meteorological conditions; to estimate mixing dynamics of discharge waters from a fully implemented marsh flow-way; and to evaluate potential solutions to “short circuiting” of filtered water from the marsh discharge point to the intake point

SCOPE OF WORK : Evaluate the historical record of wind speed and direction in Lake Apopka and quantify the dominant seasonal characteristics. Model the velocities and directions of water currents in Lake Apopka to determine the potential for “short circuiting” of discharge water from the full-scale marsh flow-way and to select suitable

areas for littoral zone restor ation. Evaluate various flow -way designs and operational levels to quantify the degree of short-circuiting.

RELATIONSHIP TO FOCUS AND INTENT OF SWIM ACT : This project provides information necessary to design the full-sca le marsh and to determine areas of Lake Apopka suitable for littoral zone restoration. These projects provide water quality improvements and restoration of natural systems.

SUMMARY : The project was initiated in May 1992. SJRWMD provided summarized historical wind velocity data and current meteorological data. The contractor, UF, produced wind velocity information fr om SJRWMD data and compared this information to regional information to eval uate data quality. Meteorological and hydrodynamic measurements we re made over a five-week period for initial calibration of the hydrodynamic model. A draft mode l was completed and installed on SJRWMD computers. A draft software documentation report was received with the model. The first phase of the work was extended in an effort to perform a dye study under windDetail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

121 conditions that had not occurred in the first part of the winter. The dye study, designed to assess the extent of mixing of marsh di scharge water from the Apopka-Beauclair Canal with lake water, was completed. Results from fluorometer readings, aerial photographs, and analysis of dye samples all revealed consistent dispersion patterns of the discharge water: an initial southwar d movement and a subsequent eastward movement of the discharge plume.

Phase II was initiated in May 1993. Analysis of Phase I work indicated a potential for “short circuiting” of the marsh outflow to the inflow and the need for additional bathymetry work in the northwest area of the lake. The necessary contract amendments and other changes to specific tasks made as a result of Phase I find ings were approved in the fourth quarter of 1993. The contract termin ation date was extended to December 1994. The final report in five volumes was acce pted after revision and the contract was

terminated.

Reports

Sheng, P., and S. Schofield. 1994. Assessment of hydrodynamic conditions in Lake Apopka. Vol. II, Bathymetric surveys of the northwest section of Lake Apopka, and Vol. III, Lake Apopka 1992 field data report . Final reports prepared for St. Johns Rive r Water Management District, Palatka, Fla. University of Florida, Gainesville.

Sheng, P., X. Meng, an d S. Schofield. 1994. Assessment of hydrodynamic conditions in Lake Apopka.
Vol. I, Analysis of wind data from Lake Apopka and Orlando airport . Final report prepared for St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatk a, Fla. University of Florida, Gainesville.

Sheng, P., S. Schofield, X. Meng, and K. Ellins. 1994. Assessment of hydrodynamic conditions in Lake Apopka. Vol. IV, Dispersion of discharge water from the Apopka-Beauclair Canal into Lake Apopka

, and Vol. V, A three-dimensional hydrodynamic numerical model of wind-driven circulation in Lake Apopka (LAHM3D): Theory, Model documentation, user’s manual and model simulation . Final reports prepared for St. Johns River Water Mana gement District, Palatka, Fla. University of
Florida, Gainesville.



### PROJECT (LA-4-201-F): W ATER 

### H YACINTH 

### D EMONSTRATION

PROGRAM : Feasibility

PRIORITY : Completed

ISSUE CATEGORY : Poor water quality and flocculent sedimentsSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

122 PROJECT OBJECTIVE : To test the feasibility of using water hyacinths to remove nutrients from Lake Apopka

SCOPE OF WORK : Utilize a series of small enclosures in Lake Apopka to determine the rate of growth and growth-affecting factors for water hyacinths cultured in Lake Apopka. Stock enclosures with hyacinths at specific densities and monitor until maximum density is reached or for a 90-day period, whichever occurs first. At the end of the test period, harvest hyacinths and record fresh weight biomass. Obtain water quality samples adjacent to the enclosures and analyze for nutrients. Analyze plant tissue from these samples for N and P levels . Utilize larger enclosures in a small, hypereutrophic lake to test hyacinth growth rates and the depletion of N, P, and organic

carbon in the water column and sedimen ts. Establish a sma ll hyacinth farming operation in the experimental lake and determine the cost/unit weight of water column and sediment nutrient removal from the results of the farming operation.

RELATIONSHIP TO FOCUS AND INTENT OF SWIM ACT : This project will evaluate hyacinth culture as a potential method of reducing nutrient levels in Lake Apopka as directed by the 1985 Lake Apopka Restoration Act (Appendix A).

SUMMARY : The Round Lake water hyacinth demonstration farm was to operate for 24 months from May 1989. However, serious drought conditions resulted in water levels so low that farming operat ions had to be terminated in September 1990, after approximately 17 months. Duri ng operation of the hyacinth farm, water, sediment, pesticide, and plant sample s were collected and analyzed. The water hyacinth enclosures in Lake Apopka were stocked with water hyacinths in April 1989. Water, sediment, pesticide, and plant samples were collected and analyzed as scheduled for a 24-month period.

The project was restructured in February 1991 to reflect the reductions in scope and budget necessitated by prematurely terminating Round Lake operations. The project was amended in September 1991 to add a two -month experiment. In this experiment,

nutrient diffusion rates from the sediments and the nutrient and detritus sedimentation rates were measured in three isolated enclosures stocked with varying concentrations of water hyacinths and in two controls without hyacinths. One control enclosure was covered with five layers of shade cloth to si mulate light conditions underneath a dense water hyacinth mat.

Three semi-annual progress reports and a draft final report were received describing the Round Lake hyacinth farm and studies in the Lake Apopka enclosures. The contract
was amended to an October 31, 1993, terminat ion date and a June 30, 1993, draft report deadline. After a review of the draft report s, the contract was extended to August 1994.Detail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

123 A final agreement with the contractor terminated the work and further revision of the final products.



### PROJECT (LA-4-202-F): P HOSPHORUS 

### I NACTIVATION 

### /P RECIPITATION

PROGRAM : Feasibility Program

PRIORITY : Completed

ISSUE CATEGORY : Poor water quality and flocculent sediments

PROJECT OBJECTIVE : To evaluate the feasibility of using alum as a precipitant to trap

nutrients in an insoluble form

SCOPE OF WORK : Perform a literature survey to determine the strengths and

weaknesses of chemical treatment methods and likelihood of their successful application to Lake Apopka. Conduct laborato ry tests of alum and other precipitants using Lake Apopka water and sediments. Determine the economic costs of treating

different size areas of the lake.

RELATIONSHIP TO FOCUS AND INTENT OF SWIM ACT : This project was formulated to evaluate alum as a potential chemical treatment method to reduce nutrient levels in Lake Apopka.

SUMMARY AND STATUS : Phase I was completed and a final report submitted to SJRWMD in September 1987. The report discour ages alum use as th e sole restoration technique in Lake Apopka.

Report

Baird, R.A., and J.M. Bateman. 1987. A preliminary assessment of phosphorus precipitationinactivation as a restoration technique in Lake Apopka . Special Publication SJ87-SP5. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.



### PROJECT (LA-4-204-F): S EDIMENT 

### R ECYCLING

PROGRAM : Feasibility

PRIORITY : Completed

ISSUE CATEGORY : Poor water quality and flocculent sedimentsSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

124 PROJECT OBJECTIVE : To determine feasibility of se diment removal and reuse for the restoration of Lake Apopka

SCOPE OF WORK : Investigate the existing scientific literature fo r case studies of other systems restored by sediment removal. Use those case studies in conjunction with extant data for Lake Apopka to assess the effects of sediment removal on surface chemistry of the lake. Evaluate the market potential for recovered sediment and develop a cost/benefit analys is for using sediment remova l to restore Lake Apopka.

RELATIONSHIP TO FOCUS AND INTENT OF SWIM ACT : Flocculent organic sediments represent a signific ant problem in Lake Apopka. Internal nutrient loading

and altered bottom conditio ns associated with these sediments may require their

removal or consolidation in restoration of the lake. This project was formulated to determine the feasibility of dr edging for sediment removal.

SUMMARY : A final report was prepared by KBN Engineering and Applied Sciences in November 1988 for Governing Board acceptan ce in January 1989. Dr edging was found to have potential as a restoration technique, although questions regarding redistribution

of flocculent sediments duri ng the long dredging period and nutrient release from exposed peat layers would need to be addre ssed. Removal of four feet of sediments would require five 24-in. dredges operating co ntinuously for six years at an estimated cost of $868,800,000. This cost estimate includes shore facilities for dewatering dredged
sediment and for treatment of runoff water, but does not include the cost of land for these facilities. Sediment reuse offers only limited ability to recover these costs; an absolute upper limit for savings is $97,400,000. Dredging is presen tly not considered

cost-effective for a full-scale restoration.

Report

Pollman, C.D., D.A. Graetz, F.V. Ramsey, K.R. Reddy, and T.J. Sullivan. 1988. Feasibility of sediment removal and reuse for the restoration of Lake Apopka . Special Publication SJ88-SP10. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.



### PROJECT (LA-4-205-F): M ICROBIAL 

### D ECOMPOSITION

PROGRAM : Feasibility

PRIORITY : Completed

ISSUE CATEGORY : Poor water quality and flocculent sedimentsDetail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

125 PROJECT OBJECTIVE : To evaluate ways of stimulating natural processes which reduce

the bulk of lake sediments

SCOPE OF WORK : Compile and evaluate available information regarding in situ sediment decomposition, provide a prelimin ary assessment of the feasibility of the technology, and present recommendations on further research and assessment activities. Investigate the following four techniques for sediment decomposition:
microbial inoculation, nitrat e application, hydrogen peroxide addition, and ozonation.

RELATIONSHIP TO FOCUS AND INTENT OF SWIM ACT : This project provides an evaluation of a potential methodology to reduce the bulk of flocculent organic sediments in Lake Apopka.

SUMMARY AND STATUS : Phase I was completed and a final report prepared in December 1988 for Governing Board acceptance in February 1989. The four specific techniques evaluated were microbial inoc ulation, nitrate a ddition to stimulate denitrification, hydrogen pe roxide application, and ozonation. The theoretical

framework for microbial inocul ation is highly controversial and is not supported by experimental data. Chemical techniques (hyd rogen peroxide, ozonation) are effective in oxidizing sediments but create severe wate r quality problems in overlying waters. Nitrate application has a demo nstrated ability to oxidize orga nic sediments and reduce phosphorus recycling, but es timated costs for treatment of Lake Apopka are high ($790 million). Therefore, this te chnique is not presently considered cost -effective.

Report

Gremillion, P.T., and C.E. Mericas. 1988. A literature review and feasibility analysis assessing microbial decomposition as a technique for restoring Lake Apopka . Special Publication SJ88-SP11. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.



### PROJECT (LA-4-206-F): I CHTHYOFAUNAL 

### R ECONSTRUCTION 

### (I, II)

PROGRAM : Feasibility

PRIORITY : Completed

ISSUE CATEGORIES : Lack of fish and wildlife habitat; poor water quality and

flocculent sedimentsSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

126 PROJECT OBJECTIVE : Phase I—To compile a literature review and annotated bibliography on biomanipulation as a lake restoration technique. Phase II—To evaluate the potential for use of exotic fish species to aid in the restoration of Lake Apopka by consumption of excess production of algae

SCOPE OF WORK : Phase I—Prepare literature review with annotated bibliography on the subject of biomanipulation as a potential restoration technique, including information on the use of exotic species for algal biomass control. Identify candidate fish species for introduction. Design pilot studies to determine th e applicability of the proposed introductions to manipulation of the algal biomass of Lake Apopka. Phase II—Use bighead carp ( Hypophthalmichthys nobilis ) in replicated pond studies to determine if this exotic fish is able to cause a reduction in nutrients and/or changes in the algal community. Use four ponds as experimental treatments and two ponds as controls. Use two stocking rates in the experimental ponds. Collect data on fish length, weight, and food habits. Sample water column to determine water quality and phytoplankton species co mposition. This project will te st the use of bighead carp to consume algal biomass directly or to cause a positive change in the algal structure of the

lake.

SUMMARY : Phase I—The literature review repo rt was prepared in November 1988 for Governing Board acceptance in January 1989. No clear judgment could be made concerning the past success of this methodology or the expected effects of fish biomanipulation in Lake Apopka.

Phase II—This pilot project used experimental ponds adjacent to Lake Apopka which were either not stocked with fish or stocked with bighead carp to low density or high density to measure effects of fish on water quality and phytoplankton density and community structure. Ponds were stocked with fish in the spring of 1990, and the experiment proceeded with da ta collection until September 1990. A final report on this work was completed in Janu ary 1992. Results show that th ere were no significant differences in water quality parameters be tween control ponds (not stocked) and ponds stocked with fish. Algal density or community composition did not change significantly in the ponds stocked with fish; however, there was some measurable change in the blue-green/green algal ratio in those ponds stocked with fish. The fish biomass level projected as necessary to cause significant changes in the algal community and in water quality was not achieved in the experimental ponds due to slow growth and high mortality of the stocked fish.Detail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

127 Reports

Continental Shelf Associates, Inc. 1988. Literature review and feasibility analysis report on ichthyofaunal reconstruction as a technique for restoring Lake Apopka . Special Publication SJ88- SP6. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

Shireman, J.V., and K.K. Opuszynski. 1992 . Ichthyofaunal reconstruction for the management of phytoplankton . Special Publication SJ92-SP4. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management

District.



### PROJECT (LA-4-207-F): T ROPHIC 

### S TRUCTURE 

### M ANIPULATION 

### (I, II, III)

PROGRAM : Feasibility

PRIORITY : Completed

ISSUE CATEGORIES : Lack of fish and wildlife habitat; poor water quality and

flocculent sediments

PROJECT OBJECTIVE : Phase I—To provide baseline data on the role of rough fish in plankton and nutrient dynamics in enclosures. Phase II—To determine whether harvest of rough fish (primarily gizzard shad) can improve water quality through effects on the food web or through export of in-lake nutr ients. Phase III—To test standard harvesting gear for large-scale rough-fish removal in Lake Apopka and to determine the feasibility of using harvested rough fish (primarily gi zzard shad) as marketable products to offset

the cost of fish removal

SCOPE OF WORK : Phase I—Perform short-term enclosure studies in Lake Apopka. Place rough fish in experimental enclos ures and determine whether nutrients and plankton dynamics over short time periods are different from control enclosures with

no fish.

Phase II—Select a small hypereutrophic lake representative of Lake Apopka as the site for this pilot study. Collect baseline data for up to one year from this lake on plankton community structure, biomass, and production; nutrient dynamics and water quality; sediment dynamics; and fish community dynamics. During the second segment of the study, remove rough fish (gi zzard shad) from the lake by ha ul seine. Monitor the lake system during the third segment of the project to detect changes in lake trophic structure or nutrient recycling following rough-fish removal efforts.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

128 Phase III—Test standard harvesting gear in Lake Apopka: haul seine, gill net, and pound net. Record catches to the species level and collect biological statistics. Investigate potential markets for harvested rough fish in a contracted marketing study. Attempt to develop marketable products from the harvested fish.

RELATIONSHIP TO FOCUS AND INTENT OF SWIM ACT : Rough fish constitute the majority of fish biomass in hypereutrophic lakes such as Lake Apopka. Experimental evidence suggests that these fish may be directly linked to blue-green algal dominance and rapid nutrient recycling. Th is project will assess the effects of removal of gizzard shad on lake trophic structure and nutrient recycling.

SUMMARY : Phase I—The principal investigator was Dr. Tom Crisman, UF. A final report was delivered to SJRWMD in April 1988. The experiment provided evidence that the effects of shad and tilapia on plan kton community metabolism differed greatly. Compared to tilapia, the presence of shad ca used wider fluctuations in daily dissolved oxygen concentrations, which may stress or kill desirable game fish. There are also indications that the grazing activities of shad promote mineralization and accelerate phosphorus recycling.

Phase II—This pilot experiment contrasted water quality, zooplankton, phytoplankton, and fish in an experimental lake subject to rough-fish removal (Lake Denham) with

conditions in control lake s Beauclair and Apopka. Sampling to document initial
conditions in Lakes Denham, Beauclair, an d Apopka was initiated in 1989. Rough fish

were removed from Lake De nham by haul seine from January to April 1990, in May 1991, and again in June 1992. The adult gizzard shad biomass was reduced by about 85% by the haul-seine efforts.

Monitoring of post-manipulation conditions is ongoing (see Project LA-6-803-S, Restoration Monitoring and Analysis). Data indicate some of the classical “trophic

cascade” effects in Lake Denha m following fish removal. In experimental gill net sets taken quarterly, medium-to-large gizzard sh ad make up the majority of the catch. Young-of-the-year shad ar e still in low numbers. Water quality parameters, phytoplankton abundance and composition, and zooplankton abundance and composition showed large changes in the experimental lake. Some changes were
observed in the control lakes as well, which em phasizes the need for rigorous statistical tests of the final data set. Following removal of a fish barrier at the downstream end of the lake, gizzard shad re-entered Lake Denha m. A decline in water quality followed the
re-establishment of shad in the lake; however, lake conditions remain better than for the period prior to fish removal.Detail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

129 Phase III—Trial haul-seining operations were conducted in Lake Apopka in April and May 1990. The large size, shallow water depth, and extensive flocculent sediments of the lake were detrimental to the seining operation, and this technique was not an efficient or cost-effective method for fish removal in Lake Apopka. SJRWMD was unable to contract to test pound nets; it appears that this fi shing technique is no longer used in Florida. Modified purse gill nets an d trawls were not successful for harvesting gizzard shad in Lake Apopka; however, standa rd gill nets were found to be an efficient and cost-effective harvest method for large-scale rough-fish removal (see Project LA-3- 302-M, Rough Fish Harvesting).

A product development and ma rketing survey proj ect for gizzard shad was contracted with FDEP in January 1990, and a final report on this work was a ccepted in February

1991. Current market demand for gizzard shad from Lake Apop ka is low, and attempts to develop new markets for products from the fish have not been successful. Because of the weak market position, the harvesting of gizzard shad from the lake is not yet selfsustaining.

Reports

Benton, J., D. Douglas, and D. Watson. 1994. Ichthyofaunal studies as part of the trophic structure manipulation studies. Final report for Segments I–III. Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, Fisheries Research Laboratory. Spec ial Publication SJ94-SP5. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

Crisman, T.L., and J. Beaver. 1988. Phase I—Final report: Lake Apopka trophic structure. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

Godwin, W.F. 1989. Trophic structure manipulation project, Phase II, quality assurance project plan for the Lake Apopka restoration project. St. Johns River Water Management District,
Palatka, Fla.

Godwin, W., S.G. Coyne, and E.A. Gisondi. 1993. An evaluation of rough-fish harvesting as a restoration technique for Lake Apopka. Tech nical memorandum 3. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

Thomas, C.C. 1991. Rough fish market survey final report . Special Publication SJ91-SP2. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.



### PROJECT (LA-4-208-F): D RAWDOWN AND 

### L AKE 

### L EVEL 

### F LUCTUATION

PROGRAM : FeasibilitySWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

130 PRIORITY : 1

ISSUE CATEGORIES : Low recreational and aesthetic values; lack of fish and wildlife habitat; poor water quality and flocculent sediments

PROJECT OBJECTIVE : To evaluate the feasibility of using drawdown or greater

fluctuation in water levels to consolidate littoral sediments an d stimulate aquatic vegetation to improve fish and wildlife habitat

SCOPE OF WORK : Phase I—Evaluate the experience ba se and the scientific literature to determine documented ecological effects of lake drawdowns or enhanced fluctuation.

Phase II—Examine the effects of partial draw down of Newnans Lake with regard to (1) flushing of organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus in discharge from the lake, (2) effects of exposing littoral sediment to air, and (3) net change of organics, nitrogen, and phosphorus in profundal and littoral sediments.

Phase III—Produce a basin hydrologic model th at permits long-term simulation of lake stages under various water regulation scenarios and climate patterns. Collect data on wetland plant communities along elevational transects. Determine elevations of manmade structures. Examine ex isting and proposed water regulation schedules for

environmental effects and socioeconomic consequences. Recommend new regulation schedules for rule changes.

RELATIONSHIP TO FOCUS AND INTENT OF SWIM ACT : Stabilized water levels have been cited as a factor in the degr adation of Lake Apop ka. This project will determine the potential for improvement in environmental conditions through

modification of lake regulation schedules.

SUMMARY AND STATUS : Phase I—Dames and Moore was contracted in October 1989 to provide a comprehensive study of the ecological effects of drawdown, and their final report was completed in December 1990. Generally, draw downs improve shoreline vegetation and the associated macroinvertebrate populations, increase population sizes of some species of fish, and may consolidate lake sediments in exposed areas. However, these benefits last only 2–7 years; drawdowns must be repe ated on a recurring basis. Drawdowns do not improve water quality, an d they can lead to significant sediment and nutrient loading to do wnstream waters which receive the discharge. In Lake Apopka, a drawdown of 1 m (3 ft) would expose only 8.6% (1,070 ha or 2,640 ac) of lake
bottom. However, due to the wick ing action of the sediments , only about 240 ha (600 ac) (1.9%) would probably be consolidated. A 1-m drawdown on Lake Apopka would require discharging about 70% of the lake volume to the downstream chain of lakes.Detail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

131 This discharge water would have high conc entrations of sedimen ts and nutrients and

would therefore be detrimental to downstre am lakes. Drawdown as a restoration technique for Lake Apopka also was evaluated by Fulton (1998).

Phase II—A contractual study with UF wa s initiated in March 1989 to measure the water quality and sediment effects of a th ree-month drawdown of hypereutrophic Newnans Lake. The final report in two pa rts was approved in September 1992 and is pertinent to lakes where drawdowns are considered for the removal of organic matter

and nutrients and for sediment consolidation and oxidation. Net oxidation of exposed

lake bottom sediments was n ot demonstrated to result fr om drawdown. Consolidation of exposed lake bott om sediments was an observed benefit, however. This study demonstrated the importance of sediment redistribution during drawdowns and that

flocculent sediments were eroded from the lit toral zone toward deeper areas of the lake. Moderate removal of organic matter and nutrients from the lake by flushing during drawdown also was documented. The timing of drawdowns to coincide with periods of high winds to enhance resuspension and subsequent removal of flocculent lake sediments was an important recomme ndation made in this study.

Phase III—In-house work to formulate and ev aluate alternative enhanced lake level fluctuation schedules continues. The long-term goal of this project is to develop a

schedule that allows lake level fluctuations that more closely follow seasonal and longterm rainfall patterns without impacting flood control efforts. Vegetative analyses along surveyed transects in Lake Apopka and the other upper Ocklawaha River lakes to determine elevation gradients of existing wetlands have been completed. Engineering components—including surveys of elevations of docks, canals, and bulkheads to permit a full economic-impact analysis of proposed schedules and work to refine the basin hydrology model—are ongoing. Preliminary re commendations for enhanced lake-level fluctuation were prepared and discussed in several meetings of the Ocklawaha River Basin Technical Advisory Group and in p ublic workshops. More recently, original proposals made several years ago have been re-evaluated to better understand the potential problems that would be caused bylower low-water levels and higher highwater levels in Lake Apopka and the Harris Chain. Efforts to change the way lake levels are managed reached a turning point in 2001 wi th the determination that new schedules should not increase the frequency of high water levels.

Consideration of regulation schedules will continue, in part, through a new project conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and SJRWMD. The reconnaissance phase of the Upper Ocklawaha River Basin Restudy project began in 2002. If this reconnaissance study leads to the next (feasibility) phase, one of the goals will be to find and evaluate operational modifications that could enhance environmental restoration benefits in the basin. A major component may be further consideration of a newSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

132 regulation schedule for Lake Apopka that would follow rainfall more closely and restore higher periodic water levels in Lake Apopka and its associated wetlands.

Reports

Fulton, R.S. 1998. Evaluation of drawdown as a restoratio n technique for Lake Apopka. Technical memorandum 27. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

Gottgens, J.F., and T.L. Crisman. 1992. Newnans Lake, Florida: Removal of particulate organic matter and nutrients using a short-term drawdown (Phase I). Special Publication SJ92-SP23. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

———. 1992. Sediments of Newnans Lake: Characteristics and patterns of redistribution following a short-term drawdown (Phase II). Special Publication SJ92-SP24. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

Greening, H., and S. Doyon. 1990. Environmental and ecological effe cts of drawdown and enhanced fluctuation for Lake Apopka, Florida . Special Publication SJ90-SP9. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

Drawdown and Lake Level Fluctuation

Time Schedule Activity FY 02–03 FY 03–04 FY 04–05 FY 05–06

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers restudy X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X



### PROJECT (LA-4-209-F): S OCIOECONOMIC 

### A SSESSMENT AND


### M ETHODOLOGY

PROGRAM : Feasibility

PRIORITY : Completed

ISSUE CATEGORY : Lack of fish and wildlife habitat

PROJECT OBJECTIVE : To develop methodology to assess the economic value of recreational and commercial uses of Lake Apopka, predict the economic benefit of lake restoration, and assess the impact of a total muck farm buyout on the local economy

SCOPE OF WORK : Develop an evaluation procedur e for performing a socioeconomic assessment of the Lake Apopka Basin. Incorporate the procedure into computerDetail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

133 software to be used by SJRWMD. Perform a socioeconomic assessment of the basin, including the potential economic losses an d benefits of the purchase of 5,670 ha (14,000 ac) of muck farms in Lake and Oran ge counties, plus possible mitigation measures to offset employment losses.

RELATIONSHIP TO FOCUS AND INTENT OF SWIM ACT : The degradation of Lake Apopka has resulted in greatly reduced recr eational and aesthetic values of the water body. This project will provide factual informat ion on the present valu es of the lake and the potential values of the la ke in a restored condition.

STATUS : A report was submitted in July 1989 by UF which developed methodology and predicted the econ omic benefit of lake restor ation (Heaney et al. 1989). The estimated net revenue from the muck farms was compared to losses from decreased recreational values, lowered environmental qu ality to the general public, and decline in property values to the riparian owners.

The 1996 Legislature determined that it wa s in the public inte rest to pursue the purchase and marsh restoration of all the muck farms in the Lake Apopka Basin. One consequence of such an action would be the loss of the farm business income and jobs. An economic impact analysis of the cessation of muck farming in the Lake Apopka Basin was performed by Apogee Research. A final report was provided to SJRWMD in December 1996. The report identified $110 millio n of annual economic losses incurred through such an action, roughly divided into direct sales losses and loss of income. A preliminary partial analysis of restoration benefits was estimated at $30 million annually. Additional research would be necessary to identify and quantify all benefits resulting from a farm buyout, such as increa sed land values and increased recreation in

downstream lakes.

Reports

Apogee Research, Inc. 1996. Lake Apopka econom ic analysis. Final report for Contract 96G307. Submitted to St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla. Bethesda, Md.

Heaney, J.P., T.D. Feather, and M. Shafer. 1989. Development of a socio-economic assessment methodology with applications to the Lake Apopka Basin. Special Publication SJ89-SP5. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.



### PROJECT (LA-3-301-M): M ARSH 

### F LOW 

### -W AY 

### R ESTORATION

PROGRAM : RestorationSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

134 PRIORITY : 1

ISSUE CATEGORIES : Lack of fish and wildlife habitat; poor water quality and flocculent sediments; degradation of downst ream lakes; low recreational and aesthetic

values

PROJECT OBJECTIVE : To restore muck farm land to wetland in order to filter nutrientrich water from Lake Apopka and re-estab lish fish and wildlife habitat. Nutrients will be removed from Lake Apopka as water is circulated through the marsh, and downstream lakes will receive a higher quality discharge.

SCOPE OF WORK : Demonstration project—Design and construct pump stations, spillways, levees, culverts, weir, ponds, and inlet and outlet structures to build a demonstration project on 750 ha (1,850 ac) of muck farm land. Restore approximately 365 ha (900 ac) to wetland, of which 225 ha (550 ac) is the monitored flow-way. Plant three 2-ha (5-ac) test plots with diverse native wetland plant species to determine success of different species and planting techniques. Flow water from Lake Apopka through the project to determine the nutrient removal efficiency of the wetland at various water depths and flow rates. Monitor hydrology, hydraulics, soil and water chemistry, vegetative de velopment, and wildlife.

Full Marsh Phase I—Design and construct the full 1,380-ha (3,400-ac) marsh flow-way in three phases, based on monitoring info rmation from the demo nstration project. Develop and test techniques to minimize initial flushing of nutrients from flooded muck soils. Plan and implement monitoring pr ograms for hydrolog y, hydraulics, soil and water nutrient chemistry, ve getation, pesticides, and wildlife.

RELATIONSHIP TO FOCUS AND INTENT OF SWIM ACT : Completion of the project will result in water quality improvements occurring more rapidly in response to the

nutrient load reduction effort s in the lake, reduced nutrient levels in the lake water, improved water quality of downstream discharges, entrapment of flocculent sediments,

burial and bioattenuation of farmed soils with residual pesticides, and establishment of

fish and wildlife habitat.

STATUS : Demonstration project—Design criteria were developed for the demonstration phase of the marsh flow-way restoration. The Center for Wetlands at UF and Post Buckley Schuh and Jernigan reviewed the de sign, and the design was further reviewed by FWC and FDEP. Negotiations with FDEP regarding a permit for the project started in April 1989 and were concluded in Nove mber. Two major cons truction contracts included Couch Pumps for repair and mo dification of existi ng pumps and for installation of pump controls and fuel syst em, and Phillips & Jord an for construction.Detail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

135 Construction started in De cember 1989 and was substantia lly completed by December

1990.

A “shakedown” period of operation, November 1990 throug h mid-February 1992, involved sheetflow establishment through th e southern wetland cell. In mid-February, the marsh was drawn down to permit experi mental planting of 6 ha (15 ac) with wetland vegetation. Experimental planting an d final scheduled construction, including the automatic pump control system, the fuel system, and walkways and platforms for monitoring equipment, were completed by August 1991. Both the southern and northern cells were flooded in September 1991. Starting in May 1992, pumps were used at the inlet to replace low-gravity flows as necessary.

Because of different past land uses, the so uthern and northern wetland cells of the demonstration project showed different nutrient retention behaviors. The south cell had been farmed less intensively and then had b een left fallow several years, resulting in appreciable wetland vegetation at the time of flooding. This cell provides our best model for the future flow-way system.

Retention of suspended solids (algae, resuspended sediments) was high (>90%) in the south cell. Therefore, the water reaching the north cell was already highly treated, leaving little potential for additional impr ovement in the north cell. Between 30% and 50% of total nitrogen was removed in the sout h cell, with little potential for additional improvement. Phosphorus leac hed from soils in the sout h cell for approximately six months after start of operatio n. After that period, removal efficiency for TP varied between 30% and 50%. A similar but longer peri od of leaching from soils in the north cell occurred. The high removal of suspen ded matter in the demo nstration flow-way resulted in significantly increased transparency of water discharged downstream.

In late 1992, hydrologic experimentation on the south cell of the marsh included a collector ditch reaching out from the south cell weir basin in an attempt to improve flow through the system. Filtration efficiency in the cell declined after that time, which was caused by unanticipated hydraulic short circui ting. Nutrient and soli ds retention in the south cell did not return to pre- collector ditch levels, and the ditch was plugged in the third quarter of 1993.

The south cell of the demonstration marsh was drawn down between March and July

1994 to consolidate sediments that had accumulated since November 1990 and to experiment with vegetation management and alteration of flow paths. The consolidation was successful; vegetation management was only partially successful. However, short-circuiting was not disrupted by the drawdown, which was judged to be

of too short a duration to allo w plant growth sufficient to al ter flows. Other hydraulicSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

136 modifications were made to re duce hydraulic short-circuiting, and by the end of the year, the system was again in operation. The syst em operated at low to moderate flowsuntil flow was stopped in 1997 to prepare for construction of the first phase of the fullscale flow-way.

Nutrient removal performance of the Marsh Flow-Way Demonstration Project was analyzed in a series of publications (Coveney 1995; Coveney, Lowe, and Battoe 2001; Coveney, Stites et al. 2001).

The Nutrient Storage and Movement Project, conducted by UF, was designed to measure the major nutrient constituents in the marsh soil and vegetation; to determine
the rate of transformation of nutrients to and from the soil, the water column, and vegetation; and to estimate the nutrient retention capacity of the system as affected by drawdown, drying, re-flooding, and burni ng. Drawdown successfully compacted the
solids that had settled in the marsh, but it also allowed soil oxidation sufficient to release significant amounts of soluble phosphorus.

To address the issue of soluble phosphor us release from soils and to follow up laboratory batch incubation experiments, a six-month field plot experiment testing

several soil amendments’ abili ty to reduce the phosphorus concentration in the water column was completed in De cember 1996. This research was a cooperative effort involving SJRWMD and UF. Results indicat ed that calcium hy droxide and an alum residual (aluminum hydroxide floc: a by-product from the use of alum [Al

2 (SO

4 )

3 or aluminum sulfate] as a clarif ying agent for drinking water) were both effective in trapping phosphorus soil flux when applied on the soil surface. Two larger field-size experiments, one within the marsh flow-w ay property, were conducted in 1998. Alum residual was extremely effective in reducing phosphorus soil flux compared to calcium hydroxide and gypsum (calcium sulfate). The application of alum residual will be one management tool for the full-scale marsh flow-way. During the summer of 2000, approximately 650 ac in Phase I of the fl ow-way were treated with alum residual obtained from the city of Melbourne water treatment plant.

Contracted field work for vegetation mo nitoring by UF ended in August 1994. The Governing Board accepted the final report in January 1998. Over the course of the study, a total of 104 plant species were identified in the naturally re -vegetating portions of the flow-way projec t. In addition, this study monitor ed vegetation growth in three 2-ha (5-ac) sites that had been planted with 11 species of wetland plants in 1991.

Above- and belowground live biomass from the August 1991 samples ranged from 268 to 928 grams per square meter (dry weight). By March 1994, values ranged form 485 to 1,414 grams per square meter (dry weight). The study documented the development ofDetail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

137 extensive floating mats in the south marsh. The percentage of sample plots with floating

mats went from 0% in 1990 to 41% in 1993. The da ta on plant biomass and on nutrient (P and N) content of plants from this study were used by SJRWMD in analyses of the nutrient-removal function of the flow-way project.

In December 1998, GEONEX completed contractual services to interpret vegetation communities in the Demonstration Marsh Flow-Way from aerial photography for the years 1990–97. The dominant species for the communities and the acreage changes for succeeding years were determined. Between 1990 and 1997, the marsh became predominantly mixed herbaceous, dominated by cattail ( Typha spp.) and Ludwigia spp.

Evaluation of the experimental planting site s revealed that spikerush, pickerel weed, arrowhead, giant bulrush, and giant flag tended to establish quickly and resist invasion by cattail. A mixed-species planting strategy may provide the best opportunity to generate a diverse, invasion-resistant plant community.

The high removal of suspended matter in the demonstration flow -way resulted in significantly increased transparency of water discharged downstream. Monitoring data on hydrology, hydraulics, soil and water ch emistry, vegetative development, wildlife, and nutrient uptake at various water depths and flow rates were essential to the design process for Phase I of the full-scale project.

LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE DEMONSTRATION PROJECT

• Hydraulic loading values in the range 35–45 m yr –1 (10–12 cm d -1 ) gave maximum flows through the densely vegetated first cell and avoided excessively high water

elevations at the inlet end. The resistance to flow observed in the demonstration project was one reason that up to 13 cells in parallel will be constructed in the fullscale project rather than a single large tr eatment wetland. Inlet pumps will be used to maintain flows during seasonal periods of low lake stage.

• The wetland filter was capable of removi ng suspended solids and TP from Lake Apopka water at or above target efficien cies of 85% and 30%, resp ectively (Coveney, Lowe, and Battoe 2001; Coveney, Stites et al. 2001). These results confirmed earlier projections of P removal efficiency (Lowe et al. 1989, 1992). Nutrient removal occurred at the expense of particulate N an d P fractions in most periods; dissolved fractions usually were either unaffected or augmented in the wetland. Minimal

channelization and maximal distr ibution of residence times were required to meet or exceed target removal efficiencies for suspended solids and phosphorus.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

138 • Cumulative leaching of soluble phosphorus after the initial flooding was about 3 g P

m -2 . Methods proposed to deal with the leaching of soluble phosphorus in the fullscale project include soil amendments to bind P, recycling of floodwaters through adjacent cells, and minimizing the fr equency and duration of drawdowns.

• De-watering through drawdown was a necessary and effective technique to

consolidate new sediment in the wetland.

Full Marsh Phase I—In 1997, the design fo r Phase I of the ma rsh flow-way was completed. The construction of Phase I was completed for approximately $4.32 million. Funds for the construction of the system were partially provided by the following:

• SWIM Fund ($1.5 million provided in 1996 legislation)

• Lake County ($750,000)

• Lake County Water Authority ($250,000)

• EPA Clean Water Act Fund ($1 million)

The pump station will discharge water from the four wetland treatment cells back into Lake Apopka and down the Apopka-Beauclair Canal.

In 2002, consultations were initiated with EPA and USFWS to begi n operation of the flow-way. A plan of operatio n (EPA 2002), which includes monitoring and management of potential soil pesticide exposure, has been submitted for regulatory consultation. Operation will begin after completion of th ose consultations and after Lake Apopka

water elevations increase above the record lows of 2001–2002, which have been insufficient to allow operation.

The system will receive a hydraulic loading rate of about 10 cm day -1 . At this rate, Phase

I will remove between 8 and 10 metric tons of phosphorus per year, depending on lake water quality and actual flow rates. When all phases are operational, the marsh flowway will treat approximately two lake vol umes per year and re move, for long-term average water quality conditions, about 30 metric tons of phosphorus annually. Furthermore, all water discharged from Lake Apopka downstream to the Harris Chain will pass through the marsh flow-way.

Reports

Ann, Y. 1996. Phosphorus immobilization by chem ical amendments in a constructed wetland. Ph.D. dissertation, University of Florida, Gainesville.Detail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

139 Ann, Y., and K.R. Reddy. 1999. Influence of chemical amendments on phosphorus

immobilization in soils from a constructed wetland. Ecological Engineering 14(1):157–167.

BEM. 2002. Soil removal reports for Clay Island property and Hooper Farms airstrip, Lake County, Florida. Orlando, Fla.

Best, G.R., and M.T. Brown. 1991. Research program manual for Phase II: The Lake Apopka Marsh Flow-Way Demonstration Project . Prepared for St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla. Center for Wetlands, University of Florida, Gainesville.

Burns & McDonnell. 1997. Lake Apopka Marsh Fl ow-Way, Phase I, construction plan and cost estimate. St. Johns River Water Management District Contract 97W151. Kansas City, Mo.

Conrow, R. 1990. Quality assurance project plan: Marsh Flow-Way Restoration Demonstration Project. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

Conrow, R., and J. Stenberg. 1994. Survival and co mpetitive abilities of wetland species in the Lake Apopka demonstration marsh project. Lake Reserv. Manage. 9(2):65–66.

Coveney, M.F. 1995. Lake Apopka Marsh Flow- Way Demonstration Project: Interim progress

report

. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

Coveney, M.F., E.F. Lowe, and L.E. Battoe. 2000. Performance of a recirc ulating wetland filter designed to remove particulate phosphorus fo r restoration of Lake Apopka (Florida, USA). Pages 231–237. In Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference On Wetland Systems For

Water Pollution Control , November 11–16, 2000, Orlando, Fla.

———. 2001. Performance of a recirculating wetland filter designed to remove particulate phosphorus for restoration of Lake Apopka (Florida, USA). Water Sci. and Tech. 44:(11– 12):131–136.

Coveney, M.F., D.L. Stites, L.E. Battoe, and E.F. Lowe. 1993. Nutrient retention in a restored

wetland used for lakewater filtration

. ASLO and SWS 1993 annual meeting, May 30–June 3,
1993, Edmonton, Alberta.

———. 1994. Nutrient removal in the Lake Apopka Marsh Flow-Way Demonstration Project. Abstracts of presentations. Lake Reserv. Manage. 9:66.

Coveney, M.F., D.L. Stites, E.F. Lowe, L.E. Batto e, and R. Conrow. 2001. Nutrient removal from eutrophic lake water by wetland filtration. Ecological Engineering (submitted)

.

D’Angelo, E.M., and K.R. Reddy. 1994. Diagenesis of organic matter in a wetland receiving hypereutrophic lake water: Distribution of dissolved nutrients in the soil and water column. J. Environ. Qual . 23:928–936.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

140 [EPA] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2002. Biological assessment—Plan for initial operation and maintenance of the Lake Apopka marsh flow-way, Phase I. Region 4, Atlanta.

Geonex. 1998. Lake Apopka demonstration marsh vegetation analysis. Submitted to St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

Lowe, E.F., D.L. Stites, and L.E. Battoe. 1989. Potent ial role of marsh creation in restoration of hypertrophic lakes. In Constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment: municipal, industrial and agricultural , D.A. Hammer, ed., 710–717. Proceeding s from the First International

Conference on Constructed Wetlands for Was tewater Treatment. Chelsea, Mich.: Lewis

Publishers.

Lowe, E.F., L.E. Battoe, D.L. Stites, and M.F. Coveney. 1992. Particulate phosphorus removal via wetland filtration: an examination of pote ntial for hypertrophic lake restoration. Environ. Manage. 16(1):67–74.

Olila, O.G., K.R. Reddy, and D.L. Stites. 1996. In fluence of drying on phosphorus forms and stability in the Lake Apopka marsh. Final report submitted to St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

———. 1997. Influence of draining on soil phosphor us forms and distribution in a constructed

wetland. Ecological Engineering 9:157–169.

Post Buckley Schuh and Jernigan Inc. 1989. Lake Apopka Marsh Flow-Way Project evaluation report. Prepared for St. Johns River Water Ma nagement District, Palatka, Fla. Orlando, Fla.

Reddy, K.R., G. Bao, O.G. Olila, and D.L. Stites. 1998 (draft). Effects of chemical amendments on marsh soil chemistry and nutrient flux

. Final report submitted to St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

Reddy, K.R., O.G. Olila, E.M. D’Angelo, D.L. St ites, and M. Coveney. 1996. Nutrient storage and movement in the Lake Apopka Marsh, Phase III. Contract 94B271:1996. Final report submitted to St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla. IFAS, University of
Florida, Gainesville.

Schipper, L.A., and K.R. Reddy. 1994. Methane prod uction and emissions from four reclaimed and pristine wetlands of southeastern United States. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J . 584:1270–1275.

[SJRWMD] St. Johns River Water Management Di strict. 1999. Wetland hydraulic investigation project, Lake Apopka test channel status report. Technical memorandum 38. Palatka, Fla.

———. 2001 (draft). Lake Apopka marsh flow-way plan for initial operation and pesticide monitoring and exposure management

. Palatka, Fla.Detail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

141 Stenberg, J., and M. Clark. 1998. Monitoring of natural and planted vegetation in the Lake Apopka Marsh Flow-Way Project, August 1993–March 1995 . Special Publication SJ98-SP17. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

Stenberg, J., M. Clark, and R. Conrow. 1998. Development of natural and planted vegetation and wildlife use in the Lake Apopka Marsh Flow-Way Demonstration Project: 1990–1994 . Special Publication SJ98-SP4. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

Stenberg, J.R., D.L. Day, and G.R. Best. 1991. Development of natural vegetation in the Lake Apopka Marsh Flow-Way Demonstration Project: Phase I—Baseline conditions, fall 1990. Special Publication SJ91-SP11. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

Marsh Flow-Way Restoration

Time Schedule Activity FY 02–03 FY 03–04 FY 04–05 FY 05–06

Begin operation of Phase I X Inlet pump design and construction X X

Pesticide evaluation X X X X Phase II design X X X X

Phase II construction X X X X



### PROJECT (LA-3-302-M): R OUGH 

### F ISH 

### H ARVESTING

PROGRAM : Restoration

PRIORITY : 1

ISSUE CATEGORIES : Lack of fish and wildlife habitat; poor water quality and

flocculent sediments

PROJECT OBJECTIVE : To manipulate the food-web structure and/or export nutrients from Lake Apopka by harvesting ro ugh fish (primarily gizzard shad)

SCOPE OF WORK : Remove rough fish (p rimarily gizzard shad) in Lake Apopka under permit from FWC. Catches will be monitored for tonnage and biological data.

RELATIONSHIP TO FOCUS AND INTENT OF SWIM ACT : This project may provide a low-cost or no-cost effective method of nutrient removal from Lake Apopka. Other beneficial effects of biomanipulation through rough-fish removal could improve surface water quality.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

142 STATUS : Data from Phase II of the Trophic Structure Manipulation Project indicate positive food-web changes and improved water quality resulting from rough-fish removal in Lake Denham. Phase III of the Trop hic Structure Manipulation Project tested various harvesting techniques for rough-fish removal in Lake Apopka and found that gill nets could provide an efficient and cost -effective method to accomplish large-scale rough-fish removal for nutrient depletion and food-web alterations in the lake.

From 1993 through 2002, commercial fisher men harvested a total of 3,729,945 kg (8.2 million pounds) of gizzard shad from Lake Apopka. Harvesting removed and exported 24.62 metric tons (54,253 pounds ) of phosphorus and 73.75 metric tons (162,539 pounds) of nitrogen from the lake. Low lake levels prevented large-scale ha rvest of gizzard shad in 2001 and the spring of 2002. To improve la ke access for commercial fishing, a new dock facility was constructed in 2002 on McDonald Canal on the former A. Duda and Sons Jem Farm property. Both the large-scale winter commercial harvest and the smallscale year-round harvest will continue in Lake Apopka.

Successful management of the fish removal process requires accurate estimates of the adult gizzard shad stock for the lake. A stock assessment completed in 1995 indicated the most probable population of harvestable gizzard shad prior to the 1995 harvest to be
3,877,582 fish or about 127 fish/acre. Stoc k estimates for 1996 ranged from 726,288 to
2,073,744 fish. The estimated harvest for 1997 was 1,186,364 shad or about 39 fish/acre. Even allowing for production and growth of young shad, commercial fishermen had apparently harvested a signific ant portion of the standing s tock of adult gizzard shad in the lake. Downward shifts in length/frequency and declines in catch-per-unit-of-effort, lengths and weights were recorded in 1997 through 1999 (Crumpton 2000). Trends from the year 2000 experimental gill net samples in dicated that the gizzar d shad population may be recovering. This recovery may be attributed to reduction in fishing pressure by

commercial fishermen due to low lake levels.

FWC (Benton et al. 1995) refined a procedure to assign ages to gizzard shad through the use of a bony structure (sagittal otolith). An ev aluation of 290 fish collected in the spring of 1994 showed that commercial gill nets (>4.0- in. mesh) caught fish of two years of age or more. Females grew faster than male s and survived longer; few males survived beyond two years. Estimates of mortality for ages 0 to 3 from blocknet samples gave a range of total annual mortality of 57–85%.

Reports

Benton, J., K. Taylor, C. Adams, and R. Huds on. 1995. Methodology and an alysis of the gizzard shad population of Lake Apopka in central Florida using sagittal otoliths. Fisheries ResearchDetail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

143 Laboratory, Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

Crumpton, J. 1995. Lake Apopka rough fish removal completion report for 1993 and 1994.

Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission.

Crumpton, J.E., and W.F. Godwin. 1997. Rough fish harvesting in Lake Apopka, summary report,

1993–97. Special Publication SJ97-SP23. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management

District.

———. 2000. Experimental gill nets in Lake Apop ka. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Contract 99W308. Prepared for St. Johns River Water Management District,
Palatka, Fla.

Godwin, W.F., J.E. Crumpton, E.F. Lowe, M.F. Coveney, L.E. Battoe, and D.L. Stites. 1994. Fish harvesting for nutrient removal and trophic state effects in Lake Apopka, Florida. Lake Reserv. Manage. 9(2):76–77.

Hackett, W.C., and O.C. Thompson. 1991. Biofermentation pilot study for water hyacinth and gizzard shad composting. Special Publication SJ91-SP13. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

Schramm, H.L., Jr., and L.L. Pugh. 1997. Gizzard shad stock estimate for Lake Apopka, Florida, 1995

. Miss. Coop. Fish and Wildlife Res. Unit. Special Publication SJ97-SP10. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

———. 1997. Gizzard shad stock estimate for Lake Apopka, Florida, 1996. Miss. Coop. Fish and Wildlife Res. Unit. Special Publication SJ97 -SP11. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

Rough Fish Harvesting

Time Schedule Activity FY 02–03 FY 03–04 FY 04–05 FY 05–06

Rough fish harvest X X X X X X X X X X X X Fisheries monitoring X X

Gizzard shad stock estimate X X



### PROJECT (LA-3-303-M): W ETLAND 

### R ESTORATION

PROGRAM : Restoration

PRIORITY : 1SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

144 ISSUE CATEGORIES : Lack of fish and wildlife habitat; poor water quality and
flocculent sediments; low recreational and aesthetic values

PROJECT OBJECTIVE : To restore muck farm land east of the Apopka-Beauclair Canal and examine restoration for effects upon water quality, vegetation, and wildlife.

Various methods for wetland re storation will be ex amined. As restoration progresses, effects upon wildlife will be monitored.

SCOPE OF WORK : Examine various methods for wetland restoration. Monitor effects upon wildlife as restoration progresses.

RELATIONSHIP TO FOCUS AND INTENT OF SWIM ACT : This project will result in reduced nutrient loading to Lake Apopka and reduced downstream discharges and provide additional habitat for fish and wildlife.

SUMMARY AND STATUS : The 1996 Legislature determined that it was in the public interest to pursue a total farm buyout, and the state appropriated $20 million toward that goal (Appendix A). SJRWMD signed an agreement with the USDA WRP to receive up to $26 million in matching land acquisit ion funds for the NSRA. In 1997, the Florida Legislature appropriated an additiona l $45 million for purc hasing additional agricultural lands within the basin. The land acquisition phase of the restoration effort has been completed, with the exception of a few non-crop growing properties. A total of 5,554 ha (13,713 ac) are now under public ownership, and further application of pesticides and fertilizers has been halted.

SJRWMD will develop restoration plans with the concurrence of NRCS, USFWS, and FDEP and in coordination with FWC, FOLA, and other interested parties. All of the SJRWMD-acquired muck lands on the North Shore will eventual ly be restored to wetlands and other aquatic habitat.

Restoration work will include treatment of soils with alum re sidual to bind the initial flux of phosphorus from the soils; plugging of abandoned irrigation wells;

modifications to the extensive network of dr ainage, pump, and levee systems; planting; and monitoring the progress of habitat development. Other capital improvement projects include fence construction, bridg e replacement and repair, and other access improvement projec ts that will protect SJRWMD prop erty from damage or theft or provide safe access for public uses. Partial funding for initial restor ation work is being provided by NRCS.Detail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

145 Initial restoration activities are already in progress on the 3,645 ha (9,000 ac) enrolled in the WRP (Duda and ZDWCD Unit 2). The application of a soil amendment on the former Duda farm has been completed. This amendment, a by-product of potable water treatment containing reacted alum and activa ted carbon, will absorb much of the excess phosphorus left in the soil by the farming activity. Repairs to levees necessary to manage water for the initial restoration period are completed. In addition, most of the remaining buildings and debris have been cleared from the NSRA.

An additional methodology implemented to reduce phosphorus loadings to Lake Apopka is to treat pumped discharges fr om ZDWCD Unit I and Unit II. When SJRWMD acquired th e ZDWCD properties, ZDWCD had already implemented a liquid alum treatment system in Unit II, but discharges from Unit I were untreated. In September 2001, it became necessary to disch arge water from Unit I, so SJRWMD implemented a second liquid alum treatment system. To improve water treatment and water control efficiency, SJRWMD has contracted with a consultant to redesign both alum injection systems. The redesign is ex pected to be completed and implemented by

mid-2003.

As part of the acquisition pr ocess, all properties received an ESA in accordance with

ASTM Standard E1527. An ESA us ually consists of four phases . The first phase is an indepth review of the documents available concerning how the land was used, what the land was used for, and what potential co ntamination issues mi ght be present. The second phase implements sampling based upon the recommendations made in the first phase. The third phase involves the delinea tion and development of a remediation plan for any contamination found. The fourth phase is remediation, additional sampling to confirm the adequacy of the remediation, and a final report. At the purchased properties, on-site remediati on included removal and dis posal of over 18,600 tons of

soil.

To evaluate the possibility that a signific ant contamination sour ce might have been missed during the ESA process, SJRWMD cont racted an independent audit of the ESA investigations. The au dit found that the ESAs were conducted within the ASTM guidelines and that there were no substant ial deficiencies. The audit included some

recommendations for a dditional work, which have been addressed.

SJRWMD also contracted for an environm ental risk assessment (ATRA 1997) and a second followup report (ATRA 1998) to examine the risk to wildlife posed by restoration of the former agricultural area s. The results of th e environmental risk assessment indicated that soil pesticide residues did not present an acute toxicity risk to wetland fish and wildlife (ATRA 1997, 1998). Ho wever, there was concern for potential long-term, sub-lethal effects of DDT residuals on growth or reproduction of top-level,SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

146 predatory birds. The reports recommended, and SJRWMD concurred, that long-term monitoring of the site was necessary when the restoration flooding commenced.

By August 1998, SJRWMD, in pa rtnership with WRP, had purchased most of the farms east of the Apopka-Beauclair Canal: Du da Farm, Zellwin Sand Farm, and ZDWCD

Units 1 and 2. The farmers in Unit 2 were as ked to leave their fields shallowly flooded following their final crop harvest in the summer of 1998. Shallow flooding for 4–6 weeks was standard farming practice at the end of each year’s growing season, in order

to minimize soil subsidence and erosion and to control nematodes. SJRWMD made this request in order to minimize discharge of P-rich water to the lake and to inhibit growth of terrestrial vegetation. Rainfall during th e fall of 1998 caused these fields to remain

flooded. The fields were to be drained du ring the winter and treated with a soil amendment (alum residual) to prevent P rele ase when restoration flooding commenced.

Over the past 50 years, migratory birds have used Florida’s flooded farm fields during July, August, and September (Stevenson 1972 ; Sykes and Hunter 1978; Kale et al. 1990).

The late-summer conditions of 1998 were sim ilar to previous years. However, as water levels in the farm fields began to rise with seepage and rainfall, and as more birds and more species of birds arrived, the situatio n became unique and unprecedented. By the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC), there was a large diversity of waterfowl, shorebirds, marsh birds, and thicket species. The total count was 174 species, likely a

record for inland sites in North Americ a (1998–99 CBC issue of American Birds; also, http://birdsou rce.tc.cornell.edu/cbcdat a/). Although small fl ocks of 20–30 American white pelicans were seen on the lake during winter months in pr evious years, the 1998– 99 CBC recorded 400 American white pelicans. The total Christmas count of American white pelicans in Florida that year totaled 6,298, with all inland sites accounting for
1,173 birds.

In December 1998, the population of American white pelican s on the NSRA rose to over 3,500 in one day’s count. Also th at month, the first mortalit ies were recorded (several dead pelicans were initially observed in November, but these deaths were not recorded). Over the next four months, 441 American white pelicans, 43 w ood storks, 34great egrets, 58 great blue herons, and smaller numbers of 20 other bird species died onsite. In February 1999, USFWS attributed the deaths to organochlori ne pesticide (OCP) poisoning. SJRWMD had begun draining the site in November 1998. Pumping was accelerated in January 1999. By mid-February 1999, the entire NSRA farm field area had been drained. Since then, the fields have been kept dry and have become vegetated with prairie and upland shrub communities.

In March 1999, a team of ex perts from 13 federal, st ate, county, and private organizations convened as the technical advisory group to the investigation. The teamDetail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

147 included representatives from SJRWMD, USFWS, NRCS, FDEP, EPA, FDACS, the Florida Department of Health, FWC, the Florida Audubon Society, UF, FOLA, Lake County, the Lake County Water Authority, Orange County, and ATRA, Inc., a toxicological consultant to SJRWMD.

SJRWMD and NRCS are providing the leader ship and the majority of the funding for the pesticide study. The other team membe rs are providing staff time and specific resources and review of work products.

A massive $1.5 million investigation was undertaken in an effort to determine the cause of the bird mortality and to reassess the p otential risks of OCPs to wildlife. During 1999, a total of 920 soil samples were taken from 70 9 locations and analyzed at a laboratory chosen for its extensive experience with OC Ps, especially toxaphene. In addition to the soil samples, 158 tissues from 34 birds and 36 wh ole fish (six species) were analyzed for pesticide levels by the same laboratory. A ll data on soils, sediments, and tissues (bird and fish) were provided to Exponent, a consul ting firm based in Bellevue, Washington. Their analysis of the data and the draft report on the mortality event were completed for review in September 2000. A further dr aft, which incorporated comments from academic and agency reviewer s, as well as new data from USFWS, was received in April 2003.

The investigation has shown that soil pesticide levels are not uniform in the various units of the NSRA. Because of its lower levels of OCPs, the Duda property, especially the eastern portion, presents the lowest risk to wildlife and has been proposed for interim flooding. A Biological Assessment and interim restoration plan for a portion of the Duda property was submitted by NRCS to USFWS in June 2001 (USDA 2001). A Biological Opinion with an incidental take statement was received from USFWS in April 2002 (USFWS 2002). The 700-ac site kn own as Duda sub-east has now been reflooded, and the site will be intensively mo nitored for at least on e year. After a year, the collected data will be reviewed by SJRW MD, NRCS, and USFWS, and a final level of monitoring will be proposed. This information will also assist in the development of future management strategies for other portions of the NSRA.

One of the recommendations of Exponent an d the academic and agency reviewers was for additional studies to more precisely qu antify bioaccumulation of OCPs in wildlife. In addition to the proposed interim manage ment plan for the east Duda property,

SJRWMD has contracted with the USGS Flor ida Caribbean Science Center and UF for a four-part investigation to prov ide essential insights into the movement of pesticides

from the soils to biota on the NSRA. Bioaccumulation models can then be more accurately calibrated for the development of restoration plans for the various parts of the NSRA. The investigation’s co mponents include the following:SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

148 • Experiments to address the potential for pesticides to quickly flush from the highly organic NSRA soils when first inundated

• Experiments in microcosms using a matrix of pesticide and soil carbon levels to investigate the bioaccumulation of pesticides into fish and crayfish as a function of both soil pesticide and carbon levels

• Experiments in replicated 0.25-ac fenced and screened ponds built on the NSRA at three sites with distinct pesticide concentr ations. These ponds w ill be stocked with a variety of typical organisms and the bioacc umulation of pesticide s will be evaluated

under natural conditions

• The bioaccumulation and distribution of pesticides within caged great egrets fed fish grown in fenced and screened ponds on th e NSRA. This investigation will track the movement of the actual pesticide mixtures on the NSRA from fish into the various tissues of a common top-level predator common on the NSRA.

The study is expected to be complete by the end of 2004.

Additional sampling of soils in the NSRA has identified at least one area of high OCP
contamination; this ar ea is adjacent to a former airpla ne landing strip. By January 2003,
9,203 tons of contaminated soils from this area had been excavated and removed for disposal at an approved landfill. Remediati on methods for other potential “hot spot” sites, as well as for the overall field sites, are being considered and include the following:

1. Localized contamination : The likely remediation approach will be excavation and disposal of waste at an approved landfill.

2. Widespread contamination fr om normal farming operations : Remediation may include natural attenuation and biological treatment in place. Methods to encourage microbial breakdown of pesticide residues and creation of new sediments should

result in surface sediment contaminant conc entrations that decline to safe levels. These goals can be attained by

• Shallow flooding that will shift sediment chemistry to conditions appropriate for

the chemical breakdown of many pesticide residues

• The colonization of wetlan d plants that will rapidly provide material for new sediments throug h decompositionDetail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

149 • The accumulation of these new sediments that will dilute and bury the old

sediments.

3. Application of innovative treatments for large areas : New treatments may be examined but would likely need to be adapted to work in the NSRA.

A pilot remediation project to evaluate the effectiveness of using lake sediments to cap and isolate impacted surface soils on the former farmlands was initiated with Foster Wheeler Environmental Corpor ation. Suitable materials dredged from Lake Apopka would be placed over OCP-co ntaminated areas, thereby eliminating the pathway for exposure to human and/or ecological receptors. The efficiency of this potential remediation technique will be evaluated as a complete remediation procedure is developed.

After remediation is complete, SJRWMD w ill, in the short term, flood the NSRA to begin shallow-marsh development. The pres ent long-term restor ation plan considers several potential management areas such as shallow marsh, deep marsh connected to the lake, and shorebird manageme nt areas. As final restoratio n activities are developed, SJRWMD may consider and implement other a ppropriate management alternatives as

well.

Reports

ABB. 1998. Phases I and II environmental site as sessment reports, Claren ce Beall Jr. property. Lake Apopka Restoration Agricultural Lands Acquisition Program, Orange County, Fla.

———. 1998. Phases I and II environmental site assessment reports, Stroup Farms. Lake Apopka Restoration Agricultural Lands Ac quisition Program, Orange County, Fla.

Ann, Y. 1996. Phosphorus immobilization by chem ical amendments in a constructed wetland. Ph. D. dissertation, University of Florida, Gainesville.

ATRA, Inc. 1997. Environmental risk assessmen t of a Lake Apopka Muck Farm Wetlands Restoration. Tallahassee, Fla. Prepared for St. Johns River Water Management District,
Palatka, Fla.

———. 1998. Comparison of muck farm restoration le vels to concentrations in Lake Apopka

North Shore Wetland Restoration Area. Oc cupational and Environmental Services. Tallahassee, Fla. Prepared for St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

Beasley, L.E. 1998. Phase II remediation plan and Phase IV remedial action report for Stroup Farms. Reports certified by HSW Engineering, Inc. Orlando, Fla.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

150 ———. 1998. Phase I final environmental site assessment remediation plan and Phase III remediation plan and remedial action report for Grower’s Precooler. Reports certified by HSW Engineering, Inc. Orlando, Fla.

———. 1998. Phase III remediation plan and Phase IV remedial action report for Long Farms. Reports certified by HSW Engin eering, Inc. Orlando, Fla.

———. 1999. Remedial action report for Grinnell Fa rms. Certified by Streamline Environmental. Tampa, Fla.

———. 1999. Phase III environmental site assessm ent for Hensel and Rodgers property. Certified by Streamline Environmental. Tampa, Fla.

———. 1999. Phase III remediation plan for Potter and Sons, Inc. Certified by Streamline Environmental. Tampa, Fla.

———. 1999. Phase III remediation plan and report for Hickerson property. Both reports certified by Streamline Environmental. Tampa, Fla.

———. 2000. Phase III remediation report and Phas e IV remedial action report for World Foliage Resources. Reports certified by Streamline Environmental. Tampa, Fla.

BEM. 1997. Phase I environmental site assessments for Lust Farms and Lust/Long Precooler.
Orlando, Fla.

———. 1998. Phase II environmental site assessments for Lust Farms and Lust/Long Precooler.
Orlando, Fla.

———. 1998. Final Phase II environmental site asse ssment, Grower’s Precooler. Orlando, Fla.

———. 1998. Phase II environmental site assessmen t, Zellwood Drainage and Water Control
District. Orlando, Fla.

———. 1999. Phase I environmental site assessment and Phase II final environmental
assessment for Grinnell Farms. Orlando, Fla.

———. 1999. Phase I environmental site assessment, Wallace Carrots. Orlando, Fla.

———. 1999. Phase I environmental site assessm ent, Marsell property. Orlando, Fla.

———. 1999. Final Phase I, Final Phase II, and Final Phase III environmental site assessments and tank closure assessment report for Potter and Sons. Orlando, Fla.Detail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

151 ———. 2000. Phase I environmental site assessm ent, Davison properties. Orlando, Fla.

———. 2000. Lake Apopka airstrip investigation re port, Lake and Orange counties. Orlando,

Fla.

———. 2000. Parcel F waste removal report. Orlando, Fla.

———. 2000. Phase II environmental site assessm ent, Marsell property. Orlando, Fla.

———. 2000. Tank closure assessment report, Zellwin Farms. Orlando, Fla.

———. 2000. Tank closure assessment report, Duda and Sons, Inc. Orlando, Fla.

———. 2000. Tank closure assessment report, Lake Apopka lock and dam, Mt. Dora, Fla.
Orlando, Fla.

———. 2000. Final phase III environmental site asse ssment, parcel B pumphouse. Orlando, Fla.

———. 2001. Lake Apopka airstrip investigation report, Lake and Orange counties. Followup report. Orlando, Fla.

———. 2001. Final phase III environmental site asse ssment and tank closure assessment reports for parcel E pump station 2. Orlando, Fla.

———. 2001. Phase I environmental site assessment update, A. Duda and Sons property, Lake
Jem, Florida. Orlando, Fla.

———. 2002. Phase I environmental site assessment, World Foliage Resources, Inc. Orlando,

Fla.

Bowen, P.J. 2001. Lake Apopka North Shore Restoration Area map book

. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

Conrow, R., E. Marzolf, M.F. Coveney, and E. Lowe. 2001. Proposal for interim management of the Lake Apopka North Shore Restoration Are a. St. Johns River Water Management District,
Palatka, Fla.

Earth Systems Engineers, Inc. 1997. Phase I environmental site assessment, Phase II assessment,
and Phase III assessment, Lake Jem Farm, nort hern shore of Lake Apopka, Lake Jem,

Florida.

Exponent, Inc. 2003 (draft final report). Anal ysis of avian mortality at the North Shore Restoration Area of Lake Apopka in 1998–1999. Prepared for St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

152 Foster Wheeler Environmental Corporation. 2001. Reports for demonstration capping project, Lake Apopka, Florida: Sampling and analysis plan; Contaminant mobility study; Draft preliminary project design report, Phase I; Project description; Contaminant mobility evaluation within a cap. All prepared for St. Johns River Water Management District,
Palatka, Fla.

Golder Associates, Inc. 1997. Phase I, Phase I—federal easement, and Phase II (2 vols.) environmental site assessments for Zellwin Farms parcel, Orange County, Florida.
Jacksonville, Fla.

———. 1997. Report of facility report for lead-based paint andSurvey report of asbestoscontaining building materials. Jacksonville, Fla.

Gross, T.S., M. Sepulveda, S.D. Ruessler, J.N. Wiebe, and C.M. Wieser. 2002. Microcosm and mesocosms evaluation of the bioaccumulation of chlorinated pesticides in the North Shore Restoration Area. SIS4944. Progress report accessed on 3/4/02. Available at [http://www.fcsc.usgs.gov/Environmental_Contaminants/Contaminant_Current_Projects].
Florida Caribbean Science Center, Gainesville.

Harding Lawson Associates. 1998. Phases I and II environmental site assessments, Zellwood Drainage and Water Control District. Orlando, Fla.

———. 2000. Limited site assessment and soil remediation, Duda Farms property. Orlando, Fla.

———. 2001. Limited soil sampling and analysis, North Shore Restoratio n Area, Lake Apopka,
Florida. Orlando, Fla.

Hoge, V.R. 2001 (draft). Alum residual as a soil additive: A literature review. White paper. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

HSW Engineering, Inc. 1998. Remediation plan, St age I; Report of remediation activities, Stage II; and Phase IV report of remedial activities , Stage II, for Lust Farms. Phase III remediation plan, Stage I, for Lust/Long Precooler. Orlando, Fla.

JEA. 1993. Site audit and environmental assessmen t of George Keen Ranch. Gainesville, Fla.

Marburger, J.E., W.E. Johnson, D.R. Douglas, and T.S. Gross. 1999. Pesticide contamination of

fish and sediments in the Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area: Relevance to fisheries

establishment in flooded muck farms. Technical memorandum 31. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

Orange County Environmental Protection Department. 1999. Lake Apopka investigation

. Orlando, Fla.Detail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

153 Parsons Engineering Science, In c., and GeoSyntec, Inc. 2000. Review of documentation for the location and remediation of possible pesticide/ chemical sites at the North Shore Restoration Area, Lake Apopka, Florida. Pr epared for the St. Johns River Water Management District,
Palatka, Fla.

Professional Service Industries, Inc. 1996. Remedial plan/supplemental contamination assessment report for Zellwin Farms. Winter Park, Fla.

———. 1997. Remedial plan for Lake Jem Farm. Winter Park, Fla.

———. 1997. Contamination assessment report for Zellwin Farms and Remedial plan/supplemental contamination assessment report for Zellwin Farms, addendum II.
Winter Park, Fla.

Robinson, H. 1999. Bird report, Zellwood Drainage and Water Control District Unit 1, Unit 2, and the Zellwin Sand Farm property at Zellwood, Florida. August 15, 1998–August 14, 1999. Prepared for St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

———. 2002. Bird usage of Lake Apopka’s North Shore Restoration Area. Zellwood Drainage
and Water Control District Unit 1, Unit 2, and the Zellwin Sand Farm property at Zellwood, Florida. August 15, 1999–August 14, 2000. Prepar ed for St. Johns River Water Management
District, Palatka, Fla.

Rouhani, S., and M.R. Wild. 2000. Statistical and geostatistical anal ysis of NSRA soil/sediment data. Final Report prepared by NewFields, Inc. fo r St. Johns River Water Management District,
Palatka, Fla., Contract SD148AA. Atlanta.

[SJRWMD] St. Johns River Water Management Dist rict. 1999. Lake Apopka Restoration Project: Wildlife impacts and progress toward remediation. A report to the Honorable Governor Jeb Bush and the Legislature of th e state of Florida. Palatka, Fla.

———. 2001. Landfill closure assessment report for Duda Farms. Palatka, Fla.

Speer, S.W., and C.H. Cunningham. 2000. Subsurface soil exploration, Lake Apopka restoration, pilot dredging program, Orange County, Flor ida. Ardamann & Associates, Inc., Orlando,

Fla.

Stout, I.J., and R. Clerico. 2000. Rodent population study in the North Shore Restoration Area, part 1 (survey of rodents near Lake Apopka). Special Publication SJ2000-SP2 . Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

154 Stout, I.J., R. Clerico, and K.B. Clanten. 2001. Rodent population study in the North Shore Restoration Area, part 2 (survey of rodents near Lake Apopka). Technical Publication SJ2001-1. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

TASK Environmental. 1997. Phase III remedial pl an for Zellwin Farms, Lake Apopka, Florida. Tampa, Fla.

———. 1997. Phase IV remedial action report for Duda Farms, Vol. 1, Lake Apopka, Florida. Tampa, Fla.

———. 1998. Phase IV remedial action report and Interim soil and groundwater assessment report, with addendum, for Zellwin Farm s, Lake Apopka, Florida. Tampa, Fla.

———. 1998. Phase IV final remedial action report for Duda Farms, Lake Apopka, Florida. Tampa, Fla.

———. 1998. Phase I environmental site assessment of Long Farms, Lake Apopka, Florida. Tampa, Fla.

———. 1998. Phase I environmental site assessment of Clonts Farms, Inc., Lake Apopka, Florida. Tampa, Fla.

———. 1998. Phase I environmental site assessmen t of Crakes & Sons, Inc., Lake Apopka, Florida. Tampa, Fla.

———. 1999. Phase IV update letters for Duda Farms, Lake Apopka, Florida. Tampa, Fla.

———. 1999. Phases I and II environmental site a ssessments of Hensel and Rodgers property, Lake Apopka, Florida. Tampa, Fla.

———. 1999. Phases I and II environmental site assessments of Hicker son property, Lake Apopka, Florida. Tampa, Fla.

———. 1999. Phases I and II environmental site assessments; Phase III remediation plan; and Remedial action report, for Progressive Growers, Lake Apopka, Florida. Tampa, Fla.

———. 1999. Phase I environmental site assessmen t of Freeman, Baumgardt, and Bledsole property, Lake Apopka, Florida. Tampa, Fla.

———. 1999. Phases I and II environmental site a ssessments of Teddy Smith property, Lake Apopka, Florida. Tampa, Fla.

———. 1999. Phase I environmental site assessment of World Foliage Resources, Inc. Lake Apopka, Florida. Tampa, Fla.Detail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

155 ———. 2000. Phase II environmental site assessment of World Foliage Resources, Inc. Lake Apopka, Florida. Tampa, Fla.

———. 2000. Limited contamination assessment repo rt (LCAR) for Zellwood Drainage and Water Control District. Tampa, Fla.

———. 2000. Phases I and II environmental site a ssessment of NAPA property, Lake Apopka, Florida. Tampa, Fla.

———. 2000. Phases I and II environmental site a ssessment of the Strickland property, Lake Apopka, Florida. Tampa, Fla.

———. 2000. Phases I and II environmental site assessments of the Bates property, Lake Apopka, Florida. Tampa, Fla.

———. 2000. Soil removal activities at areas D & E, Lake Apopka, Florida. Tampa, Fla.

———. 2001. Phase I environmental site assessment update of the Strickland property, Lake Apopka, Florida. Tampa, Fla.

———. 2001. Phase I environmental site assessment of the Holt property, Lake Apopka, Florida. Tampa, Fla.

———. 2001. Phase I environmental site assessmen t of the Shaffer property, Lake Apopka, Florida. Tampa, Fla.

———. 2001. Phase I environmental site assessmen t of the Shortz property, Lake Apopka, Florida. Tampa, Fla.

———. 2001. Phase IV remediation action report for Progressive Growers, Lake Apopka, Florida. Tampa, Fla.

———. 2001. Tank closure assessment report for pump house 3 and pump house 4, Lake Level Canal, Lake Apopka, Florida. Tampa, Fla.

[USDA] U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2001. Lake Apopka North Shore Restoration Area biological assessment and interim restoration plan for Duda property. Natural Resources
Conservation Service. Gainesville, Fla.

[USFWS] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2002. Biol ogical opinion for the interim restoration plan for the Duda sub-east property located at the North Shore Restoration Area of Lake Apopka, Orange County, Florida. Jacksonville, Fla.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

156 Wetland Restoration

Time Schedule Activity FY 02–03 FY 03–04 FY 04–05 FY 05–06

Complete restoration plan X X X X X X X X

Build infrastructure X X X X X X X X X X Soil amendment application X X X X X X X Design, establish, and implement monitoring program X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Restoration flooding Duda sub-east flooding X X Rest of Duda flooding X X X X ZDWCD flooding X X X X

Pesticide study Bioaccumulation study

Field-scale mesocosms X X X X X X X X Bird feeding studies X X X X X

Remediation Airstrip cleanup X X X X Treatment methodology X X X X Implementation X X

Vegetation assessment Aerial photography X X X X GIS interpretation and change analysis X X X X X X



### PROJECT (LA-2-304-M): L ITTORAL 

### Z ONE 

### R ESTORATION

PROGRAM : Restoration

PRIORITY : 1

ISSUE CATEGORIES : Lack of fish and wildlife habitat; poor water quality and
flocculent sediments; low recreational and aesthetic values

PROJECT OBJECTIVE : Phase I—To conduct a study of the feasibility of restoring littoral zone vegetation behind earthen dikes and to assess the effects of the restored littoral zone on gamefish populations. Phase II—To test the feasibility of re-establishing native aquatic plant communities in the littor al zone of the lake using man-made and natural vegetation barriers for protection of plantings. To examine the potentialDetail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

157 macrophyte seed source from sediments of the various water depth contours of the lake. Phase III—To establish test plots of planted wetland species in the lake to determine viability under ambient lake condit ions and to maintain an ongoing planting and monitoring effort

SCOPE OF WORK : Phase I—Develop a demonstration project to evaluate the feasibility of littoral zone restoration by the creation and management of permanent subbasins within Lake Apopka. Identify a suitable site for the study in Lake Apopka and conduct an economic analysis of the costs of land acquisition, design, co nstruction, drawdown, re-vegetation, and management.

Phase II—Deploy protective barriers along the li ttoral zone of the lake to protect natural and planted aquatic vegetation. Determine th e feasibility of sculptur ing existing stands of cattails to provide protection for more desirable planted aquatic vegetation. Monitor effects of barriers on plant growth and water quality. Interpret existing aerial photography for wetland vegetation and map. Take sediment cores from transects perpendicular to the shorelin e and incubate under greenho use conditions to determine

the natural seed bank.

Phase III—Plant and monitor littoral zone sites. Map vegetation in the existing littoral zone area around the lake perimeter using a global positioning system (GPS). Compare these results with the geographic informatio n system (GIS) maps from earlier aerial photography.

RELATIONSHIP TO FOCUS AN D INTENT OF THE SWIM ACT : This project evaluates the feasibility of littoral zone restoration by the creation and management of permanent subbasins within Lake Apopka or by re-establishing a diverse native aquatic plant community behind protective barriers in the li ttoral zone of the la ke. The sediment seed bank study will provide data on the macroph yte seed base and possible germination in potential expanded littoral zo ne areas of the lake. The re-establishment of a diverse vegetated littoral zone for the lake will result in the partial restoration of habitat once present in Lake Apopka. The growth and expansion of submerged aquatic vegetation within the lake is a key goal of the restoration plan. Submerged aquatic vegetation provides critical and currently missing habitat and will reduce internal nutrient loading by reducing the ability of wind-driven currents to resuspend sediments.

STATUS : The Phase I study was completed and indicated that littoral zone restoration by construction of permanent subbasins was not economically feasible.

Phase II—Field surveys were conducted to de termine potential littoral zone sites for vegetation restoration efforts. A considerable portion of the shallow shelf zone of LakeSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

158 Apopka is suitable for some form of aquatic vegetation restoration. Construction and testing of light-weight portab le floating barriers has been completed. About 5,000 linear feet of barrier has been deployed at designated aquatic vegetation planting sites and around some stands of existing vegetation. A contract effort to transplant six native aquatic plant species behind protective barrie rs and at unprotected control sites began in July 1992 and was completed in December 1993. The six species planted were giant bulrush ( Scirpus californicus ), knot grass ( Paspalidium geminatum ), spatterdock ( Nuphar

luteum ), eelgrass ( Vallisneria americana ), Illinois pondweed ( Potamogeton illinoensis ), and southern naiad ( Najas guadalupensis ).

Phase III—Additional aquatic vegetation planting was begun by SJRWMD staff, primarily near the northern shore of the lake, in June 1992. By 2001, 40 sites had been planted around the 40-mile perimeter of the lake. Planting “events” have been sponsored by SJRWMD with county and local governments and FOLA, a citizen advocacy group, to restore littoral zone areas fronting p ublic parks along the lake. Both wild and purchased native plants are used. As the pla nts become established, the artificial barriers are moved to new sites. One problem that has been noted is the grazing of the plants by fish and/or turtles. This has sl owed the expansion of the planting zones in

several cases.

GPS mapping of vegetation in the littoral zone has been co mpleted and will serve as a baseline for future analysis (Con row and Peterson 2000). Since 1995, Vallisneria

americana (eelgrass) has increase d markedly in the lake. In June 1997, 63 patches of eelgrass totaling about 1.16 ha (2.87 ac) had been discovered around the lake, and other small areas of musk-grass and southern naiad were found and are being monitored for expansion. In January 2001, more than 83 pa tches with a combined area over 2.6 ha (6.5 ac) were documented. This spontaneous return of submersed macrophytes may be a response to improved underwater light co nditions. In addition to providing valuable habitat, submersed macrophytes will hasten the recovery of the lake through several positive feedback mechanisms.

Report

Conrow, R., and J. Peterson. 2000. A panel atlas of the major aquatic plants of Lake Apopka, Florida, using global positioning and geographic information systems. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.Detail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

159 Littoral Zone Restoration

Time Schedule Activity FY 02–03 FY 03–04 FY 04–05 FY 05–06

Vegetation planting X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Vegetation monitoring (planted sites) X X X X X X X X Aerial photography X X X X GPS mapping and analysis (lakewide) X X X X X X X X X X X X



### PROJECT (LA-3-402-M): N ONPOINT 

### S OURCE 

### P OLLUTION 

### C ONTROL

PROGRAM : Regulatory

PRIORITY : 2

ISSUE CATEGORY : Nonpoint pollution sources

PROJECT OBJECTIVE : To identify and control nonpoint sources of pollution affecting Lake Apopka

SCOPE OF WORK : Support master stormw ater planning efforts. Identify stormwater conveyance systems and determine potent ial impact to the lake. Map stormwater

conveyance syst ems and compile compliance histor y. Determine the extent of inadequate septic systems around the lake. Assist in the development and implementation of st ronger local ordinances. Cont inue SJRWMD compliance and

enforcement efforts. Assess potential for future enforcement contracts with Lake and Orange counties to provide the needed enforcement personnel.

RELATIONSHIP TO FOCUS AND INTENT OF SWIM ACT : Improved regulation of nonpoint source pollution into Lake Apopka will become important as agricultural and point source pollution problems are resolv ed. This project will address the nonpoint

source issue.

STATUS : Using a grant from Orange County, FOLA hired professional planners to develop the Lake Apopka Development Desi gn Guidelines. Each of the eight local jurisdictions will be asked by FOLA to ad opt and apply the shoreline protective measures as they approve future developments. Lake County has written a new ordinance based on the guidelines, and se veral new proposed developments have incorporated the guidelines.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

160 The Jones Avenue Regional Stormwater Ma nagement Project will provide a regional wet detention pond system to improve the water quality in the northern portion of the basin. The 16.2-ha (40-ac) project will be lo cated on SJRWMD property within the NSRA and will be funded by a cost -share agreement between SJ RWMD and Orange County.

Nonpoint Source Pollution Control

Time Schedule Activity FY 02–03 FY 03–04 FY 04–05 FY 05–06

Review local ordinances X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Design, permitting, and

construction of Jones Avenue

Stormwater Park X X X X X X X



### PROJECT (LA-3-403-M): N UTRIENT 

### L OADING 

### L IMITS 

### A DOPTION

PROGRAM : Regulatory

PRIORITY : Completed

ISSUE CATEGORIES : Agricultural discharges; lack of fish and wildlife habitat; poor water quality and flocculent sediments; degr adation of downstream lakes; nonpoint pollution sources; fut ure basin development

PROJECT OBJECTIVE : To develop and adopt a phosph orus loading limit rule and more-stringent permitting criteria, if necessary, to protect water resources in the Lake Apopka Basin

SCOPE OF WORK : Incorporate information from other projects, including external and internal nutrient budgets, phytoplankton-nu trient interactions, and mathematical modeling to recommend final PLRGs and perfor mance criteria for Lake Apopka. Draft special basin criteria for Lake Apopka fo r incorporation under appropriate SJRWMD rules. These special basin criteria will comply with mandates of 62-40.420, F.A.C

. Evaluate a number of more-stringent review criteria, such as smaller size threshold for projects requiring permits, treatment of larger volumes of stormwater to protect receiving water quality, identification and protection of natural habitats, and

establishment of a buffer for the lake fr om future development pressures. Hold rule workshops to promote public input before fina l rule adoption by the Governing Board.

RELATIONSHIP TO FOCUS AND INTENT OF SWIM ACT : This project will result in decreased nutrient loading to the Lake Apopka Basin.Detail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

161 STATUS : Regulatory and land acquisition ac tions that will decrease phosphorus loading to the basin have already been initiated. A proposed Works of the District Rule to regulate phosphorus loading to Lake Apopka was approved by the Governing Board in October 1994 and published in November 1994. Challenges to the rule were filed in December, and an administrative hearing on the challenges was held in late January 1995. The hearing officer found in favor of the petitioner, ruling that SJRWMD did not have authority to promulgate the rule. In addition, he found agai nst SJRWMD on some points of fact concerning the sediment accumulation rate. Subsequent contracted research with UF provided additional data that SJRWMD used to verify the original

measurements.

SJRWMD and FDEP staff cooperated with the legislative delegation and FOLA for passage of 1996 legislation, which includ ed authority for SJ RWMD to develop a

nutrient limitation rule for th e lake and to set a phosphorus criterion for Lake Apopka of 55 ppb if SJRWMD chose not to act.

The phosphorus criterion is a numeric inte rpretation for phosph orus of the Class III narrative nutrient criterion. SJRWMD responded with revisions to Chapter 40C-4,

F.A.C ., and Applicant’s Handbook: Management and Storage of Surface Waters (Appendix I), effective August 1996. This rule established a phosphorus criterio n of 55 ppb for Lake Apopka pursuant to the mandate of the Lake Apopka Restoration Act. It has been used to establish discharge limitations for all regu lated activities within the Lake Apopka drainage basin that are permitted to dischar ge, directly or indirectly, into Lake Apopka,
the Lake Level Canal, or the McDonald Canal.

A revised draft technical memorandum that derived a PLRG for phosphorus in Lake Apopka was completed in 2000. The recomm ended allowable phosphorus loading to Lake Apopka from all sources is 15.9 metric tons per year. This loading is compatible with restoration goals.

SJRWMD staff worked to further improve the technical basis of the nutrient limitation rule and began the rule pro mulgation process again in 1999. A Notice of Proposed Rule Development was published in the Florida Administrative Weekly on December 29, 2000 (Appendix A). On January 31, 2001, a public workshop was held in Orlando to discuss the proposed rule amendments. Environm ental Research and Design (ERD) was contracted to review SJRWMD’s existing stormwater treatment criteria to determine if they were adequate to limit postdevelopm ent phosphorous loading. ERD submitted a draft report to SJRWMD in July 2001. Based on the consultant’s report and further discussions, SJRWMD staff incorporated several revisions to the proposed rule. The proposed rule was approved by the Gove rning Board in April 2002 and was publishedSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

162 in the Florida Administrative Weekly on April 19, 2002. Following concern by the public over the implementation cost of the rule, SJRWMD considered less costly alternatives

that would still meet the stat utory objectives of the proposed rule. The final rule adoption hearing was held in December 2002. The rule became effective in March 2003.

Reports

Coveney, M.F. 2000 (draft). Sedimentary phos phorus stores, accumulation rates, and

sedimentation coefficients in Lake Apopka. Prediction of th e allowable phosphorus loading rate. Technical memorandum. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

Environmental Research and Design, Inc. 2001 (dra ft). Evaluation of water quality stormwater regulations for the Lake Apopka Basin. Final report submitted to St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

[SJRWMD] St. Johns River Water Management Di strict. 1994. Public hearing, Chapters 40C-1
and 40C-61, F.A.C. Pollutant load reduction goals for Lake Apopka

. F.O.R. 94-1496. Palatka,

Fla.

———. 1994. Economic impact statement for the proposed amendments to Chapter 40C-61,

F.A.C. Works of the District Basins. (Lake Apop ka Works of the District). SJEIS 94-02.
Palatka, Fla.



### PROJECT (LA-6-501-M): D ISTRICT 

### W ATER 

### M ANAGEMENT 

### P LAN

PROGRAM : Planning

PRIORITY : 1

ISSUE CATEGORY : Future basin development

PROJECT OBJECTIVE : To regularly evaluate progress being made in implementing the DWMP and to update the DWMP every five years

SCOPE OF WORK : Prepare annual progress reports on the DWMP. For each DWMP update, identify the state of water resources in SJRWMD and water resource issues by water management district area of responsibility and major watershed, using resource assessments and other tools; develop strategies to address identified issues with a focus on what can be accomplished within the ne xt five-year period; modify goals, objectives, policies and performance measures for SJ RWMD or SJRWMD pr ograms, as needed.Detail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

163 RELATIONSHIP TO FOCUS AN D INTENT OF THE SWIM ACT : During the DWMP update process, SJRWMD works closely with state agencies, local governments, and others to identify water resource issues and develop strategies to address them. The DWMP includes a chapter on watersheds that identifies and addresses issues specific to the Lake Apopka Basin.

STATUS : The original DWMP was completed in spring 1995, and the fi rst update of the DWMP was completed in spring 2000. The se cond update will be due to FDEP for review in November 2004. Lake Apopka SWIM program staff provid e input concerning Lake Apopka for annual progress reports and participate in other reporting efforts as requested. They also are invo lved in the development of SJRWMD’s Annual Work Plan and Budget, for which the DWMP sets direction. In addition, given the role the DWMP plays as SJRWMD’s primary long-term planning tool, they assist in the preparation of periodic updates of the DWMP.

The original DWMP included a chapter organized by county to assist regional planning councils and local governments in addressing water resource issues. The Local Government Partnership Project followed an d resulted in SJRWMD’s publication of county water resource atlases in 1996 that contain strategies de veloped jointly by SJRWMD and local governments in each county, along with lists of critical water resource issues, current initiatives and maps created for the DWMP and other efforts. These atlases have served as a useful tool for linking land and water planning efforts. A watersheds chapter replaced the county chapter in the May 2000 DWMP. New county

water resource atlases that will provide county- and waters hed-oriented water resource

information from the DWMP and other source s was published in 2002. The atlas will be updated every five years in order to assure th at the best available information is in the hands of local government decision makers.

Reports

[SJRWMD] St. Johns River Water Management District. 2000. District water management plan (DWMP) and DWMP executive summary

. Palatka, Fla.

———. 2003. Water resource atlas. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

District Water Ma nagement Plan

Time Schedule Activity FY 02–03 FY 03–04 FY 04–05 FY 05–06

Publish annual progress report X X X X X X X Update DWMP (including resource assessments) X X X X X X X XSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

164 

### PROJECT (LA-6-502-S): L OCAL 

### G OVERNMENT 

### C OMPREHENSIVE 

### P LAN



### R EVIEW

PROGRAM : Planning

PRIORITY : 1

ISSUE CATEGORIES : Low recreational and aesthetic values; poor water quality and

flocculent sedime nts; lack of fish and wildlife habi tat; nonpoint po llution sources; future basin development

PROJECT OBJECTIVE : To review and comment on local government comprehensive plan amendments, plan updates, and ev aluation and appraisal reports (EARs)

SCOPE OF WORK : Furnish local governments with da ta and policy-related information for their planning process. Review comp rehensive plans and plan amendments in relation to statutory water management district responsibilities and Chapter 163, FS

, and its implementing regulations (Rule Chapter 9J-5, F.A.C .). Provide assistance to local governments in the preparation of EARs on their comprehensive plans and review EARs as requested and as staff time permits.

RELATIONSHIP TO FOCUS AN D INTENT OF THE SWIM ACT : This project will provide a vehicle for improved coordinatio n between the Lake Apopka restoration effort and local government planning. Inclusion of priority issues associated with restoration into the local planning process is necessary to address and prevent future problems in the basin.

STATUS : Adopted EARs for Lake County and it s largest cities were due on May 1, 1998. They were due for Orange County and its largest cities, including Apopka, Ocoee, and Winter Garden, on July 1, 1998. The next step in the process, followi ng or during an EAR sufficiency review process conducted by FDCA, is the submission of EAR-based comprehensive plan amendments which are reviewed by SJRWMD . The schedule for submittal of adopted EAR reports for the years 2002 through 2010 pursuant to Section 163.3191(9), FS , is listed in Table 6.

SJRWMD also continues to review regular (not EAR-based) comprehensive plan

amendments as submitted.Detail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

165 Table 6. Evaluation and appraisal report schedule, 2002-2010

County/Municipality Due Date County/Municipality Due Date

Lake August 2007 Orange July 2005

Montverde June 2009 Apopka August 2006 Oakland August 2007

Winter Garden November 2007

(DCA 2001a)

Local Government Comprehensive Plan Review

Time Schedule Activity FY 02–03 FY 03–04 FY 04–05 FY 05–06

Review regular comprehensive plan amendments X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Review EAR-based amendments X



### PROJECT (LA-6-503-M): L AND 

### M ANAGEMENT 

### P LAN FOR THE 

### L AKE 

### A POPKA



### R ESTORATION 

### A REA

PROGRAM : Planning

PRIORITY : 1

ISSUE CATEGORIES : Agricultural discharges; lack of fish and wildlife habitat; low

recreational and aesthetic values

PROJECT OBJECTIVE : To develop and implement a land management plan for the Lake Apopka Restoration Area, which includes the marsh flow-way and the NSRA

SCOPE OF WORK : Develop and revise the land ma nagement plan for the restoration area to include newly acquired properties, and define restoration activities. Update the land management plan every five years. Initiate implementat ion of the plan in cooperation with other ag encies and the public.

RELATIONSHIP TO FOCUS AND INTENT OF SWIM ACT : The Lake Apopka management unit is designated as a re storation area. Thus, primary management emphasis will reflect th e goals and objectives of the SW IM program (lak e restoration),SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

166 with secondary emphasis on maintaining or restoring the uplands in good ecological health and providing compatible public use.

STATUS : Legislative directives (Chapters 373 and 375, FS ) guide the land management process from acquisition evaluations to the development of land management plans. These plans identify resource needs and comp atible uses. The process provides both the mechanism and the opportunity for SJRWMD staff, other agencies , and the public to participate in the process.

The Ocklawaha River Basin Co nceptual Management Plan, which contains the Lake Apopka Restoration Area, was completed in January 1992 and adopted by the SJRWMD Governing Board in March 1992. Development of a land management plan for acquired properties is required within one year of purchase, and the plans are revised about every five years.

Land maintenance activities at the Lake Ap opka Restoration Area consist largely of maintaining the roads, canals, and levees, as well as various mowing efforts. Exotic weed control and prescribed burning activi ties are conducted as needed. Additional

land maintenance includes maintenance of various facilities, so lid waste removal, and replacement of bridges, including the br idge over the Apopka-Beauclair Canal.

Many of the land management activities planned for the Lake Apopka Restoration Area have been delayed pending the resolution of restoration plans for the area. It is anticipated, however, that once the remediation has taken place and the restoration efforts are resumed, various land management activities will resume.

SJRWMD land management staff have been cooperating with local residents on a regional planning effort for the Lake Apopka Basin. FOLA has led the effort—working with the region’s local governments, non- profit groups and residents—to develop a Lake Apopka Basin Master Plan. This plan encompasses long-term goals for greenways, trails, recreation, and ecotourism within the basin. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the restoration plans, SJRWMD has been cooperating with the regional planning effort to explore the possibility of trail connections and other recreational opportunities on the SJRWMD-owned property. Possible public us e and recreational activities planned for the property include construction of observation towers, establishment of parking areas, and installation of entrance signs and interpretive kiosks.

Reports

Donelin, L.N., and R.E. Turnbull. 1992. Draft co nceptual management plans for District-owned lands: Ocklawaha River Basin. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.Detail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

167 [SJRWMD] St. Johns River Water Management District. 2000. Land acquisition and management: 2000 five-year plan. Palatka, Fla.

———. 2001. Recreation guide to District lands . Palatka, Fla.

Land Management Plan for the Lake Apopka Restoration Area

Time Schedule Activity FY 02–03 FY 03–04 FY 04–05 FY 05–06

Revise land management plan to include acquired properties X X X X X

Road, levee, and canal maintenance X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Vegetation maintenance X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Prescribed burning X X X X X X X X Exotic plant control X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Structure maintenance and repair X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

New construction X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Solid waste removal X X X X



### PROJECT (LA-5-602-S): P UBLIC 

### A WARENESS

PROGRAM : Public Inform ation Program

PRIORITY : 1

ISSUE CATEGORIES : Agricultural discharges; nonpoint pollution sources; lack of fish and wildlife habitat; poor water quality and flocculent sediments; degradation of
downstream lakes; low recreational and aesthetic values

PROJECT OBJECTIVE : To increase public awarene ss of the degradation of Lake Apopka, the challenges of restoration, restoration successes, and the future restoration plans through communication with the public and news media

SCOPE OF WORK : Continue to increase public awar eness of Lake Apopka restoration issues. Communicate with the public and news media about the issues relating to the restoration of Lake Apopka.

The Office of Communications and Governme ntal Affairs will cont inue the following

activities:

• Inform the public and news media about the progression and initiation of projectsSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

168 • Initiate and coordinate tours of Lake Apopka with the news media, elected officials,

and stakeholders

• Prepare and distribute news re leases about project milestones, and follow up with the news media on coverage

• Speak to community groups about projects

• Develop public information materials as needed

• Enhance SJRWMD’s Internet site with updated information

• Publish stories in StreamLines on the status of projects

• Coordinate public events to mark significant project milestones

• Communicate issues to FOLA and other special interest groups

The Education section of the Office of Communications and Governmental Affairs will

continue to

• Support Florida Yards, Neighborhoods and Ponds activities

• Conduct stormwater pond education

• Provide Environmental Landscaping Distance Learning classes to community colleges

• Conduct Green Building seminars and CEU programs for contractors, builders, and home buyers

• Implement the Watershed Ac tion Volunteer program

• Coordinate Community Water Festival with interested organizations

• Implement the Legacy program

• Provide teacher and facilitator training programs

• Support Orange County Envirothon efforts

• Expand intensive school programs

• Provide presentations and training for staff of after school, extended day, park and recreation, and summer or camp programs

RELATIONSHIP TO FOCUS AND INTENT OF SWIM ACT : This project will use communications with the public and news media to increase awareness and support for Lake Apopka restoration efforts. Informat ion about the restoration projects will be communicated to the public and news media for the purpose of maintaining support for the Lake Apopka SWIM effort.

STATUS : News media interviews, presentations to community groups, development of public information materials, coordination of public events, and tours of Lake Apopka restoration sites are an ongoing component of the restoration project. Tours are regularly provided to members of the news me dia, the public, dignitaries, and scientificDetail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

169 delegations from around the United States and foreign countries interested in the restoration techniques being applied at La ke Apopka. Extensive public awareness efforts are also conducted through presentations to civic groups in Lake and Orange counties. Cooperative efforts with a residents’ group, FOLA, have resulted in volunteer shoreline plantings, school pr esentations, and media covera ge. During 2001, students at eight Seminole County schools collected 16,000 socks to assist littoral zone planting efforts over the next two years. The sand-filled socks are tied to the base of plants, which are placed in the water. They anchor the plants in place long enough for their roots to become established. Eventually, the socks decompose and the sand falls to the bottom of the lake. SJRWMD provided a grant to FOLA in partial support of an educational video they deve loped. FOLA has formed a boat patrol to help SJRWMD monitor and track the development of submersed and other aquatic vegetation in the lake. The public outreach effort is an important method for SJRWMD to educate, inform, and address public issues.

Reference materials available:

• Lake Apopka fact sheet (2001)

• Lake Apopka Marsh Flow-Way fact sheet (2001)

• Littoral zone/sock drive overview (2001)

• Lake Apopka tri-fold display (2000)

• District recreation guide (2000)

Public Awareness

Time Schedule Activity FY 02–03 FY 03–04 FY 04–05 FY 05–06

Tours, interviews, speaking

engagements, etc. X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Development of education materials X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X



### PROJECT (LA-5-603-S) L OCAL 

### G OVERNMENT 

### I NFORMATION 

### P ROJECT

PROGRAM : Public Inform ation Program

PRIORITY : 1

ISSUE CATEGORIES : Agricultural discharges; lack of fish and wildlife habitat; poor water quality and flocculent sediments; degradation of down stream lakes; low recreational and aesthetic values; nonpoint pollution sourcesSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

170 PROJECT OBJECTIVE : To increase awareness among lo cal, state, and federal elected officials and staff of the degradation of La ke Apopka, the challenges of restoration, restoration successes, and the future restoration plans

SCOPE OF WORK : Continue a systematic approach to communicate the value of the Lake Apopka SWIM Plan to local, state, an d federal government officials and encourage their participation as the lake restoration continues. Conduct on-site tours of the Lake Apopka restoration projects to demonstrate program successes.

RELATIONSHIP TO FOCUS AN D INTENT OF THE SWIM ACT : This project will result in improved coordination with government officials to increase their awareness and support for Lake Apopka restorat ion efforts and the SWIM program.

STATUS : Elected officials and staff at all levels of government are kept aware of project

status.

Activities by other agencies/interest groups:

• FOLA initiated the formation of the Lake Apopka Basin Planning Initiative, a coordinated regional planning effort in volving local elected officials, ECFRPC, SJRWMD, and other interested parties.

• In February 2000, the Lake Apopka Basi n Steering Committee was established to prioritize regional initiatives. The Initiati ve will serve to unite the six cities and two counties in addressing growth and development issues within the basin. Five areas were targeted to achieve an ecological an d economical sustaina ble future (ECFRPC 2000):

 Shoreline protection

 Greenways and trails

 Viewsheds

 Public Access

 Natural setting

• FOLA has begun an initiative to study and recommend a coordinated recreation planning report which focuses on a regional trails network. An intergovernmental management agreement was finalized du ring 2000 with the town of Oakland and the Oakland Nature Preserve for the disbursement of mitigation funds for the management of the Oakland Nature Preserve.

Reference materials available:Detail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

171 • Lake Apopka: A basinwide planning initiative (ECFRPC, 2000)

• Lake Apopka fact sheet (2001)

• Lake Apopka Marsh Flow-Way fact sheet (2001)

• Littoral zone/sock drive overview (2001)

• Lake Apopka tri-fold display (2000)

• District recreation guide (2003)

Local Government Information Project

Time Schedule Activity FY 02–03 FY 03–04 FY 04–05 FY 05–06

Tours, speaking engagements, etc. X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Coordinate with the Lake Apopka Basin Steering Committee X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

SWIM plan public hearing X



### PROJECT (LA-3-701-S): M ARSH 

### F LOW 

### -W AY 

### L AND 

### A CQUISITION

PROGRAM : Land Acquisition

PRIORITY : Completed

ISSUE CATEGORIES : Agricultural discharges; lack of fish and wildlife habitat; poor water quality and flocculent sediments; degradation of down stream lakes; low

recreational and aesthetic values

PROJECT OBJECTIVE : To acquire necessary muck farm lands and other agricultural lands in support of the marsh flow-way

SCOPE OF WORK : Attain and review three appraisals. Negotiate with land owners. Prepare inventory and environmental site assessment of the property. Prepare closing documents. Acquire property.

RELATIONSHIP TO FOCUS AN D INTENT OF THE SWIM ACT : This project resulted in acquisition of agri cultural lands, upon which the demonstration marsh and Phase I of the marsh flow-way have been constructed. Future cells D through H are kept in a

flooded condition to create wetland habi tat, eliminate fertilizer and pesticide application, and reduce pumping of wa ter to the Apopka-Beauclair Canal.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

172 SUMMARY : A total of 2,164 ha (5,343 ac) of former agricultural lands west of the Apopka-Beauclair Canal were acquired from 1988 to 1992 to support the Marsh FlowWay Project. Parcels purchased include Hooper Farms, Duda (Clay Island), Brady/RICO, Howard (Clay Island), Duda/Whittle, Wilkinson-Cooper Farm, and CC Ranch. An additional 198 ha (490 ac) west of the canal (Keen, Blunt, and Boyd-Davis properties) were obtained from 1990 through 1995 to support the restoratio n project. Five million dollars was appropriated in both 1988 and 1989 through the State

Infrastructure Trust Fund and in 1990 by Preservation 2000 for land acquisition by

SJRWMD to facilitate the Lake Apopka restoration efforts.



### PROJECT (LA-3-704-S): N ORTH 

### S HORE 

### L AND 

### A CQUISITION

PROGRAM : Land Acquisition

PRIORITY : Priority 1

ISSUE CATEGORIES : Agricultural discharges; lack of fish and wildlife habitat; poor water quality and flocculent sediments; degradation of down stream lakes; low

recreational and aesthetic values

PROJECT OBJECTIVE : To plan, evaluate, prioritize, an d acquire properties within the former Lake Apopka floodplain wetlands to provide conservation and preservation

lands

SCOPE OF WORK : Evaluate, prioritize, and acquire critical habitats in the NSRA as

additions to the wetlands restoration effort or as preservation projects. Annually assess acquisition needs comprehensively with in resource-based planning areas and watershed subbasins for the update to the Florida Forever work plan. Actual acquisitions will be dependent upon availability of funding.

RELATIONSHIP TO FOCUS AND INTENT OF SWIM ACT : This project will provide a basis for additional land acqu isitions critical to the rest oration of the lake and the preservation efforts in the basin. Budget and time schedules will be developed as

necessary.

STATUS : Legislation in 1996 provided the direct ion to pursue a total farm buyout and $20 million toward that goal. The Governing Board approved purchase of the 1,285-ha (3,173-ac) Jem Farm, owned by A. Duda and Sons, Inc., in December 1996. The closing date was April 18, 1997. SJRWMD signed an agreement with USDA to receive up to $26 million in matching land acqu isition funds through the WR P for the NSRA. This moneyDetail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

173 comprised part of the funding for Jem Farm in conjunction with Save Our Rivers and Conservation and Recreation Lands funding.

During the 1997 legislative year, an a dditional $45 million was appropriated for purchasing additional agricu ltural lands. Through the end of 1997, the Governing Board had approved Zellwin Farms’ 2,128 ha (5,254 ac) and a total of 1,818 ha (4,488 ac) within ZDWCD for purchase. The properties include Lust Farms, Lust and Long Precooler, Stroup Farms, Clonts Farm, Cr akes and Sons, Grower ’s Precooler, Beall Farms, and Long Farms. The closing dates were August through October 1998. The final farmlands (381 ha, or 940 ac) with in the ZDWCD were purchased in August 1999. Bringing the land into p ublic ownership completes SJ RWMD acquisition of the Lake Apopka muck farms. As a result of state legislation in 1996, 1997, and 1998, SJRWMD and WRP have brought approx imately 5,636 ha (13,900 ac) into public ownership within the NSRA.

Reports

[SJRWMD] St. Johns River Water Management District. 2000. Land acquisition and management 2000 five-year plan. Palatka, Fla.

———. 2001. Florida Forever work plan. Palatka, Fla.

North Shore Acquisition

Time Schedule Activity FY 02–03 FY 03–04 FY 04–05 FY 05–06

Parcel evaluation and appraisal of adjoining properties X X

Purchase negotiation X X X Governing Board purchase approval X X X X



### PROJECT (LA-6-802-S): I MPLEMENTATION OF 

### R ESTORATION AND


### M ANAGEMENT 

### T ECHNIQUES

PROGRAM : Technical Support

PRIORITY : 1

ISSUE CATEGORY : All issuesSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

174 PROJECT OBJECTIVE : To provide overall analysis and coordination of diagnostic, feasibility, regulatory, planning , land acquisition, public information, and restoration projects

SCOPE OF WORK : Review, analyze, and integrate resu lts of diagnostic, feasibility, and pilot restoration studies. Coor dinate technical studies with regulatory, planning, public information, and land acqu isition projects. Recommend ecologically sound and costeffective restoration and management techniqu es as these are evalua ted. Identify goals and strategies for regulatory activity concurrent with restoration.

RELATIONSHIP TO FOCUS AND INTENT OF SWIM ACT : This project represents the integration of the Lake Apopka SWIM Program to implement restoration, management, and regulatory strategies.

STATUS : Thirteen of the 16 diagnostic and feas ibility studies have been completed. These initial projects were vital in shaping the direction of the Lake Apopka Restoration Plan. Presently, the major effort is focused on the restoration program. Phase I of the marsh flow-way is now cons tructed, and management plans are being developed for the restoration of acquired farmland. In addition, rough-fish harvesting and littoral

zone restoratio n continues. The integration of these diverse programs will be vital to the attainment of the Lake Apopka restoration goals.

Reports

Battoe, L.E., E.F. Lowe, M.F. Coveney, and D.L. Stites. 1994. Determining restoration goals for Lake Apopka. Lake Reserv. Manage. 9(2):54.

Battoe, L.E., M.F. Coveney, E.F. Lowe, and D.L. Stites. 1999. The role of phosphorus reduction and export in the restoration of Lake Apopka, Florida. In Phosphorus biogeochemistry in subtropical ecosystems , K.R. Reddy, G.A. O’Connor, and C.L. Schelske, eds., 511–526. Boca
Raton, Fla.: Lewis Publishers.

Conrow, R., W. Godwin, M.F. Coveney, and L.E. Battoe. 1989. SWIM plan for Lake Apopka. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

Conrow, R., W. Godwin, M.F. Coveney, and L.E. Battoe. 1993. SWIM plan for Lake Apopka. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

Coveney, M.F., D.L. Stites, E.F. Lowe, L.E. Batto e, and R. Conrow. 2001. Nutrient removal from eutrophic lake water by wetland filtration. Ecological Engineering (submitted).Detail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

175 Dean, H., and E. Lowe. 1998. The restoration pr ogram for Lake Apopka, Florida. Vol. 5, 313–

316. In Proceedings of Water Environment Federation 71 st Annual Conference and Exposition

, October 1998, Orlando, Fla.

Fonyo, C.M., and W.G. Boggess. 1989. Coordination of public and private action: A case study

of lake restoration. Water Resources Bul. 25(2):309–317.

Lowe, E.F., L.E. Battoe, M.F. Coveney, and D.L. Stites. 1992. Particulate phosphorus removal via wetland filtration: An examination of potential for hypertrophic lake restoration . Environ. Manage. 16(1):67–74.

———. 1994. The restoration strategy for Lake Apopka, Florida . Lake Reserv. Manage. 9(2):116–

117.

———. 1997 (in preparation). Determination of rest oration goals for Lake Apopka, a culturally eutrophic lake. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

———. 1999. Setting water quality goals for restoration of Lake Apopka: Inferring past

conditions. Lake Reserv. Manage. 15(2):103–120.

Lowe, E.F., D.L. Stites, and L.E. Battoe. 1989. Potent ial role of marsh creation in restoration of hypertrophic lakes. In Constructed wetlands for wastewater tr eatment: Municipal, industrial and agricultural , D.A. Hammer, ed., 710–717. Proceeding s from the First International

Conference on Constructed Wetlands for Was tewater Treatment. Chelsea, Mich.: Lewis

Publishers.

[SJRWMD] St. Johns River Water Management District. 2001. Florida Forever work plan.
Palatka, Fla.

Implementation of Restoration and Management Techniques

Time Schedule Activity FY 02–03 FY 03–04 FY 04–05 FY 05–06

Provide technical support X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X



### PROJECT (LA-6-803-S): R ESTORATION 

### M ONITORING AND 

### A NALYSIS

PROGRAM : Technical Support

PRIORITY : 1

ISSUE CATEGORY : All issuesSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

176 PROJECT OBJECTIVE : To implement a monitoring program during restoration activities and in the post-res toration period, and to assess restoration progress, facilitate adaptive management, and tr ack performance measures

SCOPE OF WORK : Monitor physical, chemical, and biological conditions in Lake Apopka and the NSRA. Depending on monitoring site, include meteorological conditions, water quality, phytoplankton and zooplankton composition, invertebrate community structure, fish and wildlife species composition and abundance, and vegetation development in the littoral zone and in restored wetlands. Design and execute restoration monitoring to quantify the effects of restoration techniques and to collect data on performance measures fo r the project. Develop and implement a monitoring program for agricultural chemical residues remaining in the soils of the NSRA. Incorporate these data into distric twide relational databases and spatial

databases.

RELATIONSHIP TO FOCUS AND INTENT OF SWIM ACT : During and following the implementation of restoratio n efforts in Lake Apopka, a monitoring program is necessary to measure the performance of restoration projects and to indicate any need to modify restoration techniques through time (adaptive management).

STATUS : SJRWMD monitoring of water quality and nutrient loading continues at several sites in Lake Apopka, the Apopka -Beauclair Canal, and newly acquired farmlands. Monitoring is required to measure the effectiveness of efforts to reduce nutrient loading to the lake and to improv e lake water quality. Since mid-1995, there has been a significant decline in phosphorus and chlorophy ll in the lake. At the same time, the resulting increased transparency (lig ht availability) likely is responsible for the reappearance of submersed aquatic plants within the lake, a key indicator for restoration progress. Analysis of phytoplankto n samples collected over the past several years was started to assess changes in the algal community related to the changes in water quality. Monitoring and analysis of fish population s are required as part of SJRWMD’s permit to harvest rough fish an d provide important information on success of the harvest and on changes in ecologically and economically important fish stocks.

SJRWMD staff and volunteers from FOLA have begun a project to monitor vegetation development around the lake. Resident volunteers patrol the lake, noting the location and types of submersed vegetation that they find. This information is provided to SJRWMD staff, who accurately locate and quantify the vegetation patches and monitor changes in those patches. The data are then mapped, which provides a history of vegetation development in a spatial database as the restoration continues. The work also provides information on the location of invasive exotic vegetation, particularlyDetail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

177 hydrilla. Early detection of hydrilla is e ssential if SJRWMD is to continue to be successful in controlling it at very low levels.

As part of the investigation into the cause of the bird deaths on the Lake Apopka NSRA in 1998 and 1999, SJRWMD has sampled the so ils of the entire NSRA and various animal tissues. This work led to the development of several databases to manage and analyze contaminant data from soil, sedimen t, and tissue samples and necropsy data from a variety of sources including SJRWMD, UF, FDEP, EPA, USFWS, and various

contractors.

Reports

Havens, K.E., H.J. Carrick, E.F. Lowe, and M.F. Coveney. 1999. Contrasting relationships between nutrients, chlorophyll a , and Secchi transparency in two shallow subtropical lakes, Lakes Okeechobee and Apopka (Florida, USA )

. Lake Reserv. Manage. 15(4)298–309.

Lowe, E.F., L.E. Battoe, M.F. Coveney, C.L. Schelske, K.E. Havens, E.R. Marzolf, and K.R. Reddy. 2001. The restoration of Lake Apopka in relation to alternative stable states: An alternative view to that of Bachmann et al. (1999). Hydrobiologia 448:11–18.

Restoration Monitoring and Analysis

Time Schedule Activity FY 02–03 FY 03–04 FY 04–05 FY 05–06

Water quality sampling and nutrient budgets X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Vegetation monitoring and analysis X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Contaminant monitoring and analysis X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Fish monitoring X X X X X X Bird monitoring X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X



### PROJECT (LA-6-804-S): O VERALL 

### P ROGRAM 

### M ANAGEMENT

PROGRAM : Technical Support

PRIORITY : 1

ISSUE CATEGORY : All issuesSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

178 PROJECT OBJECTIVE : To provide overall management of the Lake Apopka SWIM

program

SCOPE OF WORK : Provide managerial and secretarial support and interagency coordination. Develop quarterly and annual reports on the Lake Apopka SWIM Project. Prepare, review, and submit revisions of the Lake Apopka SWIM Plan for approval in accordance with statutory requ irements. Prepare reports to FDEP and other agencies as needed. Participate in SJRWMD planning, budgeting, and progress evaluation and reporting activities.

RELATIONSHIP TO FOCUS AN D INTENT OF THE SWIM ACT : This project will

result in successful coordin ation and management of the Lake Apopka restoration

effort.

STATUS : Managerial and secretarial support and interagency coordination was provided for the Lake Apopka SWIM effort. Reports to FDEP and other agencies were prepared as required. The Lake Apopka SWIM Plan was extensively revised in 1989 with review by FDEP, FWC, other state agencies, and local governments. Update of schedules and progress shown in the SWIM Plan was accomplished through quarterly and annual reporting. A draft triennial revi sion of the Lake Apopka SWIM Plan was completed in October 1992 for agency review, and the SJRW MD Governing Board gave its final approval to the plan in January 1993.

SJRWMD has recently implemented a proj ect delivery system and project control system to improve the implement ation of projects. The benefits of these systems include improved budgeting, scheduling, tracking, and quality.

Reports

Battoe, L.E., D. Walker, and J. Modica. 1988. Interim SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

Conrow, R., W. Godwin, M.F. Coveney, and L.E. Battoe. 1993. SWIM plan for Lake Apopka. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

[SJRWMD] St. Johns River Water Management Dist rict. 1999. Lake Apopka Restoration Project: Wildlife impacts and progress toward remediation. A report to the Honorable Governor Jeb Bush and the Legislature of th e state of Florida. Palatka, Fla.Detail of Projects

St. Johns River Water Management District

179 Overall Program Management

Time Schedule Activity FY 02–03 FY 03–04 FY 04–05 FY 05–06

Report compilation and review X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Overall program management

coordination X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X XSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

180Summary of Project Funding

St. Johns River Water Management District

181 

## S UMMARY OF 

## P ROJECT 

## F UNDING

I NTRODUCTION

Enactment of the Lake Apopka Restoration Act in 1985 created the impetus to accelerate the development of an “environmentally so und, economically feasible method for restoring Lake Apopka to a Class III water body” (Appendix A). The legislative directive also provided $2,265,000 for FY 1985–86 to initiate comprehensive monitoring

and research efforts. The SWIM Act of 1987 further spurred the planning and implementation of the restoration. During the early years of the program, much of the funding was directed to diagnostic projects conducted to evaluate the status of the water body and to reach a clearer understanding of the causes of existing problems. As the diagnostic and feasibility projects were completed, the emphasis of the program was refocused on restoration, regula tory, and land acqu isition projects.

A detailed list of the project budgets by fisca l year is in Table 7. Staff salaries are included except within projects in th e public information, planning, and land acquisition program areas. The salaries for these progr ams are contained within budgets outside of this document. Tabl e 8 details land acquisition costs.



### F UNDING 

### S OURCES

The restoration of a water body the magnitude of Lake Apopka requires a financial participation by many local, state, regional , and federal agencies. A partial listing of agencies participating in the restoration of Lake Apopka follows.

Federal Participation

EPA—EPA contributed $1 million in 1997 toward construction of the marsh flow-way.

USDA—In 1997, SJRWMD received a commitm ent of $26 million from the NRCS WRP for the purchase of farm properties (Ta ble 8). Approximately $18.5 million of the WRP funds has been spent for acquisition of the farm properties in the NSRA.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

182 Table 7. Estimated capital and operating funding required for Lake Apopka SWIM projects, FY 2002–

2006

Title FY 02-03 FY 03-04 FY 04-05 FY 05-06
Diagnostic Program External Nutrient Budget $60,815 $27,704 $14,199 $14,553
Fishery 0 66,926 0 0 **Program total 60,815 94,630 14,199 14,553** 

Feasibility Program
Drawdown and Lake Level Fluctuation 20,272 20,778 21,298 14,553 **Program total 20,272 20,778 21,298 14,553** 

Restoration Program Marsh Flow-Way Restoration 483,930 540,857 3,298,474 380,132 Rough Fish Harvesting 213,514 356,926 282,099 207,277

Wetland Restoration 4,347,062 1,863,970 4,013,970 3,785,623

Littoral Zone Restoration 40,543 51,557 45,496 46,384 **Program total 4,418,184 2,761,753 7,640,039 4,419,416** 

Regulatory Program

Non Point Source Pollution Control 13,514 6,926 7,099 7,277 **Program total 13,514 6,926 7,099 7,277** 

Planning Program District Water Management Plan* Local Government Comp. Plan Review* Land Management Plan and Implementation 1,506,666 347,516 189,396 225,266 **Program total 1,506,666**  **347,516 189,396**  **225,266**

Public Information Program Public Awareness Program* Local Government Information Project* **Program total**

Land Acquisition Program North Shore Land Acquisition* 250,000 0 0 0 **Program total 250,000**  **0 0**  0

Technical Support Program Restoration and Management Techniques 40,543 41,557 42,596 43,660 Restoration Monitoring and Analysis 214,130 224,670 237,787 250,981 **Program total 254,673 266,227 280,383 294,641** 

Overall Program Management Overall Program Management 108,115 110,818 106,489 101,874 **Program total 108,115 110,818 106,489 101,874** 

**Overall totals 6,682,239 3,608,648 8,258,903 5,077,580** 

*The salaries for these projects are contained within budgets outside of the program.Summary of Project Funding

St. Johns River Water Management District

183 Table 8A. St. Johns River Water Management District land acquisition in the Lake Apopka Basin as of
December 20, 2002

Property Acquired Funding Mechanism Acres Date Acquired Cost ($)

**Marsh Flow-Way and Adjoining Properties** Duda/Clay Island Legislative appropriation 1,859.9 11/30/88 4,500,000 Brady/RICO Legislative appropriation 198 1/2/90 83,197 Hooper Farms Legislative appropriation 1,363.1 3/28/90 4,800,000 Hooper Farms Legislative appropriation 200 10/27/88 200,000 Howard Legislative appropriation 5 8/6/90 70,000 Duda/Whitle Legislative appropriation 1,100 8/30/90 2,950,000 Wilkinson-Cooper Farm P2000 365 5/15/92 1,279,145

C.C. Ranch P2000 255 5/15/92 669,296 Boyd-Davis P2000 181.44 8/30/95 474,128

Wilkinson Ad valorem 5.35 1/26/01 18,725 **Subtotal 5,532.79 15,044,491** 

**North Shore Restoration Ar ea and Adjoining Properties** 

Keen Ranch P2000 256 12/9/93 434,384

Blunt P2000 53 5/29/95 106,000

Duda/Jem Farm SOR, CARL, and WRP 3,172.89 4/18/97 20,032,495

Zellwin Farms SOR, WRP, P2000, and leg. app. 5,168.69 8/21/98 32,968,815 Long Farms, Inc. SOR, WRP, P2000, and CARL 1,016.58 10/6/98 8,926,160

Clarence Beall P2000 and WRP 310.49 9/14/98 1,316,111

Clonts Farm P2000 and WRP 642.74 9/14/98 4,200,000
Lust Farms, Inc. P2000, WRP, and leg. ap. 1,507.51 9/14/98 9,211,900 Stroup Farms, Inc. P2000 and WRP 414.43 9/14/98 1,935,377 Lust and Long Precooler P2000 13.37 9/25/98 1,274,465
Growers Precooler, Inc. P2000 17.23 10/14/98 3,377,175
Crakes and Sons, Inc. P2000 and WRP 508.84 10/6/98 2,639,814 Grinnell, Hensel and Rogers,
B. Potter and K. Rice, M. Rice Legislative appropriation 829 8/20/99 9,333,550

Hickerson Leg. ap., SOR, and ad valorem 119.8 8/20/99 3,305,075 Baumgardt Lake Apopka lease revenues 0.2 9/9/99 20,000

Freeman Lake Apopka lease revenues 11.4 9/9/99 30,000 Wallace Carrot, Inc. Lake Apopka lease revenues — 4/21/99 155,000 Teddy Smith Lake Apopka lease revenues 35.66 3/22/00 108,550

M.E. Marsell Lake Apopka lease revenues 1.99 6/29/00 7,960

J. and F.M. Marsell Lake Apopka lease revenues 11.07 6/29/00 44,280

S. Marsell Lake Apopka lease revenues 19.98 6/29/00 52,947

Bates Lake Apopka lease revenues 8.49 7/21/00 213,000

NAPA Lake Apopka lease revenues 34.86 8/30/00 258,222

Davison Lake Apopka lease revenues 9.13 3/30/01 36,148

Schaffer Lake Apopka lease revenues 12.86 5/17/01 38,580

World Foliage Resources Property exchange for Grinnell Precooler 8.00 11/26/01 (79,193)

Grinnell Precooler Property for World Foliage Resources -5.6 11/26/01 Exchange

Strickland Ad valorem 19.09 2/1/02 55,173 World Foliage Resources Beltway mitigation 60.32 9/27/02 328,000

Keen Ranch addition P2000 49.6 12/19/02 171,312 Langley Beltway mitigation 58 12/20/02 141,370 **Subtotal 14,366.55 100,642,670** 

**Total 19,895.90**  **115,687,161**

Note: — = purchased infrastructure only, no propertySWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

184 Table 8B. Properties under contract (not closed) as of December 20, 2002

Property Under Contract Funding Mechanism Acres Estimated Closing Date Total Cost ($)

Shortz Beltway mitigation 52.1 Unknown 515,000

Holt Land swap 9.4 Unknown 0 **Total (anticipated) 61.5 515,000** 

State Participation

State Infrastructure Trust Fund—Five million dollars was appropriated in both 1988 and 1989 for land acquisition in the Lake Apopka Basin.

Preservation 2000 (P2000)—Five million dollars was appropriated to SJRWMD for land acquisition in 1990 for Lake Apopka restoratio n. The General Appropriations Act for FY 1997–98 appropriated $45 million to SJRWMD for purchase of farmlands within the

basin with $20 million of that total rout ed through the P2000 program and $25 million from FDEP general revenues.

Conservation and Recreation Lands (CARL) Trust Fund—The General Appropriations Act for FY 1996–97 appropriated $12 million to SJRWMD from CARL (Appendix A).

SJRWMD was directed to use $8 million from its share of funds from the Water Management Lands Trust Fund (WMLTF) or from funds derived from revenue bonds

as a revenue source for the purchase of farm lands.

SWIM trust funds—Created by the enactment of the 1987 SWIM Act, SWIM funds are

limited to the costs of detaile d planning for and implementat ion of programs prepared for priority surface waters. They are intended to enhance existing funding and to produce improved environmental results, no t to replace existing programs. SWIM trust funds required at least a 20% match from the water mana gement districts for FY 1990–

91 and a 40% match for FY 1992–97 from ad valo rem revenues, operat ions funds, cash grants, future state funding, e ligible sources of district matching funds, and annual

allocation of funds to the districts.

WMLTF—Created through the Save Ou r River legislation (Section 373.59, FS ), the fund is to be used for the purposes of land ac quisition, management, and maintenance, and capital improvements. Th rough Specific Appropri ation 1205 in Chapter 99-226, Laws of

Florida , the state Legislature provided $11 million for the purchase of farms from the

WMLTF.Summary of Project Funding

St. Johns River Water Management District

185 Florida Forever—The initial five-year SJRWMD Florida Forever Work Plan (January 2002) allocates $7.5 million for works in the NSRA (FY 2003–2004).

Central Florida Beltway—In September 1998, mi tigation for the en vironmental impacts of the Western Beltway SR-429 Part A provid ed $2 million for the co nstruction of the Lake Apopka Marsh Flow-Way. In Sept ember 2001, mitigation for an additional segment of the Beltway, SR-429 Part C Phase I, provided $2,077,980 for Lake Apopka land acquisition, restoration, and water quality enhancements.

Local Participation

Ad valorem taxes—SJRWMD was give n the authority under Section 353.503, FS , to levy taxes up to a 0.6 millage rate, commencing in 1977.

Local government—Lake County and the Lake County Water Authority committed up to $1 million in matching funds toward the cons truction of the mars h flow-way, Phase I, during 1998–99.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

186Literature Cited

St. Johns River Water Management District

187 

## L ITERATURE 

## C ITED

Adamus, C. 1992. 1991 SWIM priority planning process for the St. Johns River Water Management
District, Florida. Technical Publication SJ92-2. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

Anderson, W. 1971. Hydrologic considerations in draining Lake Apopka—A preliminary analysis,

1970 . Open-File Report 71004. Water Resources Division, U.S. Geological Survey.
Tallahassee, Fla.

Apogee Research, Inc. 1996. Lake Apopka economic analysis. Final report submitted to the St. Johns River Water Management District. Bethesda, Md.

ATRA, Inc. 1997. Environmental risk assessmen t of a Lake Apopka muck farm wetlands
restoration. Tallahassee, Fla.

———. 1998. Comparison of muck farm restoration le vels to concentrations in Lake Apopka

North Shore Restoration Area. Prepared for St. Johns River Water Management District,
Palatka, Fla.

Attaway, J.A. 1997. A history of Florida citrus free zes. Florida Science Source, Inc. Lake Alfred,

Fla.

Battoe, L.E., D. Walker, and J. Modica. 1988. Interim SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

Battoe, L.E., M.F. Coveney, E.F. Lowe, and D.L. Stites. 1999. The role of phosphorus reduction and export in the restoration of Lake Apopka, Florida. Pages 511–526. In Phosphorus biogeochemistry in subtropical ecosystems . K.R. Reddy, G.A. O’Connor, and C.L. Schelske, eds

. Boca Raton, Fla.: Lewis Publishers.

Belanger, T.V. 1979. Benthic oxygen demand in selected Florida aquatic systems. Ph.D. dissertation, University of Florida, Gainesville.

Brezonik, P.L., C.D. Pollman, T.L. Crisman, J.N. Allinson, and J.L. Fox. 1978. Limnological studies on Lake Apopka and the Oklawaha Chain of Lakes . 1: Water quality in 1977. Report ENV 07-78-01. Department of Environmental Engi neering Sciences, University of Florida,

Gainesville.

Canfield, D.E., Jr., R.W. Bachmann, and M.V. Hoyer. 2000. A management alternative for Lake Apopka. Lake and Reservoir Management 16(3):205–221.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

188 Conrow, R., and J. Peterson. 2000. A panel atlas of the major aquatic plants of Lake Apopka, Florida, using global positioning and geographic information systems. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

Conrow, R., W. Godwin, M.F. Coveney, and L.E. Battoe. 1993. SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

Cornell University. 2002. Birdsource websit e. National Audubon Society and Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. Available at HTTP:http://birdsource.cornell.edu.

Coveney, M.F. 1995. Lake Apopka Marsh Flow- Way Demonstration Project, interim progress report. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

Coveney, M.F., E.F. Lowe, and L.E. Battoe. 2001. Performance of a recirc ulating wetland filter designed to remove particulate phosphorus fo r restoration of Lake Apopka (Florida, USA). Water Science and Technology 44:(11–12):131–136.

Coveney, M.F., D.L. Stites, E.F. Lowe, L.E. Batto e, and R. Conrow. 2001. Nutrient removal from eutrophic lake water by wetland filtration. Ecological Engineering , submitted

.

Crain, D.A., I.D. Spiteri, and L.J. Guillette Jr. 1999 . The functional and structural observations of the neonatal reproductive system of alligators exposed on ova to atrazine, 2,4-D or estradiol. Toxicology and Industrial Health 15:180–185.

Crisman, T.L., and J.R. Beaver. 1988. Phase I, fi nal report: Lake Apopka trophic structure manipulation

. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

Crnko, G.S., A. Ferrer, E.A. Hanlon, C.A. Neal, and J.M. White. 1993. Carrot and sweet corn yields when fertilized according to soil test results. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 106:199–201.

Crumpton, J.E. 2000. Experimental gill nets in Lake Apopka . Contract 99W308. Florida Fish and

Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Danek, L.J., and M.S. Tomlinson. 1989. Bathymetric analysis of Lake Apopka . Special Publication SJ89-SP6. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

Davis, J.H. 1946. The peat deposits of Florida, their occurrence, development, and uses . Florida Geological Survey Bulletin 30. Tallahassee, Fla.

Delfino, J.J., L.K. Marble, and K.M. O’Neil. 1987. Potentially toxic contaminants in aquatic systems. Vol. 1. Submitted to Florida Depa rtment of Environmental Regulation under Contract WM144. Department of Environmenta l Engineering Sciences, University of
Florida, Gainesville.Literature Cited

St. Johns River Water Management District

189 Doolittle, J.A., and G. Schellentrager. 1989. Soil survey of Orange County, Florida. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. Gainesville, Fla.

[ECFRPC] East Central Florida Regional Plan ning Council. 2000. Lake Apopka: A basin-wide planning initiative

.

[EPA] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1979. Environmental impact statement, Lake Apopka restoration project, Lake and Or ange counties, Florida. Region 4, Atlanta.

———. 1997. Special report on environmental endocrine disru ption: An effects assessment and analysis. Prepared for the Risk Assessment Foru m. EPA/630/R-96/012. Washington, D.C.

———. 2002. Biological assessment—Plan for initial operation and maintenance of the Lake Apopka Marsh Flow-Way, phase 1. Atlanta, Ga.

———. 2002a. Superfund site summaries. Available at HTTP:http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/index.htm.

———. 2002b. Region/ORD workshop on endocrine disrupters. Session 2: Bioassays— development, application, use of results. Available at HTTP:http://www.epa.gov/tio/tsp/download/teleconf/eng01Feb.pdf.

Exponent, Inc. 2003 (draft final report). Anal ysis of avian mortality at the North Shore Restoration Area of Lake Apopka in 1998–1999. Prepared for St. Johns River Water Management District. Bellevue, Wash.

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———. 2001b. Florida Forever Program. Division of Community Planning. Available at HTTP:http://www.dca.state.fl.us/f fct/florida_forever_program.htm.

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190 Fonyo, C.M. 1987. An economic framework for lake restoration analysis: A simulation study of water hyacinth production/methane conversion strategies. M.S. thesis, University of
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Furman, A.L., H.O. White, O.E. Cruz, W.E. Russell, and B.P. Thomas. 1975 . Soil survey of Lake County, Florida. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. Gainesville, Fla.

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Greening, H., and S. Doyon. 1990. Environmental and ecological effe cts of drawdown and enhanced fluctuation for Lake Apopka, Florida . Special Publication SJ90-SP9. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

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evaluation of environmental contaminants and associated reproductive anomalies in alligators. In Proceedings of the seventh annual southeast lakes management conference , April 15–
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Guillette, L.J., Jr., T.S. Gross, G.R. Masson, J.M. Matter, H.F. Percival, and A.R. Woodward. 1994. Development abnormalities of the gonad and abnormal sex hormone concentrations in juvenile alligators from contaminated and control lakes in Florida. Environ. Health Perspect

. 102:680–688.

Hand, J., J. Col, D. Tterlikkis, J. Jackson, R. Odom, L. Lord, and L. Clemens. 2001. 2000 Florida water quality assessment: 305(b) report . Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Available at http//www.dep.state.fl.us/water/305b/index.htm.

Heaney, J.P., T.D. Feather, and M. Schafer. 1989 . Development of a socio-economic assessment methodology with applications to the Lake Ap opka Basin. Final report prepared for St. Johns River Water Management District. Fl orida Water Resources Research Center, University of Florida, Gainesville.

Hoge, V.R. 2001 (draft). Polymerized alum residual as a soil additive: A literature review. White paper. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.Literature Cited

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191 Hortenstine, C.C., and R.B. Forbes. 1972. Concen trations of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and total soluble salts in soil solution samples from fertilized and unfertilized histosols. J. Environ. Qual. 1(4)446–449.

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DeMaio. 1982. A classification of Florida lake s. Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville.

Jenab, S.A. 1986 (draft). Upper and middle Ocklawaha Basin water management study: Lake Apopka Basin reconnaissance study. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka,

Fla.

Jenab, S.A., D.V. Rao, and D. Clapp. 1986. Rainfall analysis for northeast Florida. Part 2: Summary of monthly and annual rainfall data . Technical Publication SJ86-4. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

Johnson, W.E., and J.E. Crumpton. 1998. Lake Apopka fish population assessment. Final report

for contract 97W121 for SJRWMD. Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission. Eustis Fisheries Research Laboratory. Eustis, Fla.

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Palace Press.

Knowles, L., Jr., A.M. O’Reilly, G.G. Phelps, and L.A. Bradner. 1995. Potentiometric surface of the Upper Floridan aquifer in the St. Johns River Water Management District and vicinity, Florida, May

1995. U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 95-461. Altamonte Springs, Fla.

[LCWA] Lake County Water Authority. 1985. A review of selected Lake County water-related resources with recommendations for preser vation and protection. Appendix A.

Lowe, E.F., D.M. Campbell, and J. Hendrickson. 1988. St. Johns River Water Management District priority planning process. Palatka, Fla.

Lowe, E.F., D.L. Stites, and L.E. Battoe. 1989. Potent ial role of marsh creation in restoration of hypertrophic lakes. Pages 710–717. In Constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment: Municipal, industrial and agricultural . D.A. Hammer, ed. Proceedings from the first

international conference on constructed wetlan ds for wastewater treatment. Chelsea, Mich.:

Lewis Publishers.

Lowe, E.F., L.E. Battoe, M.F. Coveney, and D. Stites. 1995 (draft). Determination of restoration goals for Lake Apopka, a culturally eutrophic lake. St. Johns River Water Management
District, Palatka, Fla.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

192 ———. 1999. Setting water quality goals for restoration of Lake Apopka: Inferring past

conditions. Journal of Lake and Reservoir Management 15(2):103–120.

Lowe, E.F., L.E. Battoe, D.L. Stites, and M.F. Coveney. 1992. Particulate phosphorus removal via wetland filtration: An examination of potential for hypertrophic lake restoration. Environmental Management 16(1):67–74.

Lucas, R.E. 1982. Organic soils (histosols): Formation, dist ribution, physical and chemical properties and management for crop production . Research report 435. Michigan State University in cooperation with IFAS, University of Florida. East Lansing, Mich.

McClellan, G., and D.L. Smith, comps. 1998. Geology of Florida. Class notes presented at St. Johns River Water Management District on May 7, 1998.

McGurk, B., and P.F. Presley. 2002. Simulation of the effects of groundwater withdrawals on the Floridan aquifer system in east-central Florida: Model expansion and revision . Technical Publication SJ2002-3. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

Meyer, L.P. 1983. Paleontology and sediment ary history of post-Hawthorn Formation deposition in the Lake Apopka Basin, Florida. M.S. thesis, University of Florida, Gainesville.

M.H. Connell and Associates, Inc. 1954. Report of water control and navigation, Lake Apopka, Florida, and connecting waterways for Lake Apopka recreation . Water Conservation and Control Authority, Orange County, Florida

. Miami, Fla.

Miller, J.A. 1986. Hydrogeologic framework of the Flor idan aquifer system in Florida and in parts of Georgia, Alabama, and South Caro lina. U.S. Geological Survey, PP1403-B.

Murray, L.C., and K.J. Halford. 1996. Hydrogeologic conditions and simulation of ground-water flow in the greater Orlando Metropolitan Area, east-central Florida . U.S. Geological Survey Water Resources Investigations Report 99-4181. Tallahassee, Fla.

Neal, C.A., E.A. Hanlon, J.M. White, S. Cox, and A. Ferrer. 1994. Nutrient and water management practices for sustainable vegetable production in the Lake Apopka Basin. In Environmentally sound agriculture, proceedings of the second conference . April 20–22, 1994.
Orlando, Fla.

O’Reilly, A.M., L.A. Bradner, L. Knowles Jr., and G.G. Phelps. 1996. Potentiometric surface of the Upper Floridan aquifer in the St. Johns River Water Management District and vicinity, Florida, September 1995. U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 96-131. Altamonte Springs, Fla.

Parsons Engineering Science, Inc., and Geosyntec Consultants, Inc. 2000. Review of

documentation for the location and remediation of possible pesticide/chemical sites at theLiterature Cited

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193 North Shore Restoration Area, Lake Apopka, Fl orida. Prepared for the St. Johns River Water Management District. Winter Park, Fla.

Peterson, L., ed. 1997. County distribution and habitats of rare and endangered species in Florida

. Florida Natural Areas Inventory. Tallahassee, Fla.

Rao, D.V. 1988. Rainfall analysis for northeast Florida. Part 6: 24-hour to 96-hour maximum rainfall for return periods 10 years, 25 years, and 100 years . Special Publication SJ88-3. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

———. 1991. 24-hour rainfall distributions for surface water basins within the St. Johns River Water Management District, northeast Florida . Special Publication SJ91-3. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District

Rao, D.V., and D.A. Clapp. 1996. Preliminary evaluation of the impacts of spring discharge reductions on the flows of receiving water bodies and natural systems, central Florida. Special Publication SJ96-SP3. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

Rao, D.V., S.A. Jenab, and D.A. Clapp. 1989 . Rainfall analysis for northeast Florida. Part 3: Seasonal

rainfall data . Special Publication SJ89-1. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management

District.

———. 1990a. Rainfall analysis for northeast Florida. Part 4: Frequency analysis of warm season and

cold season rainfall . Special Publication SJ90-2. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

———. 1990b. Rainfall analysis for northeast Florida. Part 5: Frequency analysis of wet season and dry

season rainfall . Special Publication SJ90-3. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management

District.

Reddy, K.R., and D.A. Graetz. 1991. Internal nutrient budget for Lake Apopka . Special Publication SJ91-SP6. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

Reddy, K.R., R.E. Jessup, and P.S.C. Rao. 1988. Ni trogen dynamics in a eutrophic lake sediment. Hydrobiologia 159:177–188.

Rice, K.G., and H.F. Percival, eds. 1996. Effects of environmental contaminants on the demographics and reproduction of Lake Apopka’s alligators and other taxa . Technical Report 53. Florida Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Rescue Unit, University of Florida, Gainesville.

Robinson, H. 2000. Bird report. Zellwood Drainage and Water Control District Unit 1, Unit 2, and the Zellwin Sand Farm property at Zellwood, Florida. August 15, 1998–August 14, 1999. Prepared for St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

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194 Rosenau, J.C., G.L. Faulkner, C.W. Hendry Jr., and R.W. Hull. 1977. Springs of Florida. U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 31 (revised). Tallahassee, Fla.

Schelske, C.L. 1997. Sediment and phosphorus deposition in Lake Apopka . Special Publication SJ97- SP21. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

Schiffer, D.M. 1994. Quality of water and bottom sediments, and nutrient and dissolved solids loads in the Apopka-Beauclair Canal, Lake County, Florida, 1986–90. U.S. Geological Survey Water Resources Investigations Report 93-4103. Tallahassee, Fla.

Schneider, R.F., and J.A. Little. 1969. Characterization of bottom sediments and selected nitrogen and phosphorus sources in Lake Apopka, Florida . Report for the U.S. Depa rtment of the Interior,

Federal Water Pollution Control Administrati on, Southeast Water Laboratory, Technical Programs. Athens, Ga.

Segal, D.S., and C.D. Pollman. 1991. Assessment of potential sediment contamination for the restoration of Lake Apopka . Special Publication SJ91-SP8, revised. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

Shofner, J.H. 1982. History of Apopka and northwest Orange County, Florida. Tallahassee, Fla.: Rose Printing Company.

[SJRWMD] St. Johns River Water Management District. 2000. District water management plan.
Palatka, Fla

.

———. 2000a. Land acquisition and management: 2000 five-year plan. Palatka, Fla.

———. 2000b. Program action plans, fiscal year 2000–2001. Palatka, Fla.

———. 2001a. Land acquisition and management five-year plan, 2001. Palatka, Fla.

———. 2001b. Upper Ocklawaha River Basin lake fluctuation schedule. Located under Acquisition, Restoration, and Public Works major program area. Available at http://sjrwmd.com.

———. 2002. Daily upper Ocklawaha River Basin water control report. Located under Controlled Water Levels. Available at http://sjrwmd.com/programs/data.html.

Stenberg, J., M. Clark, and R. Conrow. 1998. Development of natural and planted vegetation and wildlife use in the Lake Apopka marsh flow-way demonstration project: 1990–1994 . Special
Publication SJ98-SP4. Palatka, Fla.: St. Jo hns River Water Management District.Literature Cited

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195 Stites, D.L., M. Coveney, L. Battoe, E. Lowe, and V. Hoge. 2001 (draft)

. An external phosphorus budget for Lake Apopka

. Technical memorandum. St. Johns River Water Management
District, Palatka, Fla.

Sykes, P.W., Jr., and G.S. Hunter. 1978. Bird use of flooded agricultural fields during summer and early fall and some recommendations for management. Florida Field Naturalist 6:36–43.

[UF] University of Florida. 2001. Florida statis tical abstract 2001. Bureau of Economic and Business Research, Warrington College of Business Administration. Gainesville, Fla.

[USDA] U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2001. Lake Apopka North Shore Restoration Area biological assessment and interim restoration plan for Duda property. Natural Resources
Conservation Service. Gainesville, Fla.

[USFWS] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2001. Threatened and endangered species system (TESS). Listing by state and territory as of 1/30/01. Available at http://ecos.fws.gov/webpage/webpage_use_lists.html.

———. 2002. Biological opinion for the interim restor ation plan for the Duda sub-east property

located at the North Shore Restoration Area of Lake Apopka (Log No. 02-650), Orange County, Florida. Jacksonville, Fla.

[USGS] U.S. Geological Survey. 2002. Daily st reamflow for Apopka-Beauclair Canal near Astatula. Available at http://waterdata.usgs.gov.

Woodward, A.R., H.F. Percival, M.L. Jennings, and C.T. Moore. 1993. Low clutch viability of American alligators on Lake Apopka. Florida Scientist 56(1):52–64.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

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196Appendix A

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197 

## A PPENDIX 

## A—L EGISLATION AND 

## R ULES

The following documents were reproduced from scanned images using optical character recognition technology. Every effort was made to ensure that these are accurate reproductions of the original documents, but in some cases, the documents may appear different from the original forms. In addition, some no n-pertaining sections were removed to conserve resources. The laws are now incorporated into Sections 373.451-373.459, SWIM legislation, and Sectio n 373.461, Lake Apopka improvement and management of the Florida Statutes ( FS 2000).

1. Lake Apopka Restoration Act Chapter 85-148, Laws of Florida .....................................198

2. 1987 SWIM Legislation Chapter 87-97, Laws of Florida ..................................................201

3. 1996 Lake Apopka Legislation Chapter 96-207, Laws of Florida ...................................213

4. 1997 Lake Apopka Legislation Chapter 97-81, Laws of Florida .....................................217

5. Rule No. 40C-4.091, F.A.C. (establishing phosphorus criterion for Lake Apopka) pursuant to the mand ate of Chapter 96-207, Laws of Florida .........................................223

6. Proposed Rule Revisions to Sect ions 40C-4, 40C-41, 40C-42, and 40C-44, F.A.C. , and Related Applicant Handbooks: Manageme nt and Storage of Surface Waters Drainage Basins and Phosphorus Limitations ( FAW 2002) ..........................................229

7. Notices of Change to the proposed rule ..........................................................................245SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

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198 CHAPTER 85-148

Committee Substitute fo r House Bill No. 251

An act relating to the preservation of Florida’s lakes; amending s. 403.0615, F.S.; renaming the
“Water Resources Restoration and Preservation Act” as the “Lake Restoration Act”; establishing a program to assist in the restoration and protection of certain state lakes; providing criteria for allocation of restoratio n funds; providing for a trust fund; providing priority for Lake Apopka and requiring submis sion of a restoration and management plan therefore; providing an appropriat ion; providing an effective date.

Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:

Section 1. The Legislature hereby directs the St. Johns River Water Management District, in conjunction with the Department of Environmental Regulation , Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, Lake and Orange Counties, and the Lake Apopka Restorat ion Council to initiate a pilot project for Lake Apopka. The purpose of the project is to identify an environmentally sound, economically feasible method for restoring Lake Apopka to a Class III water body.

Section 2. (1) There is created within the St. Johns River Water Management District the Lake Apopka

Restoration Council. The council shall consist of eleven members as follows: a scientific representative from the St. Johns River Water Manage ment District, a scientific representative from
the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, a scient ific representative from the Department of Environmental Regulation, and a scientific repr esentative from Orange County, each to be appointed by their respective agencies; a nona gricultural lake front property owner; two representatives from the lake front agricultural community, each representing predominant but different agricultural industries, an environmental engineer, a representative of the sportsfishing industry, a representative of a municipality abutting Lake Apopka from Orange County and a representative of a municipality abutting Lake Apop ka from Lake County, each to be appointed by the Governor. The council shall be advisory to the St. Johns River Water Management District governing board.

(2) Immediately after their appointment, the members of the council shall meet and organize by electing a chairman, a vice chairman, and a secretary, whose terms shall be for 3 years each. Council officers may not serve consecutive terms. Council members representing state agencies shall not have voting powers; however, at the di scretion of the council they may serve in the capacity of chairman.

(3) The council shall meet at the call of its chairman, at the request of a majority of its members, or at the request of the St. Johns River Water Management District governing board chairman.

Section 3. The Lake Apopka Restoration Coun cil shall have the powers and duties to:

(1) Review studies and data specific ally related to lake restoration te chniques and advise the district governing board of approaches to be considered for restoration of Lake Apopka.

(2) Make a recommendation to the district governing board for a Lake Apopka restoration program.Appendix A

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199 (3) Report directly to the Legislature before No vember 25 of each year with a Lake Apopka restoration progress report and any recommendations for the forthcoming fiscal year.

Section 4. Members of the Lake Ap opka Restoration Council shall receive no compensation for their services but are entitled to be reimbursed for per them and travel expenses as provided in s.112.061,

Florida Statutes.

Section 5. The St. Johns River Water Management Dist rict governing board shall specify tasks which are to be undertaken by the district, the Departme nt of Environmental Regu lation, pertinent local governments, and the Game and Fresh Water Fish Co mmission in order to initiate the pilot project for Lake Apopka. The go verning board shall:

(1) Conduct extensive water sampling of the lake and its associated tributaries to determine the existing water quality and to determine the long term effects of nutrient loading from agricultural activities.

(2) Evaluate the restoration of a portion of floodplain marsh between Lake Apopka and theApopka-Beauclair Lock by allowing sheetflow of waters prior to their entrance to the ApopkaBeauclair Canal.

(3) Develop a nutrient budget for the lake to ensure that appropriate regulatory efforts are instituted with respect to nutrient loading.

(4) Examine techniques which may be used to modify the existing physical and biological

characteristics of the lake.

(5) Conduct a feasibility study to determine the effects of diking-off and restoring the littoral zone of the lake to enhance sportfish production.

(6) Implement and evaluate a program to demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing water hyacinths to extract excessive nitrogen and phosphorus from the sediment and water columns of the lake.

(7) Implement and evaluate a program to demonstrate the feasibility of recreating a marsh along the lake-shoreline using muck dredge d from the lake bottom, and

(8) From funds appropriated by this act, expend up to $100,000 to contract for a feasibility study on the recycling of muck from Lake Apopka.

The St. Johns River Water Management District shall provide the staff for the Lake Apopka Restoration Council while engaged in carrying ou t the provisions of this act.

Section 6. There is hereby appropriated to the Department of Environmental Regulation for the St. Johns River Water Management District the following sums of money for fiscal year 1985-1986 to carry out the provisions of this act:

(1) The sum of $765,000 for fiscal year 1985-1986 from the water Resources Restoration and Preservation Trust Fund within the Department of Environmental Regulation to implement the provisions outlined in subsections (1) through (5) of section 5.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

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200 (2) The sum of $1.5 million for fiscal year 1985- 1986 from the Aquatic Plant Control Trust Fund within the Department of Natural Resources to im plement the provisions outlined in subsection (6) of section 5.

Section 7. It is the intent of the Legislature that the St. Johns River Water Management District shall, through competitive bid, award contracts to implement the provisions of this act.

Section 8. This act shall take effect July 1, 1985 or upon becoming a law, whichever occurs later.

Approved by the Governor June 17, 1985.

Filed in Office Secretary of State June 17, 1985.Appendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

201 CHAPTER 87-97

Committee Substitute fo r House Bill No. 1350

An act relating to natural resources; creating the “Surface Water Improvement and Management Act”; providing legislative findings and intent; providing for the developing of lists of prioritized water bodies of regional or stat ewide significance and for the design and implementation of surface water improvement and management plans and programs by the state’s five regional water management distri cts; providing for participation by state agencies, local governments, and advisory committees; providing for the review of surface water improvement and management plans by certain state agencies and for the review of agency rules; providing for the implemen tation of surface water improvement and management plans and programs and making funds available; providing for the creation within the Department of Environmental Regulation of the Surface Water Improvement and Management Trust Fund and providing proc edures for the administration of the Trust Fund; providing for a program to protect the water quality of Lake Okeechobee; creating the Lake Okeechobee Technical Advisory Co uncil; Providing for limitations on the diversion of specified waters; establis hing a program for the improvement and management of the Lower St. Johns River; creating the Duval County Water Quality Council; establishing areas of jurisdiction and creating an approval process; amending section 5 of chapter 85-148, Laws of Florida; providing tasks for the pilot project for Lake Apopka; amending section 7 of chapter 85-148, Laws of Florida; providing for competition among contractors for projects; directing the Department of Environmental Regulation to conduct a study to evaluate the existing clas sification systems for waters of the state; amending s. 373.503, F.S.; removing certain restrictions on the use of millage levied by the St. Johns Water Management District; changing th e distribution of certain taxes for district and basin purposes; amending ss. 161.021, 161.041, 161.053, 161.054, 161.091, 161.101, 161.141, 161.161, 373.026, F.S.; providing definitions; prohibiting the Department of Natural Resources from issuing permits for certain construction or excavation except in specified circumstances; establishing criteria for local coastal construction zoning and building codes; providing for permits when liens are imposed on the property; establishing property rights of the state; renaming the Erosion.Control Trust Fund; authorizing the department to use funds from the Beach Management Trust Fund to pay certain costs of specified beach management projects; providing procedures for approval of projects; providing for powers and duties of the Department of Environmental Regulation; providing for a report on public access to sandy beaches; making funds available from the State Infrastructure Trust Fund; providing an effective date.

Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:

Section 1. Short title; legisla tive findings and intent.—

(1) Sections 1 through 6 of this act may be cited as the “Surface Water Improvement and Management Act.”

(2) Legislative intent.—The Legislature finds that th e water quality of many of the surface waters of the state has been degraded, or is in danger of becoming degraded, and that the natural systems associated with many surface waters have been altered so that these surface waters no longer perform the important functions that they once performed. These functions include:SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

202 (a) Providing aesthetic and recreational pleasure for the people of the state;

(b) Providing habitat for native plants, fish, an d wildlife, including endangered and threatened
species;

(c) Providing safe drinking water to the growing population of the state; and

(d) Attracting visitors and accruing other economic benefits.

(3) The Legislature finds that the declining quality of the state’s surface waters has been detrimental to the public’s right to enjoy these surface waters and that it is the duty of the state, through the state’s agencies and subdivisions, to enhance the environmental and scenic value of surface

waters.

(4) The Legislature finds that factors contributing to the decline in the ecological, aesthetic,
recreational, and economic value of the state’s surface waters include:

(a) Point and nonpoint source pollution; and

(b) Destruction of the natural systems which purify surface waters and provide habitats.

(5) The Legislature finds that surface water problems can be corrected and prevented through plans and programs for surface water improvement and management that are designed and implemented by the regional water manageme nt districts, with the participation and cooperation of the state’s agencies and local governments.

(6) It is therefore the intent of the Legislature that each water management district design and implement plans and programs for the improvement and management of surface waters.

(7) It is also the intent of the Legislature that statewide research be conducted to provide a better scientific understanding of the causes and ef fects of surface water pollution and of the destruction of natural systems in order to impr ove and manage surface waters and associated natural systems.

Section 2. Surface water improvement and management plans and programs.

(1) Each water management district, in cooperation with the Department of Environmental Regulation, the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, and the Department of Natural Resources, shall prepare a list, by March 1, 1988, which shall prioritize water bodies of regional or statewide significance within each water ma nagement district. The list shall be based on criteria adopted by rule of the Department of Environmental Regulation and shall assign priorities to the water bodies based their need for protection and restoration. Criteria developed by the Department of Environmental Regulation shall include, but need not be limited to, consideration of violations of water quality st andards occurring in the water body, the amounts of nutrients entering the water body and the water body’s trophic state, the existence of or need for a continuous aquatic weed control program in the water body, the biological condition of the
lake, reduced fish and wildlife va lues, and threats to agricultural and urban water supplies and recreational opportunities. The sum of $500,000 shall be available from the Surface WaterAppendix A

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203 Improvement and Management Trust Fund to the Department of Environmental Regulation for fiscal year 1987-1988 to be used cooperatively by the department and the water management districts to identify and prioritize water bodies within the district that are of regional and statewide significance and in need of restoration. In developing their re spective priority lists, water management districts shall give consid eration to the following priority areas:

(a) The South Florida Water Management District shall give priority to the restoration needs of Lake Okeechobee, Biscayne Bay, and the Indian River Lagoon system and their tributaries.

(b) The Southwest Florida Water Management Dist rict shall give priority to the restoration needs of Tampa Bay and its tributaries.

(c) The St. Johns River Water Management District shall give priority to the restoration needs of Lake Apopka, the Lower St. Johns River, and the Indian River Lagoon system and their

tributaries.

(2) Once the priority lists are established, the water management districts, in cooperation with the Department of Environmental Regulation, the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, the Department of Natural Resources, and loca l governments, shall develop surface water improvement and management plans for the water bodies based on the priority lists approved by the Department of Environmental Regulation. Each plan shall include a schedule established by the water management district and agreed to by the Department of Environmental Regulation for restoring water bodies on the priority list. These plans shall also enumerate preventive measures which need to be take n to augment surface water improvement and management efforts. The Department of Environmental Regulation shall establish a uniform format for such plans. The plans shall be reviewed and, if necessary revised annually by the water management districts. These plans shall include, but not be limited to:

(a) A description of the water body system, its historical and current uses, its hydrology, and a history of the conditions which have led to the need for restoration;

(b) An identification of all governmental units that have jurisdiction over the water body and the land within a 1-mile perimeter of the wate r body, including local, regional, state, and
federal units;

(c) A description of adjacent land uses and thos e of important tributaries, point and nonpoint sources of pollution, and permitted discharge activities;

(d) A list of the owners of point and nonpoint sources of water pollution that are discharged into each water body and tributary thereto an d that adversely affect the public interest, including separate lists of those sources that are: 1. Operating without a permit; 2. Operating with a tempor ary operating permit; and 3. Presently violating effluent limits or water quality standards.

The plan shall also include a timetable for bringing all sources into compliance with state standards when not contrary to the public interest. This paragraph do es not authorize any existing or future violation of any applicable statute or regulation and does no t diminish the authority of the Department of Environmental Regulation;SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

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204 (e) A description of strategies and potential st rategies for restoring the water body to Class III
or better;

(f) A listing of studies that are being or have been prepared for the surface water body;

(g) A description of the research and feasibilit y studies which will be performed to determine the particular strategy or strategies to restore the water body;

(h) A description of the measures needed to manage and maintain the water body once it has been restored and to prevent future degradation; and

(i) An estimate of the funding needed to carry out the restoration strategies.

(3) Each water management district shall be responsible for planning, implementing, and coordinating restoration strategies for the priority water bodies within the district which have been approved by the Department of Environmen tal Regulation as water bodies of regional and statewide significance in need of restoration. The governing board of the appropriate water management district shall hold at least one public hearing and public workshops in the vicinity of the water body under consideration as may be necessary for obtaining public input prior to finalizing the surface water improvement and management plans for the water bodies on the priority list. The water management district sh all then forward a copy of the plans to the Department of Environmental Regulation and to appropriate local governmental units. By September of 1988 and each September thereafter, the water management districts, in cooperation with the Department of Enviro nmental Regulation, shall develop a funding proposal for the next fiscal year’s water restor ation activities for priority water bodies which specifies the activities that need funding and the amounts of funding and. fully describes the specific restoration activities proposed.

(4) The governing board of each water management district is encouraged to appoint advisory committees as necessary to assist in formul ating and evaluating strategies for water body protection and restoration activities and to increase public awareness and intergovernmental cooperation. Such committees should include representatives of the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, appropriate local governments, federal agencies, existing advisory councils for the subject water body, and representatives of the public who use the water body.

(5) The water management districts may contract with appropriate state, local, and regional agencies to perform various tasks associated with implementation of the surface water improvement and management plans.

Section 3. Review of surface water improvement and management plans.

(1) At least 30 days prior to any public hearing on its surface water improvement and management plan, a water management district shall transmit its proposed plan to the Department of Environmental Regulation, the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the Department of Natural Resources and shall transmit a summary of the proposed plan to affected counties and municipalities. A copy of the proposed plan shall be provided to any affected county or municipality upon request.Appendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

205 (2) The Department of Environmental Regulation shall review each proposed surface water improvement and management plan for the purpose of determining:

(a) Whether the costs described in the plan, as projected by the water management districts, are reasonable estimates of the actual costs of the programs in the plan;

(b) The likelihood of the programs in the plan resulting in significant improvements in water quality in the priority surface wa ters designated in the plan; and

(c) The combination of programs which can be funded based on available revenues within the Surface Water Improvement and management Tr ust Fund. If the department determines that a plan or program does not meet these requirements, that the projected costs are not

reasonable estimates of the actual costs of the programs in the plan, or that a program in the plan is not likely to result in significant wate r improvements in the priority surface water, the department shall recommend modifications of or additions to the plan, or a program
thereof, to the district at the district ’s public hearing on the proposed plan.

(3) The Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission shall review each proposed surface water improvement and management plan for the purpose of determining the effects of the plan on wild animal life and freshwater aquatic life and their habitats. If the commission determines that the plan, or a program thereof, has adverse effects on these resources, and that such adverse
effects exceed the beneficial effects on these resources, the commission shall recommend modifications of or additions to the plan, or a pr ogram thereof, to the district at the district’s public hearing on the proposed plan. The commission shall also recommend to the district at the district’s public hearing on the proposed plan any modification or addition to the plan, or a program thereof, which would result in additional beneficial effects on wild animal life or freshwater aquatic life or their habitats.

(4) The Department of Natural Resources shall review each proposed surface water improvement and management plan for the purpose of determining the effects of the plan on state-owned lands and on marine and estuarine aquatic life and their habitats. If the department determines that the plan, or a program thereof, has adverse effects on these resources, and that such

adverse effects exceed the beneficial effects on these resources, the department shall recommend modifications of or additions to the plan, or a pr ogram thereof, to the district at the district’s public hearing on the proposed plan. The depart ment shall also recommend modifications of or additions to the plan, or a program thereof, to the distri ct at the district’s public hearing on the proposed plan.

(5) The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall review each proposed surface water improvement and management plan for the purpose of determining the effects of the plan on the agricultural resources of the area and the state. If the department determines that the plan, or a program thereof, has adverse effects on these resources, and that such adverse effects exceed the beneficial effects on these resources, the department shall recommend modifications of or additions to the plan, or a pr ogram thereof, to the district at the district’s public hearing on the proposed plan. The depart ment shall also recommend modifications of or additions to the plan, or a program thereof, to the distri ct at the district’s public hearing on the proposed plan.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

206 (6) The water management districts, the Department of Environmental Regulation, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Department of Health and

Rehabilitative Services shall review their rules as they pertain to pollution of surface waters to determine where such rules could be strengthened to protect surface waters. The agencies shall also review their- enforcement programs for weaknesses in pursuing violations which result in surface water pollution. By March 1, 1988, the agencies shall report to the Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate, and the minority leaders of the House of Representatives and the Senate, an d their findings and recommendations for

remedies.

Section 4. Implementation of surface water improvement and management plans and programs.

(1) The funds in the Surface Water Improvement and Management Trust Fund shall be available to the water management districts for detailed planning for and implementation of surface water improvement and management plans. However, sect ions 1-6 of this act do not prohibit a water management district from requesting and receiving funds from the Surface Water Improvement and Management Trust Fund prior to March 1, 1988, for surface water improvement and
management activities.

(2) In developing implementing programs for their surface water improvement and management plans, the water management districts shall co nsider the following program recommendations for the use of funds for fiscal year 1987-1988 in th e priority areas identified in Section 2 of this

act:

(a) The sum of $4,800,000 shall be available for the South Florida Water Management District

for Lake Okeechobee.

(b) The sum of $2,000,000 shall be available for the South Florida Water Management District for Biscayne Bay, of which up to $500000 is recommended to clean up the Miami River. The remainder of the funds available are recommended for retrofitting the 55 stormwater outfalls already identified by the Environmental Resources Management Department of Metro-Dade County as posing the greatest th reat to the Biscayne Bay area or for other projects or activities that will contribu te to the restoration of Biscayne Bay.

(c) The sum of $1,500,000 shall be available for the Indian River Lagoon System, of which up to
$178,000 is recommended for the Marine Resource Council. For the funds made available for this area and recommended to be used, 70 percent shall be available for programs of the St. Johns River Water Management District and 30 percent shall be available for programs of the South Florida Water Management Dist rict. The secretary of the Department of Environmental Regulation shall settle any di spute between the two districts relating to funding allocations.

(d) The sum of $2,000,000 shall be available for the Southwest Florida Water Management District for Tampa Bay and its estuaries, of which up to $850,000 is recommended for a water quality assessment and scie ntific information compilation.

(e) The sum of $2,200,000 shall be available fo r the St. Johns River Water Management District for Lake Apopka.Appendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

207 (f) The sum of $2,500,000 shall be available for the St. Johns River Water Management District for the Lower St. Johns River, of which up to $1,000,000 is recommended for stormwater cleanup based on Duval County’s providing equal matching funds.

The amounts set forth in this subsection for the priority areas that are unencumbered at the end of fiscal year 1987-1988 shall remain in the Surface Water Improvement and Management Trust Fund and be available for the water bodies previously assigned.

(3) Each water management district shall prepare detailed plans for and shall implement the programs in its surface water improvement and management plan upon the release of funds by the Department of Environmental Regulation.

(4) Each water management district shall update a nnually, as necessary, its approved surface water improvement and management plan. If a district determines that modifications of or additions to its plan are necessary, such modifications or additions shall be subject to the review process

established in section 3 of this act.

Section 5. Surface Water Improvement and Management Trust Fund.

(1) There is created, within the Department of Environmental Regulation, the Surface Water Improvement and Management Trust Fund to be used as a nonlapsing fund for the deposit of funds appropriated by the Legislature for the purposes of sections 1-6 of this act. The department shall administer all funds appropriated to or received for the Surface Water Improvement and Management Trust Fund. The moneys in the Surface Water Improvement and Management Trust Fund are continually approp riated for the purposes of sections 1-6 of this act. Expenditure of the moneys shall be li mited to the costs of detailed planning for and implementation of programs prepared for priority surface waters. Moneys from the fund shall not be expended for planning for, or construction or expansion of, treatment facilities for domestic or industrial waste disposal.

(2) The secretary of the Department of Environmental Regulation shall authorize the release of money from the Surface Water Improvement and Management Trust Fund within 30 days after receipt of a resolution adopted by the gove rning board of a water management district certifying that the money is needed for detailed planning for or implementation of programs approved pursuant to section 2 of this act. Beginning with the state fiscal year 1988-1989 and annually thereafter, a water management district may not receive more than 30 percent of the moneys in the Surface Water Improvement and Management Trust Fund in any fiscal year unless otherwise provided by law.

(3) The amount of money that may be released to a water management district from the Surface Water Improvement and Management Trust Fund for approved programs, or continuations of approved programs, to improve and manage the surface waters described in sections 1-6 of this act is limited to not more than 80 percent of the amount of money necessary for the approved programs. The district shall provide at least 20 percent of the amount of money necessary for the programs.

(4) Moneys in the trust fund, which are not needed to meet current obligations incurred under this

section shall be transferred to the State Board of Administration, to the credit of the trust fund,SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

208 to be invested in the manner provided by law. Interest received on such investments shall be

credited to the trust fund.

Section 6. Lake Okeechobee improvement and management.

(1) LAKE OKEECHOBEE PROGRAM.—The South Florida Water Management District shall immediately design and implement a program to protect the water quality of Lake Okeechobee. Such program shall be based upon the recommendations of the Lake Okeechobee Technical Advisory Committee report enti tled “Final Report: Lake Okeechobee Technical Committee” and dated August 1986, including the recommendations relating to the diversion of Taylor CreekNubbins Slough, but such program may include other projects. In addition, the program design shall be completed by December 1, 1988, and sha ll be designed to result, by July 1, 1992, in reductions of phosphorous loadings to the lake by the amount specified as excess in the South Florida Water Management District’s Technical Publication 81-2.

(2) DIVERSIONS; LAKE OKEECHOBEE TECHNICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL.—

(a) The Legislature finds that efforts to reduce nu trient levels in Lake Okeechobee have resulted

in diversions of nutrient-laden waters to other environmentally sensitive areas, which

diversions have resulted in ad verse environmental effects. The Legislature also finds that both the agriculture industry and the environmental community are committed to protecting Lake Okeechobee and these environmentally sensitive areas from further harm and that this crisis must be addressed immediately. Therefore:

1. The South Florida Water Management District shall not divert waters to the Indian Riverestuary, the Caloosahatchee River or its estuar y, or the Everglades National Park, in such a way that the state water quality standards are violated, that the nutrients in such diverted waters adversely affect indigenous vegetation communities or wildlife, or that fresh waters diverted to the Caloosahatchee or Indian River estuaries adversely affect the estuarine vegetation or wildlife, unless the re ceiving waters will biologically benefit by the diversion. However, diversion is permi tted when an emergency is declared by the water management district, if the secretary of the Department of Environmental Regulation concurs.

2. The South Florida Water Management district may divert waters to other areas, including Lake Hicpochee, unless otherwise provided by law. However, the district shall monitor the effects of such diversions to determine the extent of adverse or positive environmental effects on indigenous vege tation and wildlife. The results of the monitoring shall be reported to the Lake Okeechobee Technical Advisory Council. If the monitoring of such diversions reveals continuing adverse environmental effects, the district shall make recommendations to the Legislature by July 1, 1988, on how to cease

the diversions.

(b) l. There is hereby created a Lake Okeechob ee Technical Advisory Council. Council members shall be experts in the fields of botany, w ildlife biology, aquatic biology, water quality chemistry, or hydrology and shall consist of:

a. Three members appointed by the Governor;Appendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

209 b. Three members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;

c. Three members appointed by the President of the Senate;

d. One member from the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, appointed by the President of the University of Florida; and

e. One member from the College of Natura l Sciences, University of South Florida, appointed by the President of the University of South Florida.

Members shall be appointed not later than July 15, 1987.

2. The purpose of the council shall be to investigate the adverse effects of past diversions of water and potential effects of future divers ions on indigenous wildlife and vegetation and to report to the Legislature, no later than March 1, 1988, with findings and recommendations proposing permanent solutions to eliminate such adverse effects.

3. The South Florida Water Management District shall provide staff and assistance to the council. The Department of Environmental Regulation, the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, and the district shall cooperate with the council.

4. The council shall meet not less than once every 2 months at the call of the chairman, or at

the call of four other members of the council. The council shall elect from its members a chairman and vice chairman and such other officers. as the council deems necessary. The council may establish other procedures for the conduct of its business.

5. The members of the council are not entitled to compensation but are eligible for per diem and travel expenses pursuant to s. 112.061, Florida Statutes.

Section 7. Section 5 of chapter 85-148, Laws of Florida, is amended to read:

Section 5. The St. Johns River Water Management Dist rict governing board shall specify tasks which are to be undertaken by the district, the Departme nt of Environmental Regu lation, pertinent local governments, and the Game and Fresh Water Fish Co mmission in order to initiate the pilot project for Lake Apopka. The go verning board shall:

(1) Conduct extensive water sampling of the lake and its associated tributaries to determine the existing water quality and to determine the long term effects of nutrient loading from agricultural activities.

(2) Evaluate the restoration of a portion of floodplain marsh between Lake Apopka and theApopka-Beauclair Lock by allowing sheet-flow of waters prior to their entrance to the ApopkaBeauclair Canal.

(3) Develop a nutrient budget for the lake to ensure that appropriate regulatory efforts are instituted with respect to nutrient loading.

(4) Examine techniques which may be used to modify the existing physical and biological

characteristics of the lake.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

210 (5) Conduct a feasibility study to determine the effects of diking-off and restoring the littoral zone of the lake to enhance sportfish production.

(6) Implement and evaluate a program to demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing water hyacinths to extract excessive nitrogen and phosphorous phosphorus from the sediment and water columns

of the lake.

(7) Implement and evaluate a program to demonstrate the feasibility of recreating a marsh along the lake shoreline using muck dr edged from the lake bottom.

(8) From funds appropriated by this act, expend up to $100,000 to contract for a feasibility study on the recycling of muck from Lake Apopka.

(9) Conduct a study to determine the feasibility of using ichthyofauna reconstruction as a lake

restoration method.

These tasks and other related pilot studies may be cond ucted in water bodies other than Lake Apopka if the St. Johns River Water Management District determ ines it would be scientifically and technically acceptable and economically advantageous. The St. Jo hns River Water Management District shall assign a staff person to act as the executive director of the Lake Apopka Restoration Council and provide reasonable staff support for the provide the staff for the Lake Apopka Restoration Council while engaged in carrying out the provisions of this act.

Section 8. Section 7 of chapter 85-148, Laws of Florida, is amended to read:

Section 7. It is the intent of the Legislature that the St. Johns River Water Management District shall encourage competition among contractors for projects , through competitive bid, award contra cts to implement the provisions of this act. Accordingly, the district shall be governed by its laws and policies for selecting contractors for scie ntific and technical research projects.

Section 9. The Department of Environmental Regu lation shall conduct a study and make a report evaluating the current surface water classification system. The report shall include a review of the relationship of this classification system to the classification system used for shellfish harvesting waters and specifically consider whether the clas sifications applied to artificially created or significantly altered water bodies are appropriate; provided, however, that consideration shall also be given to the impacts of artificially created or significantly altered water bodies on other water

bodies that have fish and wildlif e values. However, artificially crea ted or significantly altered water

bodies to be considered for reclassification in th e report shall not include those water bodies that

are:

(1) Determined to have viable or high potent ial for viable fish and wildlife populations;

(2) Located in high ground water recharge areas; or

(3) Determined to have high recreational usage.

Prior to initiating the study, the department shall publish notice and invite participation from local governments, affected interest groups, and other stat e and federal agencies. The report shall be submittedAppendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

211 to the Governor, the Speaker of the House of Represen tatives, and the President of the Senate no later than March 1, 1989. In addition, the department shall notify the Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President of the Senate by January 15, 1988, of the data needed to adopt and implement rules establishing limits for discharges of nitrogen and phosphorous into the waters of the state and the costs of obtaining the data.

Section 10. Subsection (3) of section 373.503, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

373.503 Manner of taxation.

(3)(a) The districts may levy ad valorem taxes on property within the district solely for the purposes of this chapter and of chapter 25270, Laws of Florida, 1949, as amended, and chapter 61-691, Laws of Florida, as amended. The authority to le vy ad valorem taxes as provided in this act shall commence with the year 1977. However, the taxes levied for 1977 by the governing boards pursuant to this section shall be prorated to ensure that no such taxes will be levied for the first 4 days of the tax year, which days will fall prior to the effective date of the amendment to s. 9(b),

Art. VII of the Constitution of the State of Florida, which was approved March 9, 1976. When appropriate, taxes levied by each governing board may be separated by the governing board into a millage necessary for the purposes of th e district and a millage necessary for financing basin functions specified in s. 373.0695. Beginning with the taxing year 1977, and not withstanding the provisions of any other genera l or special law to the contrary, the maximum total millage rate for district and basin purposes shall be:

1. Northwest Florida Water Management District: 0.05 mill.

2. Suwannee River Water Management District: 0.75 mill.

3. St. Johns River Water Management District: 0.6 0.375 mill, plus an additional .225 mill which may be used only for land acquisition and capital projects associ ated with such
acquisition

.

4. Southwest Florida Water Management District: 1.0 mill.

5. South Florida Water Management District: 0.80 mill.

(b) The maximum millage assessed for district purposes shall not exceed 25 percent of the total authorized millage when there are one or more basins in a district, and the maximum millage assessed for basin purposes shall not exceed 75 percent of the total authorized millaqe, except that:

1. The apportionment in the South Florida Water Management District St. Johns River Water Management District shall be a maximum of 40 15 percent for district purposes and a maximum of 60 85 percent for basin purposes, respectively.

2. Within the Southwest Florida Water Manageme nt District, the maximum millage assessed for district purposes shall not exceed 40 percent of the total authorized millage when there are
one or-more basins in the district, and the maximum millage assessed for basin purposes shall not exceed 60 70 percent of the total authorized millage.

Continued...SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

212 Section 23. Beginning in fiscal year 1988-1989 an d annually thereafter at least $35 million shall be available from the State Infrastructure Trust Fund for the purposes provided in s. 161.091(l), Florida Statutes.

Section 24. This act shall take effect July 1, 19 87, or upon becoming a law, whichever occurs

later.

Approved by the Governor June 29, 1987.

Filed in Office Secretary of State June 29, 1987.Appendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

213 CHAPTER 96-207

Committee Substitute for Senate Bill No. 2954

An act relating to Lake Apopka restoration; cr eating s. 373.461, F.S .; providing findings and legislative intent; providing that it is the inte nt of the Legislature to enhance and accelerate the restoration process begun by previous acts of the Legislature relating to the restoration of the Lake Apopka basin; providing that acqu isition of agricultural lands impacting Lake Apopka would serve the public interest; prov iding intent regarding the development of a process to limit the discharge of phosphorus into the lake and the cost-sharing of such a process; providing definitions; providing for the construction of stormwater-management facilities; providing for cost-sharing by the state, the St. Johns River Water Management District, and the Zellwood Drainage and Water Control District; providing for the responsibilities of the St. Johns River Wa ter Management District and the Zellwood Drainage and Water Control District; granting the St. Johns River Water Management District the power of eminent domain over certain specified lands; providing for the purchase of certain lands under certain conditions; providing that certain existing consent or settlement agreements are not affected and wi ll remain in effect; providing that existing water-quality standards are not altered; provid ing an appropriation; providing an effective

date.

Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:

Section 1. Section 373.461, Florida Statutes, is created to read:

373.461 Lake Apopka Improvement and Management.

(1) FINDINGS AND INTENT.—

(a) The Legislature has expressed its intent that economically and technical ly feasible methods be developed to restore the Lake Apopka basin through the Lake Apopka Restoration Act and the Surface Water Improvement and Management Act. It is the Legislature’s intent to enhance and accelerate the restoration process begun by those previous acts of the Legislature.

(b) Technical studies have determined that substant ial reductions in or elimination of phosphorus in farm discharges to Lake Apopka will be necessary in order to improve water quality and

restore the lake to Class III standards.

(c) Acquisition of the lands in agricultural pr oduction which discharge phosphorus to Lake Apopka, and their related facilities, would se rve the public interest by eliminating the impacts of introduction of phosphorus from thes e sources into the lake. It is the Legislature’s intent that a fair and equitable program of ac quisition of the lands necessary to achieve the purposes of this section be implemented.

(d) The Legislature finds that time is of the essence and that a complete purchase of properties described in this section should be accomplis hed in an accelerated and economical manner.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

214 (e) If funds cannot be identified for acquisition of these agricultural lands, it is the Legislature’s intent to provide a process for development of phosphorus-discharge limitations that will bring such discharges into compliance with st ate water-quality standards and to provide for interim phosphorus abatement measures designed to further reduce phosphorus discharges from the Zellwood Drainage and Water Control District, which is the largest agricultural entity within the Lake Apopka Ba sin. The Legislature finds that it is in the public interest to jointly share in the cost of implementing such interim phosphorus reduction measures with

Zellwood.

(f) A. Duda and Sons, Inc., has implemented phosphorus treatment and has worked cooperatively with the district to meet appl icable water-quality standards. An existing settlement agreement outlines treatment measures that should satisfy all discharge

limitations and criteria.

(2) DEFINITIONS.-As used in this section:

(a) “District” means the St. Johns River Water Management District.

(b) “Phosphorus criterion” means a numeric interpretation for phosphorus of the Class III

narrative nutrient criterion.

(c) “Stormwater management system” has the meaning set forth in s. 373.403(10).

(d) “Zellwood” means the Zellwood Drainage and Wa ter Control District as it is described in chapter 20715, Laws of Florida.

(3) PHOSPHORUS CRITERION AND DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS FOR LAKE APOPKA.

(a) The district shall, no later than September 30, 1996, file a notice of rulemaking in the Florida Administrative Weekly to establish a phosphorus criterion for Lake Apopka.

(b) In the event the district does not adopt a rule establishing a phosphorus criterion for Lake Apopka by January 1997, the phosphorus criter ion for the lake shall be 55 parts per billion (ppb).

(c) The district shall adopt by rule discharge limitations for all permits issued by the district for discharges into Lake Apopka, the Lake Level Canal, and the McDonald Canal.

(4) CONSTRUCTION OF STORMWATER-MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS.

(a) It is the intent of the Legislature that in th e event no funding mechanisms to purchase all the lands within Zellwood are in place by July 1, 1997, construction of stormwater-management
facilities to store, treat, and recycle Zellwood’s agricultural stormwater runoff will be necessary during the interim period while di scharge limitations are being established for Lake Apopka. The Legislature finds that it is in the public interest for state, regional, and local revenue sources to be used along with Zellwood’s revenue sources to finance the costs of acquiring land and constructing such facilities. One-third of the cost of the facilities shall be contributed by Zellwood, one-third by the state, and one-third by the district.Appendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

215 (b) Consistent with the funding formula outlined in paragraph (a), the state will provide up to $2 million, with the same amount being committed by both Zellwood and th e district, for a total

of $6 million. These funds shall be used for th e purpose of acquiring the necessary land for and constructing a stormwater-management facility, not to exceed 600 acres in total size, for Zellwood’s farm runoff, together with th e necessary pumps and other infrastructure associated with such facilities, provided that Zellwood’s contribution shall be used for project purposes other than acquiring land.

(c) The district shall be responsible for design of the facilities and for acquiring any necessary

interest in land for the facilities. Zellwood will be responsible for construction of the facilities in accordance with the district’s design. The district will administer the funds provided for under this section. No later than September 30, 1997, the district and Zellwood will develop an agreement regarding dispersal of funds for co nstruction of the facilities which shall take into account the financing mechanisms availa ble to the parties. Zellwood shall not be required to assess more than $25 per acre per year in financing its share of the stormwater management facility. However, it must provide its one-third share of the funding within the

timeframes outlined for construction of the stor mwater construction facility outlined in this

section.

(d) Construction of the stormwater retention and treatment facilities provided for in this section shall begin within 90 days after acquisition of interests in land necess ary for the facilities and completed, within 1 year thereafter. After comp letion of the facilities, Zellwood shall be responsible for operation and maintenance so long as the facilities are used by Zellwood.

(e) The district may, as appropriate, alter or modify the design of the facility to reduce the cost of the acquisition and construction of the facility if lands presently in production within Zellwood are acquired pursuant to subsection (5) before construction of the facility. The district shall have the flexibility to adjust these dates due to any unforseen circumstances
such as, and not limited to, acts of God, dela ys due to litigation by outside parties, or unnecessary or unforseen permi tting or construction delays.

(f) The district and Zellwood hall give preferential consideration to the hiring of agricultural workers displaced as a result of the Lake Apopka Restoration Act, consistent with their qualifications and abilities, for the constructi on and operation of the stormwater facility.

(5) PURCHASE OF AGRICULTURAL LANDS.

(a) The Legislature finds that it is in the public in terest of the state to acquire lands in agricultural production, along with their related facilities, which contribute, directly or indirectly, to phosphorus discharges to Lake Apopka, for th e purpose of improving water quality in Lake Apopka. These lands consist of those farming en tities on Lake Apopka having consent and settlement agreements with the district and those sand land farms discharging indirectly to Lake Apopka through Lake Level Canal, Apopka -Beauclair Canal, or McDonald Canal. The district is granted the power of em inent domain on those properties.

(b) In determining the fair mark et value of lands to be purcha sed from willing sellers, all appraisals of such lands may consider income from the use of the property for farming and, for this purpose, such income shall be deemed. attributable to the real estate.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

216 (c) The district shall explore the availability of funding from all sources, including any federal, state, regional, and local land acquisition funding programs, to purchase the agricultural lands described in paragraph (a). It is the Legi slature’s intent that, if such funding sources can be identified, acquisition of the lands desc ribed in paragraph (a) may be undertaken by the district to purchase these properties from willing sellers.

(d) In connection with successful acquisition of any of the lands described in this section which are not needed for stormwater-management facili ties, the district shall give the seller the option to lease the land for a period not to exceed 5 years, at a fair market lease value for similar agricultural lands. Proceeds derived from such leases shall be used to offset the cost of acquiring the land.

(e) If the lands within Zellwood are purchased in accordance with this section prior to expiration of the consent agreement between Zellwood and the district, Zellwood shall be reimbursed for any costs described in subsection (4).

(6) EXISTING CONSENT OR SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS PRESERVED.-Exc ept to the extent specifically modified in this section, the district’s existing consent or settlement agreements with A. Duda and Sons, Inc., and Zellwood, including requirements regarding compliance with any discharge limitations established for Lake Apopka, shall remain in effect.

(7) APPLICABILITY OF LAWS AND WATER-QUAL ITY STANDARDS; AUTHORITY OF DISTRICT

AND DEPARTMENT.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this sectio n, nothing in this section shall be construed:

1. As altering any applicable state water-quality standards, laws, or district or department
rules; or

2. To restrict the authority otherwise granted th e department and the district pursuant to this chapter or chapter 403. The provisions of this section shall be deemed supplemental to the authority granted pursuant to this chapter and chapter 403.

Section 2. As provided in the General Appropriatio ns Act for fiscal year 1996-1997, only, there is appropriated from funds deposited in the Conser vation and Recreation Lands Trust Fund the sum of $12 million to the St. Johns River Water Management District, to be used for the purpose of purchasing lands described in section 373.461(6)(a), Florida Statutes. In addition, the St. Johns River Water Management District is directed to use $8 million from its share of funds from the Water Management Lands Trust Fund or from funds derived from revenue bonds using Water Management Lands Trust Fund revenues as the revenue source for the purpose of purchasing lands described in section 373.461(5)(a), Florida Statutes.

Section 3. This act shall take effect July 1, 1996.

Approved by the Governor May 24, 1996.

Filed in Office Secretary of State May 24, 1996.Appendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

217 CHAPTER 97-81

Committee Substitute for Senate Bill No. 1486

An act relating to community redevelopment; au thorizing the Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development to amen d the boundaries of certain enterprise zones; providing restrictions; providing for repeal; amending s. 373.461, F.S., relating to Lake Apopka improvement and management; providing legislative intent that interim phosphorus abatement measures be provided and stormw ater management facilities be constructed unless specified time requirements for land purc hase are met; revising provisions relating to

commencement of construction of stormwater facilities; providing a maximum purchase price for certain agricultural lands; providing fo r sale of certain tangible personal property and for use of the proceeds of such sale; authorizing the Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development to expend such funds; providing for use of an appropriation made by ch. 96-207, Laws of Florida; creating s. 290.0067, F.S.; authorizing Orange County and Apopka to apply for designation of an enterprise zone in areas suffering adverse impacts due to governmental acquisition of Lake Apopka farmlands; authorizing the Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development to designate such zone and providing a termination date; authorizing the Office of To urism, Trade, and Economic Development to amend the boundaries of certain areas; provid ing for severability; providing an effective

date.

Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:

Section 1. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, prior to June 30, 1998, the Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development may amend the boundaries of an area designated as an enterprise zone in a community having a Population of 7,500 persons or more but less than 20,000, so long as the area does not increase the overall size of the zone. The amendment must also be consistent with the limitations imposed by section 290.0055, Florida Statutes, upon establishment of the enterprise zone.

Section 2. (1) The Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic development may, no later than June 30, 1998, modify the boundaries of any enterprise zone that is located within an inland county having a population greater than 500,000, to allow for the expansion of one noncontiguous area, as long as the area added does not exceed 5 square miles and is consistent with the categories, criteria, and limitations imposed by this section and section 290.0055, Florida Statutes, upon the establishment of such an enterprise zone.

(2) This section is repealed July 1, 1998.

Section 3. Paragraph (e) of subsection (1), paragraphs (a) and (d) of subsection (4), and paragraphs (c) and (e) of subsection (5) of section 373.461, Florida Statutes, 1996 Supplement, are amended, and paragraphs (f) and (g) are added to subsection (5) of said section, to read:

373.461 Lake Apopka improvement and management.-

(1) FINDINGS AND INTENT.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

218 (e) If funds cannot be identified for acquisition of these agricultural lands, It is the Legislature’s intent to provide a process for development of phosphorus discharge limitations that will bring such discharges into compliance with st ate water quality standards and to provide for interim phosphorus abatement measures designed to further reduce phosphorus discharges from the Zellwood Drainage and Water Control District, which is the largest agricultural entity within the Lake Apopka Basin, unless bo th of the timeframes specified in paragraph (4)(a) regarding purchase agreements and completion of purchases are met . The Legislature finds that it is in the public interest to joint ly share in the cost of implementing such interim phosphorus reduction measures with Zellwood.

(4) CONSTRUCTION OF STORMWATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS.

(a) It is the intent of the Legislature that in th e event no funding mechanisms to purchase all the lands within Zellwood are in place by July 1, 1997, construction of stormwater management
facilities to store, treat, and recycle Zellwood’s agricultural stormwater runoff will be necessary during the interim period while di scharge limitations are being established for Lake Apopka, unless both of the following conditions are met:

1. Agreements to purchase all the lands within Zellwood are executed by September 30, 1997, or a later execution deadline established by the United States for such agreements before reallocation of Commodity Credit Co rporation funds made available to acquire wetland reserve program conservation easements within the Lake Apopka Partnership Project area; and

2. All such purchases are completed pursuant to the terms of such agreements.

The Legislature finds that it is in the public interest for state, regional, and local revenue sources to be used along with Zellwood’s revenue sources to finance the costs of acquiring land and constructing such

facilities. One third of the cost of the facilities sh all be contributed by Zellwood, one-third by the state, and one-third by the district.

(d) Construction of the stormwater retention and treatment facilities provided for in this section shall begin within 90 days after acquisition of interests in land necessary for the facilities and the district’s delivery of the design of th e facilities to Zellwood, and shall be completed within 1 year thereafter. After completion of the facilities, Zellwood shall be responsible for operation and maintenance so long as the facilities are used by Zellwood.

(5) PURCHASE OF AGRICULTURAL LANDS.-

(c) The district shall explore the availability of funding from all sources, including any federal, state, regional, and local land acquisition funding programs, to purchase the agricultural lands described in paragraph (a). It is the Legi slature’s intent that, if such funding sources can be identified, acquisition of the lands desc ribed in paragraph (a) may be undertaken by the district to purchase these properties from willing sellers. However, the purchase price paid for acquisition of such lands that were in active cultivation during 1996 shall not exceed the highest appraisal obtained by the district for these lands from a state-certified general appraiser following the Uniform Standard s of Professional Appraisal Practice. This maximum purchase price limitation shall not incl ude, nor be applicable to, that portion ofAppendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

219 the purchase price attributable to consideratio n of income described in Paragraph (b), or that portion attributable to related facilities, or closing costs.

(e) If all the lands within Zellwood are purchase d in accordance with this section prior to expiration of the consent agreement between Zellwood and the district, Zellwood shall be reimbursed for any costs described in subsection (4).

(f) 1. Tangible personal property acquired by the district as part of related facilities pursuant to this section, and classified as surplus by the district, shall be sold by the Department of Management Services. The Department of Management Services shall deposit the proceeds of such sale in the Economic Development Trust Fund in the Executive Office of the Governor. The proceeds shall be used for the purpose of providing economic and infrastructure development in portions of no rthwestern Orange County and east central Lake County which will be adversely affected economically due to the acquisition of lands pursuant to this subsection.

2. The Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development shall, upon presentation of the appropriate documentation justifying expenditure of the funds deposited pursuant to this paragraph, pay any obligation for which it has sufficient funds from the proceeds of the sale of tangible personal property an d which meets the limitations specified in paragraph (h). The authority of the Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development to expend such funds shall expire 5 years from the effective date of this paragraph. Such expenditures may occur without future appropriation from the Legislature.

3. Funds deposited under this paragraph may not be used for any purpose other than those enumerated in paragraph (h).

(g)1. The proceeds of sale of tangible personal property authorized by Paragraph (f) shall be distributed as follows: 60 percent to Orange County; 25 percent to the City of Apopka: and 15 percent to Lake County.

2. Such proceeds shall be used to implement the redevelopment plans adopted by the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, Apopka City Commission, and Lake County Board of County Commissioners.

3. Of the total proceeds, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, Apopka City Commission, and Lake County Board of County Commissioners, may not expend more

than:

a. Twenty percent for labor force training related to the redevelopment plan

b. Thirty-three percent for financial or econ omic incentives for business location or expansion in the redevelopment area, and

c. Four percent for administration, planning, and marketing the redevelopment plan.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

220 4. The Orange County Board of County Commissioners, Apopka City Commission, and Lake County Board of County Commissioners must spend those revenues not expended under subparagraph 3. for infrastructure needs necessary for the redevelopment plan.

Section 4. The $20 million appropriation in fiscal year 1996-1997 pursuant to chapter 96-207, Laws of Florida, shall be used for the purpose of purchasing lands described in sect ion 373.461(5)(a), Florida
Statutes, and their related facilities.

Section 5. Section 290.0067, Florida Statutes, is created to read:

290.0067 Enterprise zone designation for communit ies impacted by Lake Apopka land acquisition.- Orange County and the municipality of Apopka may Jointly apply to the Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development for designation of one enterprise zone encompassing areas suffering adverse economic impacts due to governmental acqu isition of Lake Apopka farmlands pursuant to s. 373.461. The application must be submitted by December 31, 1998, and must comply with the requirements of s. 290.0055, excepts. 290.0055(3). Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 290.0065 limiting the total number of enterprise zones designated and the number of enterprise zones within a population category, the Office of Tourism, Tr ade, and Economic Development may designate one enterprise zone under this section The Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development shall establish the initial effective date of the enterprise zone designated pursuant to this section based upon when unemployment will occur due to the cess ation of farming on lands acquired pursuant to s. 373.461. The zone shall terminate 5 years following the established effective date.

Section 6. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, the Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development may mend the boundaries of an area de signated as an enterprise zone in a community having a population of 235,000 persons but less than 245,000, so long as the area does not increase the overall size of the zone by greater than 25 acres and the increased area is contiguous to the existing enterprise zone. The amendment must also be consistent with the limitations imposed by section 290.0055, Florida Statutes, upon establishment of the enterprise zone.

Section 7. If any provision of this act or the applic ation thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisio ns or applications of the act which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the prov isions of this act are

declared severable.

Section 8. This act shall take effect upon becoming a law

.

Approved by the Governor May 23, 1997.

Filed in Office Secretary of State May 23, 1997.Appendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

221 SJR WATER

MANAGEMENT

DISTRICT July 30, 1996

Ms. Liz Cloud, Chief F.O.R. 96-1679

Bureau of Administrative Code The Elliott Building
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0250

Dear Liz:

Pursuant to 120.54(11)(b), F.S., plea se find enclosed for filing with th e Department of State, an original and two copies of the following document s regarding revisions to chapter 40C-4, F.A.C, and Applicant’s Handbook: Management and Storage of Surface Waters.

1. The certification of the above-referenced rule chapter, with text of the rule section and history notes attached.

3. Summary of the rule, summary of the hearing held on the rule, statement of the facts and circumstances justifying the rule.

We appreciate your assistance in this matter. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to

contact us.

Sincerely,

NORMA K. MESSER, Rules Coordinator

Office of General Counsel

/nkm

Enclosures

cc: Thomas M. Swihart, DEP Bonnie Fowler, RegFilesSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

222 CERTIFICATION OF

ST. JOHNS RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

FILED WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE

I do hereby certify: [X] (1) The time limitations prescribed by paragraph 120.54(11)(a), F.S., have been complied with; and [X] (2) There is no administrative determ ination under subsection 120-54(4), F.S., pending on any rule covered by this certification; and [X] (3) All rules covered by this certificat ion are filed within the prescribed time limitations of paragraph 120.54(11)(b), F.S. They are filed not less than 28 days after notice required by subsection 120.54(l), F.S., and; [X] (a) Are filed not more than 90 days after the notice; or [ ] (b) Are filed not more than 90 days after the notice, not including days an administrative determination was pending; or [ ] (c) Are filed within 21 days after the adjournment of the final public hearing on the
rule, or [ ] (d) Are filed within 21 days after the date of receipt of all material authorized to be submitted at the hearing, or [ ] (e) Are filed within 21 days after the date the transcript was received by this agency.

Attached are the original and two copies of each rule covered by this certification. The rules are hereby adopted by the undersigned agency by and upon their filing with the Department of State.

Specific Law Being

Rule No. Rule-Making Implemented or Authority Made Specific

40C-4. 091 120.54(8), 373.044, 373.046(4), 120.54(8), 373.O46, 373.413,

373.113, 373.171, 373.415, 373.4135, 373.415, 373:416, 373.421(2), 373.461(3) FS 373.421(2)-(6), 373.426, 373.461(3) FS

Under the provision of paragraph 120.54(12)(a), F.S., the rules take effect 20 days from the date filed with the Department of date as set out below.

Effective: _____________________ (month) (day) (year)

WILLIAM M. SEGAL SJRWMD Governing Board Chairman

Title

TWO Number of Pages CertifiedAppendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

223 ST. JOHNS RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE PERMITS:

SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

RULE CHAPTER TITLE: RULE CHAPTER NO.:

Environmental Resource Permits: Surface Water Management Systems 40C-4, F.A.C.

RULE TITLE: RULE NO.:

Publications Incorporated by Reference 40C-4.091, F.A.C.

40C-4.091 Publications Incorp orated by Reference:

(1) The Governing Board hereby adopts by reference:

(a) Part I “Policy and Procedures,” Part II “Criteria for Evaluation,” subsections 18.0, 18.1, 18.2, and 18.3 of Part III and Appendix K “Legal Description U pper St. Johns River Hydrologic Basin,” “Legal Description Ocklawaha River Hydrologic Basin”, “Legal Description of the Wekiva River Hydrologi c Basin,” “Legal Description of the Econlockhatchee River Hydrologic Basin,” “Legal Description of the Sensitive Karst Areas Basin. Alachua County,” and “Legal Description of the Sensitive Karst Areas Basin, Marion County,” and “Legal Description of the Lake Apopka Drainage Basin ” of the document entitled “Applicant’s Handbo ok: Management and Storage of Surface
Waters,” effective ___________ 10

- 3

- 95

.

(b) No change (2) No change

Specific Auth ority 120-54(8), 373.044, 373.046(4), 373.113, 373.171, 373.415, 373.421(2),373.461(3) FS. Law Implemented 120.54(8), 373.046, 373.413, 373.4135, 373.415, 373.416, 373.421(2)-(6), 373.426, 373.461(3) FS. History—New 12-7-83, Amended 10-14- 84, Formerly 40C- 4.09 1, Amended 5-17-87, Formerly 40C-4.009 1, Amended 8-20-87,

10-1-87, 10-11-87, 11-26-87, 8-30-88, 1-1-89, 8-1-89, 10-19-89, 4-3-91, 8-11-91, 9-25-91, 11-
12-91, 3-1-92, 7-14-92, 9-8-92, 9-16-92, 11- 12-92, 11-30-92, 1-6-93, 1-23-94, 2-27-94, 11-22-
94, 10-3-95,_____.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

224 CERTIFICATION OF

ST. JOHNS RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

PUBLICATIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

FILED WITH THE

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

I do hereby certify that the attached are correct and complete copies of amendments made to Part II and Appendix K of the document entitled “Applicant’s Handbook: Management and Storage of Se rvice Waters,” incorporated byreference in section 40C4.091, F.A.C., effective ______________. (Date)

WILLIAM M. SEGAL SJRWMD Governing Board Chair

Title

SEVEN Number of Pages CertifiedAppendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

225 ST. JOHNS RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

APPLICANT’S HANDBOOK:

MANAGEMENT AND STORAGE OF SURFACE WATERS

11.0 Basin Criteria Chapter 40C-41, F.A.C., and this section establishes additional criteria which are to be used in reviewing applications for permits in certain hydrologic basins. These basins are: (a) through (e) No change (f) Lake Apopka Hydrologic Basin

See Figure 11.0-1 for a description of the areas co ntains within the St. Johns River Hydrologic Basin, the Ocklawaha River Hydrologic Basin, the Wekiva River Hydrologic Basin, and the Econlockhatchee Hydrologic Basin. See Figures 1 1.0-2, 11.0-3, and 11.0-4 for a description of the areas contained within the Sensitive Karst Areas Basin. See Figure 11.0-5 for a description of the areas contained with the Lake Apopka Hydrologic Basin. A description of the Hydrologic Basin boundaries is available Appendix K.

11. 1 through 11.5 No change

11.6 Lake Apopka Drainage Basin Pursuant to section 373.461(3)(a), F.S., the phosph orus criterion for Lake Apopka is 55 parts per billion. This phosphorus criterion shall be used to establish phosphorus discharge limitations for all permits within the Lake Apopka Drainage Basin authorizing discharges, directly or indirectly, into Lake Apopka, the Lake Level Canal, and the McDonald Canal.

APPENDIX K

LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF THE LAKE APOPKA DRAINAGE BASIN Begin at the Northeast corner of Section 29, Township 22 South, Range 28 East; thence South along the Section lines to the Southeast corner of the Northeast quarter of Section 32 Township 22 South, Range 28 East, thence west along the quar ter section line to the Southeast corner of the Northwest quarter of Section 31, Township 22 South, Range 28 East; thence South along, the quarter section line to the Southeast corner of the Southwest quarter of Section 31, Township 22 South, Range 28 East; thence West along the Section lines to the Southwest corner of the Southeast quarter of Section 36, Township 22 So uth, Range 27 East; thence South along the quarter section line to the Southeast corner of the Southwest quarter of Section 1, Township 23 South, Range 27 East; thence West along the Sect ion line to the Southeast corner of Section 2, Township 23 South, Range 27 East; thence South al ong the Section lines to the Southeast corner of the Northeast quarter of Section 11 Township 23 South, Range 27 East; thence west along the quarter section line to the Southeast corner of the Northwest quarter of Section 11, Township 23 South, Range 27 East; thence south along the quar ter section line to the Southeast corner of the Southwest quarter of Section 11. Township 23 South, Range 27 East: thence West along the

Section lines to the Southeast corner of the Sout hwest quarter of Section 7, Township 23 South,SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

226 Range 27 East; thence South along the quarter se ction line to the Southeast corner of the Northwest quarter of Section 18, Township 23 South, Range 27 East: thence West along the quarter section line to the Southwest corner of the Northwest quarter of Section 18, Township 23 South, Range 27 East: thence North along the Se ction line to the Southwest corner of Section 7, Township 23 South, Range 27 East; thence West along the Section line to the Southwest corner of the Southeast quarter of Section 12, Township 23 South, Range 26 East; thence North along the quarter section line to the Southeast corner of the Southwest quarter of Section 1, Township 23 South, Range 26 East; thence west. along the Section lines to the Southwest corner of the Southeast quarter of Section 6, Township 23 South, Range 26 East; thence North alone the quarter section line to the Northwest corner of the Northeast quarter of Section 6. Township 23 South, Range 26 East; thence East along, the Sect ion line to the Southwest corner of Section 32, Township 22 South, Range 26 East; thence North al ong the Section line to the Northwest corner of Section 32, Township 22 South, Range 26 East; thence East along the Section line to the Southwest corner of Section 28, Township 22 So uth, Range 26 East; thence North along the

Section line to the Southwest corner of Sect ion 4, Township 22 South, Range 26 East: thence West along the Section line to the Southwest corner of Section 5, Township 22 South, Range 26 East; thence North along the Section lines to th e Northwest corner of Section 32, Township 21 South, Range 26 East; thence East along the Section line to the Northeast corner of the Northwest quarter of. Section 32, Township 21 South, Range 26 East; thence North along the quarter section lines to the Northwest corner of the Northeast quarter of Section 20. Township 21 South, Range 26 East; thence East along the Sect ion line to the Southwest corner of Section 16, Township 21 South, Range 26 East; thence North along the Section line to the Northwest comer of Section 16. Township 21 South, Range 26 East: thence East along the Section line to the

Southwest corner of the Southe ast quarter of Section 9 Township 21 South, Range 26 East; thence North along the quarter section line to th e Northwest corner of the Southeast quarter of Section 4, Township 21 South. Range 26 East; thence West along the quarter section line to the Southwest corner of the Northwest quarter of Section 4, Township 21 South Range 26 East, thence North along the Section lines to the Northw est corner of Section 28, Township 20 South, Range 20 East, thence East along the Section lines to the Southwest corner of the Southeast quarter of Section 24, Township 20 South, Range 26 East; thence North along the quarter section

line to the Northwest corner of the Southeast quarter of Section 24, Township 20 South, Range 26 East; thence East along the quarter section li ne to the Northeast corner of the Southeast quarter of Section 24, Township 20 South, Range 26 East; thence North along the Section line to the Northwest corner of Section 19. Township 20 South, Range 27 East; thence East along the

Section lines to the Northwest corner of Sectio n 21, Township 20 South, Range 27 East; thence North along the Section line to the Northwest corner of the Southeast quarter of Section 16, Township 20 South, Range 27 East; thence East along the quarter section line to the Northeast corner of the Southeast quarter of Section 16, To wnship 20 South, Range 27 East; thence North along the Section line to the Northwest corner of Section 15, Township 20 South, Range 27 East; thence East along the Section line to the Nort heast Corner of Section 14, Township 20 South, Range 27 East; thence South along the Section lines to the Southeast corner of Section 23, Township 20 South, Range 27 East; thence West al ong the Section line to the Southwest corner of the Southeast quarter of Section 23, Township 20 South, Range 27 East; thence South along the quarter section line to the Northwest co rner of the Northeast quarter of Section 35,Appendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

227 Township 20 South, Range 27 East; thence East alon g the Section line to the Northeast corner of Section 35, Township 20 South, Range 27 East; thence South along the Section line to the Southeast corner of Section 35, Township 20 Sout h, Range 27 East; thence East along the Section

line to the Southwest corner of the Southeast quarter of Section 36, Township 20 South, Range 28 East, thence North along the quarter section li ne to the Northwest co rner of the Southeast quarter of Section 36, Township 20 South, Range 27 East; thence East along the quarter section line to the Northeast corner of the Southeast qu arter of Section 36, Township 20 South, Range 27 East; thence North along the Section line to the Northwest corner of Section 31, Township 20 South, Range 28 East; thence East along the Section lines to the Northeast corner of the Northwest quarter of Section 33, Township 20 South, Range 28 East; thence South along the quarter section lines to the Southeast corner of the Southwest quarter of Section 9, Township 21 South, Range 28 East, thence East along the Sect ion line to the Northeast corner of Section 16, Township 21 South, Range 28 East; thence South al ong the Section line to the Southeast corner of Section 16, Township 2 South, Range 28 East thence West along the Section line to the Southwest corner of the Southeast quarter of Section 16, Township 21 South, Range 28 East; thence South along the quarter section line to th e Southeast corner of the Southwest quarter of Section 21, Township 21 South, Range 28 East; thence West along the Section line to the Southeast corner of Section 20, Township 21 So uth, Range 28 East; thence South along, the

Section line to the Southeast corner of Sectio n 32 Township 21 South, Range 28 East; thence West along, the Section line to the Southwes t comer of the Southeast quarter of Section 32, Township 21 South, Range 28 East; thence South along the quarter section line to the Southwest corner of the Northeast quarter of Section 8, Township 22 South, Range 28 East; thence East along the quarter section line to the Southeast corner of the Northeast quarter of Section 8, Township 22 South, Range 28 East; thence South al ong the Section line to the Southeast corner of Section 8, Township 22 South, Range 28 East; thence West along the Section line to the Southeast corner of Section 7, Township 22 South, Range 28 East; thence South along the Section line to the Southeast corner of the Northeast quarter of Section 18, Township 22 South, Range 28 East; thence West along the quarter section line to the Northeast corner of the Southeast quarter of Section 13, Township 22 South, Range 27 East; thence South along the Section line to the Southeast corner of Section 13, Township 22 South, Range 27 East; thence West along the

Section line to the Southwest corner of the Sout heast quarter of Section 13, Township 22 South, Range 27 East; thence South along the quarter section line to the Northwest quarter of the Northeast corner of Section 25, Township 22 Sout h, Range 27 East; thence East along the Section
lines to the Northeast corner of Section 29, Town ship 22 South, Range 28 East which is also the Point of Beginning.Florida Administrative Weekly Volume 28, Number 16, April 19, 2002

1782 Section II - Proposed Rules address. A copy of the letter Form DC3-247 will be maintained

in the offender file as documentation that the victim was

notified of this condition. Form DC3-247 is hereby
incorporated by reference. A copy of this form may be

obtained from the Forms Control Administrator, Office of the

General Counsel, 2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, Florida

32399-2500. The effective date of this form is December 18,

2001.
(2) Prohibition of Living Within 1000 Feet of Place Where
Children Regularly Congregate – If the court or releasing
authority imposes this condition of supervision, the supervisor

shall ensure:

(a) The officer has researched the offender’s residence
location for known places where children regularly congregate
to ensure compliance with the order of supervision and
paragraphs 948.03(5)(a) and (b), Florida Statutes ; and

(b) The officer documents research conducted and

measurements obtained in the electronic case notes.

(3) Submission of Blood or Biological Specimens for
DNA Analysis – If the court or releasing authority imposes a

this condition for submission of blood specimens or other
biological specimens , or if the offender’s offense meets
statutory criteria of pursuant to s. 943.325 948.03(5)(a) and (b)

, F.S. , the officer shall verify that the offender’s specimens have
been collected and received by the Florida Department of Law

Enforcement : (a) The circuit administrator shall ensure agreements are
formulated and upheld with DNA collection sites within the

circuit; and,

(b) The officer will ensure documentation is received from
the collection site verifying the DNA blood specimens were

drawn.
(4) through (5) No change.

(6) HIV Testing – If the court or releasing authority
imposes this condition of supervision the circuit administrator

shall identify and advise staff of ensure arrangements are made

to set up a

testing locations in each circuit for sex offenders
required to submit to HIV testing.
(7) Pornographic Material – If the court or releasing
authority imposes a prohibition on viewing, owning, or
possessing any obscene, pornographic, or sexually stimulating
visual or auditory material, including telephone, electronic
media, computer programs or computer services that are
relevant to the offender’s deviant behavior pattern, the officer
shall ensure compliance by conducting walk-through searches
during the initial visit

and , at a minimum, once quarterly
during subsequent visits to the offender’s residence, which can
lead to warrantless planned searches if pornographic material

is observed.
(8) Computer or Internet Restrictions – If the court or
releasing authority imposes a condition of supervision that
limits or prohibits use of computers or the internet, the officer
shall monitor compliance by: (a) Conducting walk through searches during the initial

visit and , at a minimum, once quarterly during subsequent

visits to the offender’s residence to ensure the offender is in
compliance with the condition of supervision;
(b) If the officer verifies or suspects that the offender has
access to the internet, and this is prohibited as a condition of
supervision, the officer shall contact a correctional probation
officer or supervisor certified to conduct computer searches

FDLE or a local law enforcement officer certified to conduct
computer searches computer experts to investigate further.

Under no circumstances will an officer who has not been
certified in conducting computer searches be authorized to
touch the offender’s computer in an The officer will not
attempt to view icons for internet access or other graphic file
formats created by the Joint Photographic Experts Group

, unless the officer has successfully completed the Basic
Computer Data Recovery Class and has been authorized, in
writing, by the circuit administrator to conduct computer

searches

.

Specific Authority 944.09 FS. Law Implemented 944.09, 947.1405, 948.03 FS. History–New 12-18-01 , Amended________

.

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE:
Tina Hayes

NAME OF SUPERVISOR OR PERSON WHO APPROVED

THE PROPOSED RULE: Michael W. Moore

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY
HEAD: April 2, 2002

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT

PUBLISHED IN FAW: March 22, 2002

WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS

St. Johns River Water Management

RULE TITLE: RULE NO.:
Publications Incorporated by Reference 40C-4.091
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of this
proposed rule amendment is to amend section 11.7,
Applicant’s Handbook: Management and Storage of Surface
Waters, entitled “Lake Apopka Hydrologic Basin,” to establish
discharge limitations for total phosphorus for: (1) surface water
management systems (systems) located within the Lake
Apopka Hydrologic Basin, which discharge into Lake Apopka
or its tributaries; and (2) systems that cause an interbasin
diversion of water from another hydrologic basin to the Lake
Apopka Hydrologic Basin and discharge water to Lake
Apopka or its tributaries. The proposed rule amendments will
also establish water quantity limitations on diversions of water
to Lake Apopka or its tributaries from an area that does not
currently discharge water to Lake Apopka or its tributaries.
The proposed rule amendments revise Figure 11.0-5 in the
Applicant’s Handbook: Management and Storage of Surface
Waters to more accurately reflect the hydrologic boundaries of
the Lake Apopka Hydrologic Basin and to depict the Lake
Apopka Hydrologic Basin in relation to nearby cities andFlorida Administrative Weekly Volume 28, Number 16, April 19, 2002

Section II - Proposed Rules 1783 public roads. Additionally, the proposed rule amendments will
establish requirements for monitoring the post-development
total phosphorus load discharged from the project area,
methodologies to determine the pre-development total
phosphorus load discharged from the project area, and an
annual inspection requirement.
SUMMARY: The proposed rule amendment would establish
post-development total phosphorus discharge limitations for
discharges to Lake Apopka or its tributaries, pursuant to
Section 373.461, F.S., create water quantity limitations on
diversions of water to Lake Apopka or its tributaries, revise
one figure and create a new figure depicting the Lake Apopka
Hydrologic Basin, create related monitoring requirements,
create methodologies for determining pre-development total
phosphorus load discharged from the project area, and
establish an annual inspection requirement.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED
REGULATORY COST: No statement of estimated regulatory
cost has been prepared.
Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a
statement of estimated regulatory cost, or to provide a proposal
for a lower cost regulatory alternative, must do so in writing
within 21 days of this notice.

SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 373.044, 373.113 FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 373.413, 373.416, 373.418, 373.426,

373.461 FS.

A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE TIME, DATE AND

PLACE SHOWN BELOW:
TIME AND DATE: Following the regularly scheduled
Governing Board Meeting, which begins at 9:00 a.m., June 12,

2002

PLACE: St. Johns River Water Management District
Headquarters, 4049 Reid Street, Palatka, Florida 32177

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE

PROPOSED RULE IS: Norma Messer, Rules Coordinator,
Office of General Counsel, St. Johns River Water Management

District, P. O. Box 1429, Palatka, Florida 32178-1429,
(386)329-4459, Suncom 860-4459, email
nmesser@sjrwmd.com.

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

40C-4.091 Publications Incorporated by Reference.
(1) The Governing Board hereby adopts by reference:

(a) Part I “Policy and Procedures,” Part II “Criteria for

Evaluation,” subsections 18.0, 18.1, 18.2, and 18.3 of Part III
and Appendix K “Legal Description Upper St. Johns River
Hydrologic Basin,” “Legal Description Ocklawaha River
Hydrologic Basin,” “Legal Description of the Wekiva River
Hydrologic Basin,” “Legal Description of the Econlockhatchee River Hydrologic Basin,” “Legal Description of the Sensitive
Karst Areas Basin, Alachua County,” “Legal Description
Tomoka River Hydrologic Basin,” “Legal Description Spruce
Creek Hydrologic Basin,” “Legal Description of the Sensitive
Karst Areas Basin, Marion County,” and “Legal Description s of the Lake Apopka Hydrologic Drainage Basin,” and
Appendix M “Regional Watersheds for Mitigation Banking,”
of the document entitled “Applicant's Handbook: Management
and Storage of Surface Waters,” effective

________ 10-11-01

. (b) through (c) No change.

(2) No change.

Specific Authority 373.044, 373.046(4), 373.113, 373.413, 373.4136, 373.414, 373.415, 373.416, 373.418, 373.421(2), 373.461(3) FS. Law Implemented 120.60, 373.016(2), 373.042, 373.0421, 373.046, 373.085, 373.086, 373.109. 373.406, 373.413, 373.4135, 373.4136 373.414, 373.4141, 373.415, 373.416, 373.417, 373.418 373.421(2)-(6), 373.423, 373.426, 373.461(3), 380.06(9),403.813(2) FS. History–New 12-7-83, Amended 10-14-84, Formerly 40C- 4.091, Amended 5-17-87, Formerly 40C-4.0091, Amended
8-20-87, 10-1-87, 10-11-87, 11-26-87, 8-30-88, 1-1-89, 8-1-89, 10-19-89, 4-3-91, 9-25-91, 11-12-91, 3-1-92, 7-14-92, 9-8-92, 9-16-92, 11-12-92, 11-30-92, 1-6-93, 1-23-94, 2-27-94, 11-22-94, 10-3-95, 8-20-96, 11-25-98, 12-3-98, 1-7-99, 1-11-99, 8-21-00, 7-8.01, 10-11-01

, ________ .

APPLICANT’S HANDBOOK SECTION

11.0 Basin Criteria

Chapter 40C-41, F.A.C., and this section establish
additional criteria which are to be used in reviewing
applications for permits in certain hydrologic basins.

These basins are:

(a) Upper St. Johns River Hydrologic Basin

(b) Ocklawaha River Hydrologic Basin

(c) Wekiva River Hydrologic Basin

(d) Econlockhatchee River Hydrologic Basin

(e) Tomoka River Hydrologic Basin

(f) Spruce Creek Hydrologic Basin

(g) Sensitive Karst Areas Basin

(h) Lake Apopka Hydrologic Basin

See Figure 11.0-1 for a description of the areas
contained within the Upper St. Johns River Hydrologic
Basin, the Ocklawaha River Hydrologic Basin, the
Wekiva River Hydrologic Basin, and the
Econlockhatchee River Hydrologic Basin, the Tomoka
River Hydrologic Basin and the Spruce Creek
Hydrologic Basin. See Figures 11.0-2, 11.0-3, and
11.0-4 for a description of the areas contained within the
Sensitive Karst Areas Basin. See Figure 11.0-5 for a
description of the areas contained within the Lake
Apopka Hydrologic Basin. A description of the
Hydrologic Basin boundaries is available in Appendix

K.Florida Administrative Weekly Volume 28, Number 16, April 19, 2002

1784 Section II - Proposed Rules INSERT FIGURE 11.0-5Florida Administrative Weekly Volume 28, Number 16, April 19, 2002

Section II - Proposed Rules 1785 11.1 through 11.6 No change.

11.7 Lake Apopka Hydrologic Drainage Basin

(a) Pursuant to Section 373.461(3)(a), F.A.C., the

total phosphorus criterion for Lake Apopka is 55
parts per billion. To meet this total phosphorus
criterion, the applicant must provide reasonable
assurance of compliance with the following total
phosphorus discharge limitations and comply
with the relevant monitoring requirements in
Sections 11.7(b) through 11.7(e): This
phosphorus criterion shall be used to establish
phosphorous discharge limitations for all permits
within the Lake Apopka Drainage Basin
authorizing discharges, directly or indirectly, into
Lake Apopka, the Lake Level Canal, and the

McDonald Canal.

(1) Sites Within Lake Apopka Hydrologic Basin
Applicants required to obtain a permit pursuant to
Chapters 40C-4, 40C-40, 40C-42, or 40C-44,
F.A.C., for a surface water management system
located within the Lake Apopka Hydrologic
Basin shall demonstrate: (i) that the system
provides stormwater treatment equivalent to or
greater than any of the applicable stormwater
treatment options contained in Table 11.7-1 for
the removal of total phosphorus; (ii) that the
post-development total phosphorus load
discharged from the project area will not exceed
the pre-development total phosphorus load
discharged from the project area; or (iii) that the
system, under the soil moisture conditions
described in Section 10.3.8(a), will not discharge
water to Lake Apopka or its tributaries for the
100-year, 24-hour storm event. Systems
described under Section 11.7(a)(1)iii. shall be
considered to discharge to a land-locked lake that
must meet the criteria in Section 10.4.2. Any
alteration of a system originally permitted
pursuant to Section 11.7(a)(1)iii. which results in
an increase in discharge of water to Lake Apopka

or its tributaries shall be considered an interbasin

diversion that must meet the criteria in Sections
11.7(a)(2) and 11.7(e).

(2) Interbasin Diversion of Water to Lake Apopka
Hydrologic Basin
Applicants required to obtain a permit pursuant to
Chapters 40C-4, 40C-40, 40C-42, or 40C-44,
F.A.C., for a surface water management system
that will cause the importation of water from
another hydrologic basin into the Lake Apopka
Hydrologic Basin shall not discharge any
phosphorus from the project area to Lake Apopka
or its tributaries, unless the applicant implements measures to reduce the existing total phosphorus
load to Lake Apopka or its tributaries from another
existing source by at least an equivalent amount of
total phosphorus. The imported water shall consist
only of stormwater runoff. The imported water
shall not be discharged to Lake Apopka or its
tributaries when the water level of Lake Apopka is
in Zone A of the Lake Apopka Regulation

Schedule set forth in Table 11.7-2. All measures to
reduce existing phosphorous loads to Lake
Apopka or its tributaries must be constructed and
operating in compliance with the environmental
resource permit prior to any importation of water
into the Lake Apopka Hydrologic Basin. Measures
that reduce existing phosphorous loads to Lake
Apopka or its tributaries shall not include those

measures taken on the District ’s land.

(b) Monitoring for Retention Systems

A surface water management system permitted
under Section 11.7(a)(1)i. which utilizes only

retention, shall be monitored as set forth in this
paragraph. Water elevations in such a system

shall be monitored from the date that construction
of the system is completed or any part of the
system is used for its intended purpose,
whichever is sooner. The monitoring shall
continue for three years following completion of
construction of the entire system, including all

associated residential, commercial,
transportation, or agricultural improvements. If
the results of the monitoring indicate that the
system is not recovering the treatment volume in
accordance with the permitted design, then the
permittee shall either perform maintenance on the
system, or obtain a modification to the permit and
implement measures, to bring the system into
compliance, and in either event the monitoring
shall continue for three years after the date the
system is brought into compliance.

(c) Monitoring for Systems Permitted Under Section
11.7(a)(1)iii.
A surface water management system permitted
under Section 11.7(a)(1)iii., shall be monitored as
set forth in this paragraph. Water elevations in
such a system shall be monitored from the date
that construction of the system is completed or
any part of the system is used for its intended
purpose, whichever is sooner. The monitoring in
such a system shall continue for ten years
following completion of construction of the
entire system, including all associated residential,
commercial, transportation, or agricultural
improvements. If the results of the monitoringFlorida Administrative Weekly Volume 28, Number 16, April 19, 2002

1786 Section II - Proposed Rules

indicate that either the system is not recovering
storage in accordance with the permitted design
or causes water to be discharged to Lake Apopka
or its tributaries for events less than the 100-year,
24-hour storm event, then the permittee shall
either perform maintenance that brings the
system into compliance or obtain a modification
to the permit and implement measures to bring
the system into compliance, and in either event
the monitoring shall continue for three years after
the date the system is brought into compliance.

(d) Monitoring for Other Systems

A surface water management system, other than a
system described in Sections 11.7(b), 11.7(c) or
11.7(e), shall be monitored as set forth in this
paragraph. The total phosphorus load from the
project area shall be monitored from the date that
construction of such a system is completed or any
part of the system is used for its intended
purpose, whichever is sooner. The monitoring
shall continue for three years following
completion of construction of the entire system,
including all associated residential, commercial,
transportation, or agricultural improvements. If
the results of the monitoring indicate that
post-development total phosphorus loads exceed
pre-development total phosphorus loads, then the
permittee shall either perform maintenance on the
system, or obtain a modification to the permit and
implement measures, to reduce the total
phosphorus loads to no more than
pre-development levels, and in either event the
monitoring shall continue for three years after the
date the system is maintained or modified as

described herein.

(e) Monitoring for Interbasin Diversion of Water to
Lake Apopka Hydrologic Basin
A surface water management system described in
Section 11.7(a)(2) shall be monitored as set fort
in this paragraph. The total phosphorus load shall
be monitored from: (i) any system designed to
reduce the existing total phosphorus load to Lake
Apopka or its tributaries, and (ii) the system that
is importing water to the Lake Apopka Hydrologic Basin. Monitoring of the system that
is importing water to the Lake Apopka
Hydrologic Basin shall commence from the date
that construction of such system is completed or
any part of the system is used for its intended
purpose, whichever is sooner. Monitoring of
systems designed to reduce the existing total
phosphorus load to Lake Apopka or its tributaries

shall commence from the date that construction
of such system is completed. Monitoring shall
continue for as long as water is imported from the
system to the Lake Apopka Hydrologic Basin. If
monitoring results indicate that the reductions in
total phosphorus load are less than that in the
imported water, then the permittee shall either
perform maintenance or obtain a permit
modification to bring the system(s) into
compliance.

(f) Determination of Pre-development Total
Phosphorus Loads

Pre-development total phosphorus loads shall be
based upon the land uses in place as of (effective
date) and shall be calculated by: monitoring the
total phosphorus loads from the project area for a
period of one year prior to construction,

alteration, abandonment, or removal of the
proposed or existing system; or calculating total
phosphorus loads for the same land uses from the

scientific literature. That calculation of
pre-development total phosphorus loads shall be
adjusted by interpolation or extrapolation to
reflect average annual rainfall conditions.

(g) Inspecting Systems
Systems subject to the inspection requirements in
subsection 40C-42.029(1), F.A.C., which were
permitted on or after (effective date) and which
were also subject to the phosphorus discharge
limitations in Section 11.7(a), shall be inspected
by the operation and maintenance entity within
one year after completion of construction and
every year thereafter.Florida Administrative Weekly Volume 28, Number 16, April 19, 2002

Section II - Proposed Rules 1787 TABLE 11.7-1

STORMWATER TREATMENT CRITERIA TO ACHIEVE NO NET INCREASE IN POST-DEVELOPMENT LOADINGS

WITHIN THE LAKE APOPKA HYDROLOGIC BASIN

1. Required dry retention volume (inches of runoff over project area)

2. Required dry retention volume (inches of runoff over project area) followed by wet detention with listed minimum

residence time LAND USE

CATEGORY DOMINANT

SOIL

GROUP RETENTION

ONLY 1 RETENTION/

WET DETENTION

OPTION 2

Low-Density

Residential
(max. 15% impervious) A

B

C

D 2.75"

1.75"

1.25"

1.00" 1.00"/14 days
0.50"/14 days
0.50"/14 days

0.25"/14 days
Single-Family
Residential (max. 25% impervious) A

B

C

D 2.50"

2.00"

1.75"

1.50" 1.00"/14 days
0.75"/14 days

0.75"/14 days
0.75"/14 days
Single-Family Residential (max. 40% Impervious) A

B

C

D 3.75”

2.50"

2.00"

1.75" 1.25"/14 days

0.75"/14 days
0.75"/14 days
0.50"/14 days

MultiFamily
Residential (max. 65% impervious) A

B

C

D 4.00”

3.75"

3.00"

2.75" 2.50"/14 days
2.00"/14 days
1.50"/14 days

1.50"/14 days
Commercial (max. 80% impervious) A

B

C

D 4.00”

3.00"

2.50"

2.25" 2.75"/14 days
1.75"/14 days

1.50"/14 days
1.25"/14 days
Highway

(max. 50%
impervious) A

B

C

D 4.00"

3.00"

2.50"

2.25" 2.00"/14 days

1.50"/14 days
1.25"/14 days
1.00"/14 days

Highway

(max. 75%
impervious) A

B

C

D 4.00”

3.75"

2.75"

2.25" 2.75"/14 days
2.25"/14 days
1.75"/14 days

1.25"/14 daysFlorida Administrative Weekly Volume 28, Number 16, April 19, 2002

1788 Section II - Proposed Rules ADD FIGURE 11.7.2Florida Administrative Weekly Volume 28, Number 16, April 19, 2002

Section II - Proposed Rules 1789 NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE:
Jeff Elledge, Director, Department of Water Resources, St.
Johns River Water Management District, P

. O. Box 1429,
Palatka, Florida 32178-1429, (386)329-4347

NAME OF SUPERVISOR OR PERSON WHO APPROVED
THE PROPOSED RULE: Governing Board of the St. Johns
River Water Management District

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY
HEAD: April 9, 2002

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT

PUBLISHED IN FAW: December 29, 2000
If any person decides to appeal any decision with respect to
any matter considered at the above listed public hearing, such
person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the
proceeding is made to include testimony and evidence upon
which the appeal is to be based.

Anyone requiring special accommodation to participate in this
meeting is requested to advised the District at least 5 work days
before the meeting by contacting Linda Lorenzen,
(386)329-4262, or (386)329-4450(TDD).

WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS

St. Johns River Water Management District

RULE TITLE: RULE NO.:
Publications Incorporated by Reference 40C-4.091

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The St. Johns River Water
Management District proposes to amend the drainage basin
and regional watershed figures and tables which are part of the
Applicant’s Handbook: Management and Storage of Surface
Waters and are relevant to the review of applications for
environmental resource permits (ERP) and mitigation bank
permit applications. The District proposes to amend Figure
12.2.8-1 entitled “St. Johns River Water Management District
Drainage Basins” and the figure in Appendix M entitled “St.
Johns River Water Management District Regional Watersheds
for Mitigation Banking.” The drainage basins on Figure
12.2.8-1 define the geographical scope of the evaluation of
whether a regulated activity will cause unacceptable
cumulative impacts upon wetlands and other surface waters.
The regional watersheds in Appendix M are used in the
analysis of ecological benefits of proposed mitigation banks,
are considered in the establishment of mitigation bank service
areas, and are used as part of the determination of the number
of mitigation credits needed to offset a given wetland impact.
Specifically, the District proposes to amend Figure 12.2.8-1 by
revising the Northwest boundary between drainage basins 4, 5, and 6, in the vicinity of Mill Dam Branch, Puncheon Gum
Swamp, and Pablo Creek in Duval County, and revising part of
the boundary between drainage basins 16 and 17 in the vicinity
of the Southeast corner of Flagler County (in Sections 17-19,
Township 14 South, Range 31 East). The District proposes to
amend Appendix M by revising the Northwest boundary
between regional watersheds 4, 5 and 6, in the vicinity of Mill
Dam Branch, Puncheon Gum Swamp, and Pablo Creek in
Duval County, and revising part of the boundary between
regional watersheds 16 and 17 in the vicinity of the Southeast
corner of Flagler County (in Section 17-19, Township 14
South, Range 31 East).
SUMMARY: The proposed rules amend the drainage basin
and regional watershed figures (Fig. 12.2.8-1 and figure in
Appendix M) in the Applicant’s Handbook: Management and
Storage of Surface Waters.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED
REGULATORY COST: None prepared.
Any person who wishes to provide information regarding the
statement of estimated regulatory costs, or to provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative, must do so in
writing within 21 days of this notice.

IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THIS NOTICE, A

HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE TIME, DATE AND

PLACE SHOWN BELOW:

TIME AND DATE: Following the regularly scheduled
Governing Board Meeting, which begins at 9:00 a.m., June 12,

2002
PLACE: St. Johns River Water Management District
Headquarters, 4049 Reid Street, Palatka, Florida 32177

SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 373.044, 373.113, 373.414,

373.4136, 373.418 FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 373.016(2), 373.413, 373.4135,
373.4136, 373.414(8), 373.416, 373.418, 373.426 FS.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE

PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT IS: Norma Messer,

Rules Coordinator, Office of General Counsel, St. Johns River
Water Management District, P. O. Box 1429, Palatka, Florida
32178-1429, (386)329-4459, Suncom 860-4459, or email
nmesser@sjrwmd.com

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

40C-4.091 Publications Incorporated by Reference.
(1) The Governing Board hereby adopts by reference:Florida Administrative Weekly Volume 28, Number 16, April 19, 2002

1790 Section II - Proposed Rules (a) Part I “Policy and Procedures,” Part II “Criteria for

Evaluation,” subsections 18.0, 18.1, 18.2, and 18.3 of Part III
and Appendix K “Legal Description Upper St. Johns River
Hydrologic Basin,” “Legal Description Ocklawaha River
Hydrologic Basin,” “Legal Description of the Wekiva River
Hydrologic Basin,” “Legal Description of the Econlockhatchee
River Hydrologic Basin,” “Legal Description of the Sensitive
Karst Areas Basin, Alachua County,” “Legal Description
Tomoka River Hydrologic Basin,” Legal Description Spruce
Creek Hydrologic Basin,” “Legal Description of the Sensitive
Karst Areas Basin, Marion County,” and “Legal Descriptions
of the Lake Apopka Drainage Basin,” and Appendix M “Regional Watersheds for Mitigation Banking,” of the
document entitled “Applicant’s Handbook: Management and
Storage of Surface Waters,” effective ________ 10-11-01

. (b) through (c) No change.
(2) No change.

Specific Authority 373.044, 373.046(4), 373.113, 373.4136, 373.414, 373.415, 373.416, 373.418, 373.421, 373.461 FS. Law Implemented 120.60, 373.016(2), 373.042, 373.0421 373.046, 373.085, 373.086, 373.109, 373.406, 373.413, 373.4135, 373.4136, 373.414, 373.4141, 373.415, 373.416, 373.417, 373.418, 373.421(2)-(6), 373.423, 373.426, 373.461(3), 380.06(9), 403.813(2) FS. History–New 12-7-83, Amended 10-14-84, Formerly 40C-4.091, Amended 5-17-87, Formerly 40C-4.0091, Amended 8-20-87, 10-1-87,
10-11-87, 11-26-87, 8-30-88, 1-1-89, 8-1-89, 10-19-89, 4-3-91, 8-11-91, 9-25-91, 11-12-91, 3-1-92, 7-14-92, 9-8-92, 9-16-92, 11-12-92, 11-30-92, 1-6-93, 1-23-94, 2-27-94, 11-22-94, 10-3-95, 8-20-96, 11-25-98, 12-3-98, 1-7-99, 1-11-99, 8-21-00, 7-8-01, 10-11-01

, ________.Florida Administrative Weekly Volume 28, Number 16, April 19, 2002

Section II - Proposed Rules 1791 ADD FIGURE 12.2.8-1Florida Administrative Weekly Volume 28, Number 16, April 19, 2002

1792 Section II - Proposed Rules ADD APPENDIX MFlorida Administrative Weekly Volume 28, Number 16, April 19, 2002

Section II - Proposed Rules 1793 NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE:
Thomas I. Mayton, Sr. Asst. General Counsel, Office of
General Counsel, St. Johns River Water Management District,

P

. O. Box 1429, Palatka, Florida 32178-1429, (386)329-4108

NAME OF SUPERVISOR OR PERSON WHO APPROVED
THE PROPOSED RULE: Governing Board of the St. Johns
River Water Management District

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY
HEAD: April 9, 2002

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT

PUBLISHED IN FAW: March 8, 2002
If any person decides to appeal any decision with respect to
any matter considered at the above listed public hearing, such
person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the
proceeding is made to include testimony and evidence upon
which the appeal is to be based.

Anyone requiring special accommodation to participate in this
meeting is requested to advised the District at least 5 work days
before the meeting by contacting Ann Freeman,
(386)329-4101, or (386)329-4450(TDD).

WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS

St. Johns River Water Management District

RULE TITLES: RULE NOS.:
Policy and Purpose 40C-41.011

Basin Boundaries 40C-41.023
Implementation 40C-41.033
Application of Chapter 40C-41.043
Exemptions 40C-41.051

Conditions for Issuance of Permits 40C-41.063
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of this
proposed rule amendment is to establish discharge limitations
for total phosphorus for surface water management systems
which are located in the Lake Apopka Hydrologic Basin or
which discharge into Lake Apopka or its tributaries. The
proposed rule amendments create new figure 41-5 that
generally depicts the areas contained within the Lake Apopka
Hydrologic Basin. Additionally, the proposed rule
amendments will establish an exemption from the discharge
limitations for stormwater management systems exempted
under existing Rule 40C-42.0225, F.A.C. Furthermore, the
proposed amendments will clarify that systems qualifying for a
noticed general permit under Chapter 40C-400, F.AC., are
exempted from the District’s basin rules.

SUMMARY: The proposed rule amendment would establish
post-development total phosphorus discharge limitations for
discharges to Lake Apopka or its tributaries, pursuant to
section 373.461, F.S., create two new figures depicting the
Lake Apopka Hydrologic Basin, and establish exemptions.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED
REGULATORY COST: No statement of estimated regulatory
cost has been prepared. Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a
statement of estimated regulatory cost, or to provide a proposal
for a lower cost regulatory alternative, must do so in writing
within 21 days of this notice.

SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 373.044, 373.113, 373.414,

373.418 FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 373.413, 373.416, 373.418, 373.426,

373.461 FS.

A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE TIME, DATE AND

PLACE SHOWN BELOW:
TIME AND DATE: Following the regularly scheduled
Governing Board Meeting, which begins at 9:00 a.m., June 12,

2002

PLACE: St. Johns River Water Management District
Headquarters, 4049 Reid Street, Palatka, Florida 32177

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE

PROPOSED RULE IS: Norma Messer, Rules Coordinator,
Office of General Counsel, St. Johns River Water Management

District, P

. O. Box 1429, Palatka, Florida 32178-1429,
(386)329-4459, Suncom 860-4459, email
nmesser@sjrwmd.com.

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

40C-41.011 Policy and Purpose.
The rules in this chapter establish additional surface water
management standards and criteria for the Upper St. Johns
River Hydrologic Basin, the Ocklawaha River Hydrologic
Basin, the Wekiva River Hydrologic Basin, the
Econlockhatchee River Hydrologic Basin, the Tomoka River
Hydrologic Basin, the Spruce Creek Hydrologic Basin, and the

Sensitive Karst Areas Basin , and the Lake Apopka Hydrologic

Basin, which insure that development within the basins
incorporates the appropriate water quantity and water quality
control and other environmental measures necessary to protect
the integrity of the public investments in the basins and which

minimize s adverse impacts to the water resources of the
District. Standards and criteria delineated in this chapter are in
addition to those criteria specified in Chapters 40C-4, 40C-40,

and 40C-42, and 40C-44, F.A.C. , in accordance with

40C-41.043, F.A.C. The standards, criteria, exemptions, and
additional requirements specified in this chapter are not
intended to supersede or rescind the terms and conditions of
any valid surface water management permit issued by the
District prior to the effective date of this chapter.

Specific Authority 373.044, 373.113, 373.171, 373.415 FS. Law Implemented 373.413, 373.415, 373.416, 373.418, 373.426 , 373.461 FS. History–New 12-7-83, Amended 5-17-87, 8-30-88, 4-3-91, 9-25-91, 11-25-98

, ________ .

40C-41.023 Basin Boundaries.

(1) through (6) No change.Florida Administrative Weekly Volume 28, Number 16, April 19, 2002

1794 Section II - Proposed Rules Insert Figure 41-5Florida Administrative Weekly Volume 28, Number 16, April 19, 2002

Section II - Proposed Rules 1795 (7) The Lake Apopka Hydrologic Basin is that area
generally depicted in Figure 41-5 and defined in Applicant’s
Handbook, Appendix K as incorporated by reference in rule

40C-4.091, F.A.C.

Specific Authority 373.044, 373.113, 373.171 FS. Law Implemented 373.413, 373.416, 373.426 FS. History–New 12-7-83, Amended 5-17-87, 8-30-88, 4-3-91, 9-25-91, 11-25-98

, ________ .

40C-41.033 Implementation.
(1) The effective date of this chapter is December 7, 1983,
for the criteria of subsections 40C-41.063(1) and (2); May 17,
1987, for the standards of paragraphs 40C-41.063(3)(a) and
(b); August 30, 1988, for the standards and criteria of
paragraphs 40C-41.063(3)(c), (d) and (e); April 3, 1991, for the
standards and criteria in subsection 40C-41.063(5); and
September 25, 1991 for the criteria of subsections
40C-41.063(7), and 11-25-98 for the criteria of subsection
40C-41.063(6) , and (effective date) for the standards and
criteria in subsection 40C-41.063(8)

. (2) No change.

Specific Authority 373.044, 373.113, 373.171 373.415 FS. Law Implemented 373.413, 373.415, 373.416, 373.426 , 373.461 FS. History–New 12-7-83, Amended 5-17-87, 8-30-88, 4-3-91, 9-25-91, 11-25-98

, ________ .

40C-41.043 Application of Chapter.
(1) All projects located within the Upper St. Johns River
Hydrologic Basin, the Ocklawaha River Hydrologic Basin, the
Wekiva River Hydrologic Basin, or the Econlockhatchee River
Hydrologic Basin, the Tomoka River Hydrologic Basin, or the
Spruce Creek Hydrologic Basin , or the Lake Apopka
Hydrologic Basin, requiring permits pursuant to rule
40C-4.041, F.A.C., shall be constructed, operated, maintained,

altered, abandoned and removed in accordance with the
standards and criteria specified in rules 40C-41.063, and either

sections 40C-4.301 and 40C-4.302, or 40C-40.302, and

40C-41.063, F.A.C., unless specifically exempted in rule
40C-41.051, F.A.C., or otherwise provided in subsection
40C-41.043(3) or 40C-41.043(4), F.A.C . The most restrictive
criteria will be applicable unless the applicant provides
reasonable assurance that the purposes and intent of this
chapter and chapter 40C-4, F.A.C., will be fulfilled using

alternate criteria.
(2) No change.

(3) Stormwater management systems requiring permits
pursuant to rule 40C-42.022, F.A.C., that will be located within
the Lake Apopka Hydrologic Basin or will discharge water to
Lake Apopka or its tributaries, shall be constructed, operated,

maintained, altered, abandoned and removed in accordance
with the standards and criteria specified in rule 40C-42.023,
F.A.C., and subsection 40C-41.063(8), F.A.C.
(4) Agricultural surface water management systems
requiring permits pursuant to rule 40C-44.041, F.A.C., that
will be located within the Lake Apopka Hydrologic Basin or
will discharge water to Lake Apopka or its tributaries, shall be
constructed, operated, maintained, altered, abandoned and removed in accordance with the standards and criteria
specified in Rule 40C-44.301, F.A.C., and subsection
40C-41.063(8), F.A.C.

Specific Authority 373.044, 373.113, 373.171, 373.415 FS. Law Implemented 373.413, 373.415, 373.416, 373.418, 373.426 , 373.461 FS. History–New 12-7-83, Amended 5-17-87, 8-30-88, 4-3-91, 9-25-91, 10-3-95, 11-25-98

,

________ .

40C-41.051 Exemptions.
(1) No change.

(2) A single family dwelling unit The following systems
located wholly or partially within the Tomoka River
Hydrologic Basin or the Spruce Creek Hydrologic Basin

, provided the unit is not part of a larger common plan of
development or sale, is are exempted from the standards and
criteria in subsection 40C-41.063(6), F.A.C., and section 11.5,
Applicant’s Handbook: Management and Storage of Surface

Waters

. : (a) A single family dwelling unit provided the unit is not
part of a larger common plan of development or sale.
(b) Systems that qualify for a noticed general permit
pursuant to chapter 40C-400, F.A.C., and which comply with
the requirements of such noticed general permit.
(3) Stormwater management systems exempted in rule
40C-42.0225, F.A.C., which are either located wholly or
partially within the Lake Apopka Hydrologic Basin or which
discharge water to Lake Apopka or its tributaries, are exempted
from the standards and criteria in subsection 40C-41.063(8),

F.A.C.

(4) Systems that qualify for a noticed general permit under
Chapter 40C-400, F.A.C., are exempted from the standards and

criteria in Rule 40C-41.063, F.A.C., and Sections 11.0 – 11.7,
Applicant’s Handbook: Management and Storage of Surface

Waters.

Specific Authority 373.044, 373.113, 373.171 FS. Law Implemented 373.413,
373.416, 373.426 , 373.461 FS. History–New 4-3-91, Amended 11-25-98

,

________ .

40C-41.063 Conditions for Issuance of Permits.
(1) through (7) No change.
(8) Any surface water management system that requires a
permit pursuant to Chapters 40C-4, 40C-40, 40C-42, or

40C-44, F.A.C., and that will be located within the Lake
Apopka Hydrologic Basin or will discharge water to Lake
Apopka or its tributaries, must comply with the requirements
of Section 11.7, Applicant’s Handbook: Management and
Storage of Surface Waters, adopted by reference in subsection
40C-4.091(1), F.A.C.

Specific Authority 373.044, 373.113, 373.414, 373.415, 373.418 FS. Law Implemented 373.413, 373.414. 373.415, 373.416, 373.418, 373.426 , 373.461 FS. History–New 12-7-83, Amended 5-17-87, 8-30-88, 8-1-89, 4-3-91, 9-25-91, 7-14-92, 10-3-95, 11-25-98, 10-11-01

, ________ .Florida Administrative Weekly Volume 28, Number 16, April 19, 2002

1796 Section II - Proposed Rules NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE:
Jeff Elledge, Director, Department of Water Resources, St.
Johns River Water Management District, P. O. Box 1429,
Palatka, Florida 32178-1429, (386)329-4347

NAME OF SUPERVISOR OR PERSON WHO APPROVED
THE PROPOSED RULE: Governing Board of the St. Johns
River Water Management District

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY
HEAD: April 9, 2002

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT

PUBLISHED IN FAW: December 29, 2000
If any person decides to appeal any decision with respect to
any matter considered at the above listed public hearing, such
person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the
proceeding is made to include testimony and evidence upon
which the appeal is to be based.

Anyone requiring special accommodation to participate in this
meeting is requested to advised the District at least 5 work days
before the meeting by contacting Linda Lorenzen at
(386)329-4262, or (386)329-4450(TDD).

WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS

St. Johns River Water Management District

RULE TITLE: RULE NO.:
Requirements for Issuance 40C-42.023
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of this
proposed rule amendment is to establish discharge limitations
for total phosphorus for stormwater management systems
which are located in the Lake Apopka Hydrologic Basin or
which discharge into Lake Apopka or its tributaries.

SUMMARY: The proposed rule amendment would establish
post-development total phosphorus discharge limitations for
discharges to Lake Apopka or its tributaries, pursuant to

section 373.461, F.S.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED
REGULATORY COST: No statement of estimated regulatory
cost has been prepared.
Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a
statement of estimated regulatory cost, or to provide a proposal
for a lower cost regulatory alternative, must do so in writing
within 21 days of this notice.

SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 373.044, 373.113, 373.418 FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 373.413, 373.416, 373.418, 373.426,

373.461 FS.

A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE TIME, DATE AND

PLACE SHOWN BELOW:

TIME AND DATE: Following the regularly scheduled
Governing Board Meeting, which begins at 9:00 a.m., June 12,

2002
PLACE: St. Johns River Water Management District
Headquarters, 4049 Reid Street, Palatka, Florida 32177 THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE

PROPOSED RULE IS: Norma Messer, Rules Coordinator,
Office of General Counsel, St. Johns River Water Management

District, P. O. Box 1429, Palatka, Florida 32178-1429,
(386)329-4459, Suncom 860-4459, email
nmesser@sjrwmd.com.

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

40C-42.023 Requirements for Issuance.
(1) To receive a general or individual permit under this
chapter the applicant must provide reasonable assurance based
on plans, test results and other information, that the stormwater

management system:
(a) through (c) No change.
(d) Meets any applicable basin criteria contained in Rule
40C-41.063(7) and (8), F.A.C. Chapter 40C-41, F.A.C

. (2) No change.

Specific Authority 373.044, 373.113, 373.171, 373.418 FS. Law Implemented
373.413, 373.416 , 373.418, 373.426, 373.461 FS. History–New 9-25-91, Amended 3-21-93, 10-3-95

, __________ .

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE:
Jeff Elledge, Director, Department of Water Resources, St.
Johns River Water Management District, P. O. Box 1429,
Palatka, Florida 32178-1429, (386)329-4347

NAME OF SUPERVISOR OR PERSON WHO APPROVED
THE PROPOSED RULE: Governing Board of the St. Johns
River Water Management District

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY
HEAD: April 9, 2002

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT

PUBLISHED IN FAW: December 29, 2000

If any person decides to appeal any decision with respect to
any matter considered at the above listed public hearing, such
person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the
proceeding is made to include testimony and evidence upon
which the appeal is to be based.
Anyone requiring special accommodation to participate in this
meeting is requested to advised the District at least 5 work days
before the meeting by contacting Linda Lorenzen at
(386)329-4262, or (386)329-4450(TDD).

WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS

St. Johns River Water Management District

RULE TITLES: RULE NOS.:

Performance Standards 40C-44.065
Publications Incorporated by Reference 40C-44.091
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of this
proposed rule amendment is to establish discharge limitations
for total phosphorus for agricultural surface water management
systems requiring a permit which are located in the Lake
Apopka Hydrologic Basin or which discharge into Lake
Apopka or its tributaries.Florida Administrative Weekly Volume 28, Number 16, April 19, 2002

Section II - Proposed Rules 1797 SUMMARY: The proposed rule amendment would establish
post-development total phosphorus discharge limitations for
discharges to Lake Apopka or its tributaries, pursuant to

section 373.461, F.S.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED
REGULATORY COST: No statement of estimated regulatory
cost has been prepared.

Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a
statement of estimated regulatory cost, or to provide a proposal
for a lower cost regulatory alternative, must do so in writing
within 21 days of this notice.

SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 373.044, 373.113, 373.418 FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 373.413, 373.416, 373.418, 373.426,

373.461 FS.

A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE TIME, DATE AND

PLACE SHOWN BELOW:
TIME AND DATE: Following the regularly scheduled
Governing Board Meeting, which begins at 9:00 a.m., June 12,

2002.
PLACE: St. Johns River Water Management District
Headquarters, 4049 Reid Street, Palatka, Florida 32177

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE

PROPOSED RULES IS: Norma Messer, Rules Coordinator,
Office of General Counsel, St. Johns River Water Management

District, P. O. Box 1429, Palatka, Florida 32178-1429,
(386)329-4459, Suncom 860-4459, email
nmesser@sjrwmd.com.

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULES IS:

40C-44.065 Performance Standards.
(1) through (3) No change.
(4) Agricultural surface water management systems
requiring a permit, which will be located in the Lake Apopka
Hydrologic Basin or will discharge water to Lake Apopka or its
tributaries, must comply with the requirements of subsection
40C-41.063(8), F.A.C.

Specific Authority 373.044, 373.113, 373, 373.171, 373.416, 373.418 FS. Law Implemented 373.016, 373.413, 373.416, 373.418 , 373.426, 373.461 FS. History–New 8-11-91, Amended 10-20-92, 7-4-93, 10-3-94

,__________ .

40C-44.091 Publications Incorporated by Reference.

(1) The Governing Board hereby adopts by reference Part
I "Policy and Procedures" and Part II "Criteria for Evaluation,"
of the document entitled "Applicant’s Handbook: Agricultural
Surface Water Management Systems, effective

,

_________ 11-1-99

. (2) through (3) No change.

Specific Authority 373.044, 373.113, 373.171, 373.406, 373.416, 373.418 FS. Law Implemented 373.406, 373.413, 373.416 , 373.418, 373.426, 373.461 FS. History–New 10-20-92, Amended 7-4-93, 10-3-94, 11-1-99

, ________ . APPLICANT’S HANDBOOK SECTION

10.2 Harm to the Water Resources Criteria

10.2.1 through 10.2.5 No change.
10.2.6 Agricultural surface water management systems
requiring a permit which will be located in the Lake Apopka
Hydrologic Basin or which will discharge water to Lake Apopka
or its tributaries, must comply with the requirements of
subsection 40C-41.063(8), F.A.C., and Section 11.7, Applicant’s
Handbook: Management and Storage of Surface Waters.

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE:
Jeff Elledge, Director, Department of Water Resources, St.
Johns River Water Management District, P. O. Box 1429,
Palatka, Florida 32178-1429, (386)329-4347

NAME OF SUPERVISOR OR PERSON WHO APPROVED
THE PROPOSED RULE: Governing Board of the St. Johns
River Water Management District

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY
HEAD: April 9, 2002

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT

PUBLISHED IN FAW: December 29, 2000

If any person decides to appeal any decision with respect to
any matter considered at the above listed public hearing, such
person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the
proceeding is made to include testimony and evidence upon
which the appeal is to be based.
Anyone requiring special accommodation to participate in this
meeting is requested to advised the District at least 5 work days
before the meeting by contacting Linda Lorenzen at
(386)329-4262, or (386)329-4450(TDD).

WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS

Southwest Florida Water Management District

RULE CHAPTER TITLE: RULE CHAPTER NO.:

Procedural 40D-1

RULE TITLES: RULE NOS.:
Limiting Conditions 40D-1.6105

Forms and Instructions 40D-1.659
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of the proposed
amendment to Rule 40D-1.659, F.A.C., is to adopt, by
incorporation, a form for use in the transfer of water use
permits to subsequent owners of the property on which the
permitted water withdrawal facilities are located. The purpose
of the proposed amendment to Rule 40D-1.6105, F.A.C., is to
allow subsequent land owners to transfer permits by submitting
a copy of the legally recorded deed to the property covered by
the permit in lieu of obtaining the signature of the original
permittee on the transfer form.
SUMMARY: The proposed amendments will adopt a form for
use in the transfer of water use permits and allow permits to be
transferred to subsequent land owners without the signature of
the original permittee on the transfer form.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

228 ST. JOHNS RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

MANAGEMENT AND STORAGE OF SURFACE WATERS

RULE CHAPTER TITLE: RULE CHAPTER NO.:

Management and Storage of Surface Waters 40C-4, F.A.C.

RULE TITLE: RULE NO.:

Publications Incorporated by Reference 40C-4.09 1, F.A.C.

SUMMARY OF THE RULE:

This rule establishes a phosphorous criterion for Lake Apopka.

SUMMARY OF THE HEARING

The amendments to Section 40C-4.091, F.A.C., were presented to and approved by the

Governing Board of the St. Johns River Water Management District on June 11, 1996, for

publication in the Florida Administrative Weekly. The amendments were published June 28,

1996, in Volume 22, Number 26. A public hearing was not requested by the public and the

District did not hold one of its own accord.

FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES JUSTIFYING THE RULE

This rule establishes a phosphorous criterion for Lake Apopka pursuant to the mandate of

Chapter 96-207, Laws of Florida (to be codified as section 373.461, Florida Statutes). This

phosphorous criterion will be used to establish di scharge limitations for all regulated activities

within the Lake Apopka Drainage Basin that are permitted to discharge, directly or indirectly,

into Lake Apopka, the Lake Level Canal, and the McDonald Canal.Appendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

245 ST. JOHNS RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT

RULE TITLE: RULE NO.:

Publications Incorporated by Reference 40C-4.091, F.A.C.

40C-4.091 Publications Inco rporated by Reference.

(1) The Governing Board hereby adopts by reference:

(a) Part I "Policy and Procedures," Part II "Criteria for Evaluation,"

subsections 18.0, 18.1, 18.2, and 18.3 of Part I II and Appendix K "Legal Description

Upper St. Johns River Hydrologic Basi n," "Legal Description Ocklawaha River

Hydrologic Basin," "Legal Description of the Wekiva River Hydrologic Basin,"

"Legal Description of the Econlockhatchee River Hydrologic Basin," "Legal

Description of the Sensitive Karst Areas Ba sin, Alachua County, " “Legal Description

Tomoka River Hydrologic Basin,” “Legal Description Spruce Creek Hydrologic

Basin,” "Legal Description of the Sensitive Karst Areas Basin, Marion County," and

“Legal Descriptions of the Lake Apopka Hydrologic Drainage Basin,” and Appendix

M “Regional Watersheds for Mitigation Banking,” of the document entitled

"Applicant's Handbook: Management and St orage of Surface Waters," effective

3-07-03 10

- 11

- 01

. (b) and (c) No change.

(2) No change.

Specific Authority 373.044, 373.046(4), 373.113, 373.413, 373.4136, 373.414, 373.415,

373.416, 373.418, 373.421(2), 373.461(3) FS. Law Implemented 120.60, 373.016(2),

373.042, 373.0421, 373.046, 373.085, 373.086, 373.109. 373.406, 373.413, 373.4135,

373.4136 373.414, 373.4141, 373.415, 373.416, 373.417, 373.418 373.421(2)-(6), 373.423,

373.426, 373.461(3), 380.06(9),403.813(2) FS. History--New 12- 7-83, Amended 10-14-

84, Formerly 40C- 4.091, Amended 5-17-87, Formerly 40C-4.0091, Amended 8-20-87,SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

246 10-1-87, 10-11-87, 11-26-87, 8- 30-88, 1-1-89, 8-1-89, 10-19- 89, 4-3-91, 9-25-91, 11-12-91,

3-1-92, 7-14-92, 9-8-92, 9-16- 92, 11-12-92, 11-30-92, 1-6-93, 1-23-94, 2-27-94, 11-22-94,

10-3-95, 8-20-96, 11-25-98, 12- 3-98, 1-7-99, 1-11-99, 8-21- 00, 7-8.01, 10-11-01, 3-07-03

.Appendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

247 ST. JOHNS RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

APPLICANT’S HANDBOOK

MANAGEMENT AND STORAGE OF SURFACE WATERS

11.0 Basin Criteria

Chapter 40C-41, F.A.C., and this sectio n establish additional criteria which

are to be used in reviewing applicatio ns for permits in certain hydrologic

basins. These basins are:

(a) Upper St. Johns River Hydrologic Basin

(b) Ocklawaha River Hydrologic Basin

(c) Wekiva River Hydrologic Basin

(d) Econlockhatchee River Hydrologic Basin

(e) Tomoka River Hydrologic Basin

(f) Spruce Creek Hydrologic Basin

(g) Sensitive Karst Areas Basin

(h) Lake Apopka Hydrologic Basin

See Figure 11.0-1 for a description of the areas contained within the Upper

St. Johns River Hydrologic Basin, the Ocklawaha River Hydrologic Basin,

the Wekiva River Hydrologic Basin, and the Econlockhatchee River

Hydrologic Basin, the Tomoka River Hydrologic Basin and the Spruce Creek

Hydrologic Basin. See Figures 11.0-2, 11.0-3, and 11.0-4 for a description of

the areas contained within the Sensitive Karst Areas Basin. See Figure 11.0-5

for a description of the areas contained within the Lake Apopka Hydrologic

Basin. A description of the Hydrolog ic Basin boundaries is available in

Appendix K.Appendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

249 11.1 through 11.6 No change.

11.7 Lake Apopka Hydrologic Drainage Basin

(a) Pursuant to section 373.461(3)(a), F.S. A.C. , the total phosphorus criterion for

Lake Apopka is 55 parts per billion. To meet this total phosphorus criterion,

the applicant must provide reasonable assurance of compliance with the

following total phosphorus discharge limitations and comply with the

relevant monitoring requirements in section 11.7(b) and relevant inspection

requirements of section 11.7(c): This phosphorus crit erion shall be used to

establish phosphorous discharge limitations for all permits within the Lake

Apopka Drainage Basin authorizing discharges, directly or indirectly, into

Lake Apopka, the Lake Level Canal, and the McDonald Canal.

(1) Sites Within Lake Apopka Hydrologic Basin

Applicants required to obtain a permit pursuant to chapters 40C-4,

40C-40, 40C-42, or 40C-44, F.A.C., for a surface water management

system located within the Lake Apopka Hydrologic Basin shall

demonstrate: (i) that the system provides stormwater treatment

equivalent to or greater than any of the applicable stormwater

treatment options contained in Table 11.7-1 for the removal of total

phosphorus; (ii) that the post-dev elopment total phosphorus load

discharged from the proj ect area will not exceed the pre-development

total phosphorus load discharged from the project area; or (iii) that

the system, under the soil moisture conditions described in section

10.3.8(a), will not discharge water to Lake Apopka or its tributaries

for the 100-year, 24-hour storm ev ent. Systems described underSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

250 section 11.7(a)(1)iii shall be considered to discharge to a land-locked

lake that must meet the criteria in sections 10.4.1 and 10.4.2. Any

alteration of a system originally permitted pursuant to section

11.7(a)(1)iii which results in an increase in discharge of water to Lake

Apopka or its tributaries shall be considered an interbasin diversion

that must meet the criteria in sections 11.7(a)(2) and 11.7(b)(4).

(2) Interbasin Diversion of Water to Lake Apopka Hydrologic Basin

Applicants required to obtain a permit pursuant to chapters 40C-4, 40C-40,

40C-42, or 40C-44, F.A.C., for a surf ace water management system that

will cause the importation of water from another hydrologic basin into the

Lake Apopka Hydrologic Basin sha ll not discharge any phosphorus from

the project area to Lake Apopka or its tributaries, unless the applicant

implements measures to reduce the existing total phosphorus load to Lake

Apopka or its tributarie s from another existing source by at least an

equivalent amount of total phosphorus. The imported water shall consist

only of stormwater runoff. The importe d water shall not be discharged to

Lake Apopka or its tributaries when th e water level of Lake Apopka is in

Zone A of the Lake Apopka Regula tion Schedule set forth in Figure 11.7-

2. All measures to reduce existing phosphorous loads to Lake Apopka or

its tributaries must be constructed and operating in compliance with the

environmental resource permit prior to any importation of water into the

Lake Apopka Hydrologic Basin. Measures that reduce existing

phosphorous loads to Lake Apopka or its tributaries shall not include those

measures taken on the District’s land.

(3) Methodology for Determining Total Phosphorus Loads.Appendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

251 Determination of Pre-Development Total Phosphorus Loads.

Pre-development total phosphorus load s shall be based upon the land uses

in place as of March 7, 2003. For syst ems which have been constructed in

accordance with a permit issued pursuant to chapters 40C-4, 40C-40, 40C42, or 40C-44, F.A.C., at the permit applicant’s option, the pre-development

total phosphorus loads shall be based upon the land uses in place at the

time the prior permit was issued. Pre-development total phosphorus loads

shall be determined by: monitori ng the total phosphorus loads from the

project area for a period of one ye ar prior to cons truction, alteration,

abandonment, or removal of the propos ed or existing system; calculating

total phosphorus loads using the appr opriate mean annua l total phosphorus

loadings in Table 11.7-3, or calcul ating total phosphorus loads for predevelopment land uses not listed in Table 11.7-3 using mean annual total

phosphorus loadings from the scien tific literature. When the predevelopment total phosphorus loads are determined by monitoring, the

calculation of pre-development total phos phorus loads shall be adjusted by

interpolation or extrapol ation to reflect mean a nnual rainfall conditions.

Determination of Post-Dev elopment Total Phosphorus Loads.

Post-development total phosphorus load s shall be based upon the land uses

proposed in the permit application and shall be determined by: calculating

total phosphorus loads using the appr opriate mean annual total phosphorus

loadings in Table 11.7-3 and then reducing the total phosphorus load

according to the appropriate total phos phorus removal efficiency values

for systems listed in Tables 11.7-4 through 11.7-33. For purposes of

Tables 11.7-4 and 11.7-6 through 11.7-33, the term “retention” includes

stormwater reuse and underdrain and underground exfiltration trench

systems as those terms are defined in section 2.0 of the Applicant’s

Handbook: Regulation of Stormwater Management Systems, ChapterSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

252 40C-42, F.A.C., which is adopted by reference in section 40C-42.091(1),

F.A.C. The calculation of total phosphorus loads for post-development

land uses not listed in Table 11.7-3 or total phosphorus removal efficiency

values for systems not listed in Tables 11.7-4 through 11.7-33 may be

calculated using mean annual tota l phosphorus loadings and total

phosphorus removal efficiency values from the scientific literature.

(b) Monitoring

(1) Monitoring fo r Retention Systems.

A surface water management sy stem to be permitted under section

11.7(a)(1)i which utilizes only retention, shall be monitored as set forth in

this paragraph. Water elevations in such a system shall be monitored from

the date that construction of the system is completed or any part of the

system is used for its intended pur pose, whichever is sooner. The

monitoring shall continue for three years following completion of

construction of the entire system, in cluding all associated residential,

commercial, transportation, or agricultural improvements. If the results of

the monitoring indicate that the system is not recovering the treatment

volume in accordance with the permitted design, then the permittee shall

either perform maintenance on the system, or obtain a modification to the

permit and implement measures, to bring the system into compliance, and

in either event the monitoring shall continue for three years after the date

the system is brought into compliance.

(2) Monitoring for Systems Permitted Under S ection 11.7(a)(1)iii.

A surface water management sy stem to be permitted under section

11.7(a)(1)iii, shall be monitored as se t forth in this paragraph. Water

elevations in such a system shall be monitored from the date thatAppendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

253 construction of the system is completed or any part of the system is used

for its intended purpose, whichever is sooner. The monitoring in such a

system shall continue for ten years following completion of construction

of the entire system, including all associated residential, commercial,

transportation, or agricultural improve ments. If the results of the

monitoring indicate that either the system is not recovering storage in

accordance with the permitted design or causes water to be discharged to

Lake Apopka or its tributaries for events less than the 100-year, 24-hour

storm event, then the permittee shall either perform maintenance that

brings the system into compliance or obtain a modification to the permit

and implement measures to bring the sy stem into compliance, and in either

event the monitoring shall continue for three years after the date the

system is brought into compliance.

(3) Monitoring for Other Systems

A surface water management system to be permitted, other than a system

described in sections 11.7(b)(1), 11.7(b)(2) or 11.7(b)(4), shall be

monitored as set forth in this paragr aph. Except as provided below, the

total phosphorus load from the project area shall be monitored from the

date that construction of such a syst em is completed or any part of the

system is used for its intended pur pose, whichever is sooner. The

monitoring shall continue for three years following completion of

construction of the entire system, in cluding all associated residential,

commercial, transportation, or agricultural improvements. If the results of

the monitoring indicate that post- development total phosphorus loads

exceed pre-development total phosphorus loads, then the permittee shall

either perform maintenance on the system, or obtain a modification to the

permit and implement measures, to re duce the total phosphorus loads to no

more than pre-development levels, and in either event the monitoring shallSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

254 continue for three years after the date the system is maintained or modified

as described herein.

No monitoring shall be required under section 11.7(b)(3) when an

applicant demonstrates that the syst em provides stormwater treatment

equivalent to or greater than any of the applicable stormwater treatment

options contained in Table 11.7-1 for the removal of total phosphorus.

Alternatively, no monitoring shall be required under section 11.7(b)(3)

when an applicant demonstrates that the post-development total phosphorus

load discharged from the project area will not exceed the pre-development

total phosphorus load discharged from the project area when determined

using the appropriate mean annual total phosphorus loadings and total

phosphorus removal efficiency values from Tables 11.7-3 through 11.7-33 .

(4) Monitoring for Interbasin Diversion of Water to Lake Apopka Hydrologic

Basin

A surface water management syst em to be permitted under in section

11.7(a)(2) shall be monitored as set fo rth in this paragraph. The total

phosphorus load shall be monitored from: (i) any system designed to

reduce the existing total phosphorus load to Lake Apopka or its tributaries,

and (ii) the system that is importing water to the Lake Apopka Hydrologic

Basin. Monitoring of the system th at is importing water to the Lake

Apopka Hydrologic Basin shall commen ce from the date that construction

of such system is completed or any part of the system is used for its

intended purpose, whichever is sooner. Monitoring of systems designed to

reduce the existing total phosphorus load to Lake Apopka or its tributaries

shall commence from the date that construction of such system is

completed. Monitoring shall continue for as long as water is imported

from the system to the Lake Apopka Hydrologic Basin. If monitoringAppendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

255 results indicate that the reductions in total phosphorus load are less than

that in the imported water, then the permittee shall either perform

maintenance or obtain a permit modification to bring the system(s) into

compliance.

(c) Inspecting Systems

Systems subject to the inspection requirements in subsection 40C-42.029(1),

F.A.C., which were permitted on or after March 7, 2003 and which were also

subject to the phosphorus discharge limita tions in section 11.7(a), shall be

inspected by the operation and maintenance entity within one year after

completion of construction a nd every year thereafter.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

256 TABLE 11.7-1

STORMWATER TREATMENT CRITERIA TO ACHIEVE NO NET INCREASE IN POSTDEVELOPMENT LOADINGS WITHIN THE LAKE APOPKA HYDROLOGIC BASIN

LAND USE

CATEGORY HYDROLOGIC

SOIL GROUP RETENTION 1

ONLY 2 RETENTION 1 /

WET

DETENTION

OPTION 3

Low-Density

Residential

(max. 15% impervious) A

B

C

D 2.75"

1.75"

1.25"

1.00" 1.00"/14 days 0.50"/14 days 0.50"/14 days 0.25"/14 days

Single-Family Residential (max. 25% impervious) A

B

C

D 2.75"

2.00"

1.75"

1.50" 1.00"/14 days 0.75"/14 days 0.75"/14 days 0.50"/14 days

Single-Family Residential (max. 40% impervious) A

B

C

D 3.75”

3.00"

2.00"

1.50" 1.25"/14 days 1.00"/14 days 0.75"/14 days 0.50"/14 days

MultiFamily Residential (max. 65% impervious) A

B

C

D 4.00”

3.75"

3.25"

2.75" 2.50"/14 days 2.00"/14 days 1.75"/14 days 1.50"/14 days

Commercial (max. 80% impervious) A

B

C

D 4.00”

3.75"

2.75"

2.25" 2.75"/14 days 2.25"/14 days 1.50"/14 days 1.25"/14 days

Highway (max. 50% impervious) A

B

C

D 4.00"

3.00"

2.50"

2.25" 2.00"/14 days 1.50"/14 days 1.25"/14 days 1.00"/14 days

Highway (max. 75% impervious) A

B

C

D 4.00”

3.75"

2.75"

2.25" 2.75"/14 days 2.25"/14 days 1.75"/14 days 1.25"/14 daysAppendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

257 1. For purposes of this Table, the term “retention” includes stormwater reuse and underdrain and underground exfiltration trench systems as those terms are defined in section 2.0 of the Applicant’s Handbook: Regulation of Stormwater Management Systems, Chapter 40C-42, F.A.C., which is adopted by reference in section 40C-42.091(1), F.A.C.

2 1 . Required dry retention volume (inches of runoff over project area)

3 2

. Required dry retention volume (inches of runoff over project area) followed by wet

detention with listed minimum residence time**Lake Apopka Regulation Schedule**66.066.567.067.568.0Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

**Elevation (Feet, NGVD)**Figure 11.7-2 SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

258Appendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

259 TABLE 11.7-3

MEAN ANNUAL LOADINGS OF TOTAL PHOSPHORUS FOR LAND USE TYPES IN THE

LAKE APOPKA HYDROLOGIC BASIN

MEAN ANNUAL

TOTAL PHOSPHORUS LOAD

(kg/ac-yr) LAND USE

CATEGORY

HSG A HSG B HSG C HSG D

Low-Density Residential (max. 15%

impervious) 0.069 0.135 0.215 0.284

Single-Family Residential (max. 25% impervious) 0.227 0.286 0.383 0.465

Single-Family Residential (max. 40% impervious) 0.250 0.333 0.446 0.536

Multi-Family Residential (max. 65% impervious) 1.082 1.156 1.257 1.336

Commercial (max. 80% impervious) 0.899 0.916 0.943 0.964

Highway – max. 50% impervious

Highway – max. 75% impervious 0.710

1.053 0.756

1.076 0.817

1.106 0.871

1.133

Agriculture – Pasture 0.026 0.118 0.239 0.347

Agriculture – Crops, Ornamentals, Nurseries

Agriculture – Groves 0.040

0.007 0.180

0.036 0.366

0.079 0.531

0.123

Open Land/Recreational/Fallow Groves and

Cropland 0.004 0.017 0.035 0.051

Forests/Abandoned Tree Crops 0.004 0.021 0.045 0.070

HSG = Hydrologic Soil GroupTABLE 11.7-4REMOVAL EFFICIENCIES FOR TOTAL PHOSPHORUS IN DRY RETENTION SYSTEMS THAT MEET THE DESIGN ANDPERFORMANCE CRITERIA IN RULE 40C-42.026, F.A.C.HSG AHSG BHSG CHSG DLANDUSESTANDARDOFWSTANDARDOFWSTANDARDOFWSTANDARDOFWLow-DensityResidential (max.15% impervious)78%82%67%74%63%72%60%71%Single-FamilyResidential (max.25% impervious)90%92%78%83%69%77%65%74%Single-FamilyResidential (max.40% impervious)84%88%72%80%65%75%63%73%Multi-FamilyResidential (max.65% impervious)74%83%69%79%64%75%62%74%Commercial (max.80% impervious)65%76%63%74%62%72%61%71%Highway (max. 50%impervious)75%85%70%80%65%76%63%74%Highway (max. 75%impervious)65%76%63%74%62%72%61%71%Standard - Meets design and performance criteria in rule40C-42.026, F.A.C., for discharges to Class III watersOFW - Meets design and performance criteria in rule 40C-42.026, F.A.C., for discharges to Class I, Class II, or Outstanding Florida Waters

St. Johns River Water Management District

260 SWIM Plan for Lake ApopkaAppendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

261 TABLE 11.7-5

REMOVAL EFFICIENCIES FOR TOTAL PHOSPHORUS IN WET DETENTION SYSTEMS

THAT MEET THE DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE CRITERIA IN RULE 40C-42.026, F.A.C.

Residence Time (days) Phosphorus Removal Efficiency (%)

14 61.5

21 64.5SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

262 Table 11.7-6

Removal Efficiencies for To tal Phosphorus Using Various

Treatment Options in Low-Density Residential (max. 15% impervious)

For Hydrologic Soil Group A

Annual Total P Removal (%)

Retention / Wet Detention 2 Retention Depth

(inches) Dry Retention 1

t d =7 days t

d =14 days t

d =21 days

0.25 70 86 88 89

0.50 78 90 92 92

0.75 82 92 93 94

1.00 85 93 94 95

1.25 88 94 95 96

1.50 90 95 96 96

1.75 91 96 96 97

2.00 92 96 97 97

2.25 93 97 97 97

2.50 93 97 97 98

2.75 94 97 98 98

3.00 95 98 98 98

3.25 96 98 98 99

3.50 97 98 99 99

3.75 97 99 99 99

4.00 98 99 99 99

1. Dry retention alone.

2. Dry retention followed by wet detention with various residence times.Appendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

263 Table 11.7-7

Removal Efficiencies for To tal Phosphorus Using Various

Treatment Options in Low-Density Residential (max. 15% impervious)

For Hydrologic Soil Group B

Annual Total P Removal (%)

Retention / Wet Detention 2 Retention Depth

(inches) Dry Retention 1

t d =7 days t

d =14 days t

d =21 days

0.25 53 78 82 83

0.50 67 85 87 88

0.75 74 88 90 91

1.00 79 91 92 93

1.25 83 92 93 94

1.50 85 93 94 95

1.75 88 94 95 96

2.00 89 95 96 96

2.25 90 96 96 97

2.50 92 96 97 97

2.75 93 97 97 97

3.00 93 97 97 98

3.25 94 97 98 98

3.50 94 97 98 98

3.75 95 98 98 98

4.00 95 98 98 98

1. Dry retention alone.

2. Dry retention followed by wet detention with various residence times.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

264 Table 11.7-8

Removal Efficiencies for To tal Phosphorus Using Various

Treatment Options in Low-Density Residential (max. 15% impervious)

For Hydrologic Soil Group C

Annual Total P Removal (%)

Retention / Wet Detention 2 Retention Depth

(inches) Dry Retention 1

t d =7 days t

d =14 days t

d =21 days

0.25 46 75 79 81

0.50 63 83 86 87

0.75 72 87 89 90

1.00 78 90 91 92

1.25 82 92 93 94

1.50 85 93 94 95

1.75 87 94 95 96

2.00 89 95 96 96

2.25 91 96 96 97

2.50 92 96 97 97

2.75 93 97 97 97

3.00 94 97 97 98

3.25 94 97 98 98

3.50 95 98 98 98

3.75 95 98 98 98

4.00 96 98 98 98

1. Dry retention alone.

2. Dry retention followed by wet detention with various residence times.Appendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

265 Table 11.7-9

Removal Efficiencies for To tal Phosphorus Using Various

Treatment Options in Low-Density Residential (max. 15% impervious)

For Hydrologic Soil Group D

Annual Total P Removal (%)

Retention / Wet Detention 2 Retention Depth

(inches) Dry Retention 1

t d =7 days t

d =14 days t

d =21 days

0.25 42 74 78 79

0.50 60 82 85 86

0.75 71 87 89 90

1.00 78 90 91 92

1.25 82 92 93 94

1.50 85 93 94 95

1.75 88 94 95 96

2.00 90 95 96 96

2.25 91 96 97 97

2.50 92 96 97 97

2.75 93 97 97 98

3.00 94 97 98 98

3.25 95 98 98 98

3.50 95 98 98 98

3.75 96 98 98 98

4.00 96 98 99 99

1. Dry retention alone.

2. Dry retention followed by wet detention with various residence times.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

266 Table 11.7-10

Removal Efficiencies for To tal Phosphorus Using Various

Treatment Options in Single Family Residential (max. 25% impervious)

For Hydrologic Soil Group A

Annual Total P Removal (%)

Retention / Wet Detention 2 Retention Depth

(inches) Dry Retention 1

t d =7 days t

d =14 days t

d =21 days

0.25 82 92 93 94

0.50 90 95 96 96

0.75 92 96 97 97

1.00 94 97 98 98

1.25 95 98 98 98

1.50 96 98 98 98

1.75 96 98 99 99

2.00 97 98 99 99

2.25 97 99 99 99

2.50 98 99 99 99

2.75 98 99 99 99

3.00 98 99 99 99

3.25 99 99 99 99

3.50 99 99 100 100

3.75 99 100 100 100

4.00 99 100 100 100

1. Dry retention alone.

2. Dry retention followed by wet detention with various residence times.Appendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

267 Table 11.7-11

Removal Efficiencies for To tal Phosphorus Using Various

Treatment Options in Single Family Residential (max. 25% impervious)

For Hydrologic Soil Group B

Annual Total P Removal (%)

Retention / Wet Detention 2 Retention Depth

(inches) Dry Retention 1

t d =7 days t

d =14 days t

d =21 days

0.25 65 84 87 88

0.50 78 90 91 92

0.75 83 92 94 94

1.00 87 94 95 95

1.25 89 95 96 96

1.50 91 96 96 97

1.75 92 96 97 97

2.00 93 97 97 98

2.25 94 97 98 98

2.50 95 98 98 98

2.75 95 98 98 98

3.00 96 98 98 98

3.25 96 98 99 99

3.50 96 98 99 99

3.75 97 99 99 99

4.00 97 99 99 99

1. Dry retention alone.

2. Dry retention followed by wet detention with various residence times.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

268 Table 11.7-12

Removal Efficiencies for To tal Phosphorus Using Various

Treatment Options in Single Family Residential (max. 25% impervious)

For Hydrologic Soil Group C

Annual Total P Removal (%)

Retention / Wet Detention 2 Retention Depth

(inches) Dry Retention 1

t d =7 days t

d =14 days t

d =21 days

0.25 54 79 82 84

0.50 69 86 88 89

0.75 77 90 91 92

1.00 82 92 93 94

1.25 85 93 94 95

1.50 88 95 95 96

1.75 90 95 96 96

2.00 91 96 97 97

2.25 92 97 97 97

2.50 93 97 97 98

2.75 94 97 98 98

3.00 95 98 98 98

3.25 96 98 98 98

3.50 96 98 98 99

3.75 96 98 99 99

4.00 97 98 99 99

1. Dry retention alone.

2. Dry retention followed by wet detention with various residence times.Appendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

269 Table 11.7-13

Removal Efficiencies for To tal Phosphorus Using Various

Treatment Options in Single Family Residential (max. 25% impervious)

For Hydrologic Soil Group D

Annual Total P Removal (%)

Retention / Wet Detention 2 Retention Depth

(inches) Dry Retention 1

t d =7 days t

d =14 days t

d =21 days

0.25 48 76 80 81

0.50 65 84 86 87

0.75 74 88 90 91

1.00 81 91 93 93

1.25 84 93 94 94

1.50 87 94 95 95

1.75 89 95 96 96

2.00 91 96 96 97

2.25 92 96 97 97

2.50 93 97 97 98

2.75 94 97 98 98

3.00 95 98 98 98

3.25 95 98 98 98

3.50 96 98 98 98

3.75 96 98 99 99

4.00 97 98 99 99

1. Dry retention alone.

2. Dry retention followed by wet detention with various residence times.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

270 Table 11.7-14

Removal Efficiencies for To tal Phosphorus Using Various

Treatment Options in Single Family Residential (max. 40% impervious)

For Hydrologic Soil Group A

Annual Total P Removal (%)

Retention / Wet Detention 2 Retention Depth

(inches) Dry Retention 1

t d =7 days t

d =14 days t

d =21 days

0.25 71 90 93 94

0.50 86 95 96 97

0.75 90 97 98 98

1.00 93 97 98 99

1.25 94 98 99 99

1.50 95 98 99 99

1.75 96 99 99 99

2.00 97 99 99 99

2.25 97 99 99 99

2.50 97 99 99 99

2.75 98 99 99 100

3.00 98 99 99 100

3.25 98 99 100 100

3.50 98 99 100 100

3.75 99 100 100 100

4.00 99 100 100 100

1. Dry retention alone.

2. Dry retention followed by wet detention with various residence times.Appendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

271 Table 11.7-15

Removal Efficiencies for To tal Phosphorus Using Various

Treatment Options in Single Family Residential (max. 40% impervious)

For Hydrologic Soil Group B

Annual Total P Removal (%)

Retention / Wet Detention 2 Retention Depth

(inches) Dry Retention 1

t d =7 days t

d =14 days t

d =21 days

0.25 61 86 90 92

0.50 77 92 94 95

0.75 83 94 95 97

1.00 87 95 97 97

1.25 89 96 97 98

1.50 91 97 98 98

1.75 93 97 98 99

2.00 94 98 98 99

2.25 94 98 99 99

2.50 95 98 99 99

2.75 95 99 99 99

3.00 96 99 99 99

3.25 97 99 99 99

3.50 97 99 99 99

3.75 97 99 99 99

4.00 97 99 99 99

1. Dry retention alone.

2. Dry retention followed by wet detention with various residence times.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

272 Table 11.7-16

Removal Efficiencies for To tal Phosphorus Using Various

Treatment Options in Single Family Residential (max. 40% impervious)

For Hydrologic Soil Group C

Annual Total P Removal (%)

Retention / Wet Detention 2 Retention Depth

(inches) Dry Retention 1

t d =7 days t

d =14 days t

d =21 days

0.25 51 82 87 90

0.50 68 88 91 93

0.75 77 92 94 95

1.00 83 94 95 96

1.25 86 95 96 97

1.50 89 96 97 97

1.75 91 96 97 98

2.00 92 97 98 98

2.25 93 97 98 98

2.50 94 97 98 98

2.75 95 98 98 98

3.00 95 98 98 99

3.25 96 98 98 99

3.50 96 98 99 99

3.75 97 98 99 99

4.00 97 98 99 99

1. Dry retention alone.

2. Dry retention followed by wet detention with various residence times.Appendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

273 Table 11.7-17

Removal Efficiencies for To tal Phosphorus Using Various

Treatment Options in Single Family Residential (max. 40% impervious)

For Hydrologic Soil Group D

Annual Total P Removal (%)

Retention / Wet Detention 2 Retention Depth

(inches) Dry Retention 1

t d =7 days t

d =14 days t

d =21 days

0.25 48 82 87 90

0.50 65 88 91 93

0.75 75 91 94 95

1.00 81 93 95 96

1.25 85 95 96 97

1.50 88 96 97 98

1.75 90 96 97 98

2.00 92 97 98 98

2.25 93 97 98 99

2.50 94 98 98 99

2.75 94 98 99 99

3.00 95 98 99 99

3.25 96 98 99 99

3.50 96 99 99 99

3.75 97 99 99 99

4.00 97 99 99 99

1. Dry retention alone.

2. Dry retention followed by wet detention with various residence times.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

274 Table 11.7-18

Removal Efficiencies for To tal Phosphorus Using Various

Treatment Options in Multi Family Residential (max. 65% impervious)

For Hydrologic Soil Group A

Annual Total P Removal (%)

Retention / Wet Detention 2 Retention Depth

(inches) Dry Retention 1

t d =7 days t

d =14 days t

d =21 days

0.25 53 78 82 83

0.50 74 88 90 91

0.75 83 92 94 94

1.00 88 95 96 96

1.25 91 96 97 97

1.50 93 97 97 98

1.75 95 98 98 98

2.00 95 98 98 98

2.25 96 98 98 99

2.50 97 98 99 99

2.75 97 99 99 99

3.00 97 99 99 99

3.25 98 99 99 99

3.50 98 99 99 99

3.75 98 99 99 99

4.00 98 99 99 99

1. Dry retention alone.

2. Dry retention followed by wet detention with various residence times.Appendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

275 Table 11.7-19

Removal Efficiencies for To tal Phosphorus Using Various

Treatment Options in Multi Family Residential (max. 65% impervious)

For Hydrologic Soil Group B

Annual Total P Removal (%)

Retention / Wet Detention 2 Retention Depth

(inches) Dry Retention 1

t d =7 days t

d =14 days t

d =21 days

0.25 49 77 81 82

0.50 69 86 88 89

0.75 79 90 92 92

1.00 85 93 94 95

1.25 89 95 96 96

1.50 91 96 96 97

1.75 92 97 97 97

2.00 94 97 98 98

2.25 95 98 98 98

2.50 95 98 98 98

2.75 96 98 98 99

3.00 96 98 99 99

3.25 97 99 99 99

3.50 97 99 99 99

3.75 98 99 99 99

4.00 98 99 99 99

1. Dry retention alone.

2. Dry retention followed by wet detention with various residence times.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

276 Table 11.7-20

Removal Efficiencies for To tal Phosphorus Using Various

Treatment Options in Multi Family Residential (max. 65% impervious)

For Hydrologic Soil Group C

Annual Total P Removal (%)

Retention / Wet Detention 2 Retention Depth

(inches) Dry Retention 1

t d =7 days t

d =14 days t

d =21 days

0.25 45 75 79 81

0.50 64 84 86 87

0.75 75 89 90 91

1.00 82 92 93 94

1.25 86 94 95 95

1.50 89 95 96 96

1.75 91 96 97 97

2.00 93 97 97 97

2.25 94 97 98 98

2.50 95 98 98 98

2.75 95 98 98 98

3.00 96 98 98 99

3.25 96 98 99 99

3.50 97 98 99 99

3.75 97 98 99 99

4.00 97 99 99 99

1. Dry retention alone.

2. Dry retention followed by wet detention with various residence times.Appendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

277 Table 11.7-21

Removal Efficiencies for To tal Phosphorus Using Various

Treatment Options in Multi-Family Residential (max. 65% impervious)

for Hydrologic Soil Group D

Annual Total P Removal (%)

Retention / Wet Detention 2 Retention Depth

(inches) Dry Retention 1

t d =7 days t

d =14 days t

d =21 days

0.25 43 74 78 80

0.50 62 83 85 86

0.75 74 88 90 91

1.00 80 91 92 93

1.25 85 93 94 95

1.50 88 95 95 96

1.75 90 96 96 97

2.00 92 96 97 97

2.25 93 97 97 98

2.50 94 97 98 98

2.75 95 98 98 98

3.00 96 98 98 98

3.25 96 98 99 99

3.50 97 99 99 99

3.75 97 99 99 99

4.00 97 99 99 99

1. Dry retention alone.

2. Dry retention followed by wet detention with various residence times.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

278 Table 11.7-22

Removal Efficiencies for To tal Phosphorus Using Various

Treatment Options in Comme rcial (max. 80% impervious)

for Hydrologic Soil Group A

Annual Total P Removal (%)

Retention / Wet Detention 2 Retention Depth

(inches) Dry Retention 1

t d =7 days t

d =14 days t

d =21 days

0.25 41 73 77 79

0.50 65 84 86 87

0.75 76 89 91 91

1.00 83 92 93 94

1.25 88 95 95 96

1.50 91 96 96 97

1.75 93 97 97 97

2.00 94 97 98 98

2.25 95 98 98 98

2.50 96 98 98 99

2.75 97 98 99 99

3.00 97 99 99 99

3.25 97 99 99 99

3.50 98 99 99 99

3.75 98 99 99 99

4.00 98 99 99 99

1. Dry retention alone.

2. Dry retention followed by wet detention with various residence times.Appendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

279 Table 11.7-23

Removal Efficiencies for To tal Phosphorus Using Various

Treatment Options in Comme rcial (max. 80% impervious)

for Hydrologic Soil Group B

Annual Total P Removal (%)

Retention / Wet Detention 2 Retention Depth

(inches) Dry Retention 1

t d =7 days t

d =14 days t

d =21 days

0.25 41 73 77 79

0.50 63 83 86 87

0.75 74 88 90 91

1.00 81 92 93 93

1.25 87 94 95 95

1.50 89 95 96 96

1.75 92 96 97 97

2.00 93 97 97 98

2.25 94 97 98 98

2.50 95 98 98 98

2.75 96 98 98 99

3.00 97 98 99 99

3.25 97 99 99 99

3.50 97 99 99 99

3.75 98 99 99 99

4.00 98 99 99 99

1. Dry retention alone.

2. Dry retention followed by wet detention with various residence times.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

280 Table 11.7-24

Removal Efficiencies for To tal Phosphorus Using Various

Treatment Options in Comme rcial (max. 80% impervious)

for Hydrologic Soil Group C

Annual Total P Removal (%)

Retention / Wet Detention 2 Retention Depth

(inches) Dry Retention 1

t d =7 days t

d =14 days t

d =21 days

0.25 39 72 77 78

0.50 62 83 85 86

0.75 72 87 89 90

1.00 80 91 92 93

1.25 85 93 94 95

1.50 88 95 96 96

1.75 91 96 97 97

2.00 92 97 97 97

2.25 94 97 98 98

2.50 95 98 98 98

2.75 96 98 98 98

3.00 96 98 99 99

3.25 97 98 99 99

3.50 97 99 99 99

3.75 97 99 99 99

4.00 98 99 99 99

1. Dry retention alone.

2. Dry retention followed by wet detention with various residence times.Appendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

281 Table 11.7-25

Removal Efficiencies for To tal Phosphorus Using Various

Treatment Options in Comme rcial (max. 80% impervious)

for Hydrologic Soil Group D

Annual Total P Removal (%)

Retention / Wet Detention 2 Retention Depth

(inches) Dry Retention 1

t d =7 days t

d =14 days t

d =21 days

0.25 39 72 76 78

0.50 61 82 85 86

0.75 71 87 89 90

1.00 79 90 92 93

1.25 84 93 94 94

1.50 88 94 95 96

1.75 90 96 96 97

2.00 92 96 97 97

2.25 94 97 98 98

2.50 94 97 98 98

2.75 95 98 98 98

3.00 96 98 98 99

3.25 97 98 99 99

3.50 97 99 99 99

3.75 97 99 99 99

4.00 98 99 99 99

1. Dry retention alone.

2. Dry retention followed by wet detention with various residence times.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

282 Table 11.7-26

Removal Efficiencies for To tal Phosphorus Using Various

Treatment Options in Highw ay (max. 50% impervious)

for Hydrologic Soil Group A

Annual Total P Removal (%)

Retention / Wet Detention 2 Retention Depth

(inches) Dry Retention 1

t d =7 days t

d =14 days t

d =21 days

0.25 54 79 82 83

0.50 75 88 90 91

0.75 85 93 94 95

1.00 90 95 96 96

1.25 92 97 97 97

1.50 94 97 98 98

1.75 95 98 98 98

2.00 96 98 99 99

2.25 97 99 99 99

2.50 97 99 99 99

2.75 98 99 99 99

3.00 98 99 99 99

3.25 98 99 99 99

3.50 98 99 99 99

3.75 98 99 99 99

4.00 99 99 99 100

1. Dry retention alone.

2. Dry retention followed by wet detention with various residence times.Appendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

283 Table 11.7-27

Removal Efficiencies for To tal Phosphorus Using Various

Treatment Options in Highw ay (max. 50% impervious)

for Hydrologic Soil Group B

Annual Total P Removal (%)

Retention / Wet Detention 2 Retention Depth

(inches) Dry Retention 1

t d =7 days t

d =14 days t

d =21 days

0.25 50 77 81 82

0.50 70 86 89 89

0.75 80 91 92 93

1.00 86 93 94 95

1.25 89 95 96 96

1.50 91 96 97 97

1.75 93 97 97 97

2.00 94 97 98 98

2.25 95 98 98 98

2.50 96 98 98 98

2.75 96 98 99 99

3.00 97 98 99 99

3.25 97 99 99 99

3.50 97 99 99 99

3.75 98 99 99 99

4.00 98 99 99 99

1. Dry retention alone.

2. Dry retention followed by wet detention with various residence times.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

284 Table 11.7-28

Removal Efficiencies for To tal Phosphorus Using Various

Treatment Options in Highw ay (max. 50% impervious)

for Hydrologic Soil Group C

Annual Total P Removal (%)

Retention / Wet Detention 2 Retention Depth

(inches) Dry Retention 1

t d =7 days t

d =14 days t

d =21 days

0.25 47 76 79 81

0.50 65 84 87 88

0.75 76 89 91 91

1.00 83 92 93 94

1.25 87 94 95 95

1.50 89 95 96 96

1.75 91 96 97 97

2.00 93 97 97 97

2.25 94 97 98 98

2.50 95 98 98 98

2.75 96 98 98 98

3.00 96 98 98 99

3.25 97 98 99 99

3.50 97 99 99 99

3.75 97 99 99 99

4.00 98 99 99 99

1. Dry retention alone.

2. Dry retention followed by wet detention with various residence times.Appendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

285 Table 11.7-29

Removal Efficiencies for To tal Phosphorus Using Various

Treatment Options in Highw ay (max. 50% impervious)

for Hydrologic Soil Group D

Annual Total P Removal (%)

Retention / Wet Detention 2 Retention Depth

(inches) Dry Retention 1

t d =7 days t

d =14 days t

d =21 days

0.25 44 74 78 80

0.50 63 83 86 87

0.75 74 88 90 91

1.00 81 91 93 93

1.25 85 93 94 95

1.50 89 95 96 96

1.75 91 96 96 97

2.00 92 96 97 97

2.25 93 97 97 98

2.50 94 97 98 98

2.75 95 98 98 98

3.00 96 98 98 99

3.25 96 98 99 99

3.50 97 98 99 99

3.75 97 99 99 99

4.00 97 99 99 99

1. Dry retention alone.

2. Dry retention followed by wet detention with various residence times.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

286 Table 11.7-30

Removal Efficiencies for To tal Phosphorus Using Various

Treatment Options in Hig hway (max. 75% impervious)

for Hydrologic Soil Group A

Annual Total P Removal (%)

Retention / Wet Detention 2 Retention Depth

(inches) Dry Retention 1

t d =7 days t

d =14 days t

d =21 days

0.25 41 73 77 79

0.50 65 84 86 87

0.75 76 89 91 91

1.00 83 92 93 94

1.25 88 95 95 96

1.50 91 96 96 97

1.75 93 97 97 97

2.00 94 97 98 98

2.25 95 98 98 98

2.50 96 98 98 99

2.75 97 98 99 99

3.00 97 99 99 99

3.25 97 99 99 99

3.50 98 99 99 99

3.75 98 99 99 99

4.00 98 99 99 99

1. Dry retention alone.

2. Dry retention followed by wet detention with various residence times.Appendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

287 Table 11.7-31

Removal Efficiencies for To tal Phosphorus Using Various

Treatment Options in Highw ay (max. 75% impervious)

for Hydrologic Soil Group B

Annual Total P Removal (%)

Retention / Wet Detention 2 Retention Depth

(inches) Dry Retention 1

t d =7 days t

d =14 days t

d =21 days

0.25 41 73 77 79

0.50 63 83 86 87

0.75 74 88 90 91

1.00 81 91 93 93

1.25 87 94 95 95

1.50 89 95 96 96

1.75 92 96 97 97

2.00 93 97 97 98

2.25 94 97 98 98

2.50 95 98 98 98

2.75 96 98 98 99

3.00 97 98 99 99

3.25 97 99 99 99

3.50 97 99 99 99

3.75 98 99 99 99

4.00 98 99 99 99

1. Dry retention alone.

2. Dry retention followed by wet detention with various residence times.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

288 Table 11.7-32

Removal Efficiencies for To tal Phosphorus Using Various

Treatment Options in Highw ay (max. 75% impervious)

for Hydrologic Soil Group C

Annual Total P Removal (%)

Retention / Wet Detention 2 Retention Depth

(inches) Dry Retention 1

t d =7 days t

d =14 days t

d =21 days

0.25 39 72 77 78

0.50 62 82 85 86

0.75 72 87 89 90

1.00 80 91 92 93

1.25 85 93 94 95

1.50 88 95 95 96

1.75 91 96 97 97

2.00 92 97 97 97

2.25 94 97 98 98

2.50 95 98 98 98

2.75 96 98 98 98

3.00 96 98 99 99

3.25 97 98 99 99

3.50 97 99 99 99

3.75 97 99 99 99

4.00 98 99 99 99

1. Dry retention alone.

2. Dry retention followed by wet detention with various residence times.Appendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

289 Table 11.7-33

Removal Efficiencies for To tal Phosphorus Using Various

Treatment Options in Highw ay (max. 75% impervious)

for Hydrologic Soil Group D

Annual Total P Removal (%)

Retention / Wet Detention 2 Retention Depth

(inches) Dry Retention 1

t d =7 days t

d =14 days t

d =21 days

0.25 38 72 76 78

0.50 61 82 85 86

0.75 71 87 89 90

1.00 79 90 92 93

1.25 84 93 94 94

1.50 88 94 95 96

1.75 90 96 96 97

2.00 92 96 97 97

2.25 94 97 98 98

2.50 94 97 98 98

2.75 95 98 98 98

3.00 96 98 98 99

3.25 97 98 99 99

3.50 97 99 99 99

3.75 97 99 99 99

4.00 98 99 99 99

1. Dry retention alone.

2. Dry retention followed by wet detention with various residence times.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

290 Complete Rewording of Appendix K

APPENDIX K

LEGAL DESCRIPTION

LAKE APOPKA HYDROLOGIC BASIN

Begin at the Northeast corner of Section 29, Town ship 22 South, Range 28 East; thence South along the

Section lines to the Southeast corner of the Northeast quarter of Section 32, Township 22 South, Range

28 East; thence west along the quarter section line to the Southeast corner of the Northwest quarter of

Section 31, Township 22 South, Range 28 East; then ce South along the quarter section line to the

Southeast corner of the Southw est quarter of Section 31, Townsh ip 22 South, Range 28 East; thence

West along the Section lines to the Southwest corner of the Southeast quarter of Section 36, Township

22 South, Range 27 East; thence South along the quarter section line to the Southeast corner of the

Southwest quarter of Section 1, Town ship 23 South, Range 27 East; then ce West along the Section line

to the Southeast corner of Sect ion 2, Township 23 South, Range 27 Ea st; thence South along the Section

line to the Southeast corner of Section 11, Township 23 South, Range 27 East; thence West along the

Section lines to the Southeast corner of the Sout hwest quarter of Section 7, Township 23 South, Range

27 East; thence South along the quarter section line to the Southeast corner of the Northeast quarter of

the Northwest quarter of Section 18, Township 23 South, Range 27 East; thence West along the south

line of the Northeast quarter of the Northwest quarte r and along the south line of the Northwest quarter

of the Northwest quarter, to the S outhwest corner of the Northwest qua rter of the Northwest quarter of

Section 18, Township 23 South, Range 27 East; thence North along the Section line to the Southwest

corner of Section 7, Township 23 South, Range 27 East: thence West along the Section line to the

Southwest corner of the Southeast quarter of Section 12, Town ship 23 South, Range 26 East; thence

North along the quarter section line to the Southeast corner of the Southwest quarter of Section 1,

Township 23 South, Range 26 East; thence West along th e Section lines to the Southwest corner of the

Southeast quarter of Section 6, To wnship 23 South, Range 26 East; thence North along the quarter

section line to the Northwest corner of the Northeas t quarter of Section 6, Township 23 South, Range 26

East; thence East along the Section line to the So uthwest corner of Sect ion 32, Township 22 South,

Range 26 East; thence North along the Section line to the Northwest corner of Section 32, Township 22

South, Range 26 East; thence East along the Sectio n line to the Southwest corner of Section 28,

Township 22 South, Range 26 East; thence North along th e Section line to the Southeast corner of theAppendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

291 Northeast Quarter of Section 5, Township 22 Sout h, Range 26 East; thence West along the quarter

section line to the Southwest corner of the Northw est Quarter of Section 5, Township 22 South, Range

26 East; thence North along the Section lines to th e Northwest corner of Section 32, Township 21

South, Range 26 East; thence East along the Secti on line to the Northeast corner of the Northwest

quarter of Section 32, Township 21 South, Range 26 Ea st; thence North along the quarter section lines

to the Northwest corner of the Northeast quarter of Section 20, Township 21 South, Range 26 East;

thence East along the Section line to the Southwes t corner of Section 16, Township 21 South, Range 26

East; thence North along the Section line to the No rthwest corner of Section 16, Township 21 South,

Range 26 East; thence East along the Section line to the Southwest corner of the Southeast quarter of

Section 9, Township 21 South, Range 26 East; thence North along the quarter section line to the

Northwest corner of the Southeas t quarter of Section 4, Township 21 South, Range 26 East; thence

West along the quarter section line to the Southw est corner of the Northw est quarter of Section 4,

Township 21 South, Range 26 East; thence North along the Section line to the Northwest corner of

Section 4, Township 21 South, Range 26 East and th e South line of Section 33, Township 20 South,

Range 26 East; thence West along said South line to the Southwest corner of said Section 33, Township

20 South, Range 26 East; thence North along the secti on lines to the Northwest corner of Section 28,

Township 20 South, Range 26 East; thence East along the section lines to the Southwest corner of the

Southeast quarter of Section 24, Township 20 Sout h, Range 26 East; thence North along the quarter

section line to the Northwest corner of the Sout heast quarter of Section 24, Township 20 South, Range

26 East; thence East along the quarter section line to the Northeast corner of the Southeast quarter of

Section 24, Township 20 South, Range 26 East; thence North along the Section line to the Northwest

corner of Section 19, Township 20 South, Range 27 Ea st; thence East along the Section lines to the

Northwest corner of Section 21, Township 20 South, Range 27 East; thence North along the Section line

to the Northwest corner of the Southwest quarter of Section 16, Township 20 South, Range 27 East;

thence East along the quarter section line to the Northeast corner of the Southeast quarter of Section 16,

Township 20 South, Range 27 East; thence North along the Section line to the Northwest corner of

Section 15, Township 20 South, Range 27 East; thence East along the Section line to the Northeast

corner of Section 14, Township 20 South, Range 27 Ea st; thence South along th e Section lines to the

Southeast corner of Section 23, Town ship 20 South, Range 27 East; thence West along the Section line

to the Southwest corner of the Southeast quarter of Secti on 23, Township 20 South, Range 27 East;SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

292 thence South along the quarter section line to the No rthwest corner of the Northeast quarter of Section

35, Township 20 South, Range 27 East; thence East along the Section line to th e Northeast corner of

Section 35, Township 20 South, Range 27 East; thence South along the Section line to the Southeast

corner of Section 35, Township 20 South, Range 27 Ea st; thence East along the Section line to the

Southwest corner of the Southeast quarter of Section 36, Town ship 20 South, Range 27 East; thence

North along the quarter section line to the Northwest corner of the Southeast quarter of Section 36,

Township 20 South, Range 27 East; thence East along th e quarter section line to the Northeast corner of

the Southeast quarter of Section 36, Township 20 S outh, Range 27 East; thence North along the Section

line to the Northwest corner of Section 31, Townsh ip 20 South, Range 28 East; thence East along the

Section lines to the Northeast corner of the Northw est quarter of Section 33, Township 20 South, Range

28 East; thence South along the quarter section lines to the Southeast corner of the Southwest quarter of

Section 9, Township 21 South, Range 28 East; thence East along the Section line to the Northwest

corner of the Northeast quarter of the Northeas t quarter of Section 16, Township 21 South, Range 28

East; thence South along the quarter-quarter Secti on lines to the Southwest corner of the Southeast

quarter of the Southeast quarter of Section 16, Township 21 South, Range 28 East; thence West along

the Section line to the Southwest corner of the Southeast quarter of Section 16, Township 21 South,

Range 28 East; thence South along the quarter sectio n line to the Southeast corner of the Southwest

quarter of Section 21, Township 21 South, Range 28 East; thence West along the Section line to the

Southeast corner of Section 20, Town ship 21 South, Range 28 East; thence South along the Section line

to the Southeast corner of Section 32, Township 21 South, Range 28 East; thence West along the

Section line to the Southwest corner of the Southe ast quarter of Section 32, Township 21 South, Range

28 East; thence South along the quarter section line to the Southwest corner of the Northeast quarter of

Section 8, Township 22 South, Rang e 28 East; thence East along the quarter section line to the

Southeast corner of the Northeast quarter of S ection 8, Township 22 South, Range 28 East; thence

South along the Section line to the Southeast corn er of Section 8, Township 22 South, Range 28 East;

thence West along the Section line to the Southeas t corner of Section 7, Township 22 South, Range 28

East; thence South along the Secti on line to the Southeast corner of the Northeast quarter of Section 18,

Township 22 South, Range 28 East; thence West along the quarter section line to the Northeast corner

of the Southeast quarter of Section 13, Township 22 South, Range 27 East; thence South along the

Section line to the Southeast corner of Secti on 13, Township 22 South, Range 27 East; thence WestAppendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

293 along the Section line to the Southwest corner of the Southeast quarter of Section 13, Township 22

South, Range 27 East; thence South along the quarter section line to the Northwest corner of the

Northeast quarter of Section 25, Township 22 South, Range 27 East; thence East along the Section lines

to the Northeast corner of Section 29, Township 22 South, Range 28 East, and the Point of Beginning.

NOTE: This description is based on U.S. Ge ological Survey 7.5 minute series quadrangle

maps and St. Johns River Water Manageme nt District Hydrologic Basin maps.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

294 ST. JOHNS RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

RULE TITLE: RULE No.:

Policy and Purpose 40C-41.011, F.A.C.

Basin Boundaries 40C-41.023, F.A.C.

Implementation 40C-41.033, F.A.C.

Application of Chapter 40C-41.043, F.A.C.

Exemptions 40C-41.051, F.A.C.

Conditions for Issuance of Permits 40C-41.063, F.A.C.

40C-41.011 Policy and Purpose. The rules in th is chapter establish additional surface water

management standards and criteria for the U pper St. Johns River Hydrologic Basin, the

Ocklawaha River Hydrologic Basin, the Wekiva River Hydrologic Basin, the

Econlockhatchee River Hydrologic Basin, the Tomoka River Hydrologic Basin, the Spruce

Creek Hydrologic Basin, and the Sensitive Karst Areas Ba sin, and the Lake Apopka

Hydrologic Basin, which insure that development within the basins incorporates the

appropriate water quantity an d water quality control and other environmental measures

necessary to protect the integrity of the p ublic investments in the basins and which

minimizes adverse impacts to the water resources of the District. Standards and criteria

delineated in this chapter are in addition to th ose criteria specified in chapters 40C-4, 40C40, and 40C-42, and 40C-44, F.A.C., in accordance with 40C-41.043, F.A.C. The standards,

criteria, exemptions, and additional requir ements specified in this chapter are not

intended to supersede or rescind the terms and conditions of any valid surface water

management permit issued by the District prior to the effective date of this chapter.

Specific Authority 373.044, 373.113, 373.171, 373.415 FS. Law Implemented 373.413,

373.415, 373.416, 373.418, 373.426, 373.461 FS. History--New 12-7- 83, Amended 5-17-87, 8-

30-88, 4-3-91, 9-25-91, 11-25-98,3-07-03

.Appendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

295 40C-41.023 Basin Boundaries.

(1) through (6) No change.

Insert Figure 41-5

(7) The Lake Apopka Hydrologic Basin is that area generally depicted in Figure

41-5 and defined in Applicant’s Handbook, Appe ndix K as incorporated by reference in

rule 40C-4.091, F.A.C.

Specific Authority 373.044, 373.113, 373.171 FS. Law Implemented 373.413, 373.416, 373.426

FS. History--New 12-7-83, Amended 5- 17-87, 4-3-91, 9-25-91, 11-25-98, 3-07-03

.

40C-41.033 Implementation.

(1) The effective date of this chapter is December 7, 1983, for the criteria of

subsections 40C-41.063(1) and (2); May 17, 1987, for the standards of paragraphs 40C41.063(3)(a) and (b); August 30, 1988, for the standards and criteria of paragraphs 40C41.063(3)(c), (d) and (e); April 3, 1991, for the standards and criteria in subsection 40C41.063(5); and September 25, 1991 for the criteria of subsection 40 C-41.063(7), and 11-25-

98 for the criteria of subsection 40C-41.063( 6), and March 7, 2003, for the standards and

criteria in subs ection 40C-41.063(8)

. (2) No change.

Specific Authority 373.044, 373.113, 373.171 373.415 FS. Law Implemented 373.413, 373.415,

373.416, 373.426, 373.461 FS. History--New 12-7-83, Amen ded 5-17-87, 8-30-88, 4-3-91, 9-25-

91, 11-25-98, 3-07-03

.

40C-41.043 Application of Chapter.

(1) All projects located within the Uppe r St. Johns River Hydrologic Basin, the

Ocklawaha River Hydrologic Basin, the Wekiva River Hydrologic Basin, or the

Econlockhatchee River Hydrologic Basin, the Tomoka River Hydrologic Basin, or theSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

296 Spruce Creek Hydrologic Basin, or the Lake Apopka Hydrologic Basin, requiring permits

pursuant to rule 40C-4.041, F.A.C., shall be constructed, operated, maintained, altered,

abandoned and removed in accordance with th e standards and criteria specified in rules

40C-41.063, and either sections 40C-4.301 and 40C-4.302, or 40C-40.302, and 40C

- 41.063,

F.A.C., unless specifically exempted in rule 40C-41.051, F.A.C., or otherwise provided in

subsection 40C-41.043(3) or 40C-41.043(4), F.A.C . The most restrictive criteria will be

applicable unless the applicant provides reasonable assurance that the purposes and intent

of this chapter and chapter 40C-4, F.A.C., will be fulfilled using alternate criteria.

(2) No change.

(3) Stormwater management systems requiring permits pursuant to rule 40C42.022, F.A.C., that will be located within the Lake Apopka Hydrologic Basin or will

discharge water to Lake Apopka or its tributaries, shall be constructed, operated,

maintained, altered, abandoned and remove d in accordance with the standards and

criteria specified in rule 40C-42.023, F. A.C., and subsection 40C-41.063(8), F.A.C.

(4) Agricultural surface water management systems requiring permits pursuant

to rule 40C-44.041, F.A.C., that will be located within the Lake Apopka Hydrologic Basin

or will discharge water to Lake Apopka or its tributaries, shall be constructed, operated,

maintained, altered, abandoned and remove d in accordance with the standards and

criteria specified in rule 40C-44.301, F. A.C., and subsection 40C-41.063(8), F.A.C.

Specific Authority 373.044, 373.113, 373.171, 373.415 FS. Law Implemented 373.413,

373.415, 373.416, 373.418, 373.426, 373.461 FS. History--New 12-7- 83, Amended 5-17-87, 8-

30-88, 4-3-91, 9-25-91, 10-3-95, 11-25-98, 3-07-03

.

40C-41.051 Exemptions.

(1) No change.Appendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

297 (2) A single family dwelling unit The following systems located wholly or

partially within the Tomoka River Hydrologic Basin or the Spruce Creek Hydrologic

Basin, provided the unit is not part of a larger common plan of development or sale, is are

exempted from the standards and criteria in subsection 40C-41.063(6), F.A.C., and section

11.5, Applicant’s Handbook: Management and Storage of Surface Waters. :

(a) A single family dwelling unit provide d the unit is not part of a larger

common plan of development or sale.

(b) Sys tems that qualify for a noticed general permit pursuant to chapter 40C

400, F.A.C., and which comply with the requir ements of such noticed general permit.

(3) Stormwater management systems exempted in rule 40C-42.0225, F.A.C.,

which are either located wholly or partially within the Lake Apopka Hydrologic Basin or

which discharge water to Lake Apopka or its tributaries, are exempted from the standards

and criteria in subsection 40C-41.063(8), F.A.C.

(4) Systems that qualify for a noticed general permit under Chapter 40C-400,

F.A.C., are exempted from the standards an d criteria in Rule 40C-41.063, F.A.C., and

Sections 11.0 – 11.7, Applicant’s Handbook: Management and Storage of Surface Waters.

Specific Authority 373.044, 373.113, 373.17 1 FS. Law Implemented 373.413, 373.416,

373.426, 373.461 FS. History--New 4-3-91, Amended 11-25-98, 3-07-03

.

40C-41.063 Conditions for I ssuance of Permits.

(1) through (7) No change.

(8) Any surface water management system that requires a permit pursuant to

Chapters 40C-4, 40C-40, 40C-42, or 40C-44, F.A.C., and that will be located within the Lake

Apopka Hydrologic Basin or will discharge wate r to Lake Apopka or its tributaries, must

comply with the requirements of Section 11.7, Applicant’s Handbook: Management and

Storage of Surface Waters, adopted by refe rence in subsection 40C-4.091(1), F.A.C.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

298 Specific Authority 373.044, 373.113, 373.414, 373.415, 373.418 FS. Law Implemented

373.413, 373.414. 373.415, 373.416, 373.418, 373.426, 373.461 FS. History--New 12-7-83,

Amended 5-17-87, 8-30-88, 8-1-89, 4-3-91, 9-25- 91, 7-14-92, 10-3-95, 11-25-98, 10-11-01,

3-07-03

.Appendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

299 ST. JOHNS RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

RULE TITLE:

RULE NO.:

Requirements for Issuance 40C-42.023, F.A.C.

40C-42.023 Requirements for Issuance.

(1) To receive a general or individual pe rmit under this chapter the applicant must

provide reasonable assurance based on plans, test results and other information, that

the stormwater management system:

(a) through (c) No change.

(d) Meets any applicable basin criteria contained in Rule 40C-41.063(7) and (8),

F.A.C. Chapter 40C

- 41, F.A.C

. (2) No change.

Specific Authority 373.044, 373.113, 373.171, 373.418 FS. Law Implemented 373.413,

373.416, 373.418, 373.426, 373.461 FS. History--New 9-25-91. Amended 3-21-93, 10-3-95, 3-

07-03

.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

300 ST. JOHNS RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

RULE TITLE: RULE NO.:

Performance Standards 40C-44.065, F.A.C.

Publications Incorporated by Reference 40C-44.091, F.A.C.

40C-44.065 Performance Standards

(1) through (3) No change.

(4) Agricultural surface water management systems requiring a permit, which

will be located in the Lake Apopka Hydrolog ic Basin or will disch arge water to Lake

Apopka or its tributaries, must comply with the requirements of s ubsection 40C-41.063(8),

F.A.C.

Specific Auth ority 373.044, 373.113, 373, 373.171, 373.416, 373.418 FS. Law Implemented

373.016, 373.413, 373.416, 373.418, 373.426, 373.461 FS. History—New8-11-91. Amended

10-20-92, 7-4-93, 10-3-94, 3-07-03

.

40C-44.091 Publications Incorporated by Reference.

(1) The Governing Board hereby adopts by reference Part I "Policy and

Procedures" and Part II "Criteria for Evaluati on," of the document entitled "Applicant's

Handbook: Agricultural Surface Water Management Systems, effective, 3-07-03 11

- 1

- 99

.
(2) and (3) No change.

Specific Authority 373.044, 373.113, 373.171, 373.406, 373.416, 373.418 FS. Law

Implemented, 373.406, 373.413, 373.416, 373.418, 373.426, 373.461 FS. History--New 10-20-

92, 7-4-93, 10-3-9, 11-1-99, 3-07-03

.Appendix A

St. Johns River Water Management District

301 ST. JOHNS RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

APPLICANT’S HANDBOOK

AGRICULTURAL SURFACE WATE R MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

APPLICANT’S HANDBOOK SECTION

10.2 Harm to the Water Resources Criteria

10.2.1 through 10.2.5 No Change

10.2.6 Agricultural surface water manageme nt systems requiring a permit which

will be located in the Lake Apopka Hydrologic Basin or which will

discharge water to Lake Apopka or its tributaries, must comply with the

requirements of subsection 40C-41.063(8), F.A.C., and Section 11.7,

Applicant’s Handbook: Management and Storage of Surface Waters.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

302Appendix B

St. Johns River Water Management District

303 

## A PPENDIX 

## B—C HRONOLOGY OF 

## L AKE 

## A POPKA

Year(s) Event

1821 Seminole village located near lake

1845 First township plats recorded

1893 Apopka-Beauclair Canal dredged from Lake Apopka through Lakes Dora and Eustis to the Ocklawaha River, lowering the water surface of Lake Apopka by 1.2 m (4 ft)

1915 Apopka-Beauclair Canal enlarged and the lake level lowered to 63 ft NGVD 29. WWI prompted the planting of potatoes on the north shore

1917 The north shore no longer farmed because of crop failures

1920 Lake Apopka described in reports as cl ear, with a luxurian t growth of rooted aquatic plants and good fishing

1922 Sewage discharge begins from Winter Garden

1924 Wastewater discharges begin fr om fresh frui t preparation

1926 A destructive hurricane hits, and no rth shore farms revert to marshland

1936 Lake Apopka elevation reaches a hi gh of 69.3 ft NGVD 29 in October

1941 The Zellwood Drainage and Water Co ntrol District (Z DWCD) created by special act of the Legislature. Levee constructed on the north side of the lake. Aerial photography indicates rooted, submersed plants and clear water

1942 Drainage water discharges begin from muck farms. First north shore peat farms operating. Lake elevation reaches a low of 65.9 ft NGVD 29

1942–47 Muck farms expand to 3,137 ha (7,745 ac)

1946 Single-strength citrus ju ice production begins, with wastewater discharged to Lake Apopka. A heavy growth of pondweed ( Potamogeton sp.) locatedSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

304 Year(s) Event

approximately 180 m from shore and exte nding across the entire lake, except where the water depth exceeds 2.4 m (8 ft), covering an area of 8,100 ha (20,000 ac). Water hyacinth very thick around the ed ge of the shore, which instigates a hyacinth co ntrol program, resulting in an unusually large number of decaying plants in the lake

1947 The first algal blooms confirmed by aerial photography in March. 3 5% of fish are gamefish, and 20% are gizzard shad. The lake reaches an el evation of 68.7 ft NGVD 29 in Sept ember and October

1948 Wastewater discharges from citrus concentrate prod uction begin. Herbicide (2-4-D) treatments of water hyacinth begin. Apopka-Beauclair Canal upgraded; 57% of fish are gamefish

1948–50 Disappearance of rooted aquatic vegeta tion, frequent algal blooms. The fish population increases ten-fold; la rge catches reported—69% gamefish. Pondweed completely eradicated

1951 Average annual gro ss income of fish camps about $37,000 each

1952 Temporary control struct ure placed in Apopka-Beauclair Canal. Lake-level stabilization program begun

1956 A permanent lock-and-dam structur e placed in Apopka-Beauclair Canal , and water level regulated at 66.5-67.5 ft NGVD 29. Lake elevation reaches 64.04 ft NGVD 29 on August 12 due to effects of drainage and drought. Twenty-one fish camps in operation

1957 Rough fish (mostly gizzard shad) comprise 82% of the fish population. Selective poisoning of gizzard shad and threadfin shad (1,587 tonnes or 1,750 tons) with Rotenone. Dense phytoplankton bloom follows

1958 Selective poisoning of gizzard shad and threadfin shad (4,535 tonnes or 5, 000 tons). Dense phytoplankton bloom follows. Apopka-Beauclair Canal deepened

1959 Selective poisoning of gizzard shad and threadfin shad (2,948 tonnes or 3, 250 tons). Dense phytoplankton bloom follows. An aquatic survey undertaken. A thick band of panicgrass, maidencane, spike rush, and eelgrass ( PanicumAppendix B

St. Johns River Water Management District

305 Year(s) Event

geminatum, Panicum hemitomon, Eleocharis sp., and Vallisneria americana

, respectively) borders most of the lakeshore from Winter Garden west to Oakland. Majority of the northern shore devoid of emergent vegetation. Winter Garden wastewater treatment plant capacity enlarged to 1 mgd

1962 Gizzard shad comprise only 30% of the fish biomass, with gamefish rebounding at 50%. A dark brown to oran ge odorous sludge blanket enters the lake from the canal discharging citrus processing waste. A report of the water quality of Lake Apopka, by the Orange County Health Department, calculates a biochemical oxygen demand loading of 8,400 pounds per day or equivalent to a population of 49,500 fr om four packing houses and the

Winter Garden Citrus Products Cooperative Processing Plant. Approximately 54 tonnes (60 tons) of fi sh, frogs, snakes, and turtles killed, cause unknown. The algal bloom predominately Botryococcus sp.

1963 Large fish kill in May. Approximately 4,500–9,000 tonnes of rough fish, 250 tonnes of gamefish (5,000–10,000 tons and 250 tons, respectively) killed. Approximately 7,300 ha (18,000 ac) of fa rmland under cultivation on the

north shore of the lake. USFWS and the U.S. Public Health Service report 160 ppm DDT and DDE and 50 ppm TDE in the fat of largemouth bass and 7 ppm DDT and DDE and 8 ppm TDE in the flesh of blueg ill collected from the

lake in June

1965 Nine fish camps in operation, with an average annual gro ss income of about
$11,000 each. The Florida State Board of Health estimates the spawning and feeding grounds to be less than 810 ha (2,000 ac) of the lake’s 12,150 ha (30,000 ac). A moderate increase in vegetation ( Potamogeton and Vallisneria ) along the shore attributed to heavy rain falls improving light penetration. The

lake at elevation 66.2 ft NGVD 29 on October 21

1966 The Florida State Board of Health file s an injunction against Winter Garden Citrus Products Cooperative Processi ng Plant. Large fish kill reported. Water samples taken in Apopka-Beauclair Canal reveal 60,000 ppm DDD and other
DDT-related metabolites, with tr aces of dieldrin and lindane

1967 Governor Claude Kirk appoints a technical committee consisting of 16 federal, state, and local agencies an d advisors. A citizens committee forms to complement the work of the technical committee. Water quality restoration standards set. Laboratory opens at Fisherman’s Paradise Fish Camp, staffedSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

306 Year(s) Event

by permanent and temporary personnel. Routine water quality sampling begun. An estimated 9,720 ha (24,000 ac ) (double cropping) of vegetable crops harvested. Water hyacinth sprayi ng ceases, except when navigation

threatened

1968 Lake Apopka Trust Fund enacted by Orange County Commission, funded by Orange and Lake counties. Restoration project placed under authority of

Florida Air and Water Pollution Control Commission. Farms hire engineering consultants

1969 Winter Garden Citrus Pr oducts Cooperative Processi ng Plant adds nutrient removal process to treat 2.0 mgd of strong waste

1970 Gizzard shad constitutes 82% of the fish population

1971 Experimental gravity drawdown. Lake level lowered 2.1 ft, from 66.5 to 64.4 ft NGVD 29. Alligator, turtle, bird, snake, and fish mortality

1973 A vegetation survey finds only a few sparse patches of stonewort ( Chara ) and

Panicum on the lakeshore from Winter Garden west to Oakland

1974 Four fish camps remain

1977 Direct citrus processing wastewater discharges to lake end. Peat mine begins discharge from Pine Island, adjacent to Gourd Neck

1980 Direct sewage discharges end as th e Winter Garden Pollution Control Facility constructs a pe rcolation/evapor ation system. A spill from Tower Chemical Company contam inates the drainage into Gourd Neck in the southwestern portion of the lake with copper and pesticides from a wastewater pond

1981 Report published by the University of Florida indicates an increase in eutrophication over a four-year period. A major decline in juvenile alligators observed on Lake Apopka

1985 Lake Apopka Restoration Act enac ted which creates the Lake Apopka Restoration Council (LARC). A total of $2.265 million is appropriated to initiate feasibility studies, evaluate restoration techniques, and develop aAppendix B

St. Johns River Water Management District

307 Year(s) Event

nutrient budget. SJRWMD issues Intent to Deny for Duda and ZDWCD consumptive use applications and requ ests Cease and Desist Order and criminal charges

1986 Initiation of Comprehensiv e Pilot Projects by SJRWMD

1987 Passage of the SWIM Act. Lake Apopka named a priority water body, one of

initial seven statewide in need of restoration

1988 Initiation of the Mars h Flow-Way Restoration Pr oject. FDEP delegates authority to regulate muck farm discharges to SJRWMD. SJRWMD sues A. Duda & Sons, Inc. (Duda) and ZDWCD for operating without valid discharge permits. SJRWMD signs a consent order with Duda to reduce nutrient loading. On November 16, SJ RWMD acquires approximately 633 ha (1,563 ac) from Foley and Eric Hooper for $5 million. Approximately 552 ha (1,363 ac) of this acquisition traded to Duda for $300,000 and 749 ha (1,850 ac) contained in their Clay Island Farm. At the same time, Duda gives SJRWMD an option to repurchase Hooper Fa rms (552 ha or 1,363 ac) for $4.8 million. Option exercised; closing held on March 28, 1990

1989 SJRWMD signs a consent order with ZDWCD to reduce nutrient loading. Consent order is challenged. SJRWMD issues a Management and Storage of Surface Waters (MSSW) permit to Duda to construct a reservoir. SJRWMD issues a consumptive use permit (CUP ) to Duda. The SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka is approved by FDEP

1990 A demonstration marsh flow -way constructed to test operation efficiency of marsh filtration. A shad harvesting project begun on Lake Denham to test for

nutrient removal and food chain effe cts. The Brady/RICO parcel of 80 ha (198 ac) is acquired for $83,197 for the marsh flow-way on January 2. The 446- ha (1,100-ac) Duda/Whittle parcel is acquired

1991 Testing of portable barriers in near-shore areas of Lake Apopka to disrupt wind mixing and stabilize shallow sediments. The ZDWCD consent order upheld after challenge; expires 2001. SJRWMD issues CUP to ZDWCD; expires December 1993. SJRWMD issues an Agricultural Surface Water Management System (SWMS) permit to Zellwin Sand Farm. The Lake Apopka Hydrologic Unit Project initiated to reduce nutrient loading to the

lake from muck farmsSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

308 Year(s) Event

1992 Planting of desirable vegetation in littoral zone areas begun. Duda agricultural discharges meet consent order goals. Wilkinson-Cooper Farm acquired on May 15, as requ ired for marsh flow-way project, at a cost of
$669,296.25 from the P2000 trust fund. C.C. Ranch acquired on May 15 for marsh flow-way project at a cost of $669,296.25 from the P2000 trust fund.

SJRWMD issues CUP to Zellwin Sand Land Farm

1993 SWIM Plan updated. Begin pilot- scale mass harvest of rough fish for nutrient

removal. SJRWMD issues modified MSSW permit to Duda to operate reservoir; supersedes consent order

1994 Initial external nutrient budget finish ed, and scientific basis for phosphorus (P) load limit completed in draft. Po llutant load limit for P proposed by Governing Board (Chapter 40C-61, F.A.C .). SJRWMD signs settlement agreement with Duda concerning nutrient limitations. SJRWMD issues CUP to Duda; expires 2004. SJRWMD issues modified SWMS permit to Zellwin

Sand Farm

1995 SJRWMD propos ed rule 40C-61, F.A.C ., successfully challenged by ZDWCD. Conceptual plan for full-scale marsh flow-way is completed. The 21-ha (53-ac) Blunt parcel is acquired on May 29 fo r $106,000. The 73-ha (181-ac) Boyd-Davis parcel adjacent to the fl ow-way is acquir ed for $474,128. Several small patches of eelgrass observed in lake near north shore

1996 Legislation sets a P crit erion for the lake, gives SJRWMD legal authority to set a P discharge limitation, and prov ides $20 million to acquire farmland. In
addition, SJRWMD receives $26 million from the USDA Wetland Reserve Program. SJRWMD issues CUP to ZDWCD. Orange County estimated to be the fourth fastest growing and the sixth most populated county in the state

1997 Design of full-scale marsh flow-way completed and a contractor hired for Phase I construction. The Legislatur e approves $45 million for muck farm purchase. Purchase of 2,128-ha (5,254-ac ) Zellwin Farms approved by the Governing Board on April 9. Purchase of Duda’s Jem Farm (1,377 ha) final on April 10. Purchase of the Gr ower’s Precooler (7 ha), Crakes and Sons (205 ha),

and Clarence W. Beall Jr. muck farms (126 ha) approved by the Governing
Board for $3.96 million, $2.6 million, an d $1.3 million, respectively, onAppendix B

St. Johns River Water Management District

309 Year(s) Event

November 12. SJRWMD renews the Zellw in Sand Farm permit through December 1998. Sixty-three patches of eelgrass totaling 1.16 ha (3.95 ac) and small areas of musk grass ( Chara spp.) and southern naiad mapped in the lake. From January 1993 through Jun e 1997, commercial fishermen removed 5 million pounds of gizzard shad from the lake. Public workshops held to discuss P discharge limits

1998 During 1998, commercial fishermen ha rvested 1.7 million pounds of gizzard

shad from the lake. SJ RWMD closes on a total of 3,889 ha (9,602 ac) of farmlands. Shallow flooding of former farmlands to control vegetation begins. In December, several dead pelic ans found on the flooded farms. The

Zellwood/Mount Dora Christmas Bird Count recorded a North American inland record of 174 species. An estimated 25,000 to 40,000 migrating shorebirds feeding on former farmland s. Drainage begun in ZDWCD Unit II

in October and Duda’s Jem Farm in November to facilitate soil amendment application

1999 In January, deaths of American white pelicans and other fish-eating birds on the former farmlands recognized as excessive, and draining of the farms accelerated to completely dry the area. In February, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) co ncluded that organoch lorine pesticides killed the
birds, and launched an in vestigation. SJRWMD an d the National Resource Conservation Service launched a scientific investigation of the bird mortality

. This pesticide study invo lved the collection and an alysis of more than 1,300 water, soil, and wildlife tissue samples, along with a review of original remediation efforts. Final farmlands purchased for a total of 5,554 ha (13,713 ac) within the North Shore Restoratio n Area. SJRWMD convenes a technical advisory group to assist investigatio n of the cause of the bird deaths. Reflooding of the purchased farmlands delayed until the remediation efforts, if needed, were completed. Soil am endment applied to 797 ha (1,968 ac) of Duda Jem Farm for P control, beginning in March. The site for the environmental education center in the Oakland Nature Preserve purchased by the city of Oakland in March

2000 Construction of the marsh flow-way and spre ading of soil amendment completed. A revised technical me morandum with P loading limit recommendation completed. A Notice of Proposed Rule Development was published in the Florida Administrative Weeklyon December 29. Between mid1995 and December 2000, a P reduction of 34% and improved water claritySWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

310 Year(s) Event

(30%) was documented. The Lake Apop ka Basin Steering Committee for the Lake Apopka Basin Planning Initiati ve, a coordinated regional planning effort involving local planning departme nts, municipalities, Friends of Lake Apopka, the East Central Florida Regi onal Planning Council, and SJRWMD,

established

2001 By January 2001, more than 83 patches of submersed aquatic vegetation with a combined area of over 2.63 ha (6.5 ac) had been documented in Lake Apopka. A bioaccumulation study, including funds contributed by NRCS, initiated in February to evaluate risk from pesticide re sidues through the food chain to fish and then to birds. In June, the Lake Apopka water

elevation reaches a low of 62.82 ft NGVD 29 due to drought. Following a public workshop and a contracted review of existing stormwater treatment criteria, the proposed P rule revisions published in the Florida Administrative Weekly in December

2002 Following receipt of a Biol ogical Opinion from USFWS, a portion of the Duda Jem Farm reflooded, accompanied by extensive monitoring of water chemistry, hydrology, and bird use. Lake Apopka reaches a new low of 62.52

ft NGVD 29 in June due to continued dr ought. To improve lake access for commercial rough fish harvesting, a do ck facility is constructed on the

McDonald Canal. Consultations were initiated with EPA and USFWS to begin operation of the flow-way. Remedia tion of a highly contaminated area
was initiated at the NSRA. Over 9,000 to ns of soil were excavated from a 2.43-ha (6-ac) site at the former Lust Fa rm and disposed of off-site. Final rule adoption hearing for the P discharge lim itation held in December, rule to be
effective March 7, 2003Appendix B

St. Johns River Water Management District

311 Sources (partial)

Brezonik, P.L., S.D. Preston, and T.L. Crisman. 1981. Limnological studies on Lake Apopka and the Oklawaha chain of lakes—4: Water quality in 1980 and a summary of the four-year database. Report ENV-07-81-02. Department of Environmental Engineering, University of
Florida, Gainesville.

Burgess, J.E. 1964. Summary report of Lake Apop ka. Florida State Board of Health. Jacksonville,

Fla.

Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society Web site. 2002. Christmas bird count. Available at http://birdsource.tc.cornell.edu.

[EPA] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1979. Environmental impact statement, Lake Apopka restoration project, Lake and Or ange counties, Florida. Region 4, Atlanta.

Florida Department of Pollution Contro l. 1972. Lake Apopka Restoration Project

. Tallahassee,

Fla.

Moody, H. 1972. Personal correspondence to L.E. Jerome, Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, Eustis, Fla., February 11, 1972.

Olsen, L.A., and B.J. French. 1976. Lake Apop ka, Florida: A review of the literature, 1953–1976, with recommendations for action by the Department of Environmental Regulation.
Tallahassee, Fla.

Rice, K.G., and H.F. Percival, eds. 1996. Effects of environmental contaminants on the demographics and reproduction of Lake Apopka’s alligators and other taxa. Technical report 53. Fla. Coop. Fish and Wildlife Res. Unit, University of Florida, Gainesville.

Schiffer, D.M. 1994. Quality of water and bottom sediments, and nutrient and dissolved solids loads in the Apopka-Beauclair Canal, Lake County, Florida, 1986–90 . Water-Resources Investigations Report 93-4103. Tallahassee, Fla.: U.S. Geological Survey.

Schneider, R.F., and J.A. Little. 1969. Characterization of bottom sediments and selected nitrogen and phosphorus sources in Lake Apopka, Florida . Report for the U.S. Depa rtment of the Interior,

Federal Water Pollution Control Administrati on, Southeast Water Laboratory, Technical Programs. Athens, Ga.

Sheffield, C.W. 1962. Report of the water qualit y of Lake Apopka, Winter Garden, Florida. November 1957–June 1959, May and June, 1962. Orange County Health Department.
Orlando, Fla.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

312 Sheffield, C.W., and W.H. Kuhrt. 1969. Lake Apop ka—Its decline and proposed restoration. In Proceedings from Florida’s Environmental Engine ering Conference on Water Pollution Control 24(3), Bul. Series 135. University of Florida, Gainesville.

Shofner, J.H. 1982. History of Apopka and northwest Orange County . Apopka Historical Society. Tallahassee, Fla.: Rose Printing Company.

Stites, D.L., M. Coveney, L. Battoe, E. Lowe, and V. Hoge. 2001 (draft). An external nutrient budget for Lake Apopka. Technical Memorandum. St. Johns River Water Management
District, Palatka, Fla.

Yates, M.L. 1967. Personal correspondence to B. F. Joyner, WRD, United States Government, Washington, D.C., April 7, 1967.Appendix C

St. Johns River Water Management District

313 

## A PPENDIX 

## C—L AKES 

## I NVENTORY

Below are the locations and physical characteristics of the lakes contained within the Lake Apopka drainage basin.

Location Lake Area (acres) Lat/Long Section Township Range Elevation (ft NGVD) Lcon

Alden 33 28 ° 41'54" 32 20 28 62 4

81 ° 32'12"

Anne 9 28 ° 41'17" 6 21 28 87 4

81 ° 32'46" Apopka 30,671 28 ° 39'06" 29 21 27 66 3

81 ° 39'29"

Avalon 162 28 ° 30'38" 6 23 27 91 4

81 ° 38'37"

Beulah 15 28 ° 32'06" 36 22 27 107 4

81 ° 33'49" Big Breedlove 5 28 ° 36'40" 34 21 26 77 4

81 ° 42'22"

Black 244 28 ° 31'39" 34 22 27 95 4

81 ° 36'07"

Blacks 28 28 ° 33'54" 15 22 26 79 4

81 ° 42'17"

Blacks Still 34 28 ° 34'24" 15 22 26 79 4

81 ° 42'13"

Bonnet 3 28 ° 32'17" 29 22 28 125 1

81 ° 32'04"

Bronson 28 ° 40'10" 17 21 28 68 4

81 ° 32'20" Camp 12 28 ° 36'16" 5 22 26 83 4

81 ° 43'34"

Carter 8 28 ° 38'11" 29 21 28 71 4

81 ° 32'22"

Clarence 21 28 ° 33'56" 16 22 26 79 4

81 ° 42'43"

Clearwater 49 28 ° 40'31" 7 21 28 70 4

81 ° 33'05"

Eva 2 28 ° 41'26" 6 21 28 86 4

81 ° 32'45"SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

314

Fanny 10 28 ° 44'28" 21 20 27 82 4

81 ° 37'09"

Felter 88 28 ° 31'08" 4 23 26 85 4

81 ° 43'22"

Florence 130 28 ° 35'50" 2 22 26 74 4

81 ° 40'59"

Francis 36 28 ° 42'12" 32 20 28 59 4

81 ° 32'26"

Fuller 36 28 ° 39'45" 17 21 28 68 2

81 ° 31'47"

Gem 2 28 ° 40'42" 8 21 28 78 4

81 ° 31'37"

Gizzard 5 28 ° 37'39" 28 21 26 82 4

81 ° 42'55" Heininger 23 28 ° 40'56" 7 21 28 68 2

81 ° 32'55"

Hiawatha 28 ° 41'02" 5 21 28 72 4

North 81 ° 31'43"

Holts 33 28 ° 41'12" 6 21 28 104 3

81 ° 33'24"
Johns 2,417 28 ° 32'06" 31 22 27 94 1

81 ° 37'59"

Jones 9 28 ° 37'08" 33 21 26 79 4

81 ° 42'40" King 3 28 ° 44'06" 23 20 27 68 4

81 ° 35'21" Lily 18 28 ° 32'40" 29 22 28 114 4

81 ° 32'05"

Lost 17 28 ° 31'58" 33 22 26 83 4

81 ° 43'07"

Lower Doe 10 28 ° 40'30" 8 21 28 68 3

81 ° 32'17"

Luntz 16 28 ° 30'38" 2 23 27 104 4

81 ° 34'52" Maggiore 30 28 ° 44'12" 22 20 27 84 3

81 ° 36'21"

Marden 20 28 ° 37'52" 29 21 28 69 4

81 ° 31'45"

Marion 7 28 ° 41'45" 6 21 28 61 4

81 ° 32'38"Appendix C

St. Johns River Water Management District

315 Marshall 55 28 ° 40'40" 8 21 28 68 3

81 ° 31'59" Maynard 15 28 ° 38'40" 21 21 28 66 4

81 ° 31'27" McKay 6 28 ° 41'22" 1 21 27 89 4

81 ° 34'17"

Medicine 11 28 ° 38'26" 20 21 28 71 4

81 ° 32'28"

Meeks 18 28 ° 37'42" 28 21 26 81 4

81 ° 42'35"

Merritt 24 28 ° 38'02" 27 21 26 76 4

81 ° 42'17"

Minore 21 28 ° 44'20" 22 20 27 84 2

81 ° 36'03"

Mud 1 28 ° 42'25" 34 20 27 63 4

81 ° 35'50"

Mud 4 28 ° 40'40" 7 21 28 69 4

81 ° 32'48"

Mud Bottom 1 28 ° 37'04" 33 21 26 79 4

81 ° 42'25" Opal 6 28 ° 39'20" 16 21 28 83 4

81 ° 31'12"

Peach 8 28 ° 35'01" 8 22 28 148 4

81 ° 31'55"

Pearl 16 28 ° 32'28" 29 22 28 116 4

81 ° 31'59''

Pearl 6 28 ° 41'26" 5 21 28 61 4

81 ° 32'07" Pretty 9 28 ° 43'32" 22 20 26 79 4

81 ° 42'03'

Reaves 22 28 ° 31'32'' 36 22 27 105 1

81 ° 33'52" Roper 36 28 ° 30'12" 11 23 27 102 4

81 ° 34'52"

Rutherford 17 28 ° 38'40" 20 21 28 69 4

81 ° 32'05" Sawgrass 1 28 ° 36'11" 2 22 26 73 4

Pond 81 ° 40'27"

Semmes 25 28 ° 39'20" 17 21 28 66 4

81 ° 32'17"SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

316

Sheppard 19 28 ° 40'56" 7 21 28 68 3

81 ° 32'37"

Standish 50 28 ° 42'02" 31 20 28 64 4

81 ° 33'08"

Swan 2 28 ° 44'02" 22 20 27 76 4

81 ° 35'42" Teardrop 9 28 ° 36'59" 32 21 26 82 4

81 ° 43'48"

Tilden 59 28 ° 31'10" 3 23 27 94 3

81 ° 35'36" Upper Doe 15 28 ° 40'42" 8 21 28 68 3

81 ° 32'28" Witherington 9 28 ° 40'17" 8 21 28 68 3

81 ° 32'13"

Wolfshead 2 28°38'52" 22 21 26 69 1

81°42'23"

Yarbo 14 28 ° 30'30" 3 23 27 94 3

81 ° 35'45"

Note: Lcon = lake connectivity: 1=inflow, 2=ou tflow, 3=inflow and outflow, 4=landlockedAppendix D

St. Johns River Water Management District

317 

## A PPENDIX 

## D—L AND 

## U SE 

## /L AND 

## C OVER 

## C ATEGORIES

U RBAN OR 

### B UILT



### - UP

Urban or built-up land consists of areas of intensive use with much of the land covered by structures and other impervious surfaces. Included in this category are cities, towns, villages, strip developments along highwa ys, and areas such as those occupied by shipping centers, industrial and commercial co mplexes, and institutions that may, in
some instances, be isol ated from urban areas.



### A GRICULTURE

Lands which are cultivated to produce food crops and livestock make up the agricultural category. The subcategories of agriculture are as follows: cropland, pastureland, orchards, groves (except citr us), vineyards, nurseries, ornamental horticulture areas, citrus groves, confined feeding operations, specialty farms, and other agriculture.



### R ANGELAND

Rangeland contains natural vegetation which is capable of being grazed, such as native grasses, grasslike plants, forbs, or shr ubs. Generally this land is not fertilized, cultivated, or irrigated.



### F OREST

Forest land includes areas that have a tree-crown areal density of 10% or more. Land

from which trees have been removed to less than 10% crown closure but which have not been developed for other uses are al so included in this classification.



### W ATER

One definition of water bodies, provided by the Bureau of Census, includes all areas within the land mass of the United States that are predominantly or persistently water covered. This land use classification includes the following: rivers, creeks, canals, and
other linear water bodies; inland water bodie s; commonly termed lakes; and reservoirs and any other artificial impoundment areas of water.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

318 

### W ETLANDS

Wetlands are those areas where the water table is at, near, or above the land surface for a significant part of the year. The hydrologic regime is such that aquatic or hydrophytic vegetation usually is established. Wetlands are frequently associated with topographic lows. Examples of wetlands include marshes, mudflats, emergent vegetative areas, and swamps. Shallow water areas with submerged aquatic vegetation are classed as “water”

and are not included in the we tlands category. Extensive pa rts of some river floodplains qualify as wetlands.



### B ARREN 

### L AND

Barren land has very little or no vegetation and limited potential to support vegetative communities. In general, it is an area of bare soil or rock. Barren land categories include beaches, exposed rock, and disturbed lands.Appendix E

St. Johns River Water Management District

319 

## A PPENDIX 

## E—P ERMITS

Listing of all Chapter 373, Part IV perm its (Chapters 40C-4, 40C-40, 40C-42, 40C-44, and

40C-400, F.A.C .) for the Lake Apopka Basin

Explanatory Notes

This appendix lists permits for nonpoint sources of water pollution or environmental resource permits in the SJRWMD permit da tabase, and point source permits for the basin in the Florida Department of Environm ental Protection (FDEP) permit database as of January 2000.

Environmental resource permit s (ERPs) were first issued in 1995. They are a merger of the former wetland dredge and fill permit issued by FDEP and the Management and Storage of Surface Waters (MSSW) permit is sued by the water management districts. The purposes of ERPs are to protect wetlands and to ensure that construction takes into account flood protection and the protection of waterways from stormwater pollution. In the SJRWMD database, permits are indexed by section, township, and range. As the Lake Apopka boundaries do not precisely correspond with sect ion, township, and range boundaries, there are some permits in this list that lie across or outside the basin boundaries. All permits are currently in compliance, and no temporary operating
permits exist.

Information provided in this appendix includes application number, owner and address, receiving water body, type of use, date the permit was issued, and projected acreage. The type of use is generalized to agricultural (AG), commercial (CM), industrial (ID), governmental (HGV), recreati onal park (RA), tran sportation (TR), and residential (RS).SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

320 Permits for nonpoint source discharges

Application

No. Owner and Address Receiving Water Body Use Type Date

Issued Projected Acreage

4-069-0013A A. DUDA & SONS, INC. AG 10/12/82 470

P.O. Box 257

Oviedo, FL 32765

4-069-0028A SWEET BLOSSOM CITRUS CORP. 3/8/83 50

P.O. Box 129

Ferndale, FL 34729

4-069-0055A ALLISON & DUNCAN RS 11/8/83 14

P.O. Box 460

Clermont, FL 34711

4-069-0087A FLORIDA CRUSHED STONE MI 7/10/84 168

4-069-0087AE 1616 South 14 th Street None MI 9/9/86 168 Leesburg, FL 34749

4-4-069-0089A JALARMY JOINT VENTURE Johns Lake MI 3/12/85 575

P.O. Box 158

Minneola, FL 34755

4-069-0111A ANDERSON PEAT/ SCOTTS HYPONEX Lake Apopka MI 12/11/84 423

4-069-0111AF Route 2, Box 138 Lake Apopka MI 423

Winter Garden, FL 34787

4-069-0132A ANTHONY HICKS Palatlakaha River, RS 6/11/85 63

315 E. Robinson Street Lake Louisa

Orlando, FL 32801

4-069-0160A MONTVERDE GROVES RS 3/11/86 267

4-069-0160AM 5000 South Highway 27 Lake Apopka, RS 9/12/89 39 Leesburg, FL 34748 groundwater

4-069-0169 ITHACA DEV. CORP. Lake Minnehaha RS 12/9/86 61

144-10 15 TH Road (OFW)

Whitestone, NY 11357

4-069-0221A LAKE EQUITY ASSOCIATES, L.P. Lake William RS 6/13/89 113

4-069-0221AM 2 Fieldstone Drive 6/13/95 88

Winchester, MA 01890

4-069-0224A ROBERT A. MANDELL Wetl and system to RS 6/13/89 110 1105 Kensington Park Drive Apopka Altamonte Springs, FL 32714

4-069-0307A DANIS ENVIRONMENTAL MNGT CO. Johns Lake CM 4/11/95 10

P.O. Box 446 Killarney, FL 34740Appendix E

St. Johns River Water Management District

321 Application

No. Owner and Address Receiving Water Body Use Type Date

Issued Projected Acreage

4-095-0010A HOLDEN DEVELOPMENT 2/9/82 45

204 South Dillard Street

Winter Garden, FL 34787

4-095-0028A PREMIERE ASSOCIATES, INC. Black Lake 11/8/83 89

4-095-0028AE 230 Sand Lime Road Black Lake and 2/12/84 35

4-095-0028AE2 Winter Garden, FL 34787 associated wetlands RS 1/14/86 35

4-095-0028AE3 Black Lake RS 4/6/87 27

4-095-0034A WILLIAM COGGIN 4/09/84 33

P.O. Box 1225

Winter Garden, FL 34787

4-095-0059A DON GREER 10/9/84 103

P.O. Box 2249

Orlando, FL 32802

4-095-0082A LAKE APOPKA INC. Lulu Creek, RS 2/12/85 122

P.O. Box 246 Lake Apopka

Ocoee, FL 34761

4-095-0105A BOREN DEVELOPMENT CORP. Lake Lily CM 6/11/85 28

2625 West State Road 434 Longwood, FL 32779

4-095-0105AM SCOTTY’S Lake Lily CM 1/9/90 7 5300 Recker Highway

Winter Haven, FL 33882-0939

4-095-0105AM2-ERP

4-095-0109AG CITY OF OCOEE Lake Apopka GV 6/11/85 236

4-095-0133AC ERROL LAND DEVELOPMENT CO Lakes Pearl, Hiawatha 9/12/85 291 1355 Errol Parkway and Alden Apopka, FL 32703

4-095-0150A ERROL LAND DEVELOPMENT CO. Lake Alden RS 11/12/85 73 1355 Errol Parkway Apopka, FL 32703

4-095-0150AM LEXINGTON HOMES Lake Pearl, TR 8/6/90 39

809 South Orlando Avenue, Suite H Lake Alden

Winter Park, FL 32789

4-095-0158A COMMODORE FINANCIAL SERVICES Lake Alden RS 12/10/85 31

6341 Sunset Drive

South Miami, FL 33143SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

322 Application

No. Owner and Address Receiving Water Body Use Type Date

Issued Projected Acreage

4-095-0179A WALTER DOWMAN Lower Lake Doe RS 11/11/86 10

642 Interlachen Avenue

Winter Park, FL 32789

4-095-0209AC RICHARD AGREE DOT drainage canal to 2/10/87 22

20300 West 12 Mile Road Black Lake

Southfield, MI 48076

4-095-0211AC JAMES GILLS Buchan Pond 3/10/87 278

1570 U.S. 19 North
Tarpon Springs, FL 33589

4-095-0211ACM JAMES P. GILLS Buchan Pond 3/8/88 188

2418 South Blvd. New Port Richey, FL 33552

4-095-0222A PRIMA VISTA UTILITY CO. None GV 5/12/87 37

4-095-0222AM 890 SR 434 North GV 11/5/87 160 Altamonte Springs, FL 32714

4-095-0232AGC ORANGE CO. BOARD. OF CO. COMM. None 6/9/87 102

P.O. Box 1393

Orlando, FL 32802

4-095-0233A DOYLE C. JONES Lake Tilden AG 6/9/87 123

4-095-0233AM2 14201 Tilden Road Lake Tilden AG 12/11/90 67

Winter Garden, FL 34787 2/12/96

4-095-0233AM DOYLE L. JONES Lake Tilden AG 11/17/87 24

Box 44

Windermere, FL 34786

4-095-0243AG ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC UTILITIES Lake Marden GV 9/8/87 700

4-095-0243AGM 109 East Church Street Lake Marden GV 5/8/95 2

Orlando, FL 32802

4-095-0259A RICHARD AGREE DOT drainage canal to CM 2/9/88 14

20300 West 12 Mile Road Black Lake

Southfield, MI 48076

4-095-0308AC BRASHK, LTD Black Lake RES 5/9/89 48

P.O. Box 2062

Winter Park, FL 32790

4-095-0309A A. DUDA AND SONS, INC. Lake Apopka AG 8/8/89 2873

4-095-0309AM P.O. Box 257, West SR 426 Lake Apopka AG 10/12/93 2873

Oviedo, FL 32765

4-095-0318A GREATER CONSTRUCTION CORP. Lake Ola RS 8/8/89 135 1105 Kensington Park Drive Altamonte Springs, FL 32714Appendix E

St. Johns River Water Management District

323 Application

No. Owner and Address Receiving Water Body Use Type Date

Issued Projected Acreage

4-095-0320AC ARVIDA-JMB PARTNERS Black Lake RS 8/8/09 230 120 International Parkway 220

Heathrow, FL 32746

4-095-0454A HUBBARD CONSTRUCTION COMPANY On-site, landlocked, MI 2/8/94 120

1936 Lee Road unnamed basin

Orlando, FL 32789

4-095-0563A-ERP VOSS, TEAL, MACCHI , SADLER, ROSS, ET Johns Lake RS 9/8/98 111 2 South Orange Ave.

Orlando, FL 32801

4-095-0571A-ERP HELLER BROTHERS GROVES RS 1/12/99 140

P.O. Box 770249

Winter Garden, FL 34777-0249

4-095-0575AG-ERP ORANGE CO. BOARD OF CO. COMM. GV 766

4 -095-0587AC-ERP

40-069-0009A JOANNE SNIDER RS 10/30/84 45

345 Wade Park Court
Davenport, FL 328337

40-069-0031A RAIDLE; ROYAL&FEIL; LOUIS Unnamed tributary to CM 2/5/86 66

1416 East Robinson Avenue Lake Apopka

Orlando, FL 32801

40-069-0033A MONTVERDE GROVES N/A RS 2/17/86 112

40-069-0042A AL BESADE Little Johns Lake RS 3/31/87 56

434 Wildoak Circle Longwood, FL 32750

40-069-0073A GREATER CONSTRUCTION CORP. Groundwater, RS 5/3/89 110

40-069-0073AM 1105 Kensington Park Drive off-site wetland RS 6/5/90 303 Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 Lake Apopka

40-069-0079A JIM DURRANCE Groundwater RS 12/5/89 45 18018 East Apshawa Road (Land locked basin)

Clermont, FL 32711

40-069-0081AM ROBERT W. SMITH Lake Apopka RS 10/22/92 73 17204 Fosgate Road

Montverde, FL 34756

40-069-0102A AMERICAN UNIVERSAL DEVLOP. INC. Johns Lake RS 7/15/91 58

P.O. Box 268

Gotha, FL 37434

40-069-0102AMSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

324 Application

No. Owner and Address Receiving Water Body Use Type Date

Issued Projected Acreage

40-069-0116AG LAKE CO. BOARD OF CO. COMM. Lake Apopka GV 3/3/93 5

315 West Main Street

Tavares, FL 32778

40-095-0028A WADE BRADFORD Johns Lake RS 1/5/85 117

40-069-0161AM-ERP

40-095-0075A THE HARKINS CORPORATION 12/16/84 15 549 West Lake Mary Blvd, #108 Lake Mary, FL 32746

40-095-0079A WINTER GARDEN ASSOCIATES Black Lake CM 3/19/86 10

40-095-0109A AGREE DEVELOPMENT CO. DOT drainage canal to CM 1/23/87 8

20300 West 12 Mile Road Black Lake

Southfield, MI 48076

40-095-0122A CROWN POINT WOODS INC. Lake Apopka RS 6/16/87 23

P.O. Box 1547

Winter Garden, FL 34787

40-095-0124AG ORANGE CO. BOARD OF CO. COMM. Groundwater RS 7/9/87 10

40

- 095

- 0124AGM P.O. Box 1393 No off-site discharge TR 3/29/88 8

Orlando, FL 32802

40-095-0142A CATALINA HOMES, INC. Lakes Marshal l, RS 1/4/88 43

40-095-0142AM 644 Ferguson Drive Marshall Lake and RS 2/14/89 43

Orlando, FL 32805

40-095-0155A H. L. BEKEMEYER & P. CHRISTENSEN Lake Apopka RS 4/5/88 94

40-095-0204A ARVIDA-JMB PARTNERS Black Lake RS 10/11/89 115

40-095-0204AM 120 International Parkway, 220 Black Lake RS 12/6/89 55

Heathrow, FL 32746

40-095-0206A BRASK, LTD. Black Lake RS 11/10/89 48

P.O. Box 2062

Winter Park, FL 32791

40-095-0158A WILLIAM LUTRICK Lake Barton RS 5/19/88 11

40-095-0158AM P.O. Box 30004 Lake Barton CM 7/19/88 11

Orlando, FL 32862

40-095-0399AW-ERP HELLER BROTHERS, INC. Lake Apopka 5/5/95 2

P.O. Box 770249

Winter Garden, FL 34777

40-095-0474A-ERP WINSDALE HOLDING, INC. Lake Clarice RS 6/13/96 76

2207 Kettle Drive

Orlando, FL 32835Appendix E

St. Johns River Water Management District

325 Application

No. Owner and Address Receiving Water Body Use Type Date

Issued Projected Acreage

40-095-0475AG-ERP CITY OF WINTER GARDEN Lulu Creek 1/4/96 6

P.O. Box 771005

Winter Garden, FL 34777

40-095-0687A-ERP FIRST ORLANDO DEVELOPMENT CO. INC. Lake Tilden RS 12/11/97 43 201 South Orange Avenue, Suite 890

Orlando, FL 32801

6-069-0124A GOURD NECK SPRINGS, INC. Lake Apopka 7/22/92 24.

P.O. Box 98

Winter Garden, FL 34787

6-095-0016A D.E. DUPPENTHALER Lake Apopka RS 6/11/90 21

120 South Dillard Street

Winter Garden, FL 34787

4-069-0224AM GREATER CONSTRUCTION CORP. RS CM R 4/9/91 163

4-069-0224AM2 1105 Kensington Park Drive Unnamed RS RA C 7/9/90 52

4-069-0224AM3 Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 Lake Apopka RES 12/13/94 75

4-069-0272A LAKE SUE PARK INC Johns Lake RS 8/11/92 40 961 Via Lugano

Winter Park, FL 32789

4-069-0274AC JOOST P ZYDERVELD Johns Lake RS 10/12/93 97

4-069-0274ACM 2269 Lee Road

Winter Park, FL 32789

4-069-0276A THE GREATER CONSTRUCTION CORP. Lost Lake RS 1/12/93 102

4-069-0276AM P.O. Box 3873 Lost Lake RS 8/9/94 118 Longwood, FL 32791

4-069-0277A MONTVERDE PROPERTY, LTD. Lake Apopka RS 6/8/93 430

4-069-0277AE 1311 South Vineland Road RA 430

4-069-0277AEM Winter Garden, FL 34787 RS RA 430

4-069-0326A-ERP CLERMONT GROVES, INC. ET AL RES 2/13/96 299

P.O. Box 770338 RES

Winter Garden, FL 34777

4-069-0340A-ERP MAGNOLIA DEVELOPMENT, INC. RS 9/9/97 57 12543 Magnolia Cove Court

Clermont, FL 34771

4-069-0340AM-ERP DAN DECKER RS 3/9/99 0.1 12543 Magnolia Cove Court

Clermont, FL 34771

4-069-0347A-ERP CONDEV ASSOCIATES Lake Apopka CM 2/10/98 121

2487 Aloma Avenue

Winter Park, FL 32792SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

326 Application

No. Owner and Address Receiving Water Body Use Type Date

Issued Projected Acreage

4-069-0355A-ERP LEVITT HOMES, INC. Land-locked RS 465 119

7777 Glades Road, Ste. 410

Boca Raton, FL 33434

4-069-0356A-ERP CENTEX HOMES INC. RS 11/10/98 175

151 Southall Lane

Maitland, FL 32751-7190

4-069-0359A-ERP ROPER MCALLISTER/6E PRT LTD/ROPER RS CM 6/8/99 223

P.O. Box 770218

Winter Garden, FL 34777

4-069-0363AG- LAKE SUMTER COMM. COLLEGE GV 5/11/99 253

ERP 9501 U.S. Highway 441 Leesburg, FL 34788

4-069-0364AM-ERP JAYMARK BLDRS & DEV. INC. Willow Lake RS 11/9/// 30

230 Mohawk Road

Clermont, FL 34711

4-069-0355AM-ERP DIAMOND PLAYERS CLUB, L.C. Land-locked RA 1/12/99 214 2700 Sweetwater Country Club Dr. Apopka, FL 32712

4-095-0160A P K PARTNERSHIP & MCCLURE Land locked ID 3/11/86 44

7620 Lake Underhill Drive depression near

Orlando, FL 32825 ZDWCD

4-095-0270A JAMES P GILLS Buchan Pond, RS 4/12/88 36

2418 South Boulevard Lake Alden New Port Richey, FL 33552

4-095-0270AGM3 ORANGE CO. PUBLIC SCHOOLS Buchan Pond GV 6/8/93 18

6200 Chancellor Drive

Orlando, FL 32809

4-095-0270AM APOPKA LAND DEV CO. Buchan Pond RS TR 6/13/89 45 2600 Maitland Ctr Parkway, Suite 232

Maitland, FL 32751

4-095-0270AM2 U.S. HOME CORP. INC. Lake Alden RS TR 5/11/93 4

4-095-0270AM4 2600 Maitland Ctr Parkway, Suite 262 Lake Buc RS 11/9/93 4

4-095-0270AM5 Maitland, FL 32751 RS 1/10/95 23

4-095-0270AM7 Lake Arden RS 11/10/98 10

4-095-0270AM7E Lake Alden RS 1/12/99 4

4-095-0271AC ROGER HAYDON Lake Whitney, 5/9/88 455

13700 58 Street North, #210 Lake Rhea

Clearwater, FL 32792Appendix E

St. Johns River Water Management District

327 Application

No. Owner and Address Receiving Water Body Use Type Date

Issued Projected Acreage

4-095-0284A LAKE WHITNEY LTD Lake Whitney, 10/11/88 310

13700 58 Street, #210 Lake Rhea

Clearwater, FL 32792

4-095-0343A ARIVDA JMB PARTNERS Balce Lake RS 1/9/90 230 120 International Parkway, Suite 220

Heathrow, FL 32746

4-095-0343AMK DVLP. CONSULTS. OF ORLANDO, INC Black Lake 1/14/92 230 5728 Major Blvd., Ste. 306

Orlando, FL 32819-7996

4-095-0345A HYDE PARK COMMUNITIES INC Black Lake RS 2/13/90 55

4-095-0345AM 5858 Central Avenue, First Floor Lake Apopka RS 8/9/94 13 St. Petersburg, FL 33707

4-095-0355A HELLER BROTHERS GROVES Lake Lily ID RS 6/11/90 87

4-095-0355AM P.O. Box 770249 Lake Lily ID 7/13/93 87

Winter Garden, FL 34777

4-095-0357A MAGUIRE ROAD CORPORATION Lake Apopka RS 7/9/90 124

4-095-0357AM2 2001 Mercy Drive, Suite 104 RS 11/9/93 90

Orlando, FL 32808

4-095-0357AM3K TEACHERS INS. AND ANNUITY ASSOC

730 Third Avenue

New York, NY 10017

4-095-0359A LECESSE CORPORATION Lake Lily RS 5/8/90 11

1412 West Colonial Drive

Orlando, FL 32804

4-095-0416A HOMES IN PARTNERSHIP, INC Lake Apopka RS 7/7/92 57

235 East 5 th Street Apopka, FL 32703

4-095-0437A IRRGANG PARTNERSHIP Johns Lake RS 4/13/93 54

P.O. Box 157 Killarney, FL 34740

40-069-0171A WAYNE H GEY Jones Lake, RS 4/12/95 83

15211 Vinola Place Mud Bottom Lake

Montverde, FL 34756

40-069-0196A CLERMONT GROVES INC ET AL RS RA 10/11/95 101

P.O. Box 770338

Winter Garden, FL 34777

40-069- LENNAR LAND PARTNERS Lake Fel RS 3/1/99 11

0196AM4-ERP 1110 Douglas Ave. Ste. 2040 Altamonte Springs, FL 32714SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

328 Application

No. Owner and Address Receiving Water Body Use Type Date

Issued Projected Acreage

40-069-0201A-ERP BANYAN CONSTRUCTION Jacks Lake, Plum Lake 1/25/96 36

905-A Jan Mar Court

Clermont, FL 34711

40-095-0012A WINTER GARDEN DEV CORP 5/25/84 56

P.O. Box 1261

Winter Garden, FL 34787

40-095-0023AO ORANGE WEST UTILITIES INC 12/6/85 43

6112 Cheshire Lane

Orlando, FL 32819

40-095-0101AG ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC UTILITIES Lake Marden GV 5/6/87 53

40-095-0102AM2

40-069-0281A-ERP GREATER CONSTRUCTION N/A RS 11/13/97 59

P.O. Box 3873 Longwood, FL 32791

40-069-0282A-ERP SOUTH LAKE HOSPITAL, INC. N/A PR 11/18/97 19 847 Eighth Street

Clermont, FL 34711

40-069-0285AM2- JAYMARK BUILDERS Jacks Lake CM 3/30/99 2

ERP 230 Mohawk Road

Clermont, FL 34711

40-069-0302A-ERP HUNTERS LANDING INC. On-site depression RS 7/7/98 79 222 Capital Court

Ocoee, FL 34761

40-069-0304AG-ERP LAKE SUMTER COMM. COLLEGE Landlocked basin GV 7/22/98 10 9501 U.S. Highway 441 Leesburg, FL 34288

40-069-0316A-ERP LENNAR LAND PARTNERS RS 8/10/98 22

40-069-0317A-ERP 7600 Nob Hill RS 8/10/98 8

Tamarac, FL 33321

4-095-0011A REINER, HARRISON, MASCISLI 6/7/83 35

P.O. Box 217

Winter Garden, FL 34787

40-069-0345A-ERP DIAMOND PLAYERS CLUB, LC RA TR 6/8/99 48 2700 Sweetwater Country Apopka, FL 32712

40-069-0357A-ERP WEST 50 JOINT VENTURE, CONDEV ASSO. Johns Lake 5/17/99 0.4

2479 Aloma Avenue

Winter Park, FL 32790Appendix E

St. Johns River Water Management District

329 Application

No. Owner and Address Receiving Water Body Use Type Date

Issued Projected Acreage

40-069-0368A-ERP LANDES CONSTRUCTION INC. 11/5/99 12543 Magnolia Cove Court

Clermont, FL 34711

40-069-0374A-ERP PARK SQUARE HOMES

5401 Kirkman Road, Ste 525

Orlando, FL 32819

40-095-0189A LEXINGTON HOMES Lake Todd RS 7/28/89 52

2367 Coach House Blvd., Suite B (aka Lake Marion)

Orlando, FL 32806

40-095-0229A LEXINGTON HOMES Lake Alden via two RS 8/28/90 33 809 S. Orange Avenue, Suite H retention ponds

Winter Park, FL 32789

40-095-0266A

40-095-0267 QUEST PROPERTIES Black Lake RS 2/27/92 44 2611 Technology Dr. Ste. 20

Orlando, FL 32804

40-095-0309A SUNBREEZE, INC. Lake Cora 4/30/93 38 520 Magnolia Avenue

Orlando, FL 32801

40-095-0309AM2E

40-095-0384AG ORANGE CO. PUBLIC WORKS DIV. Lake Audie GV 10/11/94 7 4200 S. John Young Parkway

Orlando, FL 32839

40-095-0313A CONFORM INC Fischer Lake RS 8/16/93 70 435 Douglas Avenue Pearl Lake Altamonte Springs, FL 32714

40-095-0393A THE GALE GROUP/STRASBERG CORP. Lake McKay ID 10/25/94 26

2105 Park Avenue North

Winter Park, FL 32789

40-095-0473A-ERP

40

- 095

- 004 0473

- Black Lake RS 2/23/99 11

AKM

40-095-0489A-ERP RAY AND SYLVIA RICHARDSON Lake Apopka PR 2/23/96 1

2009 Lauren Beth Avenue

Ocoee, FL 34761

40-095-0491A-ERP VILLAGE CONSTRUCTION LTD RS 3/19/96 32 921 Lexington Parkway Apopka, FL 32712SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

330 Application

No. Owner and Address Receiving Water Body Use Type Date

Issued Projected Acreage

40-095-0502A-ERP WES BENTON Johns Lake 8/26/96 0

1212 S Binion Road Apopka, FL 32703

40-095-0539A-ERP

40-095-0639AM-ERP CHRISTINA SERV. CO. OF FLA., LLC Black Lake CM 6/10/99 5 203 Pigeon Point Road

New Castle, DE

40-095-0714A-ERP PINELOCH MGMT. CORP. Lake Apopka ID 12/17/97 0

260 West Pineloch Avenue

Orlando, FL 32806

40-095-0757AM2- CAMBRIDGE DEVELOPMENT, LTD. Lake Reaves RS 11/25/98 39

ERP 242 N. Westmonte Drive Altamonte Springs, FL 32714

40-095-0791A-ERP BRITT FARMING Black Lake RS 8/31/98 43

71 E. Church Street

Orlando, FL 32801

40-095-0792AG-ERP CITY OF APOPKA GV 6/2/98 103

P.O. Box 1229 Apopka, FL 32704-1229

40-095-0793A-ERP FIRST ORLANDO DEVELOPMENT CO. Lake Luntz RS 7/22/98 40 201 S. Orange Ave., Ste 890

Orlando, FL 32801

40-095-0795AG-ERP ORANGE CO. BOARD OF CO. COMM. GV 1 4200 S. John Young Parkway

Orlando, FL 32839

40-095-0810A-ERP MI 9/4/98 44

40-095-0815A-ERP OGDEN ORTHODONTICS N/A CM 1

516 S. Dillard Street

Winter Garden, FL 34787

40-095-0827AG-ERP ORANGE COUNTY Lake Apopka TR RS 11/6/98 9 4200 S. John Young Parkway

Orlando, FL 32839-9205

40-095-0878A-ERP JOHNS LAKE LAND TRUST Johns Lake RS 3/24/99 41

1135 East Avenue

Clermont, FL 34711

40-095-0884AG-ERP CITY OF OCOEE GV 3/5/99 0.03

150 N. Lakeshore Drive

Ocoee, FL 34711Appendix E

St. Johns River Water Management District

331 Application

No. Owner and Address Receiving Water Body Use Type Date

Issued Projected Acreage

40-095-0885-AG-REP ORANGE CO. BOARD OF CO. COMM. Unnamed land-locked GV 3/25/99 0.013 201 S. Rosaling Avenue wetland

Orlando, FL 32802

40-095-0889A-ERP GARY SINGER Lake Alden RS 5/27/99 37

2901 West SR 434, Ste. 141 Longwood, FL 32779

40-095-0894A-ERP HELLER BROS. GROVES N/A RA 4/6/99 2

P.O. Box 77029

Winter Garden, FL 34777-0249

40-095-0906A-ERP GREENE, HARRY R. AND JULIA J. N/A MI 7/1/99 53

P.O. Box 55 Killarney, FL 34740

40-095-0906A-ERP KARR, THOMAS, JR., TRUSTEE N/A RA 11/15/99 6

P.O. Box 135

Windermere, FL 32786

40-095-0926A-ERP HESS, MILTON AND VERNA GAIL N/A RS 9/1/99 37

4413 Down Point Lane

Windermere, FL 34786

40-095-0928A-ERP PAVEX CORPORATION N/A 12/27/99 21

2501 NW 48 th St. Pompano Beach, FL 33073

40-095-0935A-ERP BUCKLEY-SHULER PROPERTIES 4244 International Pkwy #13

Atlanta, GA 30354 CM 11/29/99 13

40-095-62480-1 R. S. HOLLAND 11/29/99 25

P.O. Box 77038

Winter Garden, FL 34777-0308

6-095-0017AG CITY OF WINTER GARDEN Lake Apopka RA 9/10/91 7

P.O. Box 1005

Winter Garden, FL 34777

62894

40-095-0892A-ERP

62969

52122

40-095-0652A-ERP L. WARREN/C. COX/P TERRY/J. & J. KIM RS 12/3/97 60

71 East Church Street

Orlando, FL 32801

40-095-0068A THE HARKINS CORPORATION Lake Alden RS 10/31/85 15 549 West Lake Mary Blvd, #108 Lake Mary, FL 32746SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

332 Application

No. Owner and Address Receiving Water Body Use Type Date

Issued Projected Acreage

4-095-0330AG ORANGE COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION Lake Apopka RS 10/9/89 52 118 West Kaley Street

Orlando, FL 32806

4-095-0336A SUNSET LAKES LAND DEV CORP Lakes Roper, Lu, and RS 2/13/90 96

4-095-0336AM-ERP P.O. Box 4429 Luntz and unnamed RS 3/12/96 96

Winter Park, FL 32793 pond

40-095-0829A-ERP EFFIE SMITH MI 10/16/98 36 50 East Myrtle Street Apopka, FL 32703

40-095-0469A-ERP FLORIDA CONF. OF 7 TH DAY ADVENTISTS Lake Roper 12/17/96 655 North Wymore Road, Suite 101

Winter Park, FL 32789

40-095-0482A-ERP

Permits for point source discharges

Name FDEP Number Expiration Date Compliance City of Winter Gard en IO0020109-01 5/1/02 Y
A. Duda & Sons, Inc. FL105635Appendix F

St. Johns River Water Management District

333 

## A PPENDIX 

## F—G OVERNMENTAL 

## U NITS

Local, regional, state, and federal governmenta l units that maintain jurisdiction over the water body and the land within a one-mile perimeter of Lake Apopka:



### F EDERAL 

### G OVERNMENT
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4
345 Courtland Street, NE
Atlanta, GA 30365 (800) 282-0289

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District

P.O. Box 4970
Jacksonville, FL 32232 (904) 232-35940

Federal Emergency Management Agency, Region IV

3003 Chamblee-Tucker Road
Atlanta, GA 30341 (770) 229-5200

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 75 Spring Street, SW
Atlanta, GA 30303

U.S. Geological Survey 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive
Reston, VA 22092

U.S. Geological Survey

Sanlando Commerce Center 224 W. Central Parkway, Suite 1006 Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 (407)648-4090

National Weather Service (NOAA), Southern Region 819 Taylor Street
Fort Worth, TX 76102-6614SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

334 Natural Resources and Conservation Service, State Office

2614 NW 43 rd Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 338-9500

Natural Resources and Conservation Service, Area 3 Office

613 6 th

Street, West
Palmetto, FL 33651

Consolidated Farm Servic e Agency, State Office

4440 NW 25 th

Place
Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 372-8549

Consolidated Farm Service Agency, Distri ct Office

Box 7553
Lakeland, FL 33807 (813) 533-1084



### S TATE 

### G OVERNMENT (Note: s/c = suncom number)

Florida Department of Transportation

605 Suwannee Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0405 (850) 488-3111; s/c 278-3111

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

3900 Commonwealt h Boulevard
Tallahassee, FL 32399-3000 (850) 488-1554; s/c 278-1554

Florida Department of Health 2020 Capitol Circle SE, Bin No. A00
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1701 (850) 487-2945

Florida Division of Emergency Management

2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard
Tallahassee, FL 32399-2100 (850) 413-9900Appendix F

St. Johns River Water Management District

335 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

620 South Meridian Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600 (850) 488-4976

University of Florida, IFAS, Dr. Chri stine Stephens, Dean for Extension 1038 McCarty Hall
Gainesville, FL 32611 (352) 392-1761

Lake County Cooperative Extension Service

30205 SR 19

Tavares, FL (407) 343-4101

Orange County Cooperative Extension Service 2350 East Michigan Street
Orlando, FL (904) 244-7570

Florida Department of Community Affairs Division of Community Planning

2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard
Tallahassee, FL 32399-2100 (850) 487-4545

Florida Department of Agri culture and Consumer Affairs Plaza Level, The Capitol
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0810 (850) 488-3022; s/c 278-3022



### R EGIONAL
St. Johns River Water Management District

P.O. Box 1429
Palatka, FL 32178-1429 (386) 329-4500

East Central Florida Regional Planning Council 631 North Wymore Road, Suite 100
Maitland, FL 32751 (407) 623-1075SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

336 

### L OCAL 

### G OVERNMENT
Apopka, City of

P.O. Drawer 1229 Apopka, FL 32704 (407) 889-1700

Oakland, City of

P.O. Box 377
Oakland, FL 34760 (407) 656-1117

Winter Garden, City of

P.O. Box 771005
Winter Garden, FL 34777 (407) 656-4111

Montverde, City of

P.O. Box 8
Montverde, FL 34756 (407) 469-2681

Lake County Health Department

421 West Main Street, P.O. Box 1305

Tavares, FL 32778-1305

Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District

12547 Woodlea Road

Tavares, FL 32778 (407) 343-2481

Lake County Board of County Commissioners

315 West Main Street

Tavares, FL 32778 (407) 343-9850

Lake County Water Authority

107 North Lake Avenue

Tavares, FL 32778 (407) 343-3777Appendix F

St. Johns River Water Management District

337 Lake County Environmental Management Division

315 West 9 th

Street

Tavares, FL 32778 (407) 343-2351

Lake County Department of Growth Management Planning and Development Services Division

315 West Main Street, P.O. Box 7800

Tavares, FL 32778-7800 (352) 343-9632 (long-range planning) (352) 343-9739 (current planning/zoning)

Orange County Board of County Commissioners

P.O. Box 1393
Orlando, FL 32802-1393 (407) 236-7350

Orange County Department of Environmental Protection 2002 East Michigan Street
Orlando, FL 32806 (407) 244-7400

Orange County Department of Planning
201 South Rosalind Avenue, 2 nd Floor

P.O. Box 1393
Orlando, FL 32802-1393 (407) 836-5600

Orange County Health Department

832 West Central Boulevard

P O. Box 3187
Orlando, FL 32802-3187

Orange County Soil and Water Conservation District 2002 East Michigan Street
Orlando, FL 32806SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

338Appendix G

St. Johns River Water Management District

339 

## A PPENDIX 

## G—B IBLIOGRAPHY

Bibliography of past and current studies of Lake Apopka (April 2002).

ABB. 1998. Phases I and II environmental site assessment reports, Clarence Beall Jr. property. Lake Apopka Restoration Agricultural Lands Acqu isition Program, Orange County, Fla.

ABB. 1998. Phases I and II environmental site assessment reports, Stroup Farms. Lake Apopka Restoration Agricultural Lands Acquis ition Program, Orange County, Fla.

Adamus, C. 1992. 1991 SWIM priority planning process for the St. Johns River Water Management District,

Florida. Technical Publication SJ92-2. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

Addasi, D. 1997. Phosphorus removal by recirculation of Lake Apopka water through marsh area. College of Engineering thesis, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Fla.

Aldridge, F.J., C.L. Schelske, and H.J. Carrick. 1993. Nu trient limitations in a hy pereutrophic Florida lake. Arch. für Hydrobiologie 127(1):21–37.

Alexander, P., and H.H. Harper. 1988 (draft). Pilot pr oject for evaluating the feasibility of alum treatment for nutrient reductions in muck farm discharges. Professional Engineering Consultants, Tavares, Fla.

Anderson, W. 1971. Hydrologic considerations in draining L ake Apopka: A preliminary analysis, 1970. OpenFile Report 71004; addendum (letter), 1977. Tallahassee, Fla.: U.S. Geological Survey.

Ann, Y. 1996. Phosphorus immobilization by chemical amendments in a constructed wetland. Ph.D. dissertation, University of Florida, Gainesville.

Ann, Y., and K.R. Reddy. 1999. Influence of chemical amendments on phosphorus immobilization in soils

from a constructed wetland. Ecological Engineering 14(1):157–167.

Apogee Research, Inc. 1996. Lake Apopka economic analysis. Final report for Contract 96G307. Submitted to St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla. Bethesda, Md.

Applied Technology and Management, Inc. 1988. A. Du da & Sons, Inc. water budget. Gainesville, Fla.

———. 1993. Zellwood Drainage and Water Control Dist rict water budget, February 1992–January 1993. Final report. Gainesville, Fla.

Arcand-Hoy, L.D., and W.H. Benson. 1998. Fish reproduction: An ecologically relevant indicator of endocrine disruption. Environ. Toxicol. Chem . 17(1):49–57.

Arnold, S.F., M.K. Robinson, A.C. Notides, L.J. Guille tte Jr., and J.A. McLachlan. 1996. A yeast estrogen screen for examining the relative exposure of cells to natural and xenoestrogens. Environ. Health Perspec. 104(5):544–548

.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

340 Arnold, S.F., P.M. Vonier, B.M. Collins, D.M. Klot z, L.J. Guillette Jr., and J.A. McLachlan. 1997. In vitro synergistic interaction of alligator and human estrog en receptors with combinations of environmental

chemicals. Environ. Health Perspec. 105(3):615–618.

ATRA, Inc. 1997. Environmental risk assessment of a Lake Apopka muck farm wetlands restoration. Prepared for St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

———. 1998. Comparison of muck farm restoration levels to concentrations in Lake Apopka North Shore Restoration Area. Prepared for St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

Bachmann, R.W., M.V. Hoyer, and D.E. Canfield Jr. 1997. Can watershed management restore shallow

Florida lakes? In Proceedings of the Florida Lake Management Society 1997 Annual Meeting , May 7–9,
1997, Palm Beach Shores, Fla.

———. 1999. The restoration of Lake Apopka in relation to alternative stable states. Hydrobiologia 394(1-3):219–232.

———. 2000. Internal heterotrophy following the swit ch from macrophytes to algae in Lake Apopka,

Florida. Hydrobiologia 418:217–227.

———. 2000. The potential for wave disturbance in shallow Florida lakes. Lake Reserv. Man. 16(4)281–291.

———. 2001. Sediment removal by the Lake Apopka marsh flow-way. Hydrobiologia 448:7–10.

———. 2001. Evaluation of recent limnological changes at Lake Apopka. Hydrobiologia 448:19–26.

Bacon, E. 1974. Oakland—The early years . Chuluota, Fla.: Mickler House.

Baird, R.A., and J.M. Bateman. 1987. A preliminary assessment of phosphorus precipitation-inactivation as a restoration technique in Lake Apopka . Spec. Pub. SJ87-SP5. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

Bartholic, J.R., and R.G. Bill. 1977. Freeze study for Lake Apopka vicinity, Phases I and II. (report to FDER and EPA). IFAS, University of Florida, Gainesville.

Bartholic, J.R., R.G. Bill, and L.H. Allen Jr. 1978. Measurement of evaporation from lakes and ponds in Florida

. IFAS, University of Florida, Gainesville.

Battoe, L.E., D. Walker, and J. Modica. 1988. Interim SWIM plan for Lake Apopka

. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

Battoe, L.E., M.F. Coveney, E.F. Lowe, and D.L. Stites. 1999. The role of phosphorus reduction and export in the restoration of Lake Apopka, Florida. In Phosphorus biogeochemistry in subtropical ecosystems . K.R. Reddy, G.A. O’Connor, and C.L. Schelske, eds., 511–526. Boca Raton, Fla.: Lewis Publishers.

———. 1994. Determining restoration goals for Lake Apopka. Lake Reserv. Manage. 9(2):116–117.

Beasley, L.E. 1998. Phase II remediation plan and Phase IV remedial action report, for Stroup Farms. Certified by HSW Engineerin g, Inc. Orlando, Fla.Appendix G

St. Johns River Water Management District

341 ———. 1998. Phase I final environmental site assessment remediation plan and Phase III remediation plan and remedial action report, for Grower’s Precooler. Certified by HSW Engineering, Inc. Orlando,

Fla.

———. 1998. Phase III remediation plan and Phase IV re medial action report, fo r Long Farms. Certified by HSW Engineering, Inc. Orlando, Fla.

———. 1999. Remedial action report for Grinnell Farm s. Certified by Streamline Environmental. Tampa,

Fla.

———. 1999. Phase III environmental site assessment for Hensel and Rodgers property. Certified by Streamline Environmental. Tampa, Fla.

———. 1999. Phase III remediation plan for Potter and Sons, Inc. Certified by Streamline Environmental. Tampa, Fla.

———. 1999. Phase III remediation plan for Hickerson Flowers. Certified by Streamline Environmental. Tampa, Fla.

———. 2000. Phase III remediation report and Phase IV remedial action report, for World Foliage Resources, Inc. Certified by Stream line Environmental. Tampa, Fla.

Beaver Schaberg Associates, Inc. 1995. Algal analysis. Provided for St. Johns River Water Management District. Shaker Heights, Ohio.

———. 1995. Trophic structure manipulation, phytoplankton analysis. Contract 91W197. Shaker Heights,

Ohio.

Belanger, T.V. 1979. Benthic oxygen demand in selected Florida aquatic systems. Ph.D. dissertation, University of Florida, Gainesville.

———. 1981. Benthic oxygen demand in Lake Apopka, Florida. Water Res. 15:267–274.

———. 1981. Infrared absorption study of humic subs tances from Lake Apopka sediment, plankton and the surrounding drainage basin. Fla. Scientist 44(2):72–78.

BEM. 1997. Phase I environ. site assessments for Lust Farms and Lust/Long Precooler. Orlando, Fla.

———. 1998. Phase II environ. site assessments for Lu st Farms and Lust/Long Precooler. Orlando, Fla.

———. 1998. Final Phase II environmental site a ssessment, Grower’s Precooler. Orlando, Fla.

———. 1998. Phase II environmental site assessment, Zellwood Drainage and Water Control District.
Orlando, Fla.

———. 1999. Phase I environmental site assessment and Phase II final environmental assessment for

Grinnell Farms. Orlando, Fla.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

342 ———. 1999. Phase I environmental site assessment, Wallace Carrots. Orlando, Fla.

———. 1999. Phase I environmental site asse ssment, Marsell property. Orlando, Fla.

———. 1999. Final Phase I, Final Phase II, and Final Phase III environmental site assessments and tank closure assessment report for Potter and Sons. Orlando, Fla.

———. 2000. Phase I environmental site asse ssment, Davison properties. Orlando, Fla.

———. 2000. Lake Apopka airstrip investigation re port, Lake and Orange counties. Orlando, Fla.

———. 2000. Parcel F waste removal report. Orlando, Fla.

———. 2000. Phase II environmental site asse ssment, Marsell property. Orlando, Fla.

———. 2000. Tank closure assessment re port, Zellwin Farms. Orlando, Fla.

———. 2000. Tank closure assessment repo rt, Duda & Sons, Inc. Orlando, Fla.

———. 2000. Tank closure assessment report, Lake Apopka lock and dam, Mt. Dora, Fla. Orlando, Fla.

———. 2000. Final phase III environmental site assessment, parcel B pumphouse. Orlando, Fla.

———. 2001. Lake Apopka airstrip investigation repo rt, Lake and Orange counties. Followup report.
Orlando, Fla.

———. 2001. Final phase III environmental site assessme nt and tank closure assessment reports for parcel E pump station 2. Orlando, Fla.

———. 2001. Phase I environmental site assessment upda te, A. Duda & Sons property, Lake Jem, Florida.
Orlando, Fla.

———. 2002. Phase I environmental site assessment, World Foliage Resources, Inc. Orlando, Fla.

Benton, J., D. Douglas, and L. Prevatt. 1991. Oklawaha basin fisheries investigations: Study XII. Lake Apopka fisheries studies. Florida Game and Fr esh Water Fish Commission completion report. Wallop-Breaux project F-30-18. Eustis, Fla.

Benton, J., D. Douglas, and D. Watson. 1994. Ichthyofaunal studies as part of the trophic structure manipulation

studies. Final report for Segments I–III. Fisheries Research Laboratory, Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission. Spec. Pub. SJ94-SP5. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

Benton, J., K. Taylor, C. Adams, and R. Hudson. 1995. Methodology and analysis of the gizzard shad population of Lake Apopka in central Florida usin g sagittal otoliths. Fisheries Research Lab., Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

Best, G.R., and M.T. Brown. 1991. Development of natural vegetation in the Lake Apopka Marsh Flow-Way Demonstration Project: Phase I—Baseline conditions, fall 1990 . Prepared for St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla. Center for Wetlands, University of Florida, Gainesville.Appendix G

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343 ———. 1991. Research program manual for Phase II: The Lake Apopka Marsh Flow-Way Demonstration Project

. Prepared for St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla. Center for Wetlands, University of Florida, Gainesville.

Biederman, C.A. 1978. Phytoplankton identification in the Upper Oklawaha lakes. Abstract, Florida Academy of Science meeting, Orlando, April 14, 1978. Fla. Scientist 41(Suppl.):d24.

———. 1980. Phytoplankton population dynamics in Lake Apopka and the upper Oklawaha chain of
lakes. M.S. thesis, Universi ty of Florida, Gainesville.

Bill, R., Jr., R.A. Sutherland, J.F. Bartholic, and E. Chen. 1978. Observations of the convective plume of a

lake under cold-air advective conditions. Boundary Layer Meteorol . 14(4):543–556.

Bill, R.G., Jr., J.F. Bartholic, R.A. Sutherland, and J. George. 1979. The moderating effect of Lake Apopka on downwind temperatures . Cooperative Extension Service technica l bulletin 808. Fruit Crops Department, University of Florida, Gainesville.

Boekelheide, K. 1999. Endocrine disruption stimulates reproductive and developmental toxicology to come of age. Reproductive and Developm ental Toxicology, Kenneth S. Korach, ed. Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism 10(5):206–207.

Bowen, P.J. 2001. Lake Apopka North Shore Restoration Area map book. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

Brezonik, P.L. 1978. Apopka report (to FDER). Departme nt of Engineering Sciences, University of Florida,

Gainesville.

Brezonik, P.L., and E.E. Shannon. 1971. Trophic state of lakes in north central Florida . Project technical completion report OWRR Proj. B-004-FLA. Water Resources Research Center Pub. 13. University of
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Brezonik, P.L., S.D. Preston, and T.L. Crisman. 1 981. Limnological studies on Lake Apopka and the Oklawaha chain of lakes—4: Water quality in 1980 and a summary of the four-year database. Report ENV-07-81-02. Department of Environmental Engin eering, University of Florida, Gainesville.

Brezonik, P.L., W.H. Morgan, E.E. Shannon, and H.D. Putnam. 1969 . Eutrophication factors in north central

Florida lakes . Bul. 134. Water Resources Research Center Pub. 5. University of Florida, Gainesville.

Brezonik, P.L., C.D. Pollman, T.L. Crisman, J.N. Allinson, and J.L. Fox. 1978. Limnological studies on Lake Apopka and the Oklawaha chain of lakes—1: Water quality in 1977

. Report ENV-07-78-01. Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville.

Bruderly, D.E. 1978. Lake Apopka restoration project, progress report. Ross, Saarinen, Bolton and Wilder.
Clearwater, Fla.

Bryant, C.T. 1990. A groundwater flow analysis and cost of sampling program for Lake Apopka. M.S. thesis, University of Florida, Gainesville.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

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344 Bryant, C.T., and S.F. Shih. 1990. A groundwater flow analysis of Lake Apopka, Florida. Final report to St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla. IFAS, University of Florida, Gainesville.

———. 1990. Hydraulic conductivity analysis of infl ow and outflow regions adjacent to Lake Apopka,

Florida. In Proceedings of the Soil and Crop Science Society of Florida 49:32–36.

———. 1991. Site vs. regional analyses of the groundwater flow in Lake Apopka, Florida. In Proceedings of the Soil and Crop Science Society of Florida 50:117–122.

BSA Environmental Services. 1997. Phytoplankton analysis for the Trophic Structure Manipulation Project. Report 1. Prepared for St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla. Beachwood, Ohio.

———. 1998. Plankton analysis for Lakes Apopka and Denham. Prepared for St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla. Contract PO11213. Fourteen reports dated from June 23, 1998, to September 26, 2001. Beachwood, Ohio.

———. 1998. Phytoplankton analysis for the Trophic Stru cture Manipulation Project. Report 3. Prepared for St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla. Beachwood, Ohio.

———. 2002. Plankton analysis for Oklawaha Lakes. Final report. Prepared for St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla. Contract SE112AA. Beachwood, Ohio.

Bullen, R.P., O. Jahn, and M.J. Brooks. 1974. Some tests at the Zellwood site (OR-17) beside Lake Apopka,

Florida . Fla. Anthropol. 27(2):62–66.

Burgess, J.E. 1964. Summary report of Lake Apopka , February 18, 1964. Florida State Board of Health, Bureau of Sanitary Engineering. Jacksonville, Fla.

———. 1965. Some effects of cultural practices on aqua tic environments and native fish populations. In Proceedings of the 19 th

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Burns & McDonnell. 1997. Lake Apopka marsh flowway Phase I construction plan and cost estimate. St. Johns River Water Management District Contract 97W151. Kansas City, Mo.

Bush, P.W. 1974. Hydrology of the Oklawaha lakes area of Florida . Prepared by U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with Southwest Florida Water Management District and the Bureau of Geology, Florida Department of Natural Resources. Map series 69. Tallahassee, Fla.

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Carrick, H.J., and C.L. Schelske. 1997. Have we overlooked the importance of small phytoplankton in productive waters? Limnol. Oceanog. 42(7)1613–1621.Appendix G

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345 Carrick, H.J., F.J. Aldridge, and C.L. Schelske. 1 993. Wind influences on phytoplankton biomass and composition in a shallo w, productive lake. Limnol. Oceanog. 38(6):1179–1192.

Carrick, H.J., C.L. Schelske, F.J. Aldridge, and M.F. Coveney. 1993. Assessment of phytoplankton nutrient limitation in productive waters: A pplication of dilution bioassays. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci . 50(10):2208–

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Chesnut, T.L., and E.H. Barman Jr. 1974. Aquatic vascular plants of Lake Apopka, Florida. Quart. J. Fla.

Acad. Sci . 37:60–64.

Clugston, J.P. 1961. The major aquatic and marsh pl ants of Lake Apopka, Florida, and their general distribution (unpublished mimeo to Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission).

———. 1963. Lake Apopka, Florida—A changing lake and its vegetation. Quart. J. Fla. Acad. Sci. 26(2):168–174.

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Conrow, R., and J. Peterson. 2000. A panel atlas of the major aquatic plants of Lake Apopka, Florida, using global positioning and geographic informat ion systems. St. Johns River Water Management
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Conrow, R., W. Godwin, M.F. Coveney, L.E. Battoe. 1989. SWIM plan for Lake Apopka. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

———. 1993. SWIM plan for Lake Apopka. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

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. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

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Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology an d the National Audubon Society Web site. 2002. Christmas bird count. Available at http://birdsource.tc.cornell.edu.

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346 ———. 2000 (draft). Sedimentary phosphorus stores, a ccumulation rates, and sedimentation coefficients in Lake Apopka. Prediction of the allowable ph osphorus loading rate. Technical memorandum. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

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, November 11–16, 2000, Orlando, Fla.

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347 Crnko, G.S., A. Ferrer, E.A. Hanlon, C.A. Neal, and J.M. White. 1993. Carrot and sweet corn yields when fertilized according to soil test results. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 106:199–201.

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———. 1999. Experimental gill nets in Lake Apop ka. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Contract 98W255. Prepared for St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

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———. 2000. Experimental gill nets in Lake Apop ka. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Contract 99W308. Prepared for St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

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Dequine, J.F. 1950. Results of rough fish control op erations in Lake Apopka during December 1949 and January 1950. Florida Game and Fresh Wa ter Fish Commission. Tallahassee, Fla.

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348 Douglas, D., and J. Benton. 1991. Oklawaha basin fisheries investigations: Studies XIII, XIV, XV. Lake Apopka fisheries studies. Final reports for segm ents I–III. Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission completion report. Wallop-Brea ux project F-30-19. Tallahassee, Fla.

Dreves, R. 1974. Archaeological investigation of 8-OR -17: An early aboriginal campsite on the shore of Lake Apopka, Florida. Fla. Anthropol. 27(2):67–76.

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———. 1997. Phase III assessment Lake Jem Farm, Nort hern Shore of Lake Apopka, Lake Jem, Florida.

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352 Gross, T.S., D. Giroux, D.A. Gross, and H.F. Percival. 1998. Lake Apopka revisited: An evaluation of environmental contaminants and associated reproductive anomalies in alligators. In Proceedings of the Seventh Annual Southeast Lakes Management Conference , April 15–18, 1998, Orlando, Fla.

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353 Guillette, L.J., Jr., J.W. Brock, A.A. Rooney, and A.R. Woodward. 1999. Serum concentrations of various environmental contaminants and their relationship to sex steroid concentrations and phallus size in juvenile American alligators. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol . 36:447–455.

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366 ———. 1998. Phase I environmental site assessment of Crakes & Sons, Inc., Lake Apopka, Florida. Tampa, Fla.

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Woods, C. 1973. Agriculture’s pollution solution for Lake Apopka. Sunshine State Agric. Res. Rep. 18(4/5):8–11.

Woodard, A.R. 1995. DDE, DDD, DDT concentrations in alligator eggs from Lakes Apopka, Griffin, and Orange in 1982

. Prepared for Lake Apopka Planning Workshop, Jan. 18–19, 1995, Monte Verde, Fla.

Woodward, A.R., H.F. Percival, M.L. Jennings, and C.T. Moore. 1993. Low clutch viability of American alligators on Lake Apopka. Fla. Scientist 56(1):52–62.Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

369 

## A PPENDIX 

## H—R EPORT 

## S UMMARIES

E XPLANATORY 

### N OTE

This appendix contains, when available, executive summaries or abstracts of reports and publications that have been produced by SJRWMD staff or contractors as a result of the projects listed in this SWIM Plan. Where no executive summary or abstract was included in a report, report conclusions or introductions, if presented, have been substituted. For easy cross-reference, the project from which a report was generated is listed following the citation.



### P ROJECT 

### S UMMARIES

Ann, Y. 1996. Phosphorus immobilization by chemical amen dments in a constructed wetland. Ph.D. dissertation, University of Florida, Gainesville.

PROJECTS: North Shore Rest oration (LA-3-303-M) and Ma rsh Flow-Way Restoration (LA-3-301-M)

A BSTRACT

Agricultural lands adjacent to Lake Apopk a, Florida, have been converted to a wetland with a goal of treating eutrophic lake water. Flooding of the wetland soil has resulted in a substantial increase in soluble P flux from soil to the overlying water column. A series of laboratory studies were conducted to de termine (i) the effectiveness of different chemicals in immobilizing soluble P in recent ly flooded organic soil, (ii) the effect of chemical amendment application methods on soluble P release to water column, (iii) inorganic P sorption capacity of chemically amended soils and (iv) the P solubility change of chemically amended soils as influenced by so il redox potential.

All amendments (CaCO

3 , Ca(OH)

2 , CaMg (CO

3 )

2 , Al

2 (SO

4 )

3

nH

2 0, FeCl

3 , and mixtures of

CaCO

3 with Al

2 (SO

4 )

3

nH

2 0 and FeCl

3 ) enhanced retention of soluble P, and reduction of the P flux to the overlying water column was dependent on the amount of chemical added. Applications of CaCO

3 and Ca(OH)

2 at rates of 7 to 15 g kg -1 were effective in immobilizing up to 62 and 79% of dissolved re active P (DRP), respectively. Higher

CaCO

3 treatments (>15 g kg -1 ) did not immobilize P any greater than 69%, while Ca(OH)

2 treatment at 75 g kg -1 decreased up to 100% of DR P. Reduction of DRP was proportional to the amount of alum and FeCl

3 , with up to 80% of DRP immobilized at rates of 2 and 12 g kg -1 of FeCl

3 and alum, respectively. Rela tively higher amounts ofSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

370 alum were required to minimize DRP concentr ation in the floodwater as compared with

FeCl

3 treatments.

In a comparison of chemical application method s, the results obtained from Column study 1 (chemicals were incorporated with whole column soil) and Column study 2 (chemical amendments were applied to the top 3 cm of the soil column) were similar. Phosphorus flux from soil to the overlying water column decreased with the application of

amendments as follows: FeCl

3 (1-2 g kg -1 ) > alum (14.5 g kg -1 ) >Ca(OH)

2 (11.3 g kg -1 )

>CaCO

3 (15.3 g kg -1 ) >Dolomite (126 g kg -1 ).

Lake Apopka marsh soil had a high equilibrium phosphorus concentration (EPC

0 = 766 μM P), indicating very high water soluble P. The EPC

0 is defined as the P concentration at which the rates of adsorption and desorption are equal. Phosphorus sorption capacities (S

max ) of chemically amended soils obtained from an incubation study ranged from 13 to 44 mmol P kg -1 and decreased in the order: alum > Ca(OH)

2 > CaCO

3 > dolomite > FeCl

3 > controls, while the capacities of retaining adsorbed P decreased in the order: Ca(OH)

2 > CaCO

3 > alum > dolomite > FeCl

3 controls. The S

max of the alum/FeCl

3 amended soils was highly correlated with CDB-Al/Fe (• < 0.01), Oxalate-Al/Fe (• < 0.05), and HCl-Al/Fe (• < 0.005). The S

max of the soils amended with Ca-based materials was also highly correlated with water soluble Ca and 1 M HCl-Ca/Mg (• < 0.005).

Redox potential (Eh) had significant infl uence on DRP and water soluble Fe of

unamended and FeCl

3 amended Lake Apopka marsh soils. Concentrations of the DRP and dissolved Fe at –100 mV in porewater were 8 and 10 times higher than those at 350 mV, respectively. The concentrations began to ch ange significantly at Eh of about 200 mV, indicating that Fe oxidation-reduction processes were occurring. The soils treated with

alum and CaCO

3 were shown to be less sensitive to redox potential changes than control

and FeCl

3 amended soils.

Apogee Research, Inc. 1996. Lake Apopka econom ic analysis. Final report for Contract 96G307. Submitted to St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.
Bethesda, Md.

PROJECT: Socioeconomi c Assessment and Methodology (LA-4-209-F)

E XECUTIVE S UMMARY

This report analyzes the ec onomic effects of converting 14,000 acres of muck farms in the Lake Apopka Agricultural Area (LAAA) to recreational uses and thereby reducingAppendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

371 phosphorus loadings to the lake. Three separate analyses were conducted on behalf of the St. Johns River Water Management District:

• Potential economic losses and other effects associated with a proposed purchase and
retirement of 14,000 acres of muck farm s in Lake and Orange counties

• Measures to mitigate employment losses associated with land acquisition

• Preliminary estimates of recreation benefits associated with restoration of Lake Apopka

Important findings included (all dollar figures are in 1994 dollars):

• Direct loss of $62 million a year in vegetable sales is likely.

• Reduction in agricult ural output could result in 1,160 fewer jobs if mitigation

measures are not taken.

• Direct impacts could result in $49 million a year less re gional output in the absence

of restoration measures.

• Property tax impacts li kely to be modest.

• LAAA job losses could be largely offset in agriculture and other sectors within the

Orlando

Metropolitan Statistical Area:

• New fishing, hunting, and nature observ ation associated with lake and marsh restoration could reach $30 million a year in direct and indirect sales by 2021.

• Lake and marsh restoration could generate 588 jobs directly associated with restoration and another 125 jobs in retail, lo dging, and other services by 2021.

• Other effects of restoration not estimated in this study, such as increased land values
and increased recreation in downstream lakes, could be substantial.

ATRA, Inc. 1997. Environmental risk assessmen t of a Lake Apopka muck farm wetlands restoration. Prepared for St. Johns Rive r Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

PROJECT: North Shore Re storation (LA-3-303-M)

E XECUTIVE S UMMARY

This environmental risk assessment of the Duda Farms property was completed to evaluate potential ecological risks and descr ibe how potential risks can be addressed through site management strategies. Characterization of the potential risks relating toSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

372 past land uses at muck farms on Lake Apop ka is of importance because one component of the current effort to restore the lake ecology involves acquisition of surrounding land

to re-establish wetlands. Removal of land from agricultural production and the reclamation of wetlands around the edge of the lake has two major beneficial effects.First, these actions can serve to reduce the loading of nutrients and other agriculturallyrelated chemicals into the lake ecosystem. Second is the return of the lake ecosystem to one that is functionally more similar to the original ecology. In converting these properties back to wetlands, however, it is necessary to evaluate the potential risks relating to the existing chemicals that could be realized by the organisms (ecological receptors) that recolonize the site. While the general approach of assessing potential risks and describing available management strategies can be used as part of an areawide strategy, the levels of risk and the chemicals of importance are specific to the particular properties being converted. This report focuses on the specific chemical

concentrations and conditions at the Duda property in an effort to characterize the associated risks and describe how these risks can be affected by management strategies.

The risk assessment was carried out us ing a standard paradigm promoted by the USEPA and other regulatory agencies. The basic approach is to use conservative assumptions (i.e., over-estimations) of the exte nt of chemical exposu re that could result for relevant ecological receptors and to compare this to conservative representations of the toxicity of the pertinent chemicals. Wher e this model determines that exposures are insufficient to result in doses considered toxic under the intentionally conservative assumptions, it can be concluded with substantial certainty that the potential risks are not significant for the chemicals, receptor s, and effects considered. Where the model suggests that exposures could produce unacceptable theoretical risks, a critical evaluation of the assumptions used (weigh t-of-evidence analysis) and a consideration of the available management strategies for precluding unacceptable exposure is used to characterize the potential for realizing the predicted risks.

There was only one receptor/chemical combination where the risk model predicted that exposures sufficient to produce significant risks could occur (exposure of piscivorous birds to total DDTs). This prediction was ba sed upon conservative assumptions about the size and type of fish consumed by a great blue heron receptor and about the body

burden of DDTs that could have accumulated wi thin these fish. It is unlikely that birds would find such large fish available as their primary diet. There are available and feasible methods to control hydrologic conditions, promoting lush vegetative growth and encouraging high sedimentation rates. Th us exposure in the field can be controlled such that significant risks levels will not be reached. To verify the attenuation, methods to monitor sedimentation and bioaccumulation can be used. While monitoring is prudent to ensure that unacceptable or unex pected impacts do not occur, the reductionAppendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

373 in risks anticipated through removing the site from agricultural production and preventing additional releases of th e chemicals of concern is clear.

The overall conclusion of the evaluation of the Duda property is that there are no potential risks identified that could not be effectively controlled by the availablemanagement strategies, using natural attenuation as the contaminant remediationmethod for the farm fields. More intensive remediation methods (e.g., soil removal) have already been applied at specific places on the property where handling or management of chemicals was a regular occurrence. A complete evaluation of

remediation alternatives is always necessary prior to recommending a comprehensive solution, and this site is no exception. However, the benefits to the larger ecosystem projected to accrue from the restoration of this property to wetlands is high, particularly in conjunction with the risk reduction associated with the cessation of farming.

ATRA, Inc. 1998. Comparison of muck farm restoration levels to concentrations in Lake Apopka North Shore Restoration Area. Prepared for St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

PROJECT: North Shore Re storation (LA-3-303-M)

I NTRODUCTION

1.1 Area Background—Current and Past Uses

The muck farms currently being considered for restoration were originally part of the lakebed of Lake Apopka. Beginning in th e 1940s, the land surrounding the north and northeast corner of Lake Apopka was drai ned and diked and canals were created for water management. The properties are curre ntly used for agri cultural purposes.

Due to the introduction of nutrients and other chemicals from sources such as effluent from citrus-processing plants and a wastewat er plant, as well as large quantities of agriculture runoff, Lake Apopka is the most seriously impacted aqu atic environment in

the southern basin of the Oklawaha River ca tchment (Hand et al. 1996). Lake Apopka and the approximately 12,000 acres of agricu ltural land under consideration for restoration are shown in Figure 1. The parc els owned by individual farmers may not be adjacent; however, considered together, the parcels represent a contiguous area along the shore of Lake Apopka

The properties, owned by various farmers, ha ve been developed over the years for the purpose of agriculture and in some instan ces horticulture. The following in formationSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

374 briefly describes the historic al development and production of the agricultural lands proposed for restoration.

The 312-acre property owned by Clarence Beall Jr. was developed for use as a muck

farm in the 1940s and has been used for cu ltivating various vegetable crops including spinach, collards, and celery. Carrots and corn are currently rotated on the Beall property (ABB 1998a).

Clonts farms property was converted to farming in 1949. The parcel includes 643 acres of muck soil and 36 acres of wetlands. The pr operty is currently used for farming and management of surface water. Carrots, cele ry, sweet corn and pa rsley are the primary crops (TASK 1998b).

Crakes & Sons property consists of three parcels totaling 509 acres on the north shore of Lake Apopka. Carrots, corn, and radishes are currently grown. Previously grown crops include collard greens, mustard greens, and several types of beans (TASK 1998c).

Duda Farms, Lake Jem farm property consists of two parcels of land developed since the 1940s. Currently, the land and associated structures are used for food processing, vegetable cultivation and water manageme nt. The property co nsists of 2,900 acres including farmland, 200 acres of uplands, 400 acres of wetlands, and 300 acres of sovereign land associated with Lake Apopka (Earth Syst ems Engineering 1997).

Long Farms property was developed for agricultural farming between 1942 and 1995. The 1,000 acre property is char acterized by flat, organic muck soil, with irrigation
canals, ditches, and dirt roads. The current crops are carrots, radishes, and sweet corn (TASK 1998a).

Lust Farms consists of 1,458 ac res of muck farmland, 33 acre s of sand and 1 acre of potential wetland. The property has been utilized for farming since 1942 and the principal crops have been sweet corn, carrots, and radishes (BEM 1997).

Stroup Farms consists of 414 acres on four parcels. The land is currently used for rotating carrot and sweet corn crop s throughout the year (ABB 1998b).

Zellwin Farms began in 1947 on 600 acres of property and has expanded to 5,188 acres on two parcels of land. Approximately 1,400 acres are sandy upland and the remainder of the site is characterized by flat, organic muck soil, with irrigation canals and dirt roads. Crops grown on the site include: corn, carrots, mixed lettuce, radishes, cabbages, broccoli, beets, and miscellaneous crops (cit rus, watercress, cantaloupe, and various herbs) (Golder Associates 1997).Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

375 Restoration Plans—Future Uses

The St. Johns River Water Management District (the District), under the authority of the Lake Apopka Restoration Land Acquisition Project, intends to purchase agricultural lands surrounding the northern corner of Lake Apopka to eliminate a significant source of nutrients (e.g., phosphorus) to the lake. This will be accomplished by the conversion of agricultural land into wetlands. The co nversion will not only reduce phosphorus inputs, but also eliminate a source of other agriculture- associated chemicals (e.g., pesticides) which have historically entered the Lake Apopka ecosystem. A secondary effect of this reclamation will be the expa nsion of ecologically desirable habitat and a recruitment of aquat ic species onto the property (ATRA 1997).

The proposed land to be flooded has been de lineated at the 69 feet above mean sea level (MSL) contour. Flooding will be controlled by the dike and canal water management system already in place on the farms. The flooded farmland will initially remain separated from Lake Apopka and properties will be monitored fo llowing the initial phase of restoration. Long-t erm monitoring plans will be developed by the District, coordinating with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).

Purpose

The purpose of this assessment is to evaluate the current surface area-weighted average sediment concentrations of chemicals of concern (COC) on the agricultural lands of the northern shore of Lake Apopka, and to predict those same levels following remediation. During earlier evaluations for the Duda fa rms property, the District developed bulk

sediment/soil concentrations to serve as thre shold values. The values were referred to as site remedial action levels (SRAL). At the time, the SRALs were not risk-based, but rather selected to reflect ambient levels found throughout the agricultural areas. Any soil sample found to have constituent concentrations above the SRAL was remediated.

These same SRALs were used for interim re medial decisions at the additional Apopka agricultural areas.

Following removal of soil in areas exceeding the SRALs on Duda Farms, the overall surface area-weighted average concentrations of toxaphene and DDX (the sum of the

concentrations of DDT and its metabolites DDE and DDD) we re calculated as part of an environmental risk assessment (ERA) (ATRA 1997) . Upon review of th is analysis and a regulatory determination by FDEP that the co nditions at Duda Farm s were suitable for risk management and monitoring strategies as proposed by the District, the surface area-weighted residual concen trations for Duda Farms were designated as muck farm restoration levels (MFRLs). The goal of this assessment is to compare the surface area-SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

376 weighted average so il concentrations expected at the proposed Lake Apopkarestoration area, after similar remediation, to the MFRLs. If the calculated postremediation concentrations are similar or lower than the MFRLs based upon the Duda farms ERA, then strategies and monitoring plans being developed to manage risks for Duda farms will be anticipated to be applicab le and effective for all of the proposed

restoration lands.

Approach

Sites with soil chemical concentrations of DDX and toxaphene exceeding the SRALs will

be treated as areas to remediate. These were determined to be the chemicals of concern for the proposed muck farm restoration (see section 2.2) . Kriging, a geostatistical weighting process, will be used to ca lculate surface area -weighted average concentrations of constituents remaining in the soil following remediation, to determine

whether MFRLs have been met.

Baird, R.A., and J.M. Bateman. 1987. A preliminary assessment of phosphorus precipitationinactivation as a restoration technique in Lake Apopka . Special Publication SJ87-SP5. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

PROJECT: Phosphorus Inactiva tion/Precipitatio n (LA-4-202-F)

C ONCLUSION

Lake Apopka, by virtue of its high pH and high alkalinity, would make an ideal candidate for alum precipit ation, from a chemical perspect ive. But given its size, depth, and extent of muck, the prospects for long term success of alum treatment are suspect. Proceeding to Phase II may answer the question of whether phosphorus cycling from the sediments could be retarded in a lake with an extensive sediment component. It would also allow the accurate calculation of costs for a large-scale project. However, it

would remain uncertain how well the floc la yer could withstand extensive mixing in the whole 12,150 ha of Lake Apopka.

Battoe, L.E., M.F. Coveney, E.F. Lowe, and D.L. Stites. 1999. The role of phosphorus reduction and expo rt in the restoration of Lake Apopka, Florida. In Phosphorus biogeochemistry in subtropical ecosystems . K.R. Reddy, G.A. O’Connor, and C.L.
Schelske, eds., 511–526. Boca Ra ton, Fla.: Lewis Publishers.Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

377 PROJECT: Implementation of Restoration and Management Techniques (LA-6-802-S)

A BSTRACT

Lake Apopka is a large (125 km 2 ), shallow (Z = 1.6 m) lake in central Florida made hypereutrophic by 50 years of agricultural stormwater discharges from farms on 80 km 2 of drained littoral marshes. The lake is characterized by high nutrient levels, high turbidity caused by algae and resuspended sediments, and almost no remaining submersed or emergent macrophytic vegetation. Phosphorus loading to Lake Apopka is being reduced through the purchase of the riparian farms and restoration to aquatic habitat. Additional management activities to accelerate recovery of the lake are creation of a treatment wetland to remove nutrients and suspended so lids from lake water, removal of gizzard shad ( Dorosoma cepedianum ), and replanting of littoral vegetation. Because of concerns that reduction in phosphorus (P) loa ding will be ineffective in restoration of Lake Apopka, we have reexamined the empirical and theoreti cal basis for P load reduction as a lake restoration technique.

Case studies of control of P loading show that a proportional improvement in lake trophic condition often is obtained when a signif icant reduction in P loading is effected. Restoration of hypereutrophic, shallow, turb id lakes requires reduction in P loading to lower the stability of phytoplankton dominanc e and increase the stability of macrophyte dominance. Several characteristics of Lake Ap opka increase the prob ability that the lake will respond to reduction in P loading form adjacent farms. First, P loading (approx. 0.55 g

P m -2

yr -1 ) to the lake during the last 30 years has been elevated about seven-fold compared to prefarming levels, and P loading is dominated by farm discharges. Second, biogeochemical processes will dampen intern al loading from P-rich sediments after external loading is reduced. The majority of P enters the lake as soluble reactive P.
However, as a result of chemic al and biological processes, almost 80% of the P in surficial sediments is in Ca-Mg-bound (33%) or organi c (46%) forms resistant to rapid biological uptake.

Since summer 1995, trophic indicators (TP, TSS, Chl, Secchi depth) in Lake Apopka have improved significan tly based on an 11-year data set. These changes are consistent with modest reductions in P loading achieved si nce 1993 through regulatory actions. Recently, patches of submersed vegetation (e.g., Vallisneria, Chara ) have established naturally at

more than 20 sites around the lake.

Battoe, L.E., E.F. Lowe, M.F. Coveney, and D.L. Stites. 1994. Determining restoration goals for Lake Apopka. Lake Reserv. Manage . 9(2):54.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

378 PROJECT: Implementation of Restoration and Management Techniques (LA-6-802-S)

A BSTRACT

The primary restoration goal for Lake Apopka was set by the Florida Legislature in the Lake Apopka Restoration Act of 1985, “to retu rn the lake to class III standard.” To achieve this at Lake Apopka, water quality standards must be interpreted in light of the primary problem, eutrophication. Nutrient and transparency stan dards both require estimation of the pre-impacted condition of the lake. To obtain the best estimate of the pre-impacted water quality, we used severa l independent methods and found that their results consistently predicted total phos phorus (TP) values in narrow range (0.008–0.070 mg/L) that significantly lo wer than the current concen tration (0.220 mg/L). Mass balance modeling, with contro llable sources eliminated, resu lted in a new equilibrium

TP concentration in the same range. This range is an appr opriate restoration goal for the lake. Application of Class III standards to esti mated pre-impact TP concentrations can be achieved by use of empirical relationships relating depth of macrophytes growth, Secchi depth, compensation depth, TP, and total nitrogen. Sensitivity analysis using these relationships indicates that the standards cannot be met without reduction in the lake concentration of TP to 0.050 mg/L or less.

Belanger, T.V. 1981. Benthic oxygen de mand in Lake Apopka, Florida. Water Research

15:267–274.

PROJECT: Phytoplankton-Nutrient Interactions (LA-4-104-D)

A BSTRACT

The benthic oxygen demand of Lake Apopka, Florida was determined using laboratory core uptake and flow through system techni ques. The core-uptake for five stations in Lake Apopka averaged 67 mg O

2 m -2

–h and partitioning expe riments indicated that the oxygen uptake was primarily biological, wi th bacterial respirat ion dominating. No significant statistical correlations were found between core oxygen uptake rates and TKN levels (r = 0.33), percent volatile solids ( r= 0.49), or macroinvertebrate densities (r = 0.59). Sediment oxygen uptake rates (D

s ) were logarithmically related to flow rate in the following form D

s = -A + B in flow. Flow-through system sediment oxygen uptake at each station approa ched similar maximum uptake rates of 130 mg O

2 m -2

at high (>200 l h -1 ) flow rates. Lake Apopka is an extremely shallow, wind mixed system and sediment uptake rates are expected to approx imate this value during periods of intenseAppendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

379 wind mixing. The relatively low sediment uptake rates obtained for Lake Apopka, a hypereutrophic lake, su pports the view that during eutrophication sediment respiration is progressively replaced by re spiration in the water column.

Benton, J., D. Douglas, and L. Prevatt. 1991. Oklawaha basin fish eries invest igations: Study XII. Lake Apopka fisheries studies

. Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission completion report. Wallop-Breaux project F-30-18.

PROJECT: Fishery (LA-4-107-D)

A BSTRACT

Since 1957, the limnetic fish population of Lake Apopka has been found to be dominated by gizzard and threadfin shad . The littoral zone was dominated by centrarchids, which constituted 46% by nu mber and 43% by weig ht in blocknet samples; however, this habitat covers less than 1% of the lake area. Bluegill was the dominant centrarchid in littoral samples, but proportionally few attained harvestable size. Black crappie were abundant in both littoral and limnetic samples, and an average of 22% were of harvestable size. Black crappie were the preferred species in the creel survey, as anglers spent over 46,000 hours of effort (88% of the total) to harvest 44,000 fish in January through March of 1990. La rgemouth bass showed an increase in production since 1973–1976 (Holcomb 1977), but the numbers of young remained very low when compared to other lakes of the Okl awaha chain. The aver age electrofishing catch rate was poor (0.1 bass/min), and no angler success was documented for largemouth bass. The spring 1990 largemouth bass stocking was unsuccessful. Small size at stocking, low water levels, and predation by black crappie probably contributed to poor survival.

There have been significant improvements for fish spec ies since the 1973–1976 study, as largemouth bass, bluegill, and black crappie in littoral areas increased in number and

biomass above the estimates of 1973–1976. In th e limnetic portions of the lake, there were significant increases in the number of harvestable black crappie and in brown

bullhead biomass.

Substantial improvements in the aquatic habitat must take place before any appreciable reduction in the dominance of shad or improvements in largemouth bass recruitment

will occur. Increased lake level fluctuation an d expansion and/or reve getation of littoral habitat would contribute to improvements in the sportfish community.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

380 Benton, J., D. Douglas, and D. Watson. 1994. Ichthyofaunal studies as part of the trophic structure manipula tion studies. Final report for Segments I–III. Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, Fisheries Research Laboratory. Special Publication
SJ94-SP5. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns Ri ver Water Management District.

PROJECT: Trophic Structure Manipula tion (LA-4-207-F)

E XECUTIVE S UMMARY

Lakes Denham (257 acres), Apopka (30,319 acre s), and Beauclair (1,112 acres) were sampled from January 1989 through June 1992 to a ssess the fish community of each lake and evaluate the response of Lake Denham’s fish community to the removal of a large percentage of gizzard shad. In January of 1990, the SJRWMD installed a plastic mesh

barrier to isolate Lake Denham from the other lakes of the Ocklawaha chain. A contractor employed by the SJRWMD re moved 87,356 pounds of gizzard shad (340 lbs/acre) in 35 haul seine pulls. This was es timated to be an 82% re duction in the stock of gizzard shad that were vulnerable to capture by the haul seine. In May 1991, the contractor removed 20,040 lbs of gizzard shad ( 78 lbs/acre) in 13 haul seine pulls, which represented an 88% reduction in the catchable gizzard shad stock. In June 1992, eight haul seine pulls removed only 6,887 lbs of gizzar d shad (27 lbs/acre), and the effort was

discontinued.

In the shallow water zone of Lake Denham, subharvestable fish of three sportfish species—largemouth bass (less than 9.5 inches) and bluegill or redear sunfish (less than 5.5 inches)—showed significantly (P <0.1) increased abundance during 1991–92 (June through May) from measur ements taken during 1989–90 and 1990–91. Lake Beauclair (a control lake) also showed a significant increase during 1991–92 in subharvestable bluegill and an increase (thoug h not statistically significant) in subharvestable redear. No gizzard shad removal was conducted in Lake Beauclair. The influence of other factors that may have caused more juvenile game fish to be produced during this year (temperature, rainfall, or changes in nutrient inputs to the lake) was not explored within the scope of this report. None of the fish communities of the three lakes showed significant increases for harvestable-sized largemouth bass, bluegill, or redear.

Gizzard shad abundance in Lake Denham was e ffectively reduced by the use of a haul seine. Direct methods for measuring gizzar d shad abundance (experimental gill nets and 1-acre blocknets) were inconclusive in documentin g the decline, but indirect evidence (such as the shift in length freque ncy from larger to smaller fish) confirmed

data derived from the haul seine catch. Th e gizzard shad population of Lakes Apopka and Beauclair showed no sign ificant changes or trends.Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

381 It is not possible to attribute the increase in juvenile sportfish in Lake Denham to gizzard shad removal at this time. Increa sed sportfish abundance was observed for bluegill and redear sunfish in Lake Beauclair, where gizzard shad were not removed. There has also not been any increase observe d in harvestable-sized (adult) sportfish in Lake Denham. Other factors (habitat type and extent) that may influence the abundance of juvenile fish and their subsequent recruitment to harvestable sizes were not considered within the scope of this report. This study should be continued for another

season to determine if the increased abundanc e of juvenile sportfish produce increased

numbers of adult fish.

Benton, J., K. Taylor, C. Adams, and R. Hudson. 1995. Methodology and analysis of the gizzard shad population of Lake Apopka in central Florida using sagittal otoliths. Fisheries Research Laboratory, Florida Ga me and Fresh Water Fish Commission. St. Johns River Water Manageme nt District, Palatka, Fla.

PROJECT: Rough Fish Harvesting (LA-3-302-M)

E XECUTIVE S UMMARY

A procedure to assign ages to gizzard shad through the use of a bony structure (sagittal otolith) was developed as a segment of Rough Fish Removal Project requirements (SJRWMD Contract 94W1 19). This procedure will allow th e gizzard shad population of Lake Apopka to be analyzed by age groups (cohorts). That information can be used to generate vital data concerning the stock size, grow th rates, and biomass of gizzard shad available to the commercially fished gill nets in the Lake Apopka Rough Fish Removal project.

We evaluated an age sample of 290 fish collected in spring of 1994 us ing a team of four readers. All readers agreed on age assignme nts for almost 83% of the fish, and three of four readers agreed on ages for 92% of the fish, which in dicated that age assignments could be made with consistency. These data showed that commerc ial gill nets caught fish of two years of age or more, and that females grew fa ster than males. Males were also shorter-lived than females, few survived beyond two years of age. It is important that gizzard shad be vulnerable to gill net capt ure in two years, before natural mortality removes a large proportion of the population. There were relatively few fish older than three years of age in the gill net samples (which tended to catch larger fish). We estimated total annual mortality to range fr om 57% to 85% during the first three years of life through the use of bl ocknet data collected in 1990 through 1992, and 1994 gill net samples produced an estimate of 58% an d 54% for ages two through six. Data toSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

382 validate the presumed annular markings on the otoliths are needed for reliableestimation of population parameters, as well as a determination of age- or size-atmaturity which would have bearing on the sustainability of the gizzard shad removal project.

Best, G.R., and M.T. Brown. 1991. Research manual for phase II: The Lake Apopka Marsh Flow-Way Demonstration Project. Prepared for St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla. Center for Wetlands, University of Florida,

Gainesville.

PROJECT: Marsh Flow-Way Restoration (LA-3-301-M)

S UMMARY

Objectives of this manual were to provide a description of project objectives and detailed methods for meeting those objectives. The manual was dynamic with changes implemented after interactive deliberations between the District and the Center for

Wetlands.

The program objectives included the development of natural and planted vegetation and mechanisms for enhancing marsh establishment and studying seed recruitment, dispersal, and storage. Spec ifically, the scope of work included the following:

• Assess the development of plant communities within the project area.

• Document the natural plant community structure, phenology, and biomass.

• In experimental planting sites, evaluate trends in plant community development as a function of time since planting.

• Compare trends in natural and experimental plant community development.

• Determine phenology of seed production.

• Assess seed viability of several planted and naturally occurring marsh plants.

• Assess role of water in transporting marsh seeds.

• Determine the role that the seed bank plays in plant community dynamics.

• Assess the effect of hydroperiod on seed germination.

Bryant, C.T., and S.F. Shih. 1990. A groundwate r flow analysis of Lake Apopka, Florida. Final report to St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla. IFAS, University of Florida, Gainesville.Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

383 PROJECT: External Nutrient Budget Study (LA-1-101-D)

A BSTRACT

Determination of the subsurface flow of Lake Apopka, Florida is needed for the 1989 water budget calculations. Thirteen test sites have been set up along the shore of Lake Apopka by the St. Johns River Water Management District. The sites measure the various parameters required for subsurface flow and water budget calculations.

Potentiometric head is meas ured by a battery of piezometers installed in a line perpendicular to the lake shore, with four to seven piezometers at varying depths and spacings at each site. The central piezometer at each site is read continuously by a telemetry system, as is the lake stage re corder. The remaining piezometers are read monthly. Hydraulic conductivity is measured by the auger-hoe method every three months at the levee sites, in order to account for compaction and alteration of soil there, and once a year at the non-levee sites. The depth to the confining layer for the Lake Apopka area was estimated by soil logs taken at each site.

Piezometric data from three sites were eliminated from consideration in this study due to their unsatisfactory locations. The shoreline segment length s of these sites were split up among the sites closest to them to maintain consistent seepage results.

Subsurface flow calculations were performed in four different ways based on Darcy’s law. The Darcy’s law basis was chosen becaus e it was the most a pplicable technique for the situation at Lake Apopka. First, seepage was calculated by site using monthly potentiometric head readings from the piezometers at minimum and maximum

distance from the lake at each site. The seepage was calculated for that day and multiplied by the number of days in the month. This was done for every month in 1989. Second, the lake was divided into two regions, inflow and outflow. Seepage was then calculated monthly, by region, using the average regional meas ured data. Third, regression analysis was used to predict daily values for the monthly-read piezometers from the continuously-read ce ntral piezometers and lake st age. The predicted values were averaged monthly for each piezometer. Seepage was then calc ulated by site for each month. Fourth, seepage was calculated monthly, by region, using the average regional values obtained from the regression analysis.

The main advantage with using regression analysis is that it can provide a model that predicts seepage from the continuously-read lake stage and central piezometer readings. Calculating seepage by site, using the values obtained from regression analysis, yielded a total of 1,532.69 ac-ft of outflow seepage and only 996.30 ac-ft of inflow seepage. This led to a net result of 536.39 ac-ft of outflow seepage from LakeSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

384 Apopka in 1989. Inflow seepage reached a maximum of 170.42 ac-ft in December and fell to a minimum of 50.89 ac-ft in October. Outflow seepage reached a maximum of 179.91 ac-ft in January and fell to a mi nimum of 59.17 ac-ft in December.

Bryant, C.T., and S.F. Shih. 1990. Hydraulic co nductivity analys is of inflow and outflow regions adjacent to Lake Apopka, Florida. In Proceedings of the Soil and Crop Science Society of Florida 49:32–36

.

PROJECT: External Nutrient Budget Study (LA-1-101-D)

A BSTRACT

Determination of the hydraulic conductivity of the regions adjacent to Lake Apopka, Florida is needed for calculating the subsurface flow. The hydraulic conductivity around the lake was separated by two regions, that is, outflow and inflow regions, respectively. A sample-size analysis was also performed to test the accuracy of the hydraulic conductivity measurements. Results showed that the hydraulic conductivities for outflow and inflow regions were 6.755 ft d -1 and 7.851 ft d -1 , respectively. Based on the current number of measurements, the accuracy of these hydraulic conductivities can only reach a 70% level of statistical confidence for both outf low and inflow regions. In general, the accuracy of measurements is expected to reach at least an 80% level of

confidence in which about 25 and 40 measurem ents are needed for outflow and inflow regions, respectively. In other words, an additional 15 measurements for the outflow region and 29 for the inflow region are needed to obtain an 80% level of confidence.

Carrick, H.J., F.J. Aldridge, and C.L. Sc helske. 1993. Wind influences phytoplankton biomass and composition in a shallow, productive lake. Limnol. Oceanog

. 38(6):1179–1192.

PROJECT: Phytoplankton-Nutrient Interactions (LA-4-104-D)

A BSTRACT

Factors that regulate phytoplankton dynamics in shallow, productive lakes are poorly understood. Water-column phytoplank ton chlorophyll (a vg 105 μg liter –1 ) determined on 39 occasions over a 22-month period in sh allow (mean depth, 1.7 m) Lake Apopka, Florida, correlated best with average daily windspeed compared with other environmental variables. High phytoplankton biomass reflects wind-inducedAppendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

385 resuspension of a meroplanktonic algal maximum (MAM) that exists on the aphotic lake bottom in a layer ~5 cm thick; this assemblage is dominated by microplankton-sized diatoms (>60% of total biomass) that can o ccur in cellular resting stages. Experiments demonstrate that the MAM can grow and photosynthesize at rates similar to surface populations when exposed to moderate ir radiances. Direct inoculation of this meroplanktonic assemblage into surface waters during periods of high wind can account for a doubling in surface phytoplankton and diatom biomass as well as an increase in algal community size. A conceptual model outlines the influence that resuspension of the MAM has on ecosystem structure and function in the lake.

Carrick, H.J., C.L. Schelske, F.J. Aldridg e, and M.F. Coveney. 1993. Assessment of phytoplankton waters: Applicat ion of dilution bioassays. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci

. 50(10):2208–2221.

PROJECT: Phytoplankton-Nutrient Interactions (LA-4-104-D)

I NTRODUCTION

There is some question as to which primar y factors mediate phytoplankton dynamics in tropical and subtropical lakes (Kratzer an d Brezonik 1981; Osgood 1982; Canfield et al. 1989), as little research has been conducted on these systems compared with temperate systems (Lewis 1987). The evidence for nutrie nt limitation in subtropical lakes appears circumstantial because few controlled experime nts have actually been conducted to test this hypothesis (cf. Schelske 1989). Relationships between ambient nutrient concentration (i.e., TP and TN) and phytoplankton biomass across a suite of Florida lakes support the idea that the phytoplankton biomass in these lakes is nutrient limited (Canfield 1983). However, additional work has spawned a debate as to whether phytoplankton abundance is under strict nutrient control, given the po tential for self-shading at the high levels of biomass supported in some of thes e lakes (e.g., Agusti et al. 1990).

In this study, we evaluated nitrogen (N) an d phosphorus (P) limitation of phytoplankton in productive waters utilizing an approach whereby nutrient enrichment bioassays are coupled with serial dilution of lake wa ter (Paerl and Bowles 1987). Because dilution experiments may be prone to experimental artifacts (e.g., Li 1990; Stockner et al. 1990), the critical assumptions of the technique were also evaluated. This approach is potentially useful because it can serve as experimental evaluation of current management schemes to improve water quality in lakes, such as reduction of nutrient loads (Loehr et al. 1980) or removal of particulate material (phytoplankto n and associated nutrients) from the water column of lakes via artificial wetlands (Lowe et al. 1992). The specif ic objectives of theSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

386 study were to (1) determine if dilution alters phytoplankton N and P limitation, (2) evaluate the effect of particle reduction on phytoplankton growth yields, and (3) compare our results with the original technique formulated by Paerl and Bowles (1987).

Conrow, R., E. Marzolf, M.F. Coveney, E. Lowe. 2001. Proposal for interim management of the Lake Apopka North Shore Restoration Area

. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

PROJECT: North Shore Re storation (LA-3-303-M)

S COPE OF D OCUMENT

We provide here a proposal for interim management of the North Shore Restoration Area. As background we include a brief summary of the environmental conditions in Lake Apopka, describe the major components of the restoration program, and summarize the progress achieved to date. We describe the recent history of land acquisition and the bird mo rtality event that occurred on the recently purchased properties. We summarize the toxicological data for the new properties, and propose interim flooding and comprehensive monitoring of a portion of the site. We propose additional studies to more precisely quan tify site-specific bioaccumulation of organochlorines in wildlife.

Conrow, R., and J. Peterson. 2000. A panel at las of the major aquatic plants of Lake Apopka, Florida, using global positioning and geographic information systems.

Technical memorandum 37. St. Johns Rive r Water Management District, Palatka,

Fla.

PROJECT: Littoral Zone Restoration (LA-2-304-M)

I NTRODUCTION

Lake Apopka is a 12,465 ha (30,800 ac) lake lo cated in Orange and Lake counties, about 25 km (15 mi) northwest of metropolitan Orlando, Florida. Historically, Lake Apopka was the second largest lake in the state. However, in the 1940s the northern third— mostly sawgrass marsh—was isolated by levees from the remainder of the water body. The marsh was drained, and by the end of the decade, farming of row crops had begun in the rich peat soil. Agri cultural production in the “muck farms” reached 7,290 ha (18,000 ac) by 1963 (Huffstutler et al. 1965). Along with the increased nutrient load fromAppendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

387 farming runoff, discharges from citrus processing plants and from a sewage treatment system likely all combi ned by March 1947 to help fuel the st art of persistent major algal blooms. By 1950, much of the rooted aquatic ve getation in the lake had disappeared.

In the ensuing decades, Lake Apopka change d from a clear water, premier bass-fishing lake to a hypereutrophic water body with a trophic state index averaging 82–91. Beginning
in the late 1980s, the St. Johns River Wate r Management District (SJRWMD) began implementing projects to restore Lake Apopka to meet Class III water quality standards (Conrow et al. 1993). As the restoration pr ogresses, one measure of success will be the return of aquatic vegetation throughout the lake. Additionally, introduction of aquatic vegetation along Lake Apopka’s shoreline has been promoted by SJRWMD through
contractual, volunteer and staff efforts.

Clugston (1963) reported the common aquatic and marsh plants growing in Lake Apopka during a survey conducted in 1959. Chesnut and Barman (1974) performed a comparative survey in 1971 and 1972. Both of those studies provided rough estimates of the abundance of aquatic and shoreline vegetation, and their general locations. In order to compare current conditions with previous surveys an d to establish a baseline for quantifying changes in future vegetative coverage, we surveyed the entire lake and delineated existing plant cover using a global positioning system (GPS).

M ETHODS AND R ESULTS

The survey was performed between April and November 1997 using a differential Trimble GPS unit. Accuracy for the GPS unit is rate d at 1 to 3 meters; however, duplicate field measurements of fixed points were within 1 meter or less of each other. All GPS data points were collected at 1 second intervals.

Possible submersed vegetation often was identified first, and photographed, from aerial overflights performed several times during the mapping project. These areas were then located by boat and the areas mapped. The general mapping technique was to boat, canoe,or wade along the edges of the vegetation while recording GPS points using a custommade data dictionary. Data recorded in the data dictionary for each vegetated polygon included dominant species and density, secondary species and density, water depth at the center of the site, and comments (often used to describe the site location or additional species). The number of data points used to map each vegetation feature varied depending upon the polygon size, shape, an d accessibility which usually was determined by water depth or tree line. When the land-facing side of the nearshore vegetation could not be physically mapped with the GPS due to poor accessibility, all other sides were mapped and the software connected the first and last GPS points logged.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

388 The collected GPS data were converted to a GIS data layer, or coverage, using Trimble

Pathfinder OfficeTM Software. In some cases where the GPS software had connected the first and final points of a polygon to generate the land-facing side, ESRI ARC/INFO ®

and ARCVIEW ® GIS software were used to redraw the land-facing side to more closely follow the shoreline contours. Digital Orthophoto Quadrangle ( 1995) imagery of the lake was displayed in the background of the vegetated polygons to assist in the editing

process.

P RODUCT D ISPLAY

In order to display the GIS vegetation coverage, a panel atlas was compiled. The first cover panel map depicts Lake Apopka ov erlaid with a numbered grid pattern. The vegetation coverage contained in each numbe red grid square is shown (at a larger scale) in the corresponding numbered panel map. Common names of vegetation are provided in each panel and Table 1 provides the corre sponding scientific names. Only panels of grid squares for which vegetation was found are contained in this compilation. Future

iterations of this atlas w ill document the effects of planting efforts and natural revegetation as the restoration of Lake Apopka progresses.Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

389 Common Name Scientific Name

Bulrush Scirpus spp.

Cattail Typha spp.

Chara (muskgrass) Chara spp.

Duck potato Sagittaria lancifolia

Eel grass Vallisneria Americana

Hydrilla Hydrilla verticillata

Moonvine flower Ipomea alba

Red maple Acer rubrum

Spatterdock Nuphar luteum

Egyptian paspalidium Paspalidium geminatum

Pickerel weed Pontederia cordata

Sawgrass Cladium jamaicense

Torpedograss Panicum repens

Willow Salix spp.

Yellow water lily Nymphaea mexicana

Conrow, R., and J. Stenberg. 1994. Survival and competitive abilities of wetland species in the Lake Apopka demonstration marsh project. Lake Reserv. Manage . 9(2):65–66.

PROJECT: Marsh Flow-Way Restoration (LA-3-301-M)

A BSTRACT

The Lake Apopka Marsh Demons tration Project, a 525-acre co nstructed wetland site on the NW shore of Lake Apopka, Florida, is a test for a full-scale , 5,000-acre project designed to annually filter twice the volume of Lake Apopka through a shallow marsh. A program to sample the colonization of vegetation was established to determine the ability of small planted “islan ds” to thrive and withstand encroachment by invasive species such as cattail ( Typha spp.). To assess developmen t of the naturally occurringSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

390 vegetation, nine transects were monitored semi-annually. Monitoring began shortly after initial flooding in October 1990. In 1991, each of three 5-acre blocks were planted in monotypic or mixed plots with 11 native wetland species. A series of plots were either

seeded or mulched with soil from a donor we tland, and other control plots were left untreated. The plots were regularly sam pled to assess plant community development. The total number of species in the transect s fell from 64 in the 1990 survey to 38 in 1993. Cattail has increased coverage in the marsh. The three 5-acre pla nted blocks differed from each other in the number of species found and the amount of cattail encroachment. Changes in water depths, distance from then inflow, and prior land use may be some of the influencing factors. Planting success or failure for each particular species was similar among the blocks. In the 3 years to date, most planted species maintained their community integrity against the invasion of cattail or any other species. At each site, planted species have migrated past their original borders. Plots containing sawgrass ( Cladium jamaicensis ) did not survive and were replanted with

Juncus effuses . Maidencane ( Panicum hemitomon ) plots had poor survival. Spikerush ( Eleocharis interstincta ), and giant bulrush ( Scirpus californicus ) were most able to invade neighboring sites.

Continental Shelf Associates, Inc. 1988. Literature review and feasibility analysis report on ichthyofaunal reconst ruction as a technique for restoring Lake Apopka . Special
Publication SJ88-SP6. Palatka, Fla.: St. Jo hns River Water Management District.

PROJECT: Ichthyofaunal Re construction (LA-4-206-F)

E XECUTIVE S UMMARY

Lake Apopka is highly eutrophic and in need of sound restoration and management. Several restoration options are being considered by the St. Johns River Water Management District, including a relative ly new approach called biomanipulation. Biomanipulation or ichthyofaunal reconstruction involves the removal or introduction of fish in order to alter the lake trophic structure and ultimately improve water quality. The goals of this project are to review the available literature on biomanipulation, compile an annotated bibliography on can didate species and biomanipulation, propose candidate fish species for introduction, and design pilot studies to determine the applicability of the proposed introduction/manipulati on to the Lake Apopka

environment.

The literature review revealed that biomanipulation approaches to lake management are still largely experimental. The results of most studies have been inconclusive. MostAppendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

391 of the reviewed studies were conducted in temperate lakes where fish and plankton communities differ from those in subtropical lakes. Variable conditions, settings, and research designs which characterized most studies made projections to the Lake Apopka environment difficult at best. These problems high light the need for preliminary studies prior to any attemp t at biomanipulation in Lake Apopka.

To date, fish populations have been manipulated in two basic ways in attempts to improve water quality. The first, and most pr evalent in the literatur e, involves removal of visual feeding zooplanktivorous fishes , resulting in enhanced populations of herbivorous zooplankters, which in turn f eed upon unwanted algae and consequently improve water quality. The second involves the introduction of a filter-feeding fish to graze directly upon unwanted algae. Removal has been achieved by introduction of predators or by poisoning and restocking with a higher ratio of predators to planktivores.

Despite limited support in the literature, it appears that control of unwanted algae by manipulating filter-feeding fishes may have some merit in subtropical lakes. Filterfeeding fish may suppress algal growth directly by grazing or enhance phytoplankton biomass indirectly by suppressing herbivorou s zooplankton and by increasing nutrient availability. If direct effects of algal grazing are not offset by indirect enhancement effects, filter-feeding fish can suppress total phytoplankton biomass.

In Florida, most eutrophic lakes are numerically domina ted by filter-feeding gizzard shad. This fact indicates their ineffectiveness at reducing algal biomass through feeding
activities. In fact, it has been suggested that gizzard sh ad populations may enhance phytoplankton growth, and ther efore removal of gizzard shad may result in improved water quality. An alternative to gizzard shad removal would be th e introduction of another filter-feeding fish to consume suspended matter (phytoplankton, zooplankton, and detritus).

We recommended two filter-feed ers, silver and bighead carp, as best suited for pilot studies. Both species have been used in water quality control programs in culture ponds, wastewater treatment, and reservoirs (see Appendix A). Th is recommendation is tempered by the fact that both species are exotic, and the careless release of such animals could have unpredictable impacts on the entire Oklawaha system. This is why the pilot studies are such an important part of evaluating a proposed introduction. The studies were designed to provide direct inform ation on the utility of silver and bighead carps as algal control agents, but will contribute sa lient information on ecological effects of the carps on the Lake Apopka environment.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

392 Pilot studies design includes two se quential phases. Phase I involves in situ studies at

the mesocosm level. Littoral enclosures ar e proposed as experimental units within which to evaluate the effects of various fish combinations on plankton populations and water chemistry. Preliminary studies will be needed to estimate appropriate stocking densities and number of replicate treatments needed to statistically resolve pertinent water chemistry and plankton questions. In the actual experiment, effects of various combinations of fish (bighead and silver carp, and gizzar d shad) on water chemistry and plankton variables will be evaluated by comparison with fishless control enclosures. Weekly monitoring of plankton and chemical variables for the period of one year is recommended. If Phase I results pr ove positive, Phase II, a small lake level experiment, should follow. The proposed site for Phase II is Lake Carlton, a small lake in the Ocklawaha chain with environmental characteristics similar to Lake Apopka. Lake Carlton would be stocked with the appropriate combination of fish, followed by weekly monitoring of water chemistry and plankton for one year.

In summary, as a lake restoration technique, biomanipulation is still experimental. Other, more proven restoration options should be considered before biomanipulation is attempted. If biomanipulation is chosen as a management strategy, then pilot studies

should be conducted first to evaluate the likelihood of success. We identified filterfeeding silver and bighead carp as the be st candidate species for experimentation. However, alternatives should be evaluated prior to the introduction of exotic fishes.

Coveney, M.F. 1995. The Lake Apopka Ma rsh Flow-Way Demons tration Project: Interim progress report. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

PROJECT: Marsh Flow-Way Restoration (LA-3-301-M)

E XECUTIVE S UMMARY

The Marsh Flow-Way Demonstration Project is a pilot project of the St. Johns River Water Management District to examine the capacity of a wetland filter to remove suspended sediments and particulate nutrient s from Lake Apopka. The project is a 520- acre field experiment to gain operational experience and test concepts relating to nutrient removal, hydraulic behavior, and development of vegetation in a wetland system. The demonstration project has answ ered important questions and clarified major design and operational issues for the projected full-scale flow-way. Results from the demonstration project have provided the necessary scientific and technical basis to proceed with design of the full-scale Marsh Flow-Way Project.Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

393 Lake Apopka is a large, shallow, hypertro phic lake in central Florida. Phosphorus loading from farms located on drained floodplain marshes has been the primary cause of eutrophication. High algal densities and surficial sediments mixed by wind action limit the transparency of the lake water and prevent growth of submersed, rooted plants. The District has deve loped a comprehensive restoration plan which will reduce external phosphorus loading rates, remove phosphorus from lake water by filtration in a marsh flow-way and by harvest of rough fish, improve food-web structure through harvest of rough fish, and promote revegetation through increased lake level fluctuation, planting, and restoration of we tlands. Removal of phosphorus from Lake Apopka in algae and suspended sediments w ill be accomplished through the full marsh flow-way to be constructed in phases on approximately 3,500 acres of floodplain

farmland. Other benefits of the full-scale flow-way include a reduction in nutrient loading to Lake Apopka, a reduction in do wnstream nutrient loading to the Harris
Chain, and restoration of wetland habitat.

The Marsh Flow-Way Demonstration Project has shown that hydraulic functioning of the wetland is key to effective nutrient remo val. Multiple parallel cells are preferable to a single, large treatment area. Large-scale channelization must be avoided to maximize the hydraulic residence time distribution. Design of the full-scale project will focus on

solutions to minimize channelization which may include distributed inlet and outlet structures, internal berms, and deep areas to intercept channelized flow.

Removal rates for phosphorus and suspen ded matter in the demonstration project achieved target levels under realistic areal hydraulic loadin g conditions when channelization was absent. Leaching of so luble phosphorus occurred when the soils

first were inundated and when soils were dried for consolidation. Flooded fallow

conditions before construction on the full site should reduce but will not eliminate leaching. Methods to deal with leaching include soil amendments and recycling of flood waters. Drawdown was a necessary and e ffective technique to consolidate newly deposited sediment in the demonstration proj ect. The increased bulk density of the sediment after drawdown confirmed earlier pr ojections that the full-scale marsh flowway site contains sufficient volume for sediment storage.

Coveney, Michael F. 2000 (draft). Sedimenta ry phosphorus stor es and accumulation rates and sedimentation coefficient for phos phorus in Lake Apopka. Prediction of steady-state phosphorus concentrations at various phosphorus loading rates.

Technical memorandum. St. Johns River Wat er Management District, Palatka, Fla.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

394 PROJECT: Mathematical Modeling (LA-4-103-D)

I NTRODUCTION

The St. Johns River Water Management Dist rict (SJRWMD) set by rule (Section 11.6, Applicant’s Handbook. Management and Stor age of Surface Waters) a phosphorus criterion (target phosph orus concentration in the lake water) for Lake Apopka of 0.055 mg l -1 total phosphorus (TP). This rule followed an ex amination of histor ic conditions in Lake Apopka to define goals for restoration of the lake and to derive a target range for TP in the lake water (Lowe et al. 1995; Lowe et al. 1999). The next step to define a loading limit for phosphorus (P) is to establish the maximum P loading to the lake that would achieve the target conc entration for TP. This allowa ble loading was calculated with the steady-state formul ation of Vollenweider’s 1969 in put-output model (Reckhow and Chapra 1983) which predicts mean lakewate r concentration of TP as a function of P loading and other variables.

The Vollenweider 1969 model requires a value for the net sedimentati on coefficient for P, which we estimated with two approaches: (1) from the net deposition of P in

sediments between two sam pling occasions in 1968 and 198, and (2) from annual phosphorus budgets meas ured from 1989 through 1996. Monthly P budgets for 1989 through 1994 also provided data to calculate net sedimentation coefficients for P for short periods of time. We used these values, which represented transient conditions, to examine variables such as P loading that might affect the net sedimentation coefficient

in the short-term.

The specific goals of this memorandum are the following:

• Derive the long-term net sedimentation coefficient for P in Lake Apopka by evaluation of net P deposition from sediment data between 1968 and 1987 and from annual phosphorus budg ets from 1989 through 1996.

• Evaluate short-term changes in the phosphorus sedimentation coefficient, especially changes resulting from low levels of P loading, from monthly P budgets compiled for

1989–1994.

• Predict the loading of P to Lake Apopka from external sources that would result in a steady-state concentration of TP in the lake water of 0.055 mg l -1

.Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

395 Coveney, M.F., E.F. Lowe, and L.E. Battoe. 2000. Performance of a recirculating wetland filter designed to remove particulate phos phorus for restoration of Lake Apopka (Florida, USA). Pages 231–237. In Proceedings of the Sevent h Internationa l Conference on Wetland Systems for Water Pollution Control , November 11–16, 2000, Orlando, Fla.

PROJECT: Marsh Flow-Way Restoration (LA-3-301-M)

A BSTRACT

Operation of a 14-km 2 wetland filter for removal of total phosphorus (TP) from lake water is part of the restoration program fo r hypereutrophic Lake Apopka, Florida. This system differs from most treatment wetlands because (1) water is recirculated back to the lake and (2) the goal is removal of partic ulate phosphorus (P), the dominant form of P in Lake Apopka. The operational plan for the wetland is maximization of the rate rather than the efficiency of P removal. The St. Johns River Water Management District operated a 2-km 2 pilot-scale wetland to examine the capacity of a wetland system to remove suspended sediments an d particulate nutrients from Lake Apopka. TP in the inflow from Lake Apopka ra nged from about 0.12 to 0.23 mg l -1 , and hydraulic loading rate (HLR) varied from 6.5 to 42 m yr -1 . The performance of the pilot-scale wetland supported earlier predictions. Mass removal efficiencies for TP varied between about
30% and 67%. A first-order, area-based model in dicated a rate constant for TP removal of 55 m yr -1 . We compared actual removal of P with model predictions and used modeled performance to examine optimal operational conditio ns. Correspondence between observed and modeled outflow TP was not good with constant variable values. Monte Carlo techniques used to introduce rea listic stochastic variability improved the fit. The model was used to project a maximal rate of P removal of about 4 g P m -2

yr -1 at P loading 10–15 g P m -2

yr -1 (HLR 60–90 m yr -1 ). Data from the pilot wetland indicated that actual rates of P removal may prove to be higher. Further operation of the wetland at high hydraulic and P loading rates is ne cessary to verify or modify the application of

the model.

Coveney, M.F., E.F. Lowe, and L.E. Battoe. 2001. Nutrient removal from eutrophic lake water by wetland filtration. Ecological Engineering . Submitted.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

396 PROJECT: Marsh Flow-Way Restoration (LA-3-301-M)

A BSTRACT

A 14-km 2 wetland filter is part of the restoration of Lake Apopka, Florida, USA. Lake water will be recirculated through the wetland, and the goal is removal of suspended solids and particle-bound nutrients, especially total phosphorus (TP). The St. Johns River Water Management District operated a 2-km 2 pilot-scale wetland for 29 months. Hydraulic loading rate (HLR) varied from 6.5–65 m yr -1 , total suspended solids (TSS) in the inflow varied from 40–180 mg l -1 , and TP varied from 0.08–0.38 mg l -1 . Mass removal efficiencies were 89–99% for TSS, 30–67% for TP, and 30–52% for total nitrogen unless flows were

channelized. A first-order model indicated rate constants for removal of TSS and TP of 107

m yr -1

and 63 m yr -1 , respectively. TP (3 g m -2

) leached from the native organic soils and vegetation upon initial flooding. With soil treatment to prevent release of TP and inlet pumping to maintain 37 m yr -1 HLR, net TP removal would have exceeded 3 g P m-2 yr -1

. Design of the full-scale wetland benefited from the pilot project in areas related to nutrient retention, hydraulic function , soil treatment to bind TP, an d drawdown to consolidate new deposits.

Coveney, M.F., D.L. Stites, L.E. Battoe, an d E.F. Lowe. 1993. Nutrient retention in a restored wetland used for lakewater filtration. ASLO and SWS annual meeting, May 30–June 3, 1993, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

PROJECT: Marsh Flow-Way Restoration (LA-3-301-M)

A BSTRACT

A demonstration project at Lake Apopka, Florida, filters hypertrophic lake water through a 2.4-km 2 wetland to remove particle-boun d nutrients. Water was pumped through two wetland cells in se ries and returned to the lake. Water fl ow varied from 0.4

to 1.0 m 3 /s, and mean depths ranged from 0.35 to 0.75 m. Hydraulic residence time in each cell varied between 3 and 12 d. Net retention of particulate matter was >90% in the

first cell. Between 30% and 50% of total N was removed in the first cell, with little additional change in the second. Because of P leached from organic soils, each cell initially had negative P removal. As soil leaching declined, P removal efficiencies improved to between 30% and 50%. Leaching de clined more rapidly in soils which had been fallow and hydrated. Data on forms of N and P and not areal N and P retention in the wetlands are presented.Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

397 Crisman, T.L., and J. Beaver. 1988

. Lake Apopka trophic structure. Phase I, final report. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

PROJECT: Trophic Structure Manipula tion (LA-4-207-F)

C ONCLUSION AND R ECOMMENDATIONS

In view of the evidenc e presented in this report, it s eems possible that biomanipulation of fish populations in Florida lakes can le ad to a significant improvement in water quality. This statement, howe ver, must be qualified in that our study was limited to one season, was conducted over a short temporal span and a complete analysis of the phytoplankton data relative to the zooplankton and chemistry has not been undertaken. A similar enclosure experiment performed during another season , preferably with replicate productivity data, would provide substantial evidence elucidating the nature of the filter-feeder zooplankton-phytoplankton relationship for Florida systems.

Our experiment does provide evidence that the effects of shad and tilapia on plankton community metabolism differed greatly. Although both filter-feeders possess similar grazing and digestive mechanisms, tilapia did not suppress the native cladoceran assemblage, and in fact enhanced their popula tions. The presence of shad caused wider fluctuations in daily dissolved oxygen concentrations, especially when compared to tilapia, which may stress or kill desirable game fish. There are also indications that the grazing activities of shad promote mineralization and accelerate phosphorous recycling

as has been observed in other mesocosms (Crisman and Kennedy 1982; Drenner et al. 1986a).

The dramatically elevated primary productivity and community respiration of the shad bag, combined with the higher assimilable nutrient levels, suggests that in Florida systems which are not as nutrient enriched as Lake Apopka, biomanipulation can be a mitigating factor for cultural eutrophication if blue tilapia is allowed to replace gizzard

shad.

Since the zooplankton communities of the tilapia treatment contained 2–4 times the biomass of herbivorous zooplankton than would be expected in a Florida lake of comparable trophy, it is di fficult to consider mo dification of fish populations as a restoration technique in subt ropical and tropical system s dominated by small-bodied cladoceran assemblages if it is assume d that the increased abundance of these herbivores will directly reduce phytoplankto n standing crops through grazing pressure.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

398 Crumpton, J.E., and W.F. Godwin. 1997. Rough-fish harvesting in Lake Apopka : Summary report 1993–96. Special Publication SJ97-SP23. Pala tka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

PROJECT: Rough Fish Harvesting (LA-3-302-M)

E XECUTIVE S UMMARY

Lake Apopka is a shallow, hypertrophic 12,400-hectare (ha) lake located in Lake and Orange counties, and is approximately 24 kilometers (km) northwest of Orlando, Florida. Degradation of the lake began with construction of canals to lower the level of
the lake, alteration of the lake marshes to create “muck farms,” and the loading of nutrients to the lake from point and nonpoint sources. The first algal bloom reportedly occurred in the lake in 1947. Completion of a water control stru cture in 1956 on the Apopka-Beauclair Canal dampened long-term wa ter-level fluctuations in the lake. Sport fishing has declined in the lake since the 1950s and lake water quality has deteriorated from nutrient loading to the point that th e lake experiences cont inuous algal blooms. The decreased water clarity has eliminated most submerged vegetation and the continuous sedimentation of alga l cells has resulted in accret ion of a floccu lent sediment layer over one foot thick in most areas of th e lake. The lake is currently used primarily
for the harvest of catfish, and gizzard shad and recreational fishing remains poor.

The St. Johns River Water Management Distri ct (SJRWMD) requested that the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission (GFC) allow the large-scale harvest of rough

fish from the lake. The fish removal would export nitrogen and phosphorus from the lake as well as potentially change the lake food chain. Target fi sh species were gizzard shad, gar, and tilapia. The suggested method of harvest was by commercial gill nets. Because largemouth bass and sunshine bass ha d been stocked in the lake and recent creel censuses suggested a potential resurgen ce of the black cra ppie stocks, by-catch from the rough-fish harvest would be eval uated to determine any potential detrimental effects of the harvesting activity to the gamefish stocks in the lake.

Permits to harvest target fish species by gill net were issu ed by the GFC. Ten permits
were issued in 1993, 20 in 1994, 30 in 1995 and 1996, and 21 in 1997. The winter-spring fishery usually operated from January through May. The summer-fall fishery was established in 1995 for the warm-weather period of the year. For this fishery, a total of 30 permits to harvest rough fi sh by commercial gill net was provided to the Organized Fishermen of Florida (OFF) for distributio n among its members. In addition, otherAppendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

399 potential harvesting gear (a modified purse/gill net and a modified “pair trawl”) were

tested in the lake in 1995 and 1996.

The total catch of gizzard shad from both fisheries ranged from a high of almost 1.7 million pounds in 1994 to a low of abou t 636,000 pounds in 1995. The average daily catch of gizzard shad ranged from a high of 3,425 pounds/boat/day in 1995 to a low of 2,201 pounds/boat/day in 1997. Th e highest annual catch of gar was 12,799 pounds in 1995. Catches of tilapia were never of significance.

From January 1993 through Jun e 1997, commercial fishermen harvested a total of about 5,467,484 gizzard shad weighing about 4,888,813 pounds from Lake Apopka. Harvesting removed about 178 fish/acre and exported about 34,322 pounds of phosphorus and 102,665 pounds of nitrogen from the lake. A stock assessment completed in 1995 indicated the most probable population of harvestable gizzard shad prior to the 1995 harvest to be about 3,877,582 fish or about 127 fish/acr e. The highest of three estimates for the harvestable gizzar d-shad stock in 1996 was about 2,073,744 fish

or about 68 fish/acre. The lowest stock estimate for 1996 was about 726,288 harvestable gizzard shad or about 24 fish/acre. Th e estimated harvest for 1996 was about 1,186,364 shad or about 39 fish/acre. Even allowing for production and growth of young shad, commercial fishermen have appa rently harvested a signific ant portion of the standing stock of adult gizzard shad in the lake. A decline in the lake gizzard-shad stock is further supported by a decrease in mean weight of ha rvested shad fr om 1.3 pounds to 0.7 pounds per fish between 1993 and 1996.

A number of unsuccessful attempts were made to market gizzard shad for human consumption which included test marketing of gizzards and roe. Most gizzard shad harvested from Lake Apopka were marketed as bait for the cr ayfish industry in Louisiana and for the blue-crab fishery in Florida and Louisiana. The economic returns to both the commercial fishermen and fish processor were low or non-existent because of high harvest costs experi enced by the fishermen and high processing, shipping, and handling costs experienced by th e fish processor. Even when the cost of harvesting and marketing was shared by SJRWMD, the ec onomic incentive to remove gizzard shad from Lake Apopka was very limited and both commercial fishermen and processors will participate in the program only when other fishing opportunities are limited. The catch of non-target fish species from observed commercial gill nets was low with gizzard shad comprising an average of 98% of the total catch. Black crappie was the species taken most often as by-c atch with catfish, sunshine bass, redear sunfish, bluegill sunfish, largemouth bass, bowfin, and Atlant ic needlefish being taken infrequently. The total gamefish by-catch from all commercia lly fished gill nets over the 1993–97 period was calculated to be 30,636 fish, or less than one game fish per acre of lake.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

400 Initial mortality of game fish caught in co mmercial gill nets during the 5-year period was 1,684 fish. The majority of this mortality was black crappie. A total of 443 game fish taken in commercial gill nets were placed in “holding pens” and observed for 48 hours to determine secondary mortality. High survival of game fish was observed during the winter-spring fishery period (84%). Survival of gill-net caught fish in the summer-fall fishery period was lower (40%); control fish taken by electr ofishing experienced similar mortality (50%). Total gamefish mortali ty from harvesting about 5.5 million gizzard
shad was estimated to be about 7,218 fish ov er the 5-year period of the project.

Modified purse gill nets and trawls were not successful for harvesting gizzard shad in Lake Apopka; however, standard gill nets we re found to be an appropriate method for harvesting target fish species from the lake. Catches were adequate for large-scale fish removal and the incidental catch of non-targ et species was low. The survival of gill-net caught-and-released game fish was very high during the winter-spring fishery period.
Warm weather survival was lower, but results were inconclusive because of similar low survival of game fish taken by electrofishing and used as controls. Overall, the impact to game fish from harvesting gizzard shad from the lake was insignificant. Harvesting appeared to have a substantial impact on the gizzard-shad stock and was responsible for significant nutrient re moval from the lake. Current market demands for gizzard shad from Lake Apopka is low, and attempts to develop new markets for products form the fish have not been successful. Because of the weak market position, the harvesting of gizzard shad from the lake is not yet self-sustaining.

Crumpton, J.E. 2000. Experimental gill nets in Lake Apopka. Contract 99W308. Florida

Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission . Prepared for St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

PROJECT: Rough Fish Harvesting (LA-3-302-M)

E XECUTIVE S UMMARY

Historically, Lake Apopka covered an area of about 50,000 acres. The lake was characterized by extensive marshes in the northern portion, clear water with profuse submersed aquatic vegetation, and nationally renowned for its sport fishery. The construction of the Ap opka-Beauclair Canal in the 1880s marked a beginning of change in the lake’s hydrology. With the 1920s came external nutrient loading beginning with discharges from sewage treatment plants and citrus processing plants. Marshes on the

north end of the lake were altered to create muck farms in the 1940s. Increased development of the farms resulted in a dditional nutrient loading to the lake. AAppendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

401 hurricane in 1947 uprooted most of the submerg ed vegetation, and th e first algal bloom followed shortly thereafter. With the exploitation of the marshes, Lake Apopka is now Florida’s fourth largest lake, and since the addition of a dam and lo ck structure on the Apopka-Beauclair Canal in 1952, ha s functioned as a reservoir.

The environmental degradation of Lake Ap opka has been well documented since the early 1960s. The resulting declin e in the sport fishery of th e lake has also been well documented. With that degradation came large incr eases of gizzard shad ( Dorosoma cepedianum ) biomass in the lake.

The St. Johns River Water Management District, under the SWIM program, has conducted experimental management efforts to correct the problems in Lake Apopka, primarily by removing phosphorus and nitrogen from the water by harvesting mass quantities of gizzard shad. Un der funding provided through co ntracts with the District,

the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has conducted assessments of the gizzard shad population periodica lly since 1989. Studies from 1989 through 1992 provided baseline data prior to the co mmencement of commercial gizzard shad removal activities in 1993. Data collected from 1993 through 2000 have been used to assess changes in the gizzard shad population that have resulted from shad removal

activities.

Experimental gill nets (randomly set lakewide) were used to assess shifts in catch-perunit-of-effort, size, and weight of gizzard shad. A total of 10 net sets were made during each sampling regimen. Samples we re collected in January and May.

Danek, L.J., and M.S. Tomlinson. 1989. Bathymetric analysis of Lake Apopka . Special
Publication SJ89-SP6. Palatka, Fla.: St. Jo hns River Water Management District.

PROJECT: Bathymetry (LA-4-106-D)

A BSTRACT

A bathymetric survey consisting of a 347- point, 2,000-ft spaced sampling grid was conducted on Lake Apopka in June 1989. Th e survey was conducted using a Raytheon

Model DE-719 fathometer and LORAN-C for navigation. The depth readings were calibrated, adjusted for lake surface slop e, hand contoured, and entered into a GIS computer system for subsequent analysis and plotting. The measured lake surface area

is 1.342 x 10 9 ft 2 and the volume is 6.453 x 10 9 ft 3 with lake level at 66 ft (MSL) (excluding

interstitial water in the sedim ents and flocculent layer). Th e mean lake depth is 4.81 ft.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

402 The lake is generally flat with two major erosional trough features: one running approximately east-to-west across the center of the lake and the other along the south and west shoreline. The maximum depth measured (other than the depth at Apopka Springs) was 16.0 ft in the tr ough along the south shore.

Error analysis of the results indicated the field survey depth data were adjusted to fit the calibration data points with an accuracy of ± 0.25 ft at the 95% confidence level. This corresponds to an error of ± 0.335 x 10 9 ft 3 for the lake volume estimate or about 5%. The

surface area and the lake volume calculatio ns made from the metric bathymetry chart and the English-unit chart agreed within 2.0%.

Dean, H., and E. Lowe. 1998. The restoration program for Lake Apopka, Florida. Vol. 5,

313–316. In Proceedings of Water Envi ronment Federation 71 st Annual Conference and Exposition , October 1998, Orlando, Fla.

PROJECT: Implementation of Restoration and Management Techniques (LA-6-802-S)

A BSTRACT

Lake Apopka, a large, shallow, hypertrophic la ke in central Florida, is the subject of an ambitious restoration program directed by the St. Johns River Water Management District. Well over $100 million of local, state, and federal funds have been provided to implement the restoration program. Initiation of the program is under way. The program has four major components: (1) P load reduction,( 2) remo val of P stored in the lake and removal of suspended solids by wetland filtration,( 3) remo val of P, restructuring of the lake’s food web, and reduction of internal P recycling by harvesting of shad, and (4)stabilization of sediments and creation of habitat by planting shallow areas. P load reduction is the most crucial aspect of the program. Without subs tantial reduction in the P load all other

restoration actions would fail. This essential fi rst step was initiated by efforts to reduce P loading from adjacent farmlands and will be completed by restoration of the majority of farmland to wetland and aquatic habitat. Acqu isition efforts are expected to be complete by the fall of 1998. The components of the restoration program will work synergistically.

As P load reduction reduces the P concentrat ion, algal abundance will decline and water clarity will increase. Removal of P stored in the lake, through wetlan d filtration and shad harvesting, will further reduce the P concentr ation. Removal of suspended sediments by the wetland filter will future increase water clarity. Plantings will improve water clarity locally by reducing sediment resuspension. As water clarity increases, submersed plants can colonize and stabilize lake sediments with positive feedbacks to water clarity and negative feedbacks to the P concentration an d algal abundance. A progressive cycle ofAppendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

403 plant colonization to greater depths and impr oving water clarity will return the lake to a macrophytes-dominated, clear-water conditio n. Since 1995, there have been significant improvements in the condition of Lake Apopka. It is likely that these improvements stem primarily from P load reductions associated with regulatory efforts. Shad harvesting, however, could have played a significant secondary role.

Environmental Research & Design, Inc. 2001. Evaluation of water quality stormwater regulations for the Lake Apopka Basin. Draft final report submitted to St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

PROJECT: Nutrient Loading Limits Adoption (LA-3-403-M)

I NTRODUCTION

This report provides a summary of work efforts performed by Environmental Research & Design, Inc. (ERD) for the St. Johns River Water Management District (District) under

Contract SD490AA to evaluate alternative wa ter quality-based stormwater regulations for the Lake Apopka Basin. Previous research performed by the District has indicated that Lake Apopka is a phosph orus-limited ecosystem and, therefore, phosphorus inputs into the lake must be controlled to improve th e existing hypereutro phic water quality

characteristics.

The primary objective of this study is to develop alternative stormwater regulations for the Lake Apopka Basin which maximize removal of phosphorus from runoff inputs. Based on research performed in Lake Apopka and an evaluation of phosphorus load reductions necessary to improve water quality in the lake, the District has established a general goal of no net increase in phosphorus loadings from nonpoint source inputs entering the lake. To achieve this goal, stormwater regulations must be developed which limit phosphorus loadings discharging from new developments to levels which are equal to or less than loadings dischargi ng from the site under pre-development

conditions.

Evaluations performed by ERD for this project are based upon a combination of data sources, including (1) the draft District report by M.F. Coveney titled “Sedimentary Phosphorus Stores, Accumulation Rates, and Sedimentation Coefficients in Lake Apopka: Prediction of the Allowable Ph osphorus Loading Rate,” dated May 10, 2000, which forms the basis for limiting post-devel opment phosphorus loads to less than or equal to pre-development rates; (2) the draf t District report titled “An External Phosphorus Budget for Lake Apopka 1989–1994” by Stites, Coveney, Battoe, and LoweSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

404 which provides estimated concentrations of total phosphorus in stormwater runoff entering Lake Apopka from typical land use categories; (3) existing District design and performance criteria for stormwater manage ment systems outlined in Chapter 40C-42

F.A.C. ; and (4) previous research performed by ERD regarding performance efficiency of typical stormwater management systems.

This report is divided into three separate se ctions for presentation and discussion of project results. The first section provides an introduction to the report and summarizes work efforts performed by ERD. Section 2 contains a discussion of the methods of analysis used for establishment of hydrologic characteristics, runoff characteristics, and evaluation of treatment system performance. The results of the analyses described in Section 2 are presented in Section 3, including an eval uation of the performance efficiency of existing regulations and an ev aluation of required alternative treatment
options.

Exponent, Inc. 2000 (draft). An alysis of avian mortality at the North Shore Restoration Area of Lake Apopka in 1998–1999. Prep ared for St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla. Bellevue, Wash.

PROJECT: North Shore Re storation (LA-3-303-M)

I NTRODUCTION

Between mid-December 1998 and early Marc h 1999, an outbreak of avian mortality occurred at the North Shore Restoration Area (NSRA) of Lake Apopka in central Florida. Dead birds of numerous species we re recorded, although in terms of total numbers, the American white pelican ( Pelecanus erythrorhynchos ) was the most affected species. More than 400 mortalit ies were recorded for this species at the NSRA, and similarly high mortality was seen at offsite locations.

The NSRA lies on former agricultural land that was used for the production of vegetables and market crops. Due to past agricultural pest control practices, soils of the NSRA contain elevated residues of organochlorine pesticides, including toxaphene,
DDT and its metabolites, and dieldrin. When th e agricultural lands were acquired by the St. Johns River Water Management Di strict (SJRWMD) in 1998, they remained flooded, a practice used by farmers after harvesting to control nematodes. The shallowwater habitat thus created was attractive to resident and migratory birds, and resulted in a huge influx of many species of birds to the NSRA. When the mortality outbreakAppendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

405 began, it was believed by wildlife agencies that the elevated organochlorine pesticide levels in flooded soils, part icularly toxaphene levels, lik ely caused the mortality.

Exponent was retained by SJ RWMD to investigate the mortality event, specifically to:

• Analyze the underlying causes of the bird mortality at the NSRA

• Determine the levels of pesticides in muck soil s that are protective of birds, if pesticides are the cause of mortality

• Determine the most effective management options for preventing such mortality events from occurring in the future.

This technical report addresses the first objective and summarizes our review of key components of the mortality event to analyze the evidence that supports or refutes organochlorine pesticides, specifically toxaphene, as the causal agent of the mortality. As single approach or measurement endpoint is definitive for assigning causality, this report uses a weight-of-evidenc e that relies on several different components to evaluate causality. The components that are evaluated include:

• Avian population census and mortality data

• Food-web modeling to evaluate exposure of avian species to organochlorine pesticides

• Body residues of organochlorine pesticides in dead birds

• Etiology and pathology of the mortality event.

Each of these components is addressed separa tely in the following sections, and results are summarized in the Conclusions section where an epidemiological approach is used to evaluate causality. A summary of issues pertaining to analytical methods for toxaphene analysis, which arose from the review of bird tissue data, are included as an appendix to this report.

Fulton, R.S. 1998. Evaluation of drawdown as a restoration technique for Lake Apopka.

Technical memorandum 27. St. Johns Rive r Water Management District, Palatka,

Fla.

PROJECT: Drawdown and Lake Level Fluctuation (LA-2-208-F)

E XECUTIVE S UMMARY

If excessive external nutrient loading can be controlled, drawdown is one potential mechanism to shift shallow eutrophic lakes from an algal-dominated to a macrophyte-SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

406 dominated stable state. The principal objective of draw down of Lake Apopka is

considered to be re-establishment of diverse and healthy populations of native aquatic vegetation, fish, and wildlife. Extensive beds of submersed and emergent aquatic vegetation are necessary to realize the de sired improvements in fish and wildlife. Potential costs, economic impacts, and environmental effects were considered for three drawdown options for Lake Apopka:

• Gravity drawdown to 63.5 ft NGVD

• Pumpdown to 61 ft NGVD

• Pumpdown to 58 ft NGVD

All drawdown options evaluated included a three-month holddown period, with passive refill of the lake from rainfall, runoff, and spring discharges. The timing of drawdown was planned so that the holddown period would occur during the springgermination period for wetland vegetation and refill would begin during the summerfall rainy season. Simulation modeling of the alternative drawdown options was conducted using an existing hydrological model of Lake Apopka. Predicted time to reach the target holddown elevat ion ranged from five to eleven months. For the gravity drawdown, predicted time from beginning of drawdown to completion of refill was about two years under high rainfall and three years under low rainfall. For the pumpdown options, predicted time to comple tion of refill was about three years under high rainfall and four years under low rainfall.

Proposed design components of a drawdown included construction of a water retention structure around Apopka Spring to prevent the spring from discharging to the lake during the drawdown period (optional for gravity drawdown ), dredging of a channel from the discharge structure to deep trenches in the lake to convey water and allow access for gill-net fish harvesting, the use of the Lake Apopka marsh flow-way to filter discharged water, and construction of a barrier across the Apopka-Beauclair Canal at the existing constriction to prevent backflow into Lake Apopka.

Gravity drawdown would not consolidate a significant area of sediments, but would result in erosive removal of flocculent sediments from shallow littoral areas, reducing sediment depth and increasing bulk densi ty of remaining sediments, which should improve conditions for plant establishment (6–18% of lake area). The pumpdown options would consolidate a significant portion of Lake Apopka sediments (4–24% of lake area), but would also result in a large area of partially consolidated sediments (20– 66% of lake area), which are prone to uprooti ng and forming floating vegetation islands

after lake refill.Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

407 Vegetative responses to drawdown of Lake Ap opka are likely to be primarily invasive exotic (hydrilla) and native (cattail) plant spec ies. Costs for management of the invasive vegetation could be as much as $17 million. Control of invasive vegetation would conflict with a major objective of drawdown, to stimulate sufficient growth of native aquatic and wetland vegetation to utilized ex cess nutrients, dampen wind resuspension of sediments, and provide aquatic habitat. Planting of desirable vegetation in conjunction with drawdown would be more compatible with restoration objectives, but planting 10,000 acres of desirable vegetation would cost an estimated $90 million and would not eliminate the need for control of invasive vegetation. Experience from

drawdown of other lakes and analysis of available data indicates that much of the vegetation recruited during the drawdown would not persist long after refill unless other measures are taken to improve water quality in the lake.

Reduction of nutrient loadin g is estimated to provide water clarity suitable for plant establishment over a large part of the area of Lake Apopka, regardless of whether or not a drawdown is conducted. Improvements in water clarity in Lake Apopka, resulting from nutrient loading reductions are also expected to increase management costs for invasive vegetation. However, it is expected that water clarity improvements will occur gradually, and the resulting responses by in vasive plant species can be managed by a low-level maintenance program.

Drawdown is not likely to impr ove water quality in Lake Apopka. There will probably be a substantial increase in phosphorus conc entrations in Lake Ap opka following refill, due primarily to a large increase in diffusive flux from lake sediments. Sediment dredging to prevent the diffusive flux would be prohibitively expensive. Over time,

diffusive fluxes and water column nutrient concentration will pr obably decrease, but would not be expected to fall below pre-drawdo wn levels unless there is a significant decrease in external nutrient loading.

The Lake Apopka marsh flow-way could be used to filter water discharged during pumpdown, and perhaps during gravity dr awdown, to reduce water quality impacts on downstream lakes. However, estimated sediment discharges from pumpdown of Lake Apopka are sufficiently to completely fill both the Lake Apopka marsh flow-way

and Lake Beauclair. Sediment accumulations would be likely to significantly affect benthic fauna and existing vegetation in both the marsh flow-way and in downstream

lakes.

Pumpdown of Lake Apopka would greatly increase nutrient loads to downstream water bodies and substantially increase nutrie nt concentrations, pa rticularly in Lakes
Beauclair and Dora, even if the discharge was filtered through the Lake Apopka marshSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

408 flow-way. Gravity drawdown would likely ha ve a measurable detrimental effect on water quality only in Lakes Beauclair and Dora.

Heavy fish mortality is likely to result from the pumpdown options. Following refill,

conditions for fish recruitm ent are likely to be improved in Lake Apopka under all drawdown options, although it is not possible to project the magnitude of fishery response from the limited available data. Ho wever, improvements in fish recruitment will probably be temporary, unless other actions are taken to improve water and habitat quality in the lake. Existing efforts to redu ce external nutrient loading and improve aquatic habitat in Lake Apopka should support greater vegetative growth in the lake, which would be expected to prolong post-drawdown increases in fish populations.

Preliminary cost estimates for the drawdown options are:

Item Gravity drawdown Pumpdown to 61 feet Pumpdown to 58 feet

Construction $0–$1,150,000 1 $2,990,000 $4,025,000 Other potential costs Boating access loss damages 2 $78,100–$124,300 $112,100–$ 190,900 $129,400–$ 198,100

Vegetation

management 3 $274,500–$1,712,200 $1,647,000–$10,273,500 $2,745,000–$17,122,500

Gill-net fishery

harvest $1,037,000 $1,037,000 $1,037,000

1 Range dependent on whether or not a water retention structure is built to prevent discharge from Apopka Spring.

2 Ranges are predicted damages for hi gh and low rainfall simulations.

3 Ranges are estimated maximum vegetation manageme nt costs for cattail and hydrilla, respectively.

As invasive vegetation developing after drawdown is likely to be a mixture of these two species, expected vegetation manageme nt costs would likel y be intermediate.

In summary, under current levels of external nutrient loading to the lake, drawdown is not expected to provide sustained benefits to the Lake Apopka ecosystem. It is expected

that drawdown would not im prove water quality in Lake Apopka, but would cause water quality deterioration and substant ial sediment accumulat ion in downstream water bodies, and result in only temporary in creases in aquatic vegetation (primarily of invasive species) and fish populations in Lake Apopka. It is recommended that a drawdown of Lake Apopka not be conside red until external loading is reduced to approach the level specified in the draft Lake Apopka rule, which is five metric tons of phosphorus annually from co ntrollable sources. Reductions in external phosphorus loading and other ongoing restoration actions may be sufficient to shift Lake ApopkaAppendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

409 from an algal-dominated to a macrophyte-domin ated stable state, but the time period required for recovery is unknown. Drawdown , or other restoration measures, should be considered if it becomes clear that the targ eted reduction in ph osphorus loading will not yield the expected decrease in phos phorus concentrations, if decreases in phosphorus concentrations do not yield the ex pected increases in water clarity, or if a significant increase in vegetated aquatic habitat in the lake does not occur within one to two years after achievement of a substantial increase in water clarity. If a decision is
made to conduct a drawdown, it is reco mmended that a gravity drawdown be implemented first, and the positive and negative effects be carefully evaluated for two years after completion of refill before co nsidering a more extreme pumpdown of the

lake.

Gale, P.M., and K.R. Reddy. 1994. Carbon flux between sediment and water column of a shallow, subtropical, hypereutrophic lake. J. Environ. Qual . 23:965–972.

PROJECT: Internal Nutrie nt Budget (LA-1-102-D)

A BSTRACT

Field and laboratory experiments were conducted to measure forms, storages, and flux

of C in the water-sediment column of a shal low, subtropical, hypereutrophic lake. High gross primary productivity in the lake (1.4 ± 0.3 kg C m -2

yr -1 ) was not significantly correlated with any water chemistry parameters measured. This suggested that the phytoplankton community was functioning at maximum levels and under nutrient nonlimiting conditions. Ma jor C input to the lake is through gross primary productivity, of which 90% is lost through heterotrophi c and microbia l respiration processes within the water column. Resuspension of the bottom sediments was a major of C into the water column, contributing 720 g C m -2

yr -1 . In comparison, diffusive flux of dissolved organic C from the sediment was minimal (1.2 g C m -2

yr -1 ), as were external inputs into the water column (20 g C m -2

yr -1 ). High productivity of this system has

resulted in a net accumulation of C (as sediments) of 118 g C m -2

yr -1

.

Gallagher, E.P., T.S. Gross, and K.M. Sheeh y. 2001. Decreased glutat hione S-transferase expression and activity and altered sex steroids in Lake Apopka brown bullheads ( Ameiurus nebulosus ). Aquat. Toxicol . 55:223–237.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

410 PROJECT: Fishery (LA-4-107-D)

A BSTRACT

A number of freshwater lakes and reclaimed agricultural sites in central Florida have been the receiving waters for agrochemical and municipal runoff. One of these sites, Lake Apopka, is also a eutrophic system that has been the focus of several case studies reporting altered reproductive activity liked to bioaccumulation of persistent organochlorine chemicals in aquatic spec ies. The present study was initiated to determine if brown bullheads ( Ameiurus nebulosus ) from the north marsh of Lake Apopka (Lake Apopka Marsh) exhibit an altered capacity to detoxify environmental chemicals through hepatic glutathione S-traserase (GST)-mediated conjugation as compared with bullheads from a nearby reference site (Lake Woodruff). We also compared plasma sex hormone concentrations (testosterone, 17-beta estradiol, and 11 keto-testosterone) in bullheads from the two sites. Female bullheads from Lake Apopka

had 40% lower initial rate GS T conjugative activity toward 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB), 50% lower activity towar ds p-nitrobutyl chloride (NBC), 33% lower activity toward ethacrynic acid (ECA), and 43% lowe r activity toward Delta5-androstene-3, 17- dione (Delta(5)-ADI), as compared with fema le bullheads from Lake Woodruff. Enzyme kinetic analyses demonstrated that female bullheads from Lake Apopka had lower GST-catalyzed CDNB clearance than did female Lake Woodruff bullheads. Western blotting studies of bullhead liver cytosolic proteins demonstrated that the reduced GST catalytic in female Lake Apopka bullheads were accompanied by lower expression of hepatic GST protein. No site differences were observed with respect to GST activities or GST protein expression in male bullheads. Female Lake Apopka bullheads also had elevated concentrations of plasma androgens (testosterone and 11-ketotestosterone) as compared with elevated levels of plasma es trogen but similar levels of androgens as compared with male bullheads from Lake Woodruff. Collectively, our studies indicate the presence of reduced GST protein expre ssion, reduced GST conjugative capacity and

altered sex steroid homeostasis in female bu llheads from a contaminated field site in Central Florida. The implications of these physiological altera tions in terms of pollutant biotransformation and reproduction are discussed.

Geonex. 1998. Lake Apopka demonstration marsh vegetation analysis. Submitted to St. Johns River Water Manageme nt District, Palatka, Fla.

PROJECT: Marsh Flow-Way Restoration (LA-3-301-M)Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

411 I NTRODUCTION

This report serves as a summa ry of the photointerpretive vege tation change analysis of the St. Johns River Water Management Distri ct’s Lake Apopka Marsh site from 1990 to 1997. The analysis involved the photointerpretation and digitization of color infrared aerial photography taken of the project site for the following dates: November 1990, October 1991, November 1992, September 1993, September 1994, May 1995, October 1995, May 1996, and April 1997. Vegetative specie s were identified an d coded according to the Wetland Diagnostic Characteristics Classification System that was provided by the District. Digital coverages were analyzed to calculate acreage changes between vegetative species in the Demonstration Marsh and Full Marsh.

Photointerpretation was completed for the North Marsh, South Marsh, and Full Marsh for the October 1995 and April 1997 dates. There was not full aerial coverage of the Full Marsh for the May 1996 time frame and only the North Marsh and South Marsh were photointerpreted for that date. Quality control was performed on all of the maps, which include the three that were photointerpreted by Geonex and six others that were compiled by other sources and supplied to us by the District fo r quality control.

Godwin, W.F. 1989. Trophic struct ure manipulation project, Phase II, quality assurance project plan. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

PROJECT: Trophic Structure Manipula tion (LA-4-207-F)

P ROJECT D ESCRIPTION

The historical degradation of the Oklawaha Chain of Lakes (Figure 3.1) and of Lake Apopka in particular has been well doc umented (Brezonik et al. 1978; EPA 1979a; Lowe et al. 1986; Tuschall et al. 1978). This progressive cultural eutrophication of the lake has

resulted in the reduction or elimination of many former us es of the water body. Since Lake Apopka is the largest of the Oklawaha chain and the headwater source, any attempt to improve water quality in the remainder of the lakes should logically begin with Lake Apopka.

The Surface Water Improvement and Management Act (SWIM) was enacted in July 1987. This legislation asserted th at many of the surface wate rs of Florida have become or are in danger of becoming degraded and the state was obligated through its various agencies to enhance the envi ronmental and scenic characteristics of these surface waters. Water management districts, in conjunction with the Florida Department ofSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

412 Environmental Regulation (FDER) and other st ate and local agencies were charged with preparation of a plan to achieve the goal of enhancement of environmental and scenic values of water bodies designated as having regional or statewide significance. Lake Apopka was specifically identified as a high priority water body in need of restoration.

Previous legislat ion (85-148, Laws of Florida) created the Lake Apopka Restoration Act and established the Lake Apopka Restor ation Council (LARC). The District, in conjunction with FDER, other state and lo cal agencies, and the LARC, was mandated the responsibility of determining environm entally sound and economically feasible restoration methods for Lake Apopka.

A District plan for the restoration of the lake was subsequently completed (Battoe et al. 1988). This plan called for the implementat ion of diagnostic studies on nutrient dynamics and budgets for the lake and for a series of feasibility studies to determine methods which might be applic able to restoration of Lake Apopka to Class III water quality standards. One of the feasibility study areas selected for funding was biomanipulation.

The purpose of this pilot study is to determine if manipulation of the dominant planktivore population in a small hypereut rophic lake will result in measurable changes in the trophic structure of that lake . Data acquired during the project will be used to formulate a plan for nu trient and algal biomass redu ction through manipulation of the rough fish population in Lake Apopk a. Lake Beauclair will be used as the control for this experiment and an additional backgrou nd data base will be established for Lake Apopka. The project will be conducted in th ree segments of approximately one year each following a preliminary screening and lake selection process. Segment I will consist of the establishment of a pre-manipulation database in the experimental and control lakes. During Segment II, the population of gizzard shad ( Dorosoma cepedianum ) will be removed from the experimental lake and database collection will continue in all lakes. In Segment III, database collection w ill continue and an evaluation will be made of any changes in the experimental lake following rough fish harvesting. The project will commence upon approval of the Quality Assurance Project Plan and continue for a 36-month period.

Sample types, parameters, and sample numbers for surface water quality, biological, and sediment analysis are shown in Ta bles 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, and 3.4. All field sampling (except fisheries) will be conducted by SJRWMD staff.

Determination of fish community dynamics will be contracted to the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission and specific me asurement parameters are detailed in theAppendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

413 Scope of Work for Ichthyofaunal studies (Attachment 1) and in the Ichthyofaunal Studies Quality Assurance Addition (Attachment 2).

Analysis of macro-zooplankton, bacter ioplankton, and ciliated protozoa will be conducted under contract to the University of Florida. Specific parameters to be measured for the zooplankton contract are detailed in the Zooplankton Analysis Quality Scope of Work (Attachment 3), Ta ble 3.4, and in the Zooplankton Analysis Quality Assurance Addition (Attachment 4).

Sediment analysis will be cont racted to Hunter/ESE, Inc. Parameters to be analyzed for this portion of the study are shown in Table 3.3. Total nitrogen and total phosphorus will also be analyzed.

Laboratory analysis of surf ace water samples will be cont racted to PPB Environmental
Laboratories, Inc. Parameters to be measured are shown in Table 3.2. This contractor

will also conduct the anal ysis of chlorophyll.

Algal productivity sampling and analysis will be conducted by SJRWMD staff.

Godwin, W., S.G. Coyne, and E.A. Gisondi. 1993. An evaluation of methods for removal of rough fish as a restor ation technique for Lake Apopka. Technical memorandum 3. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

PROJECT: Trophic Structure Manipula tion (LA-4-207-F)

E XECUTIVE S UMMARY

The declining environmental quality of surface water in the Ocklawaha basin, and particularly in Lake Apopka, has been a su bject of concern for various agencies and private citizens fo r over 40 years.

In recognition of the persistent water quality and associated environmental problems in this basin, the 1985 Florida legislature direc ted the St. Johns River Water Management District, in conjunction with the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation, other state and local agencies, and the Lake Apop ka Restoration Counc il, to initiate a pilot restoration program for Lake Apopka. This mandate was reiterated through the Surface Water Improvement and Management Act of 1987.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

414 One potential restoration method selected for further research was manipulation of lake trophic structure (food chain composition) and export in-lake nu trients by depleting planktivorous fish s tocks, primarily gizzard shad. Esta blishment of an efficient and cost-effective method for removing target-fi sh species was essential in implementing this restoration technique, and an accurate assessment of existing rough fish stocks was necessary in determining the efficacy of various fish removal methods tested.

This project had three major goals. First, to determine the biomass of harvestable gizzard shad stocks in Lakes Denham and Apop ka. Second, to test the effectiveness offishing techniques in Lake Apopka which are most often used for harvesting openwater fish stocks such as gizzar d shad. Third, to estimate the cost and extent of nutrient export from fish removal and compare the results with other potential methods.

The District, in cooperation with the Flor ida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission,

initiated an effort to test methods fo r determining gizzard-sh ad biomass, and to evaluate techniques for shad removal. Three fish removal techniques were selected for testing: haul seine, gill net, and pound ne t. Two basic principles were established to guide this effort: (1) An acceptable rough-fish removal method must be practical and specifically applicable to Lake Apopka and (2) use of fish toxicant is not a viable option for rough-fish depletion because of the negative impact of leaving large masses of dead fish to decompose in the lake with attendant nutrient release.

Use of a small lake for the pilot fish removal effort resulted in much lower cost for the

work and allowed better control of the fish removal process. The selected lake, Lake Denham (256 acres), is near Lake Apopka and was similar in trophic state and food-web

structure.

Standard fish sampling techniques using bloc knets with rotenone and experimental gill nets of mixed mesh sizes were found to be inadequate to provide accurate information on the abundance of gizzard sh ad in either Lake Denham or Lake Apopka; therefore, information on the composition of the total fish stock was not available for either lake and only limited information was available on gizzard shad biomass. In Lake Denham, blocknets showed a total gizzard shad biomass of 7 to 21 lb/acre during the same time period when 417 lb/acre of adult gizzard shad were removed from the lake by haul seine. Blocknet data from Lake Apopka were also highly variable and showed similar low biomass levels. Experime ntal gill net catches showed high variability with the season of the year. Gill net catch results from both Lake Denham and Lake Apopka

showed an 84% to 89% decline between the months of Ja nuary and June each year

before and after the fish removal. Results fr om Lake Apopka samples also showed high seasonal variability.Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

415 Because direct census of gizzard shad popula tions was not feasible using blocknets or gill nets, we used Lake Denham haul seine catch and effort data to estimate the abundance of harvestable gizzard shad in that lake at the beginning and end of the haul seine work by using a standard mathematical equation (Leslie Regression). This could not be done in Lake Apopka because the ha ul seine was ineffectiv e there. In lieu of
numeric data, we used anecdotal informat ion and an assumed relationship between experimental gill net and haul seine catches to project a harvesta ble gizzard shad stock for Lake Apopka of about 10 million pounds.

In Lake Denham, 35 seine hauls completed between January and April 1990 produced a
total fish catch of 112,437 lb. Of this total, 87,057 lb (77%) were gizzard shad. Game fish species comprised 19% of the catch and other rough fish made up the remainder. A Leslie Regression analysis of 1990 haul sein e catch and effort data showed an initial harvestable gizzard shad s tock of 100,794 lb, or 394 lb/acr e of lake surface. The harvestable stock remaining after completion of the haul seine effort was estimated at
13,737 lb, or 54 lb/acre. In 1991, 13 seine hauls completed in May produced a total fish catch of 20,895 lb. Gizzard shad made up 96% (20,040 lb) of the total. The remainder of the catch was game fish species and other rough fish species. A Leslie Regression analysis of 1991 haul seine catc h and effort data showed an initial harvestable gizzard
shad stock of 22,679 lb, or 88 lb /acre of lake surface. The harvestable stock remaining after completion of the 1991 haul seine ef fort was estimated at 2,639, or 10 lb/acre.

An analysis of 1990 Lake Denham haul-seine ca tch data indicated that the initial adult gizzard-shad stock was depleted by 86%. In 1991, the existing adult shad stock was depleted by 88%. The average cost of contracted fish removal by haul seine in Lake Denham was $0.26 per pound in 1990. A total of 609 lb of phosphorus and 1,915 lb of nitrogen were exported from Lake Denham by this fish removal. The contract cost of nutrient removal was $36.43 per lb for ph osphorus and $13.62 per lb for nitrogen.

Contract cost for the 1991 fi sh removal was inflated ($0.36 per pound) because only one
contractor submitted a bid for the work; therefore, nutrient removal cost was not

calculated for the 1991 haul seine work.

In Lake Apopka, 12 seine hauls were conducted during a 3-week period in April and May 1990. The harvest of gizzard shad from this effort was on ly 3,475 pounds, even though some hauls covered an area of 160 acre s. Because of the small haul seine catches in Lake Apopka, the data were not suitable for any meaningful anal ysis. Reasons for the low catch efficiency of the haul seine in Lake Apopka included high fish escapement
due to the slow seine-closure rate in the flocculent sediments, and the haul-seine

contractor’s lack of detailed knowledge of fish an d sediment distribution in Lake Apopka. The contractor was unable to compensate for these problems within the time and budget constraints of this contract.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

416 Two commercial gill nets totaling 400 yards in length were used for fish removal trials in Lake Apopka during a 9-day period in January and February 1991 and a 13-day period in May 1991. In 184 hours of fishing ef fort, 40,521 pounds of fish were harvested. The catch by weight was co mposed of about 96% gizzard shad, 3% other rough fish, and almost 1% game fish. All game fish taken in the gill nets were of harvestable size. Initial mortality of game fish released from the gill net averaged less than 10% and occurred only during the warm-weather period (May). No estimate of longer term mortality of released fish was made. The cost of rough-fish removal by this method was $0.25 per pound. This figure is probably inflated due to the lack of highly competitive bidding for this fish removal contract. Many gizzard shad fi shing operations routinely harvest fish by gill net at a mark et price of $0.08 to $0.15 per pound.

We used comparative data from experimental gill nets in Lakes Denham and Apopka,
the 1990 Lake Denham haul seine catch data, an d reported catch efficiencies for gill net fisheries on migratory species to predict a potential annual shad removal of about 3 million pounds for Lake Apopk a. Use of gill nets appears to offer the best potential to achieve the target fish removal. However, this activity must be approved and permitted by the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission. Their evaluation of the impact of the game fish by-catch from gill nets will likely determine the future use of this fish removal method in Lake Apopka.

Cost for removal of nutrients by gizzard shad harvesting appe ars to be lower than other methods and fish removal appears to be less problematic than other lake restoration

alternatives associated with nutrient reduction such as sediment removal, pumped drawdown, alum treatment, or biochemical and chemical oxidation technology. We project that rough fish harvesting could remove about 11 tons of phosphorus and 33 tons of nitrogen annually from Lake Apopka. Although this level of nutrient depletion alone will have only small effects on overa ll nutrient dynamics fo r the lake, it could augment significantly the projected annual phosphorus removal of 33 tons resultingfrom operation of a large water filtration wetland located adjacent to the lake. The largescale removal of gizzard shad co uld also produce beneficial f ood web effects in the lake.

Gottgens, J.F., and T.L. Crisman. 1992. Newnans Lake, Florida: Removal of particulate organic matter and nutrients using a short-term drawdown (Phase I). Special Publication
SJ92-SP23. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns Ri ver Water Management District.

PROJECT: Drawdown and Lake Level Fluctuation (LA-4-208-F)Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

417 E XECUTIVE S UMMARY

Water-level stabili zation is commonly employed in Florida to insure year-round access
to lakes. However, stabilized water levels may cause accelerated accumulation of

nutrient-rich detritus on the lake bottom . This, in turn, can affect aquatic plant communities, reduce water clarity, and e liminate hard-bottom nesting areas for many sportfish.

A 90-day gravity drawdown of shallow, algal-dominated Newnans Lake (Alachua County, Florida) was initiated by the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission in April 1989 by removing the flashboards on the outflow dam. The study reported here was designed to measure discharge rates of organic matter and nutrients through flushing and to examine the oxidation and cons olidation of exposed littoral substrate in the field and in the laboratory. Sediment characteristics and patterns of sediment deposition and redistribution were also studied and are documented in the Phase II report (Gottgens and Crisman 1992).

Temporary removal of the flashboards on the dam flushed moderate amounts of suspended solids, particulate organic matte r (POM), nitrogen (TKN) , and phosphorus (TP) from the lake. Elevated concentrations of POM, TKN, and TP in the discharge were only noted during the first month of dewatering, when adequate head differential was present. Storms associated with high winds appeared to promote flushing of organic matter and nutrients, probably due to enhanced resuspension of bottom lake sediment.

Field and laboratory tests did not demonstr ate a net oxidative removal of organic matter from exposed areas of the lake bot tom. Consolidated sediments remained firm after reflooding, providing improved habitat for rooted macrophytes and fish spawning. Gravity drawdowns are inexpens ive and can be effective in removing organic matter and nutrients when they are in itiated at high lake stage and coincide with frequent wind events. Routine applic ation of this management technique may produce a periodic rejuvenation of the lake ecosystem in situations where water-level stabilization is required.

Gottgens, J.F., and T.L. Crisman. 1992 . Sediments of Newnans Lake: Characteristics and patterns of redistributio n following a short-term drawdown (Phase II). Special Publication
SJ92-SP24. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns Ri ver Water Management District.

PROJECT: Drawdown and Lake Level Fluctuation (LA-4-208-F)SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

418 E XECUTIVE S UMMARY

The impact of lowering water level (by short-term drawdown) on deposition and redistribution of organic sediments was st udied in eutrophic Newnans Lake, Florida. Sediment transfer was determined by matc hing marker horizons in pre-drawdown

cores with those in cores taken at the same sites after water level returned to normal. These horizons were located by radio-isotope analysis or by direct field evidence of distinct stratigraphy. An average of 6.1 g m -2

day -1 (N=3) of organic material eroded from the littoral zone by lowering the water depth from 62 to 30 cm for 8 weeks. Littoral sediments with low bulk density eroded fastest and bulk density of remaining substrate increased by an average of 250%. Short- term drawdowns can greatly enhance resuspension of fine littoral substrate. A record of redistribution of this material to the deeper portions of the lake was unclear. Of six profundal sites analyzed for this study, two showed evidence of sediment deposition due to drawdown. Since resuspension of fine sediments influences the ecology of a lake through habitat alteration, release of nutrients, high turbidity and enhanced oxygen demand, erosion processes must be considered when drawdowns are attempted. Fi nally, data from Phas e I and Phase II of this work are summarized, and recommendations for the management of Newnans Lake are provided.

Greening, H., and S. Doyon. 1990. Environmental and ecological effects of drawdown and enhanced fluctuation for Lake Apopka, Florida . Special Publication SJ92-SP24. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District .

PROJECT: Drawdown and Lake Level Fluctuation (LA-4-208-F)

E XECUTIVE S UMMARY

The potential ecological and environmental e ffects of a drawdown or enhanced lake level fluctuation program for Lake Apopka were assessed by Dames & Moore for the St. Johns River Water Management District as a part of the Lake Apopka SWIM Plan

initiative. An extensive literature review and personal interviews were used to formulate a synopsis of the ecological effects of water level drawdown as a management and restor ation technique. The applicatio n of drawdown or enhanced water level fluctuation to the restoration of Lake Apopka was addressed by evaluating

the drawdown and enhanced fluctuation lit erature and existing studies on Lake Apopka.Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

419 The literature review indicates that lake drawdown or enha nced water level fluctuation generally results in increased sportfish pr oduction, increased macrophyte-associated macroinvertebrate populations, and littoral zone habitat enhancement. Short-term control of nuisance vegetation frequently occurs in cold climates. Drawdown or enhanced fluctuation generally does not re sult in long-term im provements in water quality, or the control of nuisance macrophytes in warm climates. Significant sediment consolidation typically occurs only followi ng long (>7 month) periods of sediment exposure, and usually only do wn to within 2 feet of th e holddown lake elevation.

The information gained from the literat ure review was applied to four drawdown/

enhanced fluctuation scenarios deve loped for Lake Apopka. These are:

Scenario 1: Enhanced fluctuation by gravity flow and pumping from 66 ft NGVD (normal pool) to 63 ft NGVD. At 63 ft NGVD, only 8.6% (2,640 acres) of the total lake area will be exposed, although the lake volume will have been reduced by almost 60%. A minimal drainage canal system within the lake will be necessary.

Scenario 2: Drawdown by gravity flow and pumping 62 ft NGVD. At this lake level elevation, 6,980 acres (22.7% of the total lake area) will be exposed and lake volume will have been reduced by almost 77%. A slightly more extensive in-lake drainage system will

be needed.

Scenario 3: Drawdown by gravity flow an d pumping to 61 ft NGVD. At 61 ft NGVD, 56.3% (17,357 acres) of Lake Apopka sediments will be exposed, while almost 90% of the original lake volume will have been discharged from the lake. Due to the relative isolation of some pockets of remaining water, an exte nsive in-lake system of drainage pipes or canals will be required to remove enough water to reach a water level of 61 ft NGVD in

the lake basin.

Scenario 4: Drawdown by gravity flow an d pumping to 60 ft NGVD. At 60 ft NGVD, 85% (26,174 acres) of the total lake area will be exposed, with 95% of the original lake volume having been discharged. An elaborate system of miles of drainage canals or pipes will be required.

The following in-lake effects of a Lake Apopka drawdown are likely to occur:

• Extensive germination of littoral zone vegetation and increased littoral zone habitat. Under Scenario 1, increased germination may be minimal due to the small percentage of total lake sediments exposed.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

420 • More extensive germination would be antic ipated under other scenarios. Longevity of littoral zone habitat enhancement will likely depend upon the degree of sediment

consolidation du ring exposure.

• Increased sportfish populations as a result of increased littoral zone habitat, if sufficient stocks remain in Lake Apopka.

• Extensive cattail germination and growth, likely requiring some degree of management (herbicide or mechanical harvesting), especially for Scenarios 2, 3 and 4.

• Increased macrophyte-associated macroinver tebrate densities following refill but a decrease or elimination of some existing benthic species due to desiccation during dewatering.

• Little or no improvement in wate r quality (TP, TN, and chlorophyll a concentrations)
under all drawdown scenarios, based on re sults from other Florida lake drawdowns.

• Development of a “cap” of consolidated sedim ents and germinated vegetation if the dewatering period is between three and se ven months in duration, which can become dislodged from underlying unconsolidated sediments upon refill and cause “floating

islands.”

• Sediment exposure for longer than seven mo nths will likely result in significant

sediment consolidation down to within two feet of the holddown lake elevation.

The duration of any effects of drawdown or enhanced water level fluctuation observed in Lake Apopka will likely be relatively short-lived (a maximum of 2–6 years). Potential

effects of a drawdown or enhanced fluctuation on downstream water bodies include a possible shift in littoral zo ne plant community st ructure from nona quatic species to aquatic species if maximum pool elevations in downstream lakes are maintained during Lake Apopka drawdown and holddown period s; excessive velociti es in downstream channels during drawdown, wi th associated dislodging of sessile organisms; and the probability of significantly increased nutr ient and sediment loading to downstream lakes during discharge and storage of Lake Apopka drawdown water.

Gremillion, P.T., and C.E. Mericas. 1988 . A literature review and feasibility analysis assessing microbial decomposition as a technique for restoring Lake Apopka . Special
Publication SJ92-SP24. Palatka, Fla.: St. Jo hns River Water Management District.Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

421 PROJECT: Microbial Decomposition (LA-4-205-F)

E XECUTIVE S UMMARY

As part of the effort to improve water quality in Lake Apopka, International Science & Technology, Inc. (IS&T) has conducted a lit erature review and preliminary feasibility analysis assessing in situ sediment decomp osition as a techniqu e for oxidizing organic lake sediments and decreasing sediment nu trient loading to the water column. This technique applies biochemical or chemical proc esses, or a combination of both, and has its origins in wastewater treatment technology.

Four specific techniques fo r sediment decomposition were investigated: microbial
inoculation, denitrification, hydrogen peroxide addition, and ozonation. Thorough investigation of research and field applications of se diment oxidation techniques required a review of the peer -reviewed and “grey” literature, as well as interviews with scientists and lake managers with experience in this field and commercial vendors of these technologies.

B ACKGROUND

Decreasing the organic content of sediments has the potential for improving water quality in eutrophic lakes by decreasing the oxygen demand of the sediments on the water column, inhibiting nutrient cycling from the sediments to the water column, and increasing the depth of the water co lumn through sedimen t consolidation.

Natural systems accumulate excess organic material when biological productivity exceeds the capacity to decompose this material. This can be the result of nutrient limitation, the presence of toxins, or other adverse environmental conditions that constrain decomposition. Sediment treatment research focuses on accelerating decay processes through combinations of chemical, mechanical, and biological intervention.

The sediments in Lake Apopka are moderately organic and subject to “intense microbial activity and anaerobi c conditions” (Reddy et al. 1988). Anae robic conditions are reflected in extremely high ammonium co ncentrations. Active denitrification is indicated by very low nitrate concentratio ns. The sediment has undergone significant microbial degradation, but the remaining degr adable organic material in the sediments appears to be far from depleted, as reflec ted by the anaerobic conditions and high

concentrations of ammonia. In addition, anaerobic conditions in the sediments may be sustained by the continual de position of dead algal cells and allochthonous organic material. Sediment accretion rates average approximately 1 cm/year (Pollman, pers. comm.).SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

422 B IOCHEMICAL O XIDATION T ECHNIQUES

There are two technologies that attempt to induce microbial sediment oxidation. The first relies on the introduction of non-native microorganisms to both aerobic and

anaerobic sediment environments. The second relies on native bacterial populations stimulated by introduced nitrate to oxidize sediments by denitrification under

anaerobic conditions.

Introduced Microorganisms . Non-native microorganisms are introduced into eutrophic lakes with the intention of removing particulate and dissolved organic material from the water column and sediments through enhanced aerobic and anaerobic bacterial activity, including denitrification. The products are composed of mixtures of bacterial species that are reported to be free of Salmonella and related pathogens. Most manufacturers of microbial treatments claim that their products work under both

aerobic and anaerobic co nditions, but that aero bic conditions are preferable and can be induced through mechanical aeration.

Hanson (1981) conducted the mo st extensive investigation to date of in situ sediment digestion techniques, including aeration and microbial inoculation. The results

indicated no detectable difference between sediments inoculated with the commercial product and the untreated controls. The author concluded that inoculating sediments with the correct mix of aerobes that have already developed the specific decay mechanisms required “may be ve ry difficult, if it is possibl e at all.” Other researchers have reported similar negative results in evaluating the effect iveness of microbial inoculations (Jewell and McCarty 1970; Fo ree and McCarty 1971; Boyd et al. 1984; Tucker and Lloyd 1986; Muller 1987; Palmer et al. 1987; Blouin et al. 1988).

The technology of microbial inoculation to improve water quality is based on highly controversial scientific theories. Controversy centers on the principal that if it is environmentally possible for a substrate to be used as an energy source, mechanisms will have developed over time to efficientl y use that substrate. Given the general capability of native microbial population s to adapt to complex substrate types, the presence of excessive substrate (accumulated organic material) indicates that accretion rates are greater than the processing rates of the microbial population. This could be caused by nutrient limitat ion or toxicity (Jewell and Mc Carty 1971). Either of these conditions would also limit the effectiveness of introduced microorganisms (unless toxins to native populations were non-toxic to introduced microbes).

The most compelling arg ument against the efficacy of co mmercial microbial products is the absence of published accounts of succe ss in applying these pr oducts to eutrophicAppendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

423 lakes. No support for the use of microbial in oculation as a lake re storation method can be found in the peer reviewed scientific lit erature. The few refer eed journal articles documenting microbial inocul ation conclude that the treatment is ineffective and theoretically unsound (Boyd et al. 1984; Hanson 1981). Without exception, the professional limnologists and aquatic scienti sts contacted during this investigation expressed the opinion that the addition of microbial pr oducts to prom ote sediment decomposition and lake restoration has little theoretical basis and no credible evidence to substantiate the claims made by the manufacturers. It was concluded that further investigation regarding th e application of commercial microbial products to the restoration of Lake Apopka is not warranted.

The cost of microbial inoculation can va ry considerably, depending on whether

mechanical aeration is included in the project design. Based on manufacturers’
recommended doses, areal cost s range from $6 to $25 per he ctare. These costs include only the purchase of the microbial prod uct. Costs associated with application, environmental monitoring, or additional wa ter conditioning, such as aeration or treatment with chemical precipitants, are not included.

Nitrate Application. Lake restoration techniques invo lving nitrate application rely on

the stimulation of biochemical denitrification. The principa l objective is to inactivate sediment phosphorus through nitrate-induced reactions, but a related effect of the treatment is anaerobic sediment oxidation through denitrification. The mechanism of phosphorus inactivation is the sorption of phosphate on to insoluble ferric, Fe(III), oxides and hydroxides under oxidiz ing conditions. Cooke et al . (1986) observed that in shallow lakes with high pH and temperature, iron redox reactions may not control phosphate release. In such systems nitrat e application may not in activate phosphate, although sediment oxidation would st ill occur under redu cing conditions.

Laboratory studies by Hanson (1981) and Szewczyk (1984) examined the effectiveness of nitrate application in oxidizing organic sediments and found nitrate application to be a promising technology, conc luding that readily degradable organic material was effectively decomposed without adverse impact to the water column. Neither investigator reported any reduction in sediment vol ume at any nitrate dose. Unfortunately, neither study examined the efficiency of denitrification or inhibition of phosphorus recycling. There are mixed, but ge nerally positive reports of the success of

nitrate addition treatments (Forsberg 1987; Lingren 1986; Ripl 1979; Willenbring et al. 1984; Verner 1985; Ripl 1985; Foy 1986).

The success of nitrate application appears to be related to site-s pecific conditions, including sediment chemical characteristics. It is evident that de nitrification occurs intensely in the sediments in Lake Apopka. Thus, there may be substantial oxidation ofSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

424 organic material occurring routinely in the upper sediments of the lake. Conditions in the lake appear to be suitable for nitrate application; a sha llow, subtropical system with a productive, aerobic, well-mixed water overlying the sediments. The capability for this technology to control phosphorus release in the highly productive environment of Lake Apopka is uncertain. Field investigations will be required to assess the efficacy of the technique.

Ripl (1985) developed applicat ion technology and equipm ent, known as RIPLOX, to inactivate phosphorus and oxidize organic sediments thro ugh the addition of calcium nitrate in conjunction with lim e and ferric chloride. This tec hnology is marketed in the United States by Aqua Technique, distributor of the RIPLOX technology. Aqua Technique provides the mechanical apparatus for injecting calcium nitrate into lake sediments and the technical expertise in developing treatment designs for specific projects. Application cost s for nitrate treatment depend on the specific dose of calcium

nitrate needed and on whether additional chemic als, such as lime or ferric chloride are required. Treatment costs reported in th e literature range from $0.74/m to $1.33/m.

C HEMICAL O XIDATION T ECHNOLOGY

Organic sediments can be decomposed by reactions involving chemical free radicals which form from compounds with highly reactive oxygen groups. The two chemical

oxidants examined in this st udy, hydrogen peroxide and ozone, have been applied for both water treatment and lake sediment oxidation. Application of either technology would require isolating a several hectare area of lake and introduc ing either liquid or gas into the flocculent sediments.

Hydrogen Peroxide . Hydrogen peroxide (H

2 O

2 ) is commonly used in wastewater pretreatment for BOD, odor, and solids removal (Cole et al. 1974, 1976; Weber 1972).

Research in the use of H

2 O

2 for lake management has been conducted in field experiments by Barroin (1980) and laborato ry experiments by Ba rroin and Feuillade (1986), Hanson (1981), Soares (1980), and Szewczyk (1984). Soares (1980) conducted laboratory studies on the biological effects of H

2 O

2 application to eutrophic lake

sediments. H

2 O

2 treatments resulted in the complete elimination of benthic macrofauna, and possibly microflora as well, with subsequent recolonization by sulfur-reducing bacteria. Mortality resulted from oxidation by the H

2 O

2 , but also by H

2 O

2 reaction products such as sulfide, ammonium, and copper. Following oxidation, the onset of reducing conditions was observed, presumably brought on by the renewed activity of reducing bacteria. The H

2 O

2 application was effective in removing 30% of the COD.

Hanson (1981) and Szewczyk (1984) included hydrogen peroxide treatment in their

studies of in situ sediment consolidation techniques. Hanson reported highly efficientAppendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

425 oxidation of organic sediments with increase s in concentrations of dissolved carbon, phosphorus, and nitrogen and pH depression in the water column. He concluded that

H

2 O

2treatment was the most effective method tested. The author recommended a posttreatment lime application to ad just pH, and a final treatment for uptake of soluble nutrients and organic carbon, using either nitrate or aeration combined with microbial inoculation. Szewczyk (1984) concluded that while the sediment oxidation capacity of

H

2 O

2 was great, the high cost and adverse environmental impacts re nder the technology impractical.

The effectiveness of chemical oxidation in lakes is offset to some extent by the profound impact of reaction by-products on overlying water quality. Followup treatment is necessary to precipitate nutrients from the water column. The choice of potentially applicable precipitants includes lime, alum, an d ferric chloride, all of which are widely used in water treatment and lake management. Another secondary effect of chemical oxidation is a post-tre atment pH decrease of 2 to 4 unit s. In-lake treatment operations (experimental or full-scale), will require a substantial secondary treatment program applying lime, or some other neutralizing ag ent to adjust the water column pH. It may be possible to use lime for both pH adjustme nt and precipitation. The extent of the treatment necessary will depend on iron concentrations in the sediment relative to the quantity of nutrients suspended. The cost of this additional treatment could easily equal

or exceed the cost of in itial oxidant application.

The application of H

2 O

2 on an operational scale would be logistically complex and labor intensive. Liquid hydrogen peroxide is available in bulk as a 35% or 70% solution. The 35% solution has a cost of $0.107/kg, not incl uding delivery. Cost for treatment is approximately $48/m. Additio nal costs would include pr oduct delivery, application equipment costs, and labor.

Ozone . Ozone (O

3 ), like H

2 O

2 , is used in water treatment for its powerful oxidizing capability but is poorly documented as a lake management technology. Other than a project report (Water Management, Inc.), Hanson (1981) prov ides the only known report of ozone application to oxidize lake se diments. Oxidation of organic material was significantly lower than H

2 O

2 treatments and was comparable to removal observed in nitrate treatments. Sediment volume decreased significantly. The response of the water column to sediment ozonation is analogous to that of H

2 O

2 treatments, and the secondary treatment requ irements are identical.

Ozonation would probably be highly e ffective in decomposing the UCF and CF sediment fractions in Lake Apopka. Additiona lly, organic material in the water column would be oxidized, including phytoplankton cells. Secondary treatment with a chemical precipitant would remove the resulting sol uble nutrients from the water column andSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

426 seal the sediments with a relatively insol uble surface layer. The result would be a deeper water column with a more cons olidated lake bottom , and environmental conditions conducive to the establishment of rooted macrophytes.

Implementing an effective ozonation program on Lake Apopka would be logistically complex. Ozone can be generated on-site, eliminating the problem of bulk shipping highly corrosive liquids (e.g., H

2 O

2 ). The nature of the treatment would require that confined areas be treated sequ entially as batch reactors. An enclosure in the lake would be required to hydraulically co ntain the area being treated. Following initial treatment with the chemical oxidant, the water would undergo treatment to remove dissolved nutrients and suspended residual organic material. After completion of the treatment,

the enclosure would be moved to a new ar ea and the process would be repeated.

Traditionally, cost has been the limiting factor in applying ozonation as a treatment technology. Recent advances in ultraviolet (UV) light technology have resulted in the development of a relatively inexpensive me thod of generating a “highly reactive ionized oxygen gas plasma,” known as “a ctivated oxygen,” and commercially produced under the trademark “PHOTOZO NE” (Water Management, Inc.). The

manufacturer claims that PHOTOZONE generation re quires 3–5 kw hours to produce one pound of ozone, in comp arison with 8–12 kw hours to produce one pound of ozone using conventional methods. PHOTOZONE has been used in lake management. Interestingly, the PHOTOZONE representative contacted for this study stated that PHOTOZONE no longer markets their product for lake management projects.

Energy consumption will be the most expens ive aspect of ozonation. Considering literature values of approximately 5 kw hr to generate 1 pound of ozone, Hanson’s (1981) ozone dose of 75 g O

3 /L of sediment, and energy co sts of $0.041/kw hr (supplied by Florida Power and Light), energy costs to oxidize the UCF and CF sediments in Lake Apopka would be approximately $3 billion.

P UBLIC H EALTH I MPLICATIONS

None of the biological or chemical products considered in this study appear to present a human health hazard. Genetically engineered organisms were specifically excluded. A possible public health risk indirectly relate d to any remediation efforts is the release from the sediments (and consequent activation) of the pathogenic amoeba, Neaglaria

fowleri . This organism has been demonstrated to cause disease and death in humans in subtropical waters including lakes in central Florida. Generally the organism exists as a non-pathogenic encysted form in sedimen ts until water temperatures exceed approximately 32 o C, whereupon it conv erts to a free-living form and can enter the human body through mucous membranes. The existence of this organism in LakeAppendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

427 Apopka has not been investigated for this study. However, prior to implementation of in-lake restoration activities, population studies are recommended to determine initial densities and, more important, to determine wh at, if any, effects may result from largescale disturbance of the organic sediments that may harbor the dormant cysts of this organism.

C ONCLUSIONS AND R ECOMMENDATIONS

Of the technologies ex amined in this study, nitrate application and ozonation exhibited potential for immediate field testing in Lake Apopka. Chemical oxidation technologies would be substantially more costly than nitrate applic ation (Table E-1). The cost of initial application alone to Lake Apopka wou ld probably exceed $3 billion for ozonation and $7 billion for hydrogen per oxide application, and exte nsive secondary treatment would be required in addition to that co st for water quality mitigation. Nitrate application, was therefore selected as the mo st economical and technically feasible in situ lake restoration technique. Specific conclusions and recommendations regarding each technology are provided below.

The theoretical framework that describes the mechanisms by which microbial inoculation should work is not supported by experimental data and is highly

controversial. There is no evidence to indic ate that application of this technology to Lake Apopka would bring about the desired responses of sediment decomposition or suppressed nutrient cycling. The technology of microbial inoculation currently provides a very low probability of success in field appl ications. Field tests of this technology are

not recommended.

The injection of calcium nitrate into anaerobic sediments has been demonstrated to oxidize organic sediments through denitrification and inactivate phosphorus through co-precipitation with ferric hydroxide. The chemistry and biochemistry of the processes involved in this technology have been established through field and laboratory experimentation. Thus, there is adequate th eoretical and practical information available to develop reasonable designs for field trials of the technology. Field evaluation of this technology is recommended.

Published reports of field and laboratory experiments using H

2 O

2 and ozone show them to be highly effective in oxidizing organi c sediments. Any application of chemical oxidation technology must be followed by treatment to inactivate dissolved nutrients and residual particulate organic material.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

428 It is recommended that H

2 O

2 and ozonation not be considered for field tests, because of excessive treatment costs and the logistic implications of la rge-scale treatment operations (e.g., bulk H

2 O

2 or ozone generation requirements).

Gross, T.S., and N. Kernag han. 2002. Endocrine disruptin g effects of chlorinated hydrocarbons in fish and alligators in central Florida. SIS#1998. Progress report

accessed on 3/4/02. Available at [http://www.fcsc.usgs.gov/Environmental_Contaminants/Contaminant_Current_ Projects]. Florida Caribbean Science Center, Gainesville.

PROJECT: Fishery (LA-4-107-D)

P ROGRESS

The results from year 3 effo rts continue to demonstrate en docrine disruption in wildlife (fish and alligators) for lakes from central Florida. These endocrine-disrupting effects are observed in association with and strongly correlated to increased concentrations of chlorinated hydrocarbon environmental contaminants. Although, our experimental efforts with DDE clearly indicate endocrine- disrupting effects in largemouth bass and alligators, they do not support our previo us hypothesis of a causative relationship between DDE and altered egg hatchability in a lligators. However, our year 3 results do indicate a significant relati onship between DDE exposure and alligator neonatal mortality as well as altered neonatal immune function. Our efforts also suggest the utility of gonadal culture techniques as testing and screening methods for the effects of chlorinated hydrocarbons on gonadal steroi dogenesis. Overall, these experimental

efforts indicate contaminant induced endocrine disruptio n in wildlife and several effective biomarkers (i.e., estradiol, testosterone, 11-ketotestosterone, virellogenin, etc.) with which to study these effects. These methods should enable continued evaluation of wildlife populations, most crit ically evaluations of wildlife populations in contaminated sites currently undergoing re clamation. The ongoing exam ination of wildlife within

these reclaimed muck farm sites demonstrates the utility of our biomarkers as a valid

monitor of reclamation success and w ildlife reproductive/endocrine health.

Gross, T.S., M. Sepulveda, S. D. Ruessler, J.N. Wiebe, an d C.M. Wieser. 2002. Microcosm and mesocosms evaluation of the bioaccumulation of chlorinated pesticides in the

North Shore Restoration Ar eas. SIS#4944. Progress repo rt accessed on 3/4/02.Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

429 Available at [http://www.fcsc.usgs.gov/Environmental_Contaminants/Contaminant_Current _Projects]. Florida Caribbean Science Center, Gainesville.

PROJECT: Fishery (LA-4-107-D)

P ROJECT D ESCRIPTION

During the fall of 1998 and winter of 1999, a si gnificant bird morta lity event occurred on the former agricultural property on the north shore of Lake Apopka, an area now known as the North Shore Restoration Area (NSRA). Although the cause of this event
still is unclear, the USFWS has linked this mortality to organochlorine pesticide (OC)
toxicosis. However, two risk assessments have failed to indicate a risk for acute mortality from OC concentratio ns in soil/sediments or in fi sh. Extensive evaluations of pesticides in the NSRA preceded and followe d the bird mortality event. However, uncertainty remains concerning the causes of the mortality and concerning risks from OC pesticide residues in organic soils, and th is uncertainty has limited the ability of the St. Johns River Water Management District and the NRCS to proceed with the restoration of the NSRA. A primary uncertainty for evaluating risk from OC pesticide residues is the rate of bioaccumulation of OCs from soils/sediments through the food chain to fish and then to birds. The OCs of potential concern in the NSRA are toxaphene, DDT and its metabolites DDE an d DDD, and based on some bird tissue
levels, dieldrin. In addition, the NSRA soils contain a high level of organic matter, which enable a high OC burden. Areas with similar high organic matter contents have
not been studied, nor has environmental fate modeling for OCs been evaluated in these or similar high organic conditions. It is, therefore, unclear whether the magnitude of bioaccumulation reported for other extensiv ely studied areas can be directly and validly applied to the NSRA. In addition, toxaphene has little or no bioaccumulation data in the
literature. Therefore, three phases of study are ne cessary initial components of restoration efforts for the NSRA: (1) laborato ry microcosms, (2) field-scale mesocosms, and (3) bird feeding studies. Previous ec ological risk assessments have utilized the biota-sediment accumulation factor (BSAF) to estimate the bioaccumulation of OCs from sediments into the food chain, including fish and ultimately birds. Indeed, macroinvertebrates, amphibians, and fish serve as important and cr itical links in the transfer of sediment-associated chemicals to higher trophic levels, such as birds. The BSAF is a relatively simplistic environm ental fate model that characterizes the bioaccumulation of lipophilic OCs as a functi on of organic carbon in sediments and/or as a percent of lipid in aquatic organisms. Ho wever, little data currently exist for the primary OCs and at the high organic le vels found in the NSRA. The proposed

microcosm studies will enable the assessment/determination of BSAFs for OCs fromSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

430 soil/sediment in the NSRA. In addition to ba se funds, funding is also provided by the St. Johns River Water Management District.

Gross, T.S., and M. Sepu lveda. 2002. Chlorinated hydroc arbons and developmental toxicity in wildlife. SIS#4292. Progress report accessed on 3/4/02. Available at [http://www.fcsc.usgs.gov/Environmental_Contaminants/Contaminant_Current_ Projects]. Florida Caribbean Science Center, Gainesville.

PROJECT: Fishery (LA-4-107-D)

P ROJECT D ESCRIPTION

From human activity during recent decades, the environment has been contaminated with a variety of xenobiotic compounds. Indeed, contaminants have been found even in

areas remote from direct industrial and other cultural influences. Th ough we know that these xenobiotics modify genetic, biochemical and physiological processes, the mechanisms by which they harm wildlife an d humans is poorly understood. To fully understand how pollution by xenobiotic agents affects organisms, we must elucidate their mechanisms fro genes to ecosystems. The ubiquitous distribution of these

contaminants and their multi -generational effects on re productive, endocrine, and developmental systems demand that additional studies be performed. These studies should identify important anim al indicators (sentinels) of contaminant exposure, as well as elucidate possible important marker s, biomarkers, of mo dified function that could be used to develop diagnostic proced ures. This project focuses on providing biochemical data needed to elucidate specific factors (e.g. hormones and proteins) as

bioindicators of contaminant- induced modifications of biol ogical function in wildlife. The broad program project goal is to identify sensitive toxic endpoints and sensitive populations for chlorinated hydrocarbon toxicity. As a portion of this program, this project will seek to evalua te the endocrine-disruptin g effects of chlorinated hydrocarbon contaminat ion on wildlife species within a central Florida lake, Apopka, with an associated EPA SuperFund site. This particular project will examine alligators and fish for endocrine-disruption, alte rations of sexual development and the

identification of biomarkers fo r contaminant exposure . Portions of this project will also be integrated with other pr ojects that examin e immuno-toxic effects, stress proteins and an evaluation of potentials for human heal th effects. This project, overall, will contribute to our ability to assess the en vironmental impact of chlorinated hydrocarbons on wildlife.Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

431 Gross, T.S., and J. Wiebe. 2002. Immuno-toxi city and endocrine disruption in Lake Apopka alligator neonates. SIS#2002. Progress report accessed on 3/4/02.

Available at [http://www.fcsc.usgs.gov/Environmental_Contaminants/Contaminant_Current _Projects]. Florida Caribbean Science Center, Gainesville.

PROJECT: Fishery (LA-4-107-D)

P ROGRESS

In studies now in progress concerning effects of endocrine disrupters on reproduction in alligators in Florida lakes, we observed th at hatchlings from so me clutches collected from Lake Apopka were weak, in some cases to the point of being unable to extricate themselves from their eggshells without assistance, and that many such hatchlings appeared to be anemic. We recently examin ed bone marrow, thymus, and spleen from such hatchlings, and compared their tissues to those of hatchlings from clutches collected from Lake Woodruff. We found that the bone marrow of Lake Apopka hatchlings was hypoplastic compared with that of the Lake Woodruff hatchlings, thereby probably accounting for the observed anemia. The spleens and thymuses of the Apopka hatchlings also appeared to be hypocellular, although not so profoundly as the

bone marrow. From these observations it se emed likely that Lake Apopka alligators might have defects in immunity. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a preliminary experiment in which 6-month-old alligators hatched from eggs from Lake Apopka and from eggs from Lake Woodruff were immunized by injection of sheep red blood. Blood samples were collected for determination of antibody titers to SRBC. Mean titers for Lake Apopka alligators were significantly lower than those for the Lake Woodruff alligators. We interpret these results to st rongly suggest that young Lake Apopka alligators suffer from defective T cell dependent humoral immunity, probably as a result of abnormal developm ent and contaminant exposure.

Gross, T.S., R. Roberts, J.M. de Oca, and H.F. Percival. In preparation. Sex reversal in freshwater turtles as a response to estrogenic environmental contaminants. University of Florida, Gainesville.

PROJECT: Fishery (LA-4-107-D)SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

432 A BSTRACT

Previous efforts have demonstrated alterations in reproductive development and endocrine function for neonatal alligators ( Alligator mississippiensis ; 7, 8, 9) and turtles ( Chrysemys nelsoni ; 7, Gross et al., in prep aration) from a contaminated lake in Florida.

These data demonstrate demasculinization of neonates and suggest estrogenic-pesticide

contamination as a co ntributing factor. The current study examined effects of several potentially estrogenic-environ mental contaminants on reproductive development in a species of freshwater turtle, Chrysemys nelsoni . Eggs were incubated at 26 ° C and divided into several treatment groups: control (n= 30), oil/ethanol (n=30) , DDE, DDT, dicofol, atrazine, dieldrin, toxaphene or estradiol (1, 10, and 100 μ g/egg; n=25 for each treatment type and dose). Only 83% of the control eggs hatched, whereas treated eggs exhibited an overall 62% hatchability. Alla ntoic fluids and gonads were collected at hatching and analyzed respectively for estradiol and testosterone, and histological sex

identification. Allantoic estr adiol concentrations increased in response to estradiol (regardless of hatchling sex) and toxaphene (for male hatchlings) but with little or no

increase for other treatments. Allantoic testosterone concentrations were reduced following DDE, dicofol, DDT, atrazine, and dieldrin treatments, whereas toxaphene and

estradiol treatments did not alter testosterone regardle ss of hatchling sex. Most important, treatments significantly altered the sex of resulting offspring (percent male):
controls=90%, estradiol= 13%, DDE=46%, DDT=76%, dicofol =83%, atrazine=73%, and toxaphene=63%. These results indicate that treatm ent of turtle eggs with estradiol or various endocrine-disrupting contaminants results in si gnificantly altered gonadal

endocrine function as well as sex reversal.

Guillette, L.J., Jr. 1995. Endocrine disrupt ing environmental contaminants and developmental abnormalities in embryos. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment 1(2):25–36.

PROJECT: Fishery (LA-4-107-D)

C ONCLUSIONS

Finally, how should the wildlife data be viewed? As stated above, these studies do not show cause and effect—they cannot, as ther e are no control popu lations! However, excellent data are available from laboratory studies which support the interpretation that the abnormalities recorded in many wildlife populations can be related to endocrine disruption during embryonic de velopment. Our understanding of these problems in free-ranging wildlif e populations is thus going to be based on a weight ofAppendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

433 evidence-ecoepidemiological-approach (Fox 1 991). Like the intense ‘smoking and lung
cancer’ debate of the last two decades, some critics today tell us there is no cause and effect relationship between wildlife health problems and environmental pollution. True, we can not prove a relationship between any pesticide and specific problems in free living wildlife or for that matter, human populati ons. It took an epidem ic of lung cancer to provide the stimulus for the scientific community to obtain the weight of evidence needed to show that a relationship does exis t between smoking and lung disease as well as to begin the change in societal percepti ons and public health responses to tobacco
use. Likewise, we will never have causal data on the relationship between most pesticides and specific heal th effects in humans—except on a serendipitous or an

accidental basis—for it wou ld be immoral and unethical to obtain such information through controlled experiments on humans.

It is clear that over the last two decades a number of reproductive abnormalities have increased dramatically, almost to epidemic proportions. These include rises in breast and gonadal cancers, infertility, and birth defects of the reproductive tract. The explanation for these increase s is still forthcoming but rece nt hypotheses suggest that these increases can be understood if they are considered as occurring during embryonic development. Rodent studies are showing us that these hyp otheses are clearly valid. Do wildlife provide us with lessons for our own public health? Yes, and we should begin to look and listen more attentively. As si milar problems of embryonic origin are recorded in wildlife and human populations, it suggests we look to the environment for the causal agents and it is im portant we test, with creativity and objectivity, all plausible hypotheses.

Guillette, L.J., Jr., J.W. Brock, A.A. Rooney, and A.R. Woodward. 1999. Serum concentrations of various environmental contaminants and their relationship to sex steroid concentrations and phallus size in juvenile American alligators. Arch.

Environ. Contam. Toxicol . 36:447–455.

PROJECT: Fishery (LA-4-107-D)

A BSTRACT

Recent studies have reported a number of abnormalities in the hatchling and juvenile alligators of Lake Apopka, Fla. (USA). Thes e abnormalities includ e modifications of plasma concentrations of sex st eroids in males and females as well as abnormalities in gonadal morphology, gonadal enzyme activity, and steroidogenesis. Embryonic exposure to environmental cont aminants in the eggs has been hypothesized to be theSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

434 causal agent for these changes. However, posthatchling exposure can also contribute to changes in reproductive and endocrine functioning. We have detected serum concentrations of 16 to 18 organochlorine pe sticides or metabolites (OCs) and 23 of 28 congener-specific poly chlorinated (PCBs) examined in juvenile alligators from Lake Apopka, Orange Lake, and Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. Lake Apopka juveniles had significantly elevated serum co ncentrations of p,p’-DDE, dieldrin, endrin, mirex, oxychlordane, Σ DDTs, and Σ PCBs compared to juveniles from the other lakes.
Further, we observed no correlations between serum contaminant concentrations and sex steroid concentrations (estradiol-17beta and testosterone). However, serum testosterone was significantly lower in males from Lake Apopka and Orange Lake compared to Lake Woodruff NWR. We did not observe relationships between phallus size or other body paramete rs and serum contaminant levels. Phallus size was smaller in males from Lake Apopka even after adju stment for body size. We suggest that the observations previously reported for juven ile alligators—and observed again in this study—are apparently not associated with the current serum levels of the environmental contaminants we measure, but could be due to exposures during embryonic development to these or other pollutants. Future studies must determine if a causal relationship exists between the co ntaminants found in alligator eggs and

abnormalities observed in the hatchlin gs and persisting in juveniles.

Guillette, L.J., Jr., and D.A. Crain. 1996. Endocrine-disrupting contaminants and reproductive abnormalities in reptiles. Comments Toxicology 5(4–5):381–399.

PROJECT: Fishery (LA-4-107-D)

A BSTRACT

Recent studies show that environmental contamination of reptiles is associated with population declines due to le thal and reproductive effect s of the contaminants in embryos, juveniles, or adults, developmenta l abnormalities of embryos, including major teratogenic effects in turtles and more subtle effects on the development of the reproductive system of alligators, and abnormalities of the en docrine system. We

examine the data available on abnormalities of the reprod uctive system in reptiles induced by endocrine-disruptin g xenobiotics. We discuss the role of these xenobiotics in light of experimental evidence showing that estrogenic steroids are capable of stimulating sex reversal—male to female—i n developing reptilian embryos exhibiting environmental sex determination. A hypoth esis is presented suggesting that any compound that disrupts the normal stero id milieu of the developing embryo will have significant, life-long consequences on sex determination and the organization andAppendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

435 function of the reproductive system. Th ese endocrine-disrupting compounds may directly influence embryonic development by altering the steroid dynamics that

facilitate sex determination.

Guillette, L.J., Jr., D.A. Crain, A.A. Rooney, and D.B. Pickford. 1995. Organization

versus activation: The role of endocrine- disrupting contaminants during embryonic development in wildlife. Environ. Health Perspect . 103(7):157–164.

PROJECT: Fishery (LA-4-107-D)

A BSTRACT

Many environmental contaminants disrupt the vertebrate endocrine system. Although they may be no more sensitive to endocrine-disrupting contaminants (EDCs) than other vertebrates, reptiles are good sentinels of ex posure to EDCs due to the lability in their

sex determination. This is ex emplified by a study of alligators at Lake Apopka, Florida, showing that EDCs have altered the balance of reproductive hormones resulting in reproductive dysfunction. Su ch alterations may be activa tionally or organizationally induced. Much research emphasizes the fo rmer, but a complete understanding of the influence of EDCs in nature can be generated only after consideration of both activational and organizational alterations. The organizational model suggests that a small quantity of an EDC, administered during a specific period of embryonic development, can permanently modify the organization of the reproductive, immune, and nervous systems. Additionally, this mode l helps explain evolutionary adaptations to naturally occurring estrogenic compounds, such as phytoestrogens.

Guillette, L.J., Jr., T.S. Gross, D.A. Gross, A.A. Rooney, and H.F. Percival. 1995. Gonadal steroidogenesis in vitro from juvenile a lligators obtained from contaminated or

control lakes. Environ. Health Perspect . 103(4):31–36.

PROJECT: Fishery (LA-4-107-D)

A BSTRACT

The ubiquitous distribution of many contaminants and the nonlethal, multigenerational effects of such contaminants on reproductive, endocrine, and immune systems have led

to concerns that wildlife worldwide are affected . Although the causal agents and effects are known for some species, the underlying physiological mechanisms associated withSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

436 contaminant-induced reproductive modific ations are still poorly understood and require extensive research. We describe a study examining the steroidogenic activity of gonads removed from juvenile alligators ( Alligator mississippiensis ) obtained from

contaminated or co ntrol lakes in central Florid a. Synthesis of estradiol-17 β (E

2 ) was significantly different when ovaries from the contaminated and control lakes were compared in vitro . Additionally, testes from males obtained from the contaminated lake, Lake Apopka, synthesized significantly higher concentrations of E

2 when compared to testes obtained from control males. In contrast, testosterone (T) syntheses from all testes examined in this study displayed a normal pa ttern and produced concentrations greater

than that observed from ovaries obtained from either lake. Interestingly, the pattern of gonadal steroidogenesis differs from previo usly reported plasma concentrations of these hormones obtained from the same individuals. We suggest that the differences

between the in vivo and in vitro patterns are due to modifications in the hepatic degradation of plasma sex steroid hormones.

Guillette, L.J., Jr., T.S. Gross, G.R. Masson, J.M. Matter, H.F. Percival, and A.R. Woodward. 1994. Development abnormalitie s of the gonad and abnormal sex hormone concentrations in juvenile alliga tors from contaminated and control lakes

in Florida. Environ. Health Perspect . 102:680–688.

PROJECT: Fishery (LA-4-107-D)

A BSTRACT

The reproductive development of alligators fr om a contaminated an d a control lake in central Florida was examined. Lake Apopka is adjacent to an EPA Superfund site, listed due to an extensive spill of dicofol and DDT or its metabolites. These compounds can act as estrogens. Contaminants in the lake also have been derived from extensive agricultural activities around the lake that continue today and a sewage treatment facility associated with the city of Winter Garden, Florida. We examined the hypothesis that an estrogenic contamin ant has caused the current failure in recruitment of alligators on Lake Apopka. Supporting data in clude the following: at 6 months of age, female alligators from Lake Apopka had plasma estradiol-17 β concentratio ns almost two times greater than normal females from the control lake, Lake Woodruff. The Apopka females exhibited abnormal ovarian morphology with large numbers of polyovular follicles and polynuclear oocytes. Male juvenile alligators had significantly depressed plasma testosterone concentrations comparable to levels observed in normal

Lake Woodruff females but more than three times lower than normal Lake Woodruff males. Additionally, males from Lake Ap opka had poorly organized testes andAppendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

437 abnormally small phalli. The differences between lakes and sexes in plasma hormone concentrations of juvenile alligators remain even after stimulation with luteinizing hormone. Our data suggest that the gonads of juveniles from Lake Apopka have been permanently modified in ovo , so that normal steroidogene sis is not possible, and thus normal sexual maturation is unlikely.

Guillette, L.J., Jr., D.B. Pickford, D.A. Crain, A.A. Rooney, and H.F. Percival. 1995. Reduction in penis size and plasma tes tosterone concentrations in juvenile alligators living in a contaminated environment. Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. 101:32–42.

PROJECT: Fishery (LA-4-107-D)

A BSTRACT

The development of the male reproductive duct s and external genitalia in vertebrates is dependent on elevated andr ogen concentrations during embryonic development and the period of postnatal growth. We have observed that a population of juvenile alligators living on Lake Apopka exhibit si gnificantly smaller penis size (24% average decrease) and lower plasma conc entrations of testosterone (70% lower co ncentrations) when compared to animals of similar size on Lake Woodruff. In addition to smaller phalli, no relationship exists between plasm a testosterone concen trations and penile size in males form Lake Apopka, whereas a positive relationship exists for males form Lake Woodruff. The alligators on Lake Apopka are known to have elevated concentrations of the antiandrogenic DDT breakdown product p,p’-DDE stored in their fat. We suggest a number of hypotheses that could explain the modification in the phenotype of the juvenile male living in Lake Apopka. These modifications in phenotype include a smaller penis size, lower plasma androgen concentrations, and lack of responsiveness of the penis to the plasma androgens present.

Hackett, W.C., and O.C. Thompson. 1991. Biofermentation pilot st udy for water hyacinth and gizzard shad composting. Special Publication SJ91-SP 13. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

PROJECT: Rough Fish Harvesting (LA-3-302-M)SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

438 E XECUTIVE S UMMARY

A pilot study using biofermentation tec hnology developed by Agron Corporation (South Charleston, Ohio) for composting gizzard shad and water hyacinths was conducted by Agron Corporation for the St. Johns River Water Management District. The purpose of this study wa s to determine if gizzard shad and water hyacinths can be composted into a product that has market va lue. Water hyacinths and gizzard shad are potentially harvested in large quantities fr om lake restoration, aquatic macrophyte management, and fisheries management programs. The subsequent transformation of this raw biomass into a marketable product could function as a pa rtial or full subsidy for these restoration and management programs.

Biofermentation is a process which utilizes naturally occurring aerobic bacteria to biologically alter the characteristics of orga nic waste. In this pilot study, different mixtures of water hyacinths, gizzard shad, poultry and cattle manure, and scallop offal were biofermented. It was found that water hyacinths alone do not ferment well. Biofermentation was greatly im proved when gizzard shad, po ultry or cattle manure, or scallop offal were used in conj unction with water hyacinths. In order to reduce the high moisture content of water hyacinths, some dehydration and mixing of the plant biomass with a high carbon material such as sawdust or newspaper was necessary.

The 1:1 ratio of water hyac inths to gizzard shad bioma ss used in one of the biofermentation trials resulted in odor, fly, and maggot problems during all three stages of the biofermentation process. Consequently, future biofermentation trials using gizzard shad will have to reduce the relative proportion of gizzard shad to help reduce the chances for odor, fly, and maggot problems. None of these problems were observed in any of the other trials in this study; gizzard shad were used in only one trial,

however.

Recommendations made by Agron Corporation for future studies of water hyacinth and gizzard shad composting are incorporat ed into two additional study phases. Phase

II would examine the effectiveness of the water hyacinth and gizzard shad Fermway (the biofermentation end-product) as a fertili zer on test plots of vegetables at nearby Lake Apopka muck farms.

Should large-scale gizzard shad and water hyac inth harvesting programs be initiated in the restoration of Lake Apopka, a Phase III project could incorporate a full-scale

biofermentation center which could utilize harvested wa ter hyacinths and gizzard shad

from the lake restoration efforts. A bioferme ntation center as out lined in Phase III could produce about 8,700 tons of Fermway per year.Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

439 Havens, K.E., H.J. Carrick, E.F. Lo we, and M.F. Coveney. 1999. Contrasting relationships between nutrients, chlorophyll a , and Secchi transparency in two shallow subtropical lakes: Lakes Ok eechobee and Apopka (Florida, USA ). Lake Reserv. Manage . 15(4)298–309.

PROJECT: Restoration Monitoring (LA-6-803-S)

A BSTRACT

Ten years of monthly water quality data were compared from two large shallow lakes in Florida, USA—Lakes Okeechobee and Apopka. Seasonal changes in trophic state index (TSI) values and log-log regression models relating total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), chlorophyll a (CHLA), and Secchi transpar ency (SD) were considered. The objective was to quantify the extent to which empirical models might vary due to the heterogeneous nature of benthic-pelagic coupling that can occur in shallow lakes. In the offshore region of Lake Okeechobee, TP and SD-based TSI values increase dramatically during winter , while CHLA-based TSI declines. These changes coincide with the windy season in south Florida, when average wind velociti es can exceed 20 km h super (-1). Resuspension of bottom sediments occurs and this reduces light penetration to the extent that the growth of phytoplankton is inhibited. During summer, winds are calm, and these conditions occur less often. Log-log regression models of CHLA vs. TP have a negative slope during winter and a positive slope during summer in offshore Lake Okeechobee. The slope of SD vs. CHLA models displays the opposite seasonal pattern. Seasonal changes are cons iderably muted in the near-shore region,

where sediments are more consolidated an d where shallower depths reduce the severity of light suppression of phytoplankton growth. The magnitude of seasonal variation in TSI values in Lake Apopka is muted, perhaps because seasonal variation in wind velocity is less than in the region of Lake Okeechobee. Hypere utrophic levels of nutrients, CHLA, and SD occur year-round. The log-log regression models of CHLA vs. TP and CHLA vs. TN are highly significant, and light ava ilability does not appear to limit rates of algal production. Frequent resuspension events may occur, but negative effects on phytoplankton may be mitigated by (1) shallower depth; (2) a greater presence of viable algae in the surface sediments that might “seed” the water column with phytoplankton; (3) high concentrations of soluble nutrients in sediments that might stimulate algal growth; and (4) lower co ncentration of light-attenuating inorganic particles than in Lake Okeechobee. The resu lts indicate that a high degree of variability in both the seasonal patterns and relationships among nutrients, CHLA, and transparency can occur in shallow subtropical lakes, even when they share common features (e.g., geographic loca tion, large size, wind patterns). This finding has practical implications regarding the use of regression models in th e context of shallow lakeSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

440 management. Models may be quite useful on a lake-by-lake basis (e.g., in Lake Apopka they have successfully been used in eutrophication management), but considerable care should be taken when generalizing models to other lake ecosystems.

Heaney, J.P., T.D. Feather, and M. Shafer. 1989. Development of a soci o-economic assessment methodology with applications to the Lake Apopka Basin . Special Publication SJ89-SP5. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

PROJECT: Socioeconomi c Assessment and Methodology (LA-2-209-F)

S UMMARY

The purposes of this study were to develop an evaluation procedure and associated software for performi ng a socioeconomic assessment on a water project and to apply this methodology to the Lake Apop ka Basin in central Florida.

The socioeconomic analysis provides decision makers with valuable information on the

benefits and disbenefits of each of the alte rnatives under considera tion. A wide variety of techniques have been developed over the years to do these evaluations ranging from simple benefit-cost analyses to complex multi-objective optimization models. The federal government has sponsored developmen t of standardized pr ocedures for doing these analyses. The most recent summary of these methods is contained in the Principles and Guidelines (1983). These guide lines cover the following areas of water resources: municipal and industrial wate r supply; agricultural floods, erosion, sedimentation, irrigation, and drainage; an d urban floods, hydropower, navigation, recreation, and commercial fishing. Cons picuously absent from this list is environmental quality which is not covered in the National Economic Development portion of the federal guidelines. Environm ental quality is treated as a separate objective which is not quantified in mone tary terms. Thus, additional effort was expended in incorporating this important purpose.

The literature review of analys is techniques covered conventi onal benefit-cost analysis, multi-objective analysis, risk analysis, social choice modeling, expert systems, decision support systems, and environmental impa ct analyses. For the application to Lake Apopka, emphasis was given to two general categories of benefits: (1) agricultural irrigation, drainage, and flood damages, and (2) environmental quality, recreation, and property values.Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

441 The performance of a system can be described by its reliability, resiliency, and vulnerability. In order to analyze the full suite of benefits and disbenefits, it is essential to do a continuous simulation of how the system performs on a day-to-day basis. Also,

it is essential to define threshold values outside (e.g., above or below) of which the system has “failed” and an “event” has o ccurred. The spreadsheet model presented in Chapter 3 allows these events of interest to be extracted from the database and input to the benefit estimation model(s).

Flood and drought damages to agricultural areas can be estimated using a spreadsheet model called ADAM (Agricultural Damage Assessment Model) that does a detailed continuous month to month tracking of farm operations. Flood and/or drought events interrupt the planned activity and the farmer adjusts as best he can to reduce his losses. The model application to the muck farm areas north of Lake Apopka was presented in Chapter 4.

The benefits of environmental quality enhancement include improved health, productivity, and recreation/aesthetics. Techniques exist for measuring the directrecreation benefits. Recently, techniques have also been developed to estimate the socalled non-user benefits. We prefer to us e the name environmental quality (EQ) benefits, i.e., benefits that accrue to the general public from an improvement in environmental quali ty. These EQ benefits are the sum of:

• Option value—value placed on having the option of using an environmental resource

• Existence value—benefit of knowing an environmental resource exists

• Bequest value—value of preserving a resource for future generations

These EQ benefits have been shown to represent a significant part of total benefits because a strong general concern exists for protecting the environment, and a willingness to pay for such programs in orde r to protect n ot only nearby water supply or recreational facilities but also to support programs far removed from their locale, e.g., the Amazon. One reason that these EQ benefits are significant is the large number of people who derive these benefits. While survey techniques have been used to estimate EQ benefits, a more direct measure is available in Florida thanks to recent environmental restoration programs that have committed large funds to support these

activities. Such commitments represent a direct measure of voluntary willingness to pay to clean up and/or protect vital areas such as Lake Apopka, Lake Okeechobee, the Indian River, Tampa Bay, and the Everglades.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

442 Procedures for evaluating recreation benefits using the unit day value method, the travel cost method, and the contingent value method are described in the literature. The results of these studies were summarized for various use categories.

The socioeconomic methodology was used to estimate the benefits and disbenefits associated with the past and pr ojected activities associated with Lake Apopka. This lake has been impacted by man’s activities for mo re than a century. The initial impacts on the lake were the result of a navigation canal, completed in 1893. This canal also lowered the lake level by four feet, leaving an estimated 20,000 acres of lake bottom dry enough for cultivatio n. However, it was not until the early 1940s wh en the Zellwood Drainage and Water Control District succeed ed in developing a dike, canal, and pump system that provided adequate water manageme nt to bring this land under cultivation.

In its natural state and th rough the 1950’, Lake Apopka was world reno wned for its sport fishing. However, the fishing declined rapidly as the water quality of the lake continued to degrade due to continued back p umping of nutrient rich drainage waters from the muck farms into the lake. At present, the lake is one of the most polluted in the State of Florida and is the subject of major activities attempting to significantly improve its quality so that it can support a variety of recreational activities including fishing, boating, swimming, and passive recreation.

The area around Lake Apopka has experien ced very rapid population growth during the past thirty years with the population of Lake and Orange counties increasing over
five-fold from 151,000 in 1950 to 816,000. Land use trends in the area indicate that the Lake Apopka area will experience a transiti on from agricultural to urban activities.

The socioeconomic analysis is directed to estimating the benefits and disbenefits associated with man’s past, present, and proj ected uses of Lake Apopka. Benefits accrue due to uses of the lake that result in an enhanced profitability of activities due to water management activities such as lowering th e lake level and installing protective works to permit intense farming activity on the muck lands at the north end of the lake. Disbenefits accrue when man’s activities degrade the quality of the lake’s water and/or modify the lake levels in such a way that oth er beneficial uses such as recreation are impaired or precluded.

C ONCLUSIONS

With regard to socioeconomic analysis techniques, a wide variety of methods have been developed in the past thirty years. The em phasis has been on normative optimization models that can prescribe the optimal solution. Unfortunately, it is necessary to greatly simplify the description of the actual problem to satisfy th e rigid strictures of theAppendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

443 optimization models, e.g., lin ear functions, normal distri butions, simple production functions. Thus, the results may not be a rea listic appraisal of the actual situation. Because of this focus on modeling, databa ses have not been developed on benefits, costs, risk levels, etc., or how these impacts are distributed among the affected groups. Thus, our approach was to use standard bene fit-cost analysis pr ocedures with an emphasis on developing reliable databases fo r conditions that ex ist in the St. Johns River Water Management District and related areas.

It is essential to develop quantifiable measur es of system performance, than to actually measure these quantities and see how well they perform against prespecified criteria such as keeping the lake stage above a pre- set elevation. Given such a system, it is possible to directly evaluate performance an d suggest improved operating policies.
However, in the absence of actu al and not just estimated valu es, it is difficult to develop cogent control strategies.

A continuous simulation model is essential to evaluate the socioeconomic impacts of various water management strategies on fa rming activities and vice versa. The lake regulation schedules affect the rate at which water seeps into the muck farms. The farmers’ activities affect the lake levels and its quality through their significant pumping activities during and following storm events. The fa rmer has a relatively wide variety of choices available including the selection and timing of crops, the design and operation of the water management system, and the method of response to high or low water stress conditions. Ideally, the simulatio n model could incorporate these decision rules into the analysis. This would require close cooperation with the farmers since they best know their operation.

For Lake Apopka, the public has committe d about $40 million to help restore this lake. Averaging this commitment over the 800,000 people livin g in Orange and Lake
counties, we obtain a current cost of $50/capita. Amortizing this expenditure over an infinite planning horizon at an interest rate of 10% yields an equivalent benefit or willingness to pay of $5.00/capita/year. Equi valently, the damages to these people from the present state of Lake Apopka are at least $5.00/capita/year.

The primary gap in recreation benefit assessments is lack of site-specific data. The methodology is straightforward.

The results of the application of the soci oeconomic procedures to Lake Apopka were summarized in Figures 6-19. The diking and pumping activities have allowed high valued agricultural activity to thrive in the muck farm area north of Lake Apopka. Based on a detailed modeling of monthly agri cultural activities, the estimated present

net revenue from the muck farm activities is $6.4 million per year. This value isSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

444 assumed to be constant (as measured in 1989 dollars) over the 60-ye ar period from 1960 to 2020. This gain represen ts a private gain in that the fa rmers are able to capture all of these net revenues. Offsetting this gain are three categories of losses: decreased direct recreation values, lowered environmental qu ality to the general public, and decline in property values to the riparian owners. The losses in direct recreational value range

from a low of $1.14 million in 1960 to a hi gh of $4.6 million by the year 2020. The primary recreation value affected is boating activities. The largest loss is the loss in environmental quality suffered by the general public. The equivalent annual per capita loss is $5.00 per capita per year. This loss ranges from $0.8 million in 1960 to $6.93 million by the year 2020. The reas on that this loss increases so substantially is that the population in the year 2020 is expected to be nearly four times gr eater in 2020 than it
was in 1960, an increase from 321,000 to 1,259,000. Th e last loss category is the loss in value of waterfront property along Lake Apopka. This loss is estimated to be a constant $0.2 million per year based on a decrease in water front property value of $100 per front

foot.

The net effect of these gains and losses is that a positive net benefit accrued during the early years of muck farming. However, by the 1980s, the net value became negative, and it is projected to become increasingly negative in the future if restoration is not done. The projected annual loss by the year 2020 is $4.73 million per year.

The citrus groves at the southern end of the lake have had a long-term concern regarding the effect of lowered lake levels on their freeze protection. While this technical question is not fully resolved, it is possible to estimate the economic consequences using crop insurance rates. The expected increase in crop insurance would be $7,900 per year. This issue is expected to become less crit ical as the citrus

lands shift to urban uses.

The flood and drought damages to the muck farms with the existing water control system were investigated. The results indicate that the current system provides a high level of protection to the farmers and so they have not suffered any substantial crop damages due to water problems.

A preliminary analysis of the impact of restrictions on muck farm backpumping

indicate that the farmers would suffer lo sses but not in direct proportion to the reduction in available land since they only use all of the available land during a few months of the year, and they could reschedule their farming activities to minimize these impacts. Unfortunately, due to lack of data, it was not possible to do a detailed analysis

of this alternative.Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

445 Overall, the situation facing the Lake Apopka Basin is similar to problems throughout the country and around the world. In the Un ited States, agricultur al policies for many years have encouraged the development of wetland areas. During the period from the
mid-1950s to the mid-1970s, 87% of the wetland losses in the United States were attributable to agricultural development. Florida is a leader in trying to reverse these trends by making major efforts to revers e this trend and to re store these systems.

Johnson, W.E., and J.E. Crumpton. 1998. Lake Apopka fish population assessment. Final report for Contract #97W121 for St. Johns River Water Mana gement District, Palatka,

Fla. Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, Eustis, Fla.

PROJECT: Fishery (LA-4-107-D)

E XECUTIVE S UMMARY

The environmental degradation of Lake Apopka (12,400 ha) is well known. The impact of this degradation, in caus ing declines in the sport fishery of Lake Apopka, has also been documented. Principal point sources of nutrient loading to the lake were eliminated between 1977 and 1980, and agricultural discharges from farming operations

have been reduced since 1992. The St. Johns River Water Management District, under the SWIM program, has begun experimental management efforts to correct the problems in Lake Apopka. The Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission

conducted assessments of the fish population between 1973 and 1984, and 1988–1993.

These studies documented fish population trends and provided baseline data prior to the commencement of the fish population of Lake Apopka to provide the most current

data.

The St. Johns River Water Management District provided funding to the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission to assess the fish population of Lake Apopka in 1997. Littoral fish populations were evaluated by 0.1 hectare blocknet samples (N = 16), and data were proportioned by major habita t types (open/brush shoreline, 44%; cattails ( Typha spp.), 38%; bulrush ( Scirpus californicus ), 5%; and grasses ( Paspalum sp. and

Panicum spp.), 3%). Littoral sport fish species were also evaluated by bimonthly electrofishing samples (N = 30 per sample month). Fall trawl samples were taken (N = 50) to assess limnetic black crappie ( Pomoxis nigromaculatus ) and catfish populations, and experimental gill nets (N = 30) were fished January, March, and May 1977 to evaluate limnetic gizzard shad ( Dorasoma cepedianum ) populations.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

446 Blocknet samples taken in the littoral zone of Lake Apopka in 1997 resulted in a mean fish biomass of 113.6 kg/ha (data were propor tioned by habitat type). Six species (of 24 collected) composed 78% of th e fish biomass: bluegill ( Lepomis macrochirus ) (27.2%), black crappie (22.4%), redear sunfish ( Lepomis microlophus ) (8.9%), warmouth ( Lepomis gulosus ) (7.3%), Florida gar ( Lepisosteus platyrhincus ) (5.7%) and blue tilapia ( Tilapia

aurea ) (5.5%). The proportioned mean biom ass of the 1989–1991 sample period was 226.7 kg/ha. A decrease in blue tilapia mean biomass from 61.3 kg/ha (27%) in 1989– 1991 to 6.2 kg/ha in 1997 contributed the larges t proportion of th e change. The mean biomass of dominant sport fish collected in 1997 was 37% less for black crappie (25.4 kg/ha) when compared to 1989–1991 (40.2 kg/ha), while no difference was found for bluegill and redear sunfish.

Small bluegill and threadfin shad dominated fish numbers in the littoral samples. Numbers of harvestable-size sport fish in littoral samples were dominated by black crappie (53/ha ≥ 24 cm total length (TL)), bluegill (52/ha ≥ 16 cm TL) and redear
sunfish (20/ha ≥ 16 cm TL). Numbers of these harvestable-size species were at least 49% lower when compared to values from 1989–19 91 for black crappie (121/ha), bluegill (104/ha) and redear sunfish (56/ha). The number of bluegill and redear sunfish less than 16 cm TL was greater in 1997.

Largemouth bass ( Micropterus salmoides ) composed 16.5 kg/ha (7.3%) of the proportioned mean littoral biomass in 1989–1991 blocknet samples and 6.2 kg/ha (5.4%) in 1997 samples, a 62% reduction. Mean numbers of largemouth bass, proportioned by habitat type, in 1997 were: 12/ha for total ba ss, 2/ha for young-of-the-year bass, 9/ha

for bass ≥ 26 cm TL and 1/ha for bass ≥ 36 cm TL. These values were lower compared to 1989–1991 data of 20/ha for total largemouth bass, 6/ha for young -of-the-year bass,

15/ha for bass ≥ 26 cm TL and 9/ha for bass ≥ 36 cm TL. The average electrofishing catch rate for largemouth bass ≥ 24 cm TL in 1997 (0.2/5 min) was also substantially lower compared to annual values from 1989–1992 (range = 0.4–0.5/5 min).

Large differences were noted when littoral blocknet data were compared by habitat type. Total fish biomass in 1997 averaged 65.6 kg/ha in sites devoid of all vegetation, 132.3 kg/ha in cattails, 327.2 kg/ha in bulrush, and 676.8 kg/ha in grass sites. Biomass of sport fish followed a similar trend amon g habitats. Black crappie ranged from an average biomass of 14.9 kg/ha in open areas to 202.5 kg/ha in grass sites; largemouth bass ranged from 1.0 kg/ha in open areas to 56.0 kg/ha in grass sites; bluegill ranged from 15.6 kg/ha in open areas to 224.6 kg/ha in grass sites; and redear sunfish ranged from 6.8 kg/ha in open areas to 27.5 kg/ha in grass sites. An increasing trend of average biomass for all four principle sport fi sh species in grass sites occurred from theAppendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

447 1973–1976 and 1989–1991 periods to 1997 (only grass bulrush sites were sampled by blocknet in 1973–1976).

Trawl catches in the limnetic area of Lake Apopka were dominated by black crappie, white catfish ( Ameiurus catus ), bluegill, and brown bullhead catfish ( Ameiurus

nebulosus ). Catch per trawl for total black crappie (14.5/trawl in 1997 was the lowest compared to samples taken 1992 (22.9/traw l) and 1993 (28.4 trawl), while the 1997 average value for black crappie ≥ 24 cm TL (0.5/trawl) was intermediate among years.

Low catch rates for total blac k crappie were attributed to a weak 1997 year class (crappie < 15 cm TL). White catfish catch increased from 1.9/trawl in 1992, to 6.4 trawl in 1993, to 12.0 trawl in 1997; surpassing values for brown bullhead catfish (7.7/trawl). Although 99% of the bluegill were less than 16 cm TL (modal TL = 10 cm), catch rates
increased from 0.5/trawl in 1992, to 2.6/trawl in 1993, to 11.0/trawl in 1997.

Past blocknet samples demonstrated that gizzard shad dominated the fish biomass in the limnetic area of Lake Apopka., Expe rimental gill nets samples taken in 1997 produced catches of gizzard shad which composed 94% by number and 90% by weight of the total catch. The averag e catch rate of gizzard shad (25/hr) in 1997 was lower than any year sampled from 1989–1992 (modal rage = 31–38 cm TL). Low catch rates and reduced size of gizzard shad collected in experimental gill nets su ggested a substantial impact has occurred on the population from commercial gizzard shad harvest in Lake Apopka.

When compared to blocknet samples ta ken from 1989–1991, average total biomass and numbers of harvestable-size sport fish were lower or unchanged in 1997 samples. All parameters used to measur e the largemouth bass popu lation were lower in 1997. Although bluegill and redear sunfish populati ons were dominated by small size classes (as in the past), total numbers were increased in samples taken in both littoral blocknets and limnetic areas. A weak year class of black crappie was produced in 1997, which contributed to lower average total numbers sampled by blocknet and trawl. The average number of black crappie ≥ 24 cm TL collected in trawl samples was similar to past data. Although rooted aquatic vegetation constitutes less than 1% of the surface area of Lake Apopka, data collected from bl ocknet samples indicate d that expansion of this type of habitat is vital to the sport fish population and to the ultimate goal of restoring the sport fishery of Lake Apopka.

Kenney, W.F., C.L. Schelske, and A.D. Chapman. 2001. Changes in polyphosphate sedimentation: a response to excessive phos phorus enrichment in a hypereutrophic

lake. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 58(5):879–887.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

448 PROJECT: Phytoplankton-Nutrient Interactions (LA-4-104-D)

A BSTRACT

Historic changes in lake phosphorus (P) loading are often determined in paleolimnological investigations by assessing stratigraphic changes in sediment total P. Polyphosphate (poly-P) in se diments may provide additiona l information on historic lake trophic status, because phytoplankton st ore surplus P intracellularly as poly-P when supplies exceed growth requirements. We hypothesize that phytoplankton (i.e., cyanobacteria and diatoms) with stored poly-P can remain intact and viable for many

decades after sedimentation and that sedimen ted poly-P is not ge ochemically reactive. We tested our hypotheses with sediment cores from Lake Apop ka, Fla., USA, where P loading has increased ~7-fold since the 1920s and phytoplankton biomass is nitrogen limited owing to excessive P enrichment. We show that sedimented poly-P is mobilized by sample drying (i.e., becomes water soluble, geochemically reactive, and bioavailable); that anthropogenic P enrichment is expressed in the sediment record as increasing concentrations of poly-P; and that, consequent ly, sedimentary poly-P is a

sensitive indicator of histor ic excessive P enrichment. Sedimentary poly-P is not geochemcially reactive; thus, it represents biological attenuation that may partially ameliorate the effects of excessive P loading.

Locker, S.D., G.R. Broo ks, and L.J. Doyle. 1988. Results of a seismic ref lection investigation and hydrogeologic implications for Lake Apopka, Florida . Special Publication SJ88-SP5. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

PROJECT: Seismic Reflection Profiling (LA-1-108-D)

C ONCLUSIONS

Seismic reflection profiling in Lake Apopka provides insigh t to the nature of strata associated with the Floridan Aquifer, shallo w solution features, and the character of near surface sediments. Interference from suspected gaseous sediments and intense reflections with multiples from a shallow horizon beneath lake sediments obscured much of the shallow portion of the seismic profiles. Additional field work involving sediment probing and coring is recommended to ground truth seismic interpretations and to provide a basis for more in-depth analyses of the seismic profiles. A sampling program, guided by the seismic reflection survey, would be fundamental to further assessment of stratigraphy and hydrogeology beneath Lake Apopka.Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

449 The principal findings are:

1. Two primary reflection horizons (A and B) were mapped and appear to correlate to the top of the Ocala Group limestone and top of a low porosity zone (dolomite zone) in the Avon Park Formation, respectively. These horizons are irregular and discontinuous, suggestive of paleokarst environments.

2. Major structural discontinuities, such as large sinkholes, were not found on the lines surveyed. The primary sequences below the lake appear to be relatively flat lying, but modified by solution processes. However, th ere is no evidence of active subsidence.

3. The structural contour map on horizon B indicates variations in the strata that closely correspond to the top of the Floridan aquifer.

4. Shallow near-surface depressions are found in all areas of the lake (13% of tracklines) except in the central-northeast quadrant. These appear to be inherited from underlying Miocene to Eocene age limestone sequences.

5. Lake sediments appear to contain various amounts of gas (probably biogenically derived) that probably causes a fuzzy wipe-o ut zone in areas of high concentrations.

6. From the seismic reflection data we cannot be unequivocal about the hydrologic conditions related to exchange of water with the Floridan aquifer. However, muddy sediments and an underlying lithified or compact surface suggests that little exchange between lake water and the deeper strata (aquifer) occurs.

A sediment probing and coring program is recommended to ground truth the seismic interpretations presented herein and to construct accurate stratigraphic sections for a more direct assessment of hydrogeology beneath Lake Apopka.

Lowe, E.F., L.E. Battoe, D.L. Stites, and M.F. Coveney. 1992. Particulate phosphorus

removal via wetland filtration : an examination of potent ial for hypertrophic lake

restoration. Environmental Management 16(1):67–74.

PROJECT: Marsh Flow-Way Restoration (LA-3-301-M)SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

450 A BSTRACT

Lake Apopka in Florida, USA, is a large (area = 124 km 2 ), hypertrophic (mean total phosphorus = 0.220 g/m 3 ; mean chlorophyll a = 60 mg/m 3 ) lake, with a large sedimentary store of available P (1635 X 10 6 g P). Phosphorus loading from floodplain farms (132 X 10 6 g P/yr) has been the primary cause of eutrophication. Assuming elimination of farm P loading, the Vollenwe ider model predicts a decline in equilibrium

P concentration fr om 0.270 to 0.024 g/m 3 , if the P sedimentation coefficient (s) remains constant. It is likely, however, that the value for s will fall with the elimination of farm loading due to unabated internal P loadin g from the sediments. Under a worst-case scenario (s = 0), the model predicts that exportation of P from the lake via wetland filtration will greatly accelera te the lake’s recovery. Recirculation of lake water through

a 21-km 2 , created wetland and elimination of farm P loading is projected to result in a negative P balance for the lake (-23 X 10 6 g P/yr) leading to depletion of P stores in the lake in about 60 years. The estimated cost of the project, $20 million, is less than 3% of the estimated cost of dredging. A 3.65-km 2 demonstration project is under way to test and refine the wetland filtration technique. We believe the technique could be costeffective for other hypertrophic lakes.

Lowe, E.F., L.E. Battoe, M.F. Coveney, C.L. Schelske, K.E. Havens, E.R. Marzolf, and K.R. Reddy. 2001. The restoration of Lake Ap opka in relation to alternative stable

states: An alternative view to that of Bachmann et al. (1999). Hydrobiologia 448:11–

18.

PROJECT: Restoration Monitoring (LA-6-803-S)

A BSTRACT

Bachmann et al. (1999) postulat ed that wind energy initiated, and has maintained, high turbidity in hypertrophic (mean chlorophyll a = 92 μ g l -1 ) Lake Apopka, Florida (mean depth =1.6 m; area = 12,500 ha). They asserted that the turb id condition was initiated by a hurricane in late 1947 that destroyed submersed plant beds and that high turbidity has since been maintained by wind-driven resuspension of fluid sediments. In their view, there has been sufficient light for re-establishment of submersed plants over

about 38% of the lake bottom but plant growth has been precluded by the fluid character of the sediments. They concluded that the restorat ion program of the St. Johns River Water Management District, which includes reduction of the phosphorus (P) loading rate, will not restore water clarity or submersed vegetation.Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

451 An alternative explanation for Lake Apopka’s turbid state is that it was initiated, and has been maintained, by excessive P loading that led to algal blooms and elimination of submersed vegetation through light limitation. The transition to the turbid state was contemporaneous with drainage of 7,300 ha of the floodplain wetland to create polders for farming, beginning in th e early 1940s. Lake P budgets in dicate that drainage of the

farms caused a seven-fold increase in the P loading rate (0.08 g TP m -2

y -1 to 0.55 g TP m -2

y -1 ). Paleolimnological analysis of lake sedim ents also indicates an increase in the P loading rate in mid-century, concomitant with the decline in submersed vegetation and the increase in phytoplankton abundance. After the increase in P loading, wind disturbance may have accelerated the transition to the turbid state; but, before the increase in P loading, wind disturbance was insufficient to elicit the turbid state, as evidenced by the stability of the clear-wate r state in the face of 14 hurricanes and 41 tropical storms from 1881–1946.

Measurements of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) indicate that light limitation has inhibited submersed plant growth except on the shallowest 5% of the lake bottom. Further, the correlation between the diffuse attenuation coefficient (K

PAR ) and chlorophyll a (CHLA) indicates that light limitation would be removed over about 82%

of the lake bottom with a reduction in CHLA from 92 μ g l -1 to 25 μ g l -1

.

Recently, following a 40% reduction in the P loading rate, the mean total P (TP) concentration, mean CHLA, and total susp ended solids fell by about 30% while mean Secchi depth increased by more than 20%. Su bmersed plant beds appeared in areas devoid of macrophytes for near ly 50 years. These improvements, during a period with no change in mean wind speeds measured at Lake Apopka, provide the strongest

evidence that the turbid state has been main tained by excessive P loading and that the current restoration program, which combi nes P load reduction with planting and removal of planktivorous fish, will be effective.

Lowe, E.F., D.L. Stites, and L.E. Battoe. 1989. Potential role of marsh creation in restoration of hypertrophic lakes. In Constructed wetlands fo r wastewater treatment: Municipal, industrial and agricultural , D.A. Hammer, ed., 710–717. Proceedings from

the First International Conference on Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater
Treatment. Chelsea, Mich.: Lewis Publishers.

PROJECT: Marsh Flow-Way Restoration (LA-3-301-M)SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

452 I NTRODUCTION

The use of wetlands to reduce concentrations of dissolved nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in secondary sewage effl uent is well documented. We propose a novel application: the use of wetlands for the restoration of hypertrophic lakes. In a typical sewage treatment wetland, water high in inorganic nutrients passes through the system once, and the management goal is to maximize the nutrient removal efficiency. In our application, water to be treated has high concentrations of nutrients associated with particles and dissolved organic molecules. Water is passed through the system many times rather than once. Goals of this approach are to maximize power (nutrient quantity removed per unit of time) and capacity (nutrient permanently stored) rather than efficiency (nutrient fraction removed in a single pass).

D ISCUSSION

The efficiency assumed above (30%) is cons ervative. At least 50% of the P in Lake Apopka’s water is associated with living alga e; soluble reactive P accounts for another 1–20%. The balance is probably associated with suspended sediments. Thus, 80% or more of the P is particulate and would be f iltered by the wetland. Natural wetlands can remove 60–90% of suspended solids in wa stewaters; 30% removal is below the minimum expected efficiency (60% efficien cy x 80% particulate P = 48% removal). In
addition, some soluble P would be expected to be transf ormed and stored in soil and in plant biomass. South Florida wetlands receivin g agricultural wastewat er high in soluble reactive P (SRP = 58–67% of total P) remove d a minimum of 26% of the P and averaged

55% removal.

Although treatment efficiency must be considered, the primary concern in the proposed system is the amount of nutrient that cou ld be removed annually rather than removal efficiency. As P loading increases, P removal efficiency decreases asymptotically, but the power of nutrient re moval increases (F igure 3). For example, at 0.85 m 3 /s, the areal loading rate would be 0.18 g/m 2 /yr, the removal efficiency would be about 90%, and the power of nutrient removal wo uld be 5 metric tons. At 14.4 m 3 /s, the areal loading rate would be 3.1 g P/m 2 /yr and the removal efficiency would fall to 50%, but 50 metric tons would be removed (a 10 -fold increase in power).

Maximum power would be attained at a relatively low efficiency. We believe, however, that the complete efficiency curve is sigm oidal (Figure 3). We ex pect rapidly declining efficiency at high hydraulic loading due to low retention time and high current velocity. Power would also drop prec ipitously at these levels.Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

453 Wetland creation could be appropriate for restoration of many other hypertrophic lakes. In any application, water must be moved agai nst a hydraulic gradie nt; thus, economic constraints will always apply. The realized power of nutrient re moval will most likely be determined by the cost of moving water. In large-scale applications, funding may limit power to a level well below the maxim um. Lake Apopka should provide a useful example of the efficacy of wetland creation in hypertrophic lake restoration.

Lowe, E.F., L.E. Battoe, M. Coveney, D. Stites. 1999. Setting water quality goals for restoration of Lake Apopka: Inferring past conditions. Lake Reserv. Manage. 15(2):103–120.

PROJECT: Implementation of Restoration and Management Techniques (LA-6-802-S)

A BSTRACT

Lake Apopka is a large (12,500 ha), hypereutro phic lake in central Florida which is the subject of a state-sponsored restoration program. We used three quantitative methods in concert with an analysis of the history an d general character of the lake and drainage basin to infer the past condit ions. We specifically examin ed two past conditions: (1) pristine (before any major anthropogenic disturbance) and (2) antecedent (before a specific, major anthropogenic disturbance). For Lake Apopka the pristine condition ended in the 1890s when a canal was dug whic h lowered the elevation for surface water

outflow. The antecedent con dition ended in the late 1940s when most of the lake’s 8,900 ha of floodplain marsh was drained for farming. History, general lake and basin characteristics, and the qu antitative analys is indicate that Lake Apopka was mesotrophic; with clear-water and native, submersed macrophyte beds; in both the pristine and antecedent condit ions. The three quantitative (reference lakes, empirical models, and a loading model) were used to infe r the ranges of most probable values in

the antecedent con dition for total phosphorus, chlorophyll a and Secchi depth. These ranges were 32–51 mg/m 3 for total phos phorus, 8–38 mg/m 3 for chlorophyll a, and 1.39–0.76 m for Secchi depth. Lake Apopka has ha d a history strikingly similar to that described for Dutch lakes affected by cultural eutrophication with proliferation of macrophytes in the clearwater state preceding a rapid transition to the turbid, algaldominated state induced by a large incr ease in the phosphorus loading rate.

Newman, S., and K.R. Reddy. 1993. Alkaline ph osphatase activity in the sediment-water column of a hype reutrophic lake. J. Environ. Qual . 22(4):832–838.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

454 PROJECT: Internal Nutrie nt Budget (LA-1-102-D)

A BSTRACT

Inorganic P limitation in many aquatic systems may be overcome through the enzymatic hydrolysis of organic P compounds. The objective of our study was to determine the effect of dissolved oxygen (DO) of the water column and redox (Eh) status of the sediments on alkaline ph osphatase activity (APA) in a shallow hypereutrophic lake, Lake Apopka, located in central Florida. Alkaline phosphatase activity was used as an index of potent ial organic P mineralization. Lake water

incubated in the dark under aerobic and an aerobic conditions fo r 24 h. Under aerobic
conditions, APA increase d from 22 to 43 nM min -1 within 24 h. Under anaerobic conditions, no significant ch ange in APA was observed. Neither total soluble P nor soluble-reactive P exhibited significant responses to anoxic conditions in the water

column. The increase in APA observed under aerobic conditions was attributed to increased plankton metabolic P demand following depletion of internal cell P.

Sediments were incubated under six different Eh levels for 30 d. In combination with APA measurements, sediment organic P was fractionated into labile and nonlabile pools using selected inorganic chemical e xtractants. Phosphatase hydrolysis activity was positively related to pE + pH (r = -0.81), and humic acid P (r = -0.74). The results of this study suggest that shor t-term depletion of DO will not affect the enzymatic breakdown of organic P within the water column. Significant reduction in the alkaline phosphatase-dependent hydrolys is of sedimentary organic P will occur under anaerobic conditions; hence, P cy cling in highly organic sediments may be severely inhibited.

Olila, O.G., and K.R. Reddy. 1995. Influence of pH on phosphorus retention in oxidized

lake sediments. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J . 59:946–959.

PROJECT: Internal Nutrie nt Budget (LA-1-102-D)

A BSTRACT

Diel pH changes in lake waters resulting from high photosynthetic activity may regulate water-soluble P concentration (WSP) and P sorption by suspended sediments in shallow eutrophic lakes. Laboratory st udies were conducted to determine the pH effect on P fractions and P sorption kineti cs in oxidized sediment suspensions from two subtropical lakes (Lake Apopka and Lake Okeechobee, Florida). The P sorption rate was calculated for sediment suspensions adju sted to various pH levels: 6.5, 7.0, 8.5, 9.5, and 10.5 for Lake Apopka and 6.5, 7.0, 8.5, 9.5, and 10.5 for Lake Okeechobee. A decrease inAppendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

455 pH increased the WSP concentrations in La ke Apopka sediment suspensions but had no effect on WSP concentrations in Lake Okeechobee sediment suspensions. Lake Apopka sediment suspensions at pH 7.0 (ambient) and below did not show net P uptake. Phosphorus uptake for Lake Apopka occurred only when pH was increased to ± 8.5 and

when P treatments were increased to ± 27 mmol P kg –1 , which resulted in supersaturation with respect to octacalci um phosphate. Phosphate solubility diagrams and mineral equilibria calculations suggest that P uptake by Lake Apopka sediment
suspensions at pH ± 8.5 was due to P coprecipitation with CaCO

3 and probable formation of nonapatitic Ca-P compounds. Phosphorus sorption on Lake Okeechobee sediment suspensions followed first-order kineti cs for all pH levels studied, with rate constants ( k ) ranging from 0.003 to 0.75 h -1 . High P uptake by Lake Okeechobee sediment suspensions could be attributed to two reactive components: (i) amorphous or poorly crystalline Fe and Al oxyhydroxides at pH <7.5, and (ii) Ca/Mg carbonates and other minerals at pH ± 7.5.

Olila, O.G., K.R. Reddy, and D.L. Stites. 1996. Influence of drying on phosphorus forms and stability in the Lake Apopka Marsh. Final report submitted to St. Johns River Water Management Di strict, Palatka, Fla.

PROJECT: Marsh Flow-Way Restoration (LA-3-301-M)

Our earlier studies showed that floc sediments in the Lake Apopka Marsh Demonstration Project are highly P reactive and have relatively high P retention capacities (Olila and Reddy 1995). However, we have limited information on the stability of P assimilated by these floc materials under various physico-chemical conditions, i.e., changes in water level, hy droperiod, redox potential, pH, and others. This study was conducted to evaluate the changes in P forms and distribution and measure P flux from the floc layer after se diment consolidation for different lengths of time. Increases in P flux during refloodin g of a previously drawn down marsh is a significant issue in management, especially in constructed wetlands designed for P removal. In the case of Lake Apopka marsh flow-way, drawdown and sediment consolidation is an important part in buildin g up the soil. Should sediment drying be a necessary practice in managing this marsh, there is a need to study the influence of

drawdown and sediment consolidation on P release and stability. This research was conducted with the following objectives: (i) to evaluate the effects of drying periods on soluble reactive P and (ii) to determine th e influence of drying and reflooding on P

forms and distribution.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

456 Results obtained from this study will provide information on the influence of drying

time on P flux into water co lumn. Additional info rmation on feasible minerals or compounds which may control P solubility will be evaluated.

Olila, O.G., K.R. Reddy, and D.L. Stites. 1997. Influence of draining on soil phosphorus

forms and distribution in a constructed wetland. Ecological Engineering 9:157–169.

PROJECT: Marsh Flow-Way Restoration (LA-3-301-M)

A BSTRACT

Seasonal water-table fluctuations in wetl ands can result in flooded and drained

conditions in the surface so il. In constructed wetlands, water level drawdown and soil drainage are used in management to conso lidate detrital materials, accelerate soil buildup, and provide easy access for oth er management operations. A greenhouse study was conducted using intact peat soil cores to evaluate the changes in bioavailable P and other fractions following draining and reflooding. Measurements of floodwater dissolved reactive P (DRP) indicated that dr aining and soil exposu re could result in large P flux to the overlying water column. Ph osphorus flux in soils drained for 6 weeks was 10-fold higher (334 mg P m -2

day –1 ) than in soils drained for 3 weeks (33 mg P m -2 day –1 ). Soil exposure also resulted in an incr ease in bioavailable inorganic P (estimated by KCl extraction) at the expense of labile organic P pool. The KCl-P pool, which was initially less than 2% of total P (TP), increa sed to 3% and 13% of TP after 3 and 6 weeks draining, respectively. Results suggest that various soil P fractions, particularly those in newly accreted materials, were highly un stable and could be released in a more available form when newly accreted soils undergo drying. Water level drawdown and reflooding could result in significant P rele ase, a possible stimulation of algal blooms and other water quality problems. Therefor e, soil characteristics and chemistry and their impact on water quality should be a major consideration when one adopts the flood-drain technique in wetland management.

Parsons Engineering Science, Inc., and GeoSyntec Consul tants, Inc. 2000. Review of

documentation for th e location and remediation of possible pesticide/chemical

sites at the North Shore Restoration Are a, Lake Apopka, Florida. Winter Park, Fla.

PROJECT: North Shore Re storation (LA-3-303-M)Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

457 I NTRODUCTION

Parsons Engineering Science, Inc. (Parsons ES) and GeoSyntec Consultants Inc. (GeoSyntec) were contacted by the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD or the District) to assist SJRWMD with conducting a third-party review of environmental site assessment (ESA) and re mediation reports deve loped by others for portions of the Lake Apopka North Shore Re storation Area (NSRA) . The area addressed

in this review is shown in Figure 1. The review was undertaken in an effort to help identify potential contamination sources which may have contributed to the recent bird mortalities associated with property within the NSRA.

Lake Apopka Restoration and the NSRA

Farm pollution must be greatly reduced for successful, permanent restoration of Lake Apopka. The Florida Legislature directed that this be accomplished through acquisition and restoration of the floodplain farms and through development of a water reuse and treatment facility for any remaining agriculture.

According to information prov ided by the District, purcha se of the 3,000-acre Duda property completed in 1997 and purchase of essentially a ll parcels in the 6,000-acre Zellwood Drainage and Water Co ntrol District (ZDWCD) Unit 2 area was completed in

1998. Both areas are enrolled in the Federal Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and make up the active part of the NSRA at Lake Apopka. District holdings in the former Zellwin Sand Farm and in ZDWCD Unit 1 are not currently undergoing restoration. Final negotiations to complete the buy-out of all agricultural lands on the former floodplain are under way as of the writing of this report.

Environmental Audits and En vironmental Risk Assessment

Phase I environmental site assessments on a ll properties in the NSRA were performed in accordance with the District’s Phase I ESA standard (Attachment I), which incorporates guidance contained within ASTM Standard E1527. A total of 11 properties were audited, although not all of these are part of the currently active restoration project (9,000 acres). Based on Phase I ESA findings, further Phase II ESAs, Phase III remediation plans, and/or Phase IV remediation action reports were done for each property as required.

The Phase I ESAs as listed by the District located seven airstrips, 17 pesticide mix/load sites 19 pesticide storage area s, 67 petroleum storage sites, 27 equipment maintenance shops, 21 solid waste sites, and one wastew ater treatment plant. Of the 178 potentialSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

458 environmental concerns that were noted, 79 we re verified in Phase II. Phases III and IV
remediation included the removal of 20,343 tons of soil (about 10,000 tons containing pesticide contaminants) and 3,230 gallons of groundwater. Some 400 soil samples were analyzed for pesticide residues in the en vironmental assessment s and in follow-up sampling.

The Phase I through Phase IV ESAs were performed on a series of agricultural properties previously owned by various farmers. The land on which the farms were developed formerly was part of the lakebe d of Lake Apopka. Beginning in the 1940s, the land was drained and a water management system consisting of a series of dikes and canals was installed to accommodate agri culture. Long-term in tensive agricultural practices had adversely impacted Lake Apopka and surrounding lands. To eliminate the negative impacts of the farms the Legislature mandated and funded the buyout of the farms. A series of ESA investigations and remedial actions were undertaken to minimize environmentally impacted site “hot spots” within the NSRA area. Upon completion of these effort s, portions of the NSRA were flooded in 1998. Upon the discovery of a series of bird mortalit ies, the NSRA was subsequently drained to minimize additional potent ial ecological impacts.

Parsons ES and GeoSyntec evaluated do cuments provided by SJRWMD to identify areas of environmental concern (AEC) that could need further evaluation to assist the District in determining if any of the AECs have the potential to be contributing to the bird mortality problem referenced above. The reviewed environmental documents consist of Phase I through Phase IV ESA reports generated as part of the District’s legislatively mandated acquisition of the farms within the historic Lake Apopka floodplain. A Phase I ESA typically consists of noninvasive inve stigations such as visual site inspection, public records review, and interviews with knowledgeable parties, etc. undertaken to determine if regulated materi als or conditions capable of adversely impacting the site’s environm ent have been released. A Ph ase II ESA typica lly consists of invasive investigations (such as samplin g), undertaken to confirm potential impacts

based on areas of concern identified in th e Phase I investigation. A Phase III ESA is

conducted to delineate the extent of contam ination in impacted site media (soil, sediment, surface water and groundwater) and to propose plans for remedial activity,

and a Phase IV ESA summarizes the remedial activities and the confirmation sampling

results.

Specifically, the Parsons/Geosyntec document reviews were conducted to assist SJRWMD in locating possible chlorinated pe sticide or other chem ical contamination “hot spot” sites remaining in the area that could contribute to ecological impacts and may require further evaluation and/or reme diation. Identified co ntamination contained within the document set provided by the District was evaluated in the course of theAppendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

459 review, including contamination result ing from compounds which may not be specifically identified as acutely toxic to site wildlife. In order to maintain objectivity
and focus, the SJRWMD limited the review to the document s they provided. A list of the documents provided appears in Table 1. The specific objectives of this review were

as follows:

• Evaluate the procedures, including ASTM-E1527-97, used to identify AECs.

• Consider the appropriateness of the ration ale used to draw conclusions and address

the identified AECs.

• Identify AECs not identified in previous assessment work.

• Evaluate the analytical methods utilized an d the appropriateness of the chemicals of potential concern.

• Develop recommendations for each AEC, as needed.

Percival, H.G. 1994. Lake Apopka’s alligators: The end of the ruling reptiles? Lake Reserv. Manage . 9(2):102.

PROJECT: Fishery (LA-4-107-D)

A BSTRACT

Current alligator ( Alligator mississippiensis ) density on Lake Apopka is about 10% of that observed prior to 1980; furthermore, it is ab out 50% of densities in other comparable

Florida wetlands. This is du e largely to reduced egg viabili ty rates, which on Apopka are about 20% (as opposed to about 50% on six other study areas). As part of a multidisciplinary team, we investigated influence of microhabitat, clutch temperature, and nesting material on viability, and we compared the effects of these factors across six other Florida wetlands. These characteristics do not explain the reduction in Apopka’s egg viability. We tentatively hypothesize th at chlorinated hydroc arbon pesticides have reduced the reproductive potential of Apopka ’s alligators, and we speculate that the situation on Apopka is only the most extrem e manifestation of a pr oblem that could be more widespread throughout central Flor ida. The preface to solving water-resource problems is understanding them . Causal chains in potentia l contaminant situations can be particularly difficult to trace, and we found that addressing the Apopka problem required a diverse research/management team. We suspect that such teams may become increasingly important for tackling some lake management issues.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

460 Pollman, C.D., D.A. Graetz, F.V. Rams ey, K.R. Reddy, and T.J. Sullivan. 1988. Feasibility

of sediment removal and reuse for the restoration of Lake Apopka . Special Publication
SJ88-SP10. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns Ri ver Water Management District.

PROJECT: Sediment Re cycling (LA-4-204-F)

E XECUTIVE S UMMARY

Lake Apopka forms the headwaters of the Oklawaha Chain of Lakes, a eutrophic to hypereutrophic chain of lake s located in central Florida approximately 25 km northwest of Orlando. Once a popular resort area noted for its game fishing, Lake Apopka is now

ranked as the 17 th

most eutrophic lake in Florida, largely because of poor sewage treatment practices adopted by the City of Winter Garden and direct backpumping of nutrient-enriched irrigation water into La ke Apopka and the Apopka-Beauclair Canal from low-lying muck farms on the northern shores of the lake. Sewage discharges from

Winter Garden on the south shore of Lake Apopka began ca. 1922–1927, followed by muck farm discharges starting in 1942. Althou gh in all likelihood Lake Apopka has always been quite producti ve, primary productivity his torically was dominated by dense stands of macrophytes. Despite high rates of external nutrient inputs, macrophytes continued to dominate unt il 1947, when hurricanes destroyed large amounts of the bottom vegetation. Opport unistic algal blooms appeared almost immediately and have persisted unabated through the present.

In 1979, the U.S. Environmental Protect ion Agency (EPA) published a final environmental impact statement (EIS) on the restoration of Lake Apopka. The final EIS recommended a phased restoration program consisting of short- and long-term objectives. Short-term objectives included continued monitoring of in-lake water quality and a demonstration project to examine lake drawdown as a restorative measure; longterm objectives included “continued evaluation of restoration alternatives and methods

which would address the lake’s internal lo ading problem.” The efficacy of the most promising technique, lake drawdown, was acknowledged to be uncertain and, should drawdown prove infeasible, EPA suggested th at “the possibility of dredging the lake and marketing the muck should be pursued.”

The St. Johns River Water Management Dist rict (SJRWMD) has been charged by the State of Florida legislature to assess the feas ibility of restoring Lake Apopka to Class III water quality standards (Chapter 17-3, F.A.C. ). As part of this le gislative mandate, this study revisits the feasibility of dredging Lake Apopka. The economics of sediment reuse, which previously had not been anal yzed, are examined in conjunction with recent data on sediment physical and chemic al characteristics to develop a cost benefit analysis of dredging, coupled with sediment reuse to restore Lake Apopka to a less-Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

461 enriched, more beneficial trophic state. Because of the uncertain economics of sediment reuse specific for Lake Apopka sediments, the objectives of this study were thus

twofold:

1. Evaluate via the existing literature the fe asibility of sediment removal as a means to restore Lake Apopka, using documented case studies of other systems as models in conjunction with extant data for Lake Apopka to assess the effects on surface chemistry

of the lake 2. Evaluate the market potential for recovered sediment and develop a cost/benefit analysis for using sediment removal to restore Lake Apopka

Dredging has been used with varying degrees of success to restore a number of lakes in

North America and Scandinavia. To a very large degree, the success of dredging relates to the adequacy of pre-dredging studies to define the magnitude of the problem. Dredging is generally most fe asible in small lakes with or ganically rich sediment, low sedimentation rates, and long hydraulic residence times. Large lakes have been dredged, but economics become increasingly important as lake surf ace area increases. Cost increases in larger lakes are non-linear, reflecting not just concomitant increases in material to be removed in larger lakes but also increased pumping costs as a result of increased pumping distance (reflecting he ad losses due to friction in the pipe conducting dredged material onshore) across larger lakes. The largest lake dredged to date is Vancouver Lake, Washington (1,052 ha). By comparison, Lake Apopka is nearly 12 times larger (surfa ce area = 12,400 ha).

Problems inherent in dredging as a general technique include short-term pulses of nutrient release and liberation of toxic materials (e.g., trace elements and organic pesticides) due to sediment resuspension, oxygen depletion, and potential effects to
fisheries, wildlife, and benthic fauna. Other issues concern the ultimate use and stability of dredged material, as well as the trea tment and disposal of nutrient-enriched supernatant from dewatered sediments. Pu mping costs clearly indicate the need to dispose of dredge spoils near the lake. Finally , the overall efficacy of dredging is still in question despite the number of lakes, which have been dredged; documentation of post dredging effects on lake restoration has been characteristically poor, largely because of

limited resources.

Lake Apopka sediments generally consist of a relatively uniform, organic, flocculent material underlain by mostly peaty deposits. In 1987, the or ganic floc averaged 117 cm depth compared to 80 cm in 1968. Interstitial nu trient concentrations in the floc exceed water column concentrations by over an order of magnitude, and resuspension of this easily disturbed material is believed to be a ma jor contributor to sustained, high rates of algal productivity in the lake. One major area of uncertainty regarding the effectivenessSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

462 of the dredging in Lake Apopka is the internal loading characteristics of the underlying peat once it is exposed to the water column by dredging. Interstitial concentrations in the peat also are quite high, and the dynamics of nutrient transport across an oxic peatwater interface are unknown. Th e peat is believed to be physic ally more stable than the surficial floc, and resuspension effects on nutrient release in all likelihood would be reduced significantly.

Dredging costs for Lake Apopka were based on removing as much of the sediment floc layer as practicable. A 24-inch is the largest dredge which could operate reasonably in Lake Apopka; with this size dredge, only sediments under the 1.2 m contour would be removed. Under these oper ating constraints, approxi mately 10,400 ha would be dredged, giving a total volume of 121.76 x 106 m 3 of sediment to be removed. With five 24-inch dredges operating, dredging of Lake Apopka could be accomplished in 5.9 years. Total dredging costs, exclusive of (1 ) spoil area land acqu isition and clearing costs and (2) upland acquisition costs for storage of dried sedim ent prior to reuse or sale, total $868,800,000.

Sediment reuse offers only lim ited ability to recover dredgi ng costs. Approximately 1.43

x 10 6 metric tons of dried sediment will be removed from Lake Apopka during each year of dredging. The total value of this material as fertilizer approximates $55,000,000;

use as a soil amendment has an esti mated yield of $25,000,000 to $50,000,000. An upper

limit on the economic reus e value of dried Lake Ap opka sediment is $97,400,000; this estimate is based on using Lake Apopka sediment as a growth medium for the

ornamental horticulture indu stry and assumes that the dried sediment has the same value as peat. In all likelihood, the dried sediment will not have the same bulk texture characteristics as peat, and it s direct usefulness to the ornamental horticulture industry will be limited. With a 20% mix on Lake Ap opka sediment in the growth medium, the current market for Florida peat would yi eld an estimated $3,200,000 annual return on Lake Apopka sediment reuse. The option of using Lake Apopka sediment as a potting or growth medium for the ornamental horticulture industry thus defines the minimum cost for dredging: $771,400,000, wh ich assumes that the uppe r limit market value of $97,400,000 from use as a potting medium can be realized. Project costs almost certainly
will be closer to between $814,000,000 and $844,000,000.

A number of assumptions were made in the cost/benefit analysis that should be examined in more detail before further consideration is given to dredging of Lake Apopka. Uncertainties lie in th ree main areas: (1) engineer ing aspects of dredging, (2) sediment reuse, and (3) internal loading aspe cts of the remaining peat sediments after the unconsolidated floc (UCF ) and consolidated floc (CF) sediments have been removed. One major uncertainty considers redistribution of UCF and CF sediments from undredged areas into dredged areas. Over the relatively long span of the projectAppendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

463 (5.9 years), redistribution is very likely and may negate muc h of the perceived benefits of dredging. Moreover, only 84% of Lake Apopka can be dredged with a 24 inch dredge, and some of the nearshore sediments will redistribute into the open lake after dredging has been completed. Other studies need to be conducted on the drying and handling characteristics of dried Lake Apopka sediment as well as determining its effects on plant growth before the economic value of Lake Apopka sediments can be firmly established. These studies are useful for developing more realistic reuse cost benefits; nonetheless, the upper limit market value of $97,400,000 will not increase

whatever the outcome of these studies.

Reddy, K.R., G. Bao, O.G. Olila, and D.L. Stites. 1998 (draft). Effects of chemical amendments on marsh soil chemistry and nu trient flux. Final report for Contract 96W258, submitted to St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

PROJECT: Marsh Flow-Way Restoration (LA-3-301-M)

I NTRODUCTION

The St. Johns River Water Management District is purchasing muck farm lands for wetland restoration as part of District aquatic ecosystem restoration programs. The initial flooding for the re-conversion of these fields to wetlands often results in the release of large amounts of soil-bound (porewater) phosphorus. The high P flux after initial flooding may result in the discharge to the adjacent water bodies of water with high phosphorus concentration and potentially exceed the loading limits for the wetland areas. It may also result in conditions conducive to the development and maintenance of low diversity wetlands that slow succession to more desirable high diversity vegetation communities and animal habitats.

One of the promising solutions of the initial nutrient flushing problem is the use of

chemical amendments in immo bilizing or inactivating P before it enters the water column. This approach has been reported as a sound management technique in lakes but has not been evaluated for wetlands. Laboratory studies showed that a number of chemical amendments are effective in wetlands (Ann et al. 1998). This study was

conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a few selected compounds under field conditions. The objectives of this study were to determine the influence of selected chemical amendments on (i) changes in physico-chemical properties of soils resulting from chemical amendments, ( ii) dissolved nutrient concen trations of soil porewater, and resulting P flux, and (iii) effectivene ss of reducing or minimizing nutrient (particularly P) flux during initial floodin g of a previously farmed organic soil. TheSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

464 study results will be used in conjunction with water quality data collected and analyzed by the St. Johns River Water Management District to identify any soil amendments that could effectively reduce or minimize nutrient (particularly P) flux during initial flooding of a previously farmed organic soil.

Reddy, K.R., W.F. DeBusk , and D.A. Graetz. 1991. Nutrient dynamics in recreated marshes adjacent to Lake Apopka. Research program manual. Submitted to St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla. IF AS, University of Florida, Gainesville.

PROJECT: Marsh Flow-Way Restoration (LA-3-301-M)

I NTRODUCTION

Several studies (Boyt et al. 1977; Fetter et al. 1978; Turner et al. 1976; Reddy et al. 1982; see review by Richardson and Davis 1987) have reported the use of freshwater wetlands (swamps and marshes) and other flooded soil systems as a possible means of reducing N and P levels of waste waters. This concept is also being evaluated as a mechanism to improve water quality in Lake Apopka. The lake water will flow through a constructed marsh allowing settlement of algal biomass and other detrital materials on the soil surface. The water will then be returned to the lake, presumably with considerable improvement in quality. By recycling the lake water through the wetlands, significant amounts of N and P should be removed form the lake basin with a resultant improvement in water quality in

the lake.

In order to maximize the N and P removal rate as well as the net storage capacity of the wetlands, it is important to understand the biogeochemical processes responsible for nutrient removal. Flooded organic soil chemistry is very complex because of the interactions between organic and inorganic forms of nutrients and associated chemical and biological components. The degree of reduction in flooded organic soils can have a significant impact on labile and non-labile pools of C, N and P, and ultimately their retention/release by these soils. Although th ese mechanisms have been documented for many mineral flooded soils, very little or no information is availabl e for flooded organic

soils.

Nitrogen and P removal in thes e systems primarily occurs through physical, chemical, and biological processes in the floodwater and sediment. A significant portion of floodwater and porewater N and P can also be removed through uptake by macrophytes and algae. Rate of N and P removal by these processes in influenced by the physico-chemical conditions that exist in the floodwate r and in the sediment. SomeAppendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

465 of these conditions are (1) dissolved O

2 in the water; (2) pH; (3) temperature; (4) residence time of water; (5) water depth; (6) mixing in the water column; and (7) presence of aquatic macrophytes and algae. In addition, underlying sediments can function as a sink or source of N and P to the floodwater. This depends on the

interstitial N and P concentration in the se diments, and N and P regeneration rates in

the sediments.

Many wetlands are effective in the removal of inorganic forms of N and P, but are poor sinks for organic forms of N and P, but are poor sinks for organic forms of N and P. Studies by Kadlec and Tilton (1978), Small (1978), Toth (1972), an d Boyt et al. (1977)

showed a P reduction of 95–98% when fres hwater swamp and ma rsh systems were

used to treat waste water effluents containing between 3 and 11 mg P L -1 , while smaller reductions of 16–60% have been reported fo r wetlands or flooded fields receiving drainage water containing P concentrations of ± mg L -1 (Bentley 1969; Federico et al. 1978; and Reddy et al. 1982). Depending on soil co nditions and P loading, the efficiency of flooded organic soils can decrease from 90% of P removal to less than 30% within a few years (Richardson and Davis 1987).

In a laboratory study, Reddy (1983) noted that N removal rates from floodwater were controlled by the initial floodwater NH

4 + and NO

3 - concentration rate of NH

4 + diffusion from the sediments to the overlying water, ammonification in the sediments, NH

3 +

volatilization and nitrification at the sediment- water interface, and denitrification in the
sediments. Under the conditions studied, NH

4 + concentrations of the floodwater were in the range of 0.01–0.05 μg mL -1 , while NO

3 - concentrations were in the range of 0.27–0.78 μg mL -1 . Sediments with organic matter were found to be less effective in the removal of floodwater organic N, C and P than the sediments with calc areous clay loam.

The amount of soluble P released into floodwaters of flooded soils, lake sediments, and swamp and marsh sediments depends on the capacity of the soil or sediment to desorb or adsorb from solution, mineralization rate of organic P, and diffusion rate of P from the sediment to the overlying waters. Thes e processes play a role in determining whether the P concentration in the interstitial and overlying water is adequate for the nutritional requirements of plants and aquat ic organisms, and whether these systems can be used for removing P from the overlying waters. Inorganic P exchange rates were found to be dependent on the capacity of the sediment to adsorb or desorb P (Reddy 1983). Total P exchange rates were in the range of –1.04 to 0.34 mg P m -2

day -1

.

For organic soils obtained from Lake Apopka drainage basin (Reddy and Rao 1983), ammonification occurred at a rate of 110 mg N m -2

day -1 , and NH

4 + flux from the anaerobic soil layer to the floodwater and aerobic soil layer was 45 mg N m -2

day -1 . The sequential N processes occurring in a flooded organic soil include: ammonification inSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

466 the anaerobic soil layer, upward diffusion of NH

4 + from the anaerobic soil layer to the
floodwater, nitrification in the floodwater, downward diffusion into the anaerobic soil layer and denitrification in the anaerobic soil layer. Loss of N due to these processes represented about 35% of the mineralized NH

4 -N in the 21-cm organic soil column.

Results also showed that ammonification and NH

4 + diffusion probably are the ratelimiting processes in N loss from a flooded organic soil.

The same study (Reddy and Rao 1983) showed th at the rate of soluble P production in the anaerobic soil layer was 16 mg P m -2

day -1 . Major processes occurring in the anaerobic layer were mineralization of organic P, adsorption-desorption of P, and diffusion from sediment to the overlying water. Losses of P due to these processes represented about 53% of th e solubilized P in the 21-cm organic soil column. Flux measured in this study were significantly higher than those pres ented in an earlier study by Reddy (1983), reflecti ng differences in floodwater retention time, and initial P

concentrations of the floodwater.

Increase in P solubility in flooded minera l soil usually has been attributed to the reduction of ferric oxyhydrox ide and ferric phosphate co mpounds to more soluble Fe 2+ forms and to the hydrolysis of P compounds. Increased P release in flooded organic soils is probably due to the solubilization of Fe, Al, and Ca -P. Wetlands high in mineral matter were shown to retain more P than swamps low in iron and aluminum (Richardson 1985). In alkaline mineral soils, in crease in available P was not due to soil reduction of ferric phosphate, but rather to increased soil water content. Reasons for not detecting an increase in available P as th e alkaline soils were reduced were due to (1) lack of reductant soluble P, and (2) control of soluble P by the calcium system. Upon flooding, organic soils undergo reduction much more rapidly than mineral soils, with redox potential (Eh) values of <-200 mV occurring within a few days after flooding. Initial slow reduction is due to the buffering of capacity of nitrate, since many organic soils have a large accumulation of nitrate under aerobic conditions. These initially high Eh values can have a significant impact on P solubility in flooded organic soils.

The sulfate concentration of Lake Apop ka water is in the range of 20–30 mg L -1

. Continuous inputs of sulfate to a constructed marsh can have a significant impact on organic matter decomposition during sulfate res piration (Howarth and Teal 1979). At
this time, no information is available on the significance of sulfate reduction in Florida’s

wetlands.

The background information presented above discusses some of the significant biogeochemical processes occurring in flooded soils. Although the soil processes are important in controlling efficien cy of a constructed marsh, th e reactions occurring at the root-soil interface also play a significant role in C, N and P dynamics of a wetland. ForAppendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

467 example, oxygen transport by wetlands plants can play a significant role in decomposition of organic matter and N losses as a result of nitrification-denitrification reactions (Reddy et al 1989).

The environmental quality of the Oklawaha Chain of Lakes (Fig. 1) has been a subject of concern for various state agencies, local agen cies, and private citize ns for more than 20 years. Progressive eutrophication has greatly reduced or eliminated many of the recreational and water quality values of the lakes. Lake Apopka, the first and largest of
the chain of lakes, is also the most severely degraded.

In recognition of the problems and potential values of Lake Apopka, the Florida Legislature in 1985 passed Chapter 85-148, La ws of Florida, which funded studies aimed at determining feasible means for restoring the lake. The effort was furthered by

the Surface Water Im provement and Management Act of 1987 (Chapter 87-97, Laws of Florida), which identified Lake Apopka as a priority water body in need of restoration studies. Since enactment of that legislatio n, diagnostic and feas ibility studies have resulted in the development of the Lake Apopka Marsh Flow-Way, a project designed to restore Lake Apopka by marsh filtration of nutrient-laden lake water.

The purpose of the Marsh Flow-Way Demonstration Project (Fig. 2) is to acquire the knowledge and experience necessary to effectively design and manage the projected full-scale marsh flow-way for lake restoration. In order to optimize marsh management for cost-effective nutrient removal, it is necessary to understand the fate of nutrients that enter the marsh. The Nutrient Storage and Movement Project is designed to measure the major nutrient components in the marsh soil and vegetation, determine the rate of transformation of nutrients to and from the soil, water column and vegetation, and estimate the nutrient retention capacity of the system.

O BJECTIVES

The overall objective of the proposed research is to develop a fundamental understanding of the biogeochemistry of C, N, P and S in flooded organic soils of the proposed constructed marsh adjacent to Lake Apopka. The specific objectives are to (1) characterize organic and inorganic forms of soil C, N and P to determine the labile and non-labile pools through chemical fraction ation, (2) determine nutrient retention characteristics of organic soils and the factors regulating C, N, P and S retention or release, (3) determine the C, N and P ex change between the sediment and overlying water column, (4) determine the nutrient storage/release capacity of aquatic vegetation, and (5) assess the interaction of soil properti es and water management with C, N and P

retention.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

468 Reddy, K.R., M.M. Fisher, and D. Ivanoff. 1996. Resuspension and diffusive flux of nitrogen and phosphorus in a hypereutrophic lake. J. Environ. Qual . 25:363–371.

PROJECT: Internal Nutrie nt Budget (LA-1-102-D)

A BSTRACT

Bottom sediments in shallow lakes can play a major role in releasing nutrients to the overlying water column during wind induced sediment resuspension or by constant flux due to diffusion. Internal nutrient loads due to these processes may be equal to or higher than external loads. Laboratory and field experiments were conducted on Lake Apopka, a shallow, hypereut rophic subtropical lake lo cated in central Florida. Ammonium (NH

4 + ) N and soluble reactive P (SRP) flux during sediment resuspension

were measured under laborato ry conditions using intact sediment cores. Ammonium N and SRP flux due solely to diffusion were assessed using in situ porewater concentrations. Average diffusive flux from sediment to the overlying water was estimated to be 25 mg NH

4 - N m -2

d -1 and 1 mg P m -1 d -2 . Resuspension fluxes of NH

4 + and SRP were higher than diffusive flux. Soluble reactive P profiles of porewater showeddistinct profile differentiation, with the surface 0 to 8 cm sediment depth acting as a Pdepletion zone, and the underlying sediment displaying steep gradients in porewater SRP. These results suggest that dissolved NH

4 + and SRP transport fr om the surface 8 cm of sediment was due to sediment resuspension, while below this depth, upward mobility of NH

4 + and SRP was regulated by diffusion. Although dissolved N and P flux is upwards (from sediment to water column), during extended periods (annual cycle) the lake is functioning as a net sink for N and P by transforming inorganic pools of nutrients into organic forms and depositing them on the sediment surface.

Reddy, K.R., and D.A. Graetz. 1991. Internal nutrient budget for Lake Apopka . Special
Publication SJ91-SP6. Palatka, Fla.: St. Jo hns River Water Management District.

PROJECT: Internal Nutrie nt Budget (LA-1-102-D)

E XECUTIVE S UMMARY

Lake Apopka, with a surface area of 12,500 ha (31,000 acres), is located in Central Florida, approximately 25 km (15 miles) northwest of Orlando. The average depth of the lake is about 2 m. Currently, it is highly eutrophic with high concentrations of algalAppendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

469 biomass (chlorophyll a concentrations of ten exceed 100 mg m -3

). Water quality in the lake is impacted by both external and intern al sources. Historical and current external sources of pollution include discharge of excess drainage water from adjacent vegetable farms, surface and subsurface runoff from adjacent citrus groves, sewage effluent discharge from Winter Garden (this discharge has been stopped for some time), and biological nitrogen and carbon fixation.

The water quality in Lake Apopka can have a significant impact on downstream lakes in the Oklawaha River Basin, since lake water eventually flows into some of these lakes. In recognition of the problems and potential values of Lake Apopka, the Florida Legislature, in 1985, approved funds to study feasible means of restoring the lake. Part of this approval was to design a study for better understanding of the external and internal nutrient inputs to th e lake, which would result in the development of a nutrient budget for the lake.

The bottom sediments in Lake Apopka are highly organic and rich in nutrients. Because of shallow water depth and the flocculent nature of these sediments, resuspension of the sediment occurs during periods of heavy winds. The release of nutrients from these sediments can cause nutrient concentrations in the water column to remain high despite reduction of external nutrient loading. Th e nutrients can be readily utilized by algae and other aquatic biota, thus maintaining hypereutrophic conditions in the lake.

For Lake Apopka, the pollutants of most immediate concern are phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N), and carbon (C). Phosphorus and N are essential nutrients which often limit the rate of algal primary production, the source of flocculent lake sediments. Although C, which is continually supplie d through photosynth esis and removed through microbial respiration, is a major component of the flocculent organic sediment, it is not as important in eutrophication as N and P. Nevertheless, the rate of accumulation of flocculent sediments is determined by the balance between C fixation via algal photosynthesis and C mineralization through microbial respiration. Information on the C budget , then, could indicate the le vel of reduction of algal productivity required to cause the lake to beco me a net exporter of C. Quantification of these internal sources and sinks is essential for accurate prediction of the response of Lake Apopka to pollution abatement and for informed appraisal of restoration

alternatives.

In recent years, it has become clear that nutrient processing by the aquatic biota and sediments of lakes can be a major factor in the determination of trophic status of the
lake. To evaluate the role of C, N, and P transformations in the sediment-water column and its impact on water quality, it is critical to develop a basic understanding of these

processes.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

470 The major objectives of the research presented in this report were to:

• Characterize Lake Apopka sediments for la bile and non-labile forms of nutrients

• Determine the flux of dissolved C, N, and P between sediments and the overlying

water column

• Establish the relative importance of biogeochemical transformations of sedimentary
forms of C, N, and P

• Determine C and N fixation in the water column

• Determine the effects of sediment mixing and resuspension on C, N, and P release into

the water column

The first objective of this study was to char acterize labile and non-labile forms of nutrients in Lake Apopka sediments.

The sediment profile is characterized by five different layers, based on their physical consistency. These are unconsolid ated floc (UCF), consolidated fl oc (CF), peat (P), sand (S), clay (c), and marl (M). The UCF layer is the surface layer, with an underlying CF layer. About 95% of the sediment surface is covered with a UCF layer. During the past 20 years, the thickness of this layer has in creased at a rate of 1.15 cm yr -1

.

Labile (dissolved) forms of nutrients in the sediment porewater account for 0.7% of C,
3.9% of N, and 6.9% of P in the sediments. Historical sedimentation rates based on 210Pbdating techniques were estimated to be 0.03 g cm -2

yr -1 . This yields accumulation rates for C, N, and P of 91, 7.1, and 2.9 g m -2

yr -1 , respectively. These values are on the same order of magnitude as those estimated by increases in the thickness of surface sediments over the past 20 years.

The second objective of this study was to de termine the flux of dissolved C, N, and P between sediments and the overlying water column.

Nitrogen flux from the sediment to the overlying water column was in the range 28–40 mg

N m -2

d -1 . Phosphorus flux was in the range 1.7–2.7 mg P m -2

d -1 . Concentration profiles of ammonium N and soluble P varied spatially, but not temporally, suggesting that the lake is at steady state. Flux of C, N, and P is governed in the UCF sediments by resuspension and in the CF sediments by diffusion and mass flow.

The third objective of this study was to establish the relative importance of biogeochemical transformations of sedimentary forms of C, N, and P.Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

471 One of the transformations of C is decomposition of organic matter. Organic matter decomposition was rapid in sediments exposed to oxygen, with about 25% of the initial C lost in one year. Under anaerobic conditions, about 6% of the initial C was lost from UCF
sediments; less than 1% was lost from CF an d peat sediments. The decomposition in CF and peat sediments was inhibited by an inadequate supply of electron acceptors.

A second transformation of C is adsorption and diffusion of organic acids. Soluble organic C concentrations in the water column and in the sediment porewater were approximately the same. Therefore, there is no net transport of C from the sediment to the water. The diffusion coefficients for acetic and butyric acids, intermediate products of anaerobic decomposition, were 0.46 and 0.71 cm -2

d -1 . Acetic acid is more strongly adsorbed in sediment than is butyric acid.

One of the transformations of N is mineralization of organic N to ammonium. Organic N mineralization in sediments expose d to oxygen was rapid (0.6 mg N L -1 d -1 ). Under anaerobic conditions, N mineralization rates were in the range 0.26–0.37 mg N L -1 d -1

.

A second transformation of N is adsorption and diffusion of ammonium N. Ammonium adsorption on sediment was stronger under aerobic conditions than anaerobic conditions. Ammonium adsorption capacity was higher in the surface sediments and decreased with depth. The diffusion coefficients for ammonium moving in the sediment profile were in the range 0.6–1.47 cm -2

d -1

.

A third transformation of N is nitrification (oxidation of ammonium N to nitrate N) in sediment resuspended into the oxygenat ed water column. Soluble ammonium in anaerobic sediments exposed to oxygen was rapidly nitrified at a rate of 1.95 mg N L -1 d -1

.

A fourth transformation of N is nitrate reduction. This process can be either assimilatory producing biomass, or dissimilatory with NH

4 or N

2 being formed. Nitrate reduction rates were rapid, with denitrification (nitrate re duction to nitrous oxide and N gas) as the dominant process. Denitrification rates were in the range 1.2–2.6 mg N L -1 d -1

.

The combined processes of nitrification and denitrification in the sediment-water column are very important in this system. Nitrificat ion-denitrification processes were rapid in the sediment-water column, with removal rates measured up to 50 mg N m -2

d -1

.

One of the transformations of P is adsorption/desorption of phosphate and diffusion of P

in sediments. Soluble P decreased when anae robic sediments were exposed to oxygen but

remained constant when sediments were kept under anaerobi c conditions. High equilibrium P concentrations in the sediment po rewater suggest that P transport is from
the sediment to the water column. In the short term, P retention in the sediment is due toSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

472 adsorption, while over the long term, precipitation of calcium phosphates from the water column controls the porewater concentration of P.

The fourth objective of this study was to determine C and N fixation in the water

column.

Carbon and N fixation in the water column is a function of light penetration and is independent of N and P concentrations in th e water. This implies that N and P are not limiting the productivity of Lake Apopka. The C fixation rate was 1.9 mg C L -1 d -1 assuming a 12-h photoperiod. On an areal basis, the C fixation rate is 1,400 g C m -2

yr -1 . The N fixation rate was 0.16 g m -2

yr -1 , suggesting that biological N fixation may not be a significant contributor to the total N budget for Lake Apopka.

The fifth objective of this study was to determine the effects of sediment mixing and resuspension on C, N, and P release into the water column.

Ammonium N release during simulated sediment resuspension of the surface 10 cm was in the range 0.4–0.5 mg cm -2

h

-1 . No significant release in P occurred during this sediment resuspension. Profiles of soluble P concentration in sediments suggest that sediment resuspension involves the surface 8 cm.

The results in this report provide inform ation on the relative rates of several biogeochemical processes related to C, N, and P cycling in Lake Apopka. It is apparent from these results that Lake Apopka is very productive and dynamic in cycling nutrients. The nutrient enrichment in the water column is enhanced by sediments functioning as a steady source of soluble ammonium and P. The sediments are functioning as sinks for nitrate N and fo r the particulate matter deposited on the sediment surface. To quantitatively evaluate the role of sediments in the overall internal nutrient budget of the lake, it is critical that two physical proc esses, i.e. sediment resuspension during hydrodynamic events, and steady diffusive flux, be further

evaluated.

It should be noted that the rate coefficients reported for various processes were measured under laboratory conditions. The relative rates may be different under field

conditions where several en vironmental factors influence these processes. Future research should be focused on the biogeochemical processes functioning (1) at the sediment-water interface, especially on a mi cro-scale level in the surface 10 cm depth, and (2) in the water column during sedimenta tion of particulate dead algal cells. Since the processes functioning are dynamic in nature, they should be evaluated in situ on short-term intervals. The information provided in this report should be used in contextAppendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

473 with the external nutrient inputs when developing management strategies to restore Lake Apopka.

Reddy, K.R., O.G. Olila, E.M. D’Angelo, D. L. Stites, and M. Coveney. 1996. Nutrient storage and movement in the Lake Apopka Marsh, Phase III. Contract 94B271:1996. Final report submitted to St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla. IFAS, University of Florida, Gainesville.

PROJECT: Marsh Flow-Way Restoration (LA-3-301-M)

E XECUTIVE S UMMARY

The environmental quality of the Oklawaha Chain of Lakes has been a subject of concern for various state agencies, local agen cies, and private citi zens for more than twenty years. Progressive eutrophication has greatly reduced or eliminated many of the recreational and water quality values of the lakes. Lake Apopka, the first and largest of
the chain of lakes, is also the most severely degraded.

Lake Apopka, with a surface area of 12,500 ha (31,000 acres), is located in central Florida, approximately 25 km (15 miles) northwest of Orlando. The average depth of the lake is about 2 m. Currently, it is highly eutrophic with high concentrations of algal biomass (chlorophyll a concentrations often exceeds 100 μg/L). Water quality in the lake is impacted by both external and intern al nutrient sources. Historical and current external sources of pollution include: discharge of excess drainage water from adjacent vegetable farms, surface and subsurface runoff from adjacent citrus groves, sewage effluent discharge from Winter Garden (this discharge has been stopped for some time), and biological nitrogen and carb on fixation. In addition, nu trient release from bottom sediments due to wind-induced resuspension and diffusion is considered an important

source to the water column.

In recognition of the problems and potential values of Lake Apopka, the Florida Legislature in 1985 passed Chapter 85-148, La ws of Florida, which funded studies aimed at determining feasible means for restoring the lake. The effort was furthered by

the Surface Water Im provement and Management Act of 1987 (Chapter 87-97, Laws of Florida), which identified Lake Apopka as a priority water body in need of restoration studies. Since enactment of that legislatio n, diagnostic and feas ibility studies have resulted in the development of the Lake Apopka Marsh Flow-Way, a project designed to restore Lake Apopka by marsh filtration of nutrient-laden lake water.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

474 The purpose of the Marsh Flow-way Demonstration Project is to acquire the knowledge and experience necessary to effectively de sign and manage the projected full-scalemarsh flow-way for lake restoration. In order to optimize marsh management for costeffective nutrient removal, it is necessary to understand the fate of nutrients that enter the marsh. The Nutrient Storage and Movement Project was designed to measure the major nutrient components in the marsh soil and vegetation, determine the rate of transformation of nutrients to and from the soil, water column and vegetation, and estimate the nutrient retention capacity of the system.

The objectives of the Phase III research presented in this report were to

• Determine different P forms and their distri bution as affected by drawdown, drying and re-flooding

• Evaluate the changes in organic and inorganic forms of P in the newly accreted

sediments

• Develop a baseline on selected soil characteristics (C, N, and P) and compare the changes in those characteristi cs before and after re-flooding

• Changes in distribution of dissolved nutrient s in the soil-water column following these management strategies in the constructed marsh

• Nutrient exchange rates (NER) in the soil-water column under in situ conditions

The first objective was to evaluate the forms and distribution of soil phosphorus as influenced by marsh drawdown, drying and reflooding.

Drawdown of the marsh increased the bulk density of surface sediments. Compacted sediments generally were higher in total P concentration than the pre-drawdown sediments. The newly accreted sediments had higher total P concentration than the native

soil.

Drawdown caused a shift in sediment P distribution from less soluble to a more soluble form, as indicated by the large increase in loosely bound P (1 M KCl-extractable) concentration in the newly accreted sediments.

Drawdown also increased the reactive Fe/Al- P concentrations at the expense of labile organic P (NaOH/OP) probably due to P mine ralization following exposure and drying.

The temporal shift in soil P from less soluble to a more soluble form due to drawdown may result in an initial flushing of P upon re-flooding.

The second objective was to evaluate the nutrient exchange rates between soil and water column, as influenced by mars h drawdown, drying, and reflooding.Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

475 Marsh water level and burning wetland vegeta tion has resulted in increased upward diffusive flux of soluble N and P from 10 and 1.3 mg/m 2 ·day in December 1992 before marsh management.

Drawdown of water level in the South Marsh in June 1994 resulted in partial consolidation of floc sediment depth, that may extend the lifetime of the marsh for nutrient removal by this process.

The third objective of the study was to determine the changes in bioavailable P and nutrient exchange as a result of water-level drawdown and reflooding.

Measurements of floodwater dissolved reacti ve P (DRP) indicated that draining and soil exposure could result in large P fl ux to the overlying water column.

Phosphorus flux in soils drained for 6 weeks was tenfold higher (334 mg P m -2

day -1 ) than P flux in sols drained for 3 weeks (3 mg P m -2

day -1 ).

Soil exposure also resulted in an increase in bioavailable inorganic P (estimated by KCl extraction) at the expense of labile organic P pool. The KCl-P pool, initially 0.2% (control), increased to 3% and 13% of TP after 3 and 6 weeks’ draining, respectively.

Results suggest that various fractions of soil P, particularly those in newly accreted materials, were highly unstable and could be released in a more available form when newly accreted soils experience stress such as exposure and drying.

Additional research is needed to develo p tools which can be used to identify management strategies to improve the efficiency of marsh.

Field application of chemical amendments to reduce P release from native agricultural soils should be evaluated prior to flooding.

Nutrient storage in the belowg round portion should be quantifi ed to establish the role of vegetation.

Stability of stored nutrients in soil and floc sediment needs to be established, especially with respect to P.

Simple models should be developed as a tool to evaluate management options to improve nutrient removal efficiency of marsh.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

476 Consideration should be given to include sedimentation ponds to reduce suspended solid

loads to the marsh.

Rice, K.G., and H.F. Percival, eds. 1996. Effects of environmenta l contaminants on the demographics and reproduction of Lake Apopka’s alligators and other taxa. Technical report 53. Fla. Coop. Fish and Wildlife Res. Unit, University of Florida, Gainesville.

PROJECT: Fisheries (LA-4-107-D)

A BSTRACT

Due to high nutrient and pesticide levels, La ke Apopka is considered one of the state’s most polluted lakes. Lake wate r is frequently pumped into an d from agricult ural areas. Also, for years the lake was largely encircle d by extensive citrus groves. In addition to agricultural chemicals, Lake Apopka receives tertiary treated sewage effluents from the municipality of Winter Garden. In 1980, a spill from th e Tower Chemical Company contaminated the drainage into Gourdneck, the southwest portion of the lake.

Beginning in 1981, a major decline was observed in juvenile alligators on Lake Apopka.
Meanwhile, other lakes studied in the St. Johns River drainage showed numerically stable or increasing alligator populations. Since 1984, contro lled incubation of alligator eggs has demonstrated that Lake Apopka has the lowest clutch viability rates (proportion that hatch out of total eggs deposited) of any Florida alligator population examined. An analysis of a lligator eggs collected in 1985 from three Florida lakes showed that eggs from Lake Apopka had significantly elevated levels of DDD, DDT, and DDE. DDT, DDE, and many other pesticides can act as hormones (chemical signals) or as inhibitors to natural hormones in the developing embryo.

In this study, we found that the total population ( ≥ 30 cm) of alligators on Lake Apopka decreased approximately 25% from 1980 to 1989 then increased approximately 20% through 1995 (P < 0.01,

∼ R 2

adj = 0.80). Juveniles (30–121 cm) decreased by almost 60% through 1989 then increased by 50% over the next 6 years (P < 0.05,

∼ R 2

adj = 0.80). We

could detect a decrease in clutch viability of approximately 41% from 1983 to 1988 and then an increase of over 200% through 1995 (P < 0.05,

∼ R 2

adj = 0.82). However, clutch viability was higher on Lake Woodruff, our control area, than Lake Apopka (P<0.001, df = 103). Viability did not differ be tween the two lakes for anim als of similar size. We estimated size distributions of adult nesting females for both areas. Lake Apopka’s distribution consisted of larger animals than Lake Woodruff’s. We note that clutch viability was higher for the medium-sized animals than for the very large.Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

477 Plasma sex steroid concentrat ions did not differ between adult females on lakes Apopka and Woodruff. Initial contaminant analyses indicated no correlation between

concentrations of co ntaminants found in adult female abdominal fat and egg yolk. Clutch viability did not correlate to egg yol k contaminant concen trations. However,

contaminant levels in maternal abdomina l fat had a negative correlation (adj R 2 –0.778, P = 0.0001) to clutch viability.

Juvenile alligator females exhibited similar plasma estrogen (E) concentrations among all lakes whereas we noted that plasma testosterone (T) concentrations were significantly increased on Apopka in comparison to the other lakes. Male bass on Apopka had depressed concentrations of 11- keto-testosterone. Initial results indicate significantly higher parasite loads for bass from Lake Apopka than from the other lakes and ponds. Additionally, white blood cell counts were increased and spleen weight decreased for bass from Lake Apopka.

We noted that neonates from eggs treate d with higher doses of DDE (100, 1000 mg/egg) and all doses of edstradiol exhibited elevated plasma E conc entrations, but significantly reduced plasma concentrations. Thus, DDE and E treatments ca use abnormal plasma hormone profiles, which result in demasc ulinized males. These results mimic our observations in untreated eggs collected from Lake Apopka.

Male and female juvenile alligators from Lake Griffin and Lake Jesup exhibited significantly elevated estrogen/androgen (E/A) ratios as do male alligators from Lake Apopka (F = 7.76; d.f. = 6, 467, P < 0.0001). Only males from La ke Apopka showed little relationship between body size and phallus morphometrics. Males from Lake Apopka had penis tip lengths smaller than males from any other lake, after adjustment for snout vent length.

We provide general discussion and recommend ations for future rese arch direction on Lake Apopka. Finally, we provide point-by -point conclusions at the end of this
manuscript.

C ONCLUSIONS

We detected an increasing trend in the juvenile population and in clutch viability on Lake Apopka since 1989. Clutch viability is lower on Lake Apopka than on the control area, Lake Woodruff. Clutch size was greater on Lake Apopka than Woodruff. However, individual egg weight was less. Clutch viab ility was less among the larger females. Similar-sized nesting females produced similar clutch viability rates on lakes Apopka and

Woodruff.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

478 We found a difference in the shape and the mean of estimated nesting female size distributions on lakes Apopka and Woodruff. Lake Apopka’s nesting females were larger on average than Lake Woodruff alligators in 1994 and 1995.

Sex steroid concentrations did not differ in adult nesting females between lakes Apopka and Woodruff, but were significantly different for juvenile animals. Similarly, juvenile alligators and adult bass on Lake Apopka had hormone concentrations significantly

different from other areas.

There was little correlation between phallus size and body size in male juvenile alligators from Lake Apopka, whereas males from six other lakes showed a clear positive correlation between body size and phallus size. Circulating sex hormones (estradiol and testosterone) were different in these Apopka animals with small phalli (as well as in alligators from Lakes Jesup and Griffin), with no correlation existing between circulating T and phallus size in the Apopka animals.

Juvenile alligators captured on Lake Apopka and Lake Woodruff displayed comparable

responses to acute capture stress.

We observed no correlation between environm ental contaminants found in the female and those found in the egg. Contaminants in the adult female were negatively correlated with clutch viability rate.

Laboratory dosing studies of environmental contaminants, for both alligator and turtle eggs, produced animals with altered hormon al concentrations. Eggs dosed with DDE produced animals with hormon e levels that corresponded to levels observed on wild animals in lakes Apopka and Woodruff.

Our data suggest two very different potentia l fates for allig ators (and other vertebrate populations) on Lake Apopka. We could be viewing the recovery of a system and only the remnants of damage inflic ted in the past by environmental contamination or other causes. On the other hand, this seeming reco very phase may end, and juvenile animals present today might not reproduce or survive. Only through continued monitoring and further experimentation can we hope to unravel this mystery.

Robinson, H. 1999. Bird report, Zellwood Draina ge and Water Contro l District Unit 1,
Unit 2, and the Zellwin Sa nd Farm property at Ze llwood, Florida. August 15, 1998–Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

479 August 14, 1999. Prepared for St. Johns River Water Mana gement District, Palatka,

Fla.

PROJECT: North Shore Re storation (LA-3-303-M)

I NTRODUCTION

This is a report on the birds that visited the Zellwood Drainage District Units 1 and 2 together with the flooded portion of the Zellwin Sand Farm property, all located in Zellwood, Florida (Figure 1). This detailed summary covers the period August 15 1998 to August 14 1999. The survey is ongoing. Table G gives details of the days visited and the number of species/individuals seen. This survey involved over 1,000 hours of

fieldwork.

An informal discussion was held at Zellw ood on August 15, 1998, between birders and staff of the St. Johns River Water Management District. One outcome was the urgent need by all parties for deta iled information on the birds using the farms. Hence the

survey.

Initially, the survey concentrated on the floo ded fields, but when an unexpected influx of sparrows took place the survey then included the tall herbaceous vegetated fields. In February 1999 the fields were drained and the farms closed so I didn’t visit the area for nearly three weeks. I then started to explore the peripheral areas and found that there were interesting and bird-rich woodland areas that unfortunately were not covered previously in the fall. A ccess to the fields was granted again on April 20, 1999. The survey now included the herbaceous vegetated fields, the flooded areas on the Sand
Farm, and the wooded borders.

The aim of this report is to record what I saw during the year. It is unfortunate that apart from the fall, I have been unable to get my most unusual sightings confirmed by others. I often wish that there was a designated individual who could come in to confirm some of the rather startling finds. Th e aim is also to identify, as far as possible, the habitat used by other species. I hope it indicates the species and numbers that might use the area, if it was either deep or sha llow flooded. It also shows what may occur if the fields remain covered in herbaceous vegetation.

In addition, I conducted a breeding bird survey during the summer of 1999, and the results are included in Appendix A. I have also tried to identify all mammal, butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies, reptiles, and amphibia ns that I came across. Details of these are included in Appendices C–F.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

480 Finally I have taken a brief look at some events that happened during the year and the effect that they had on the birds.

Robinson, H. 2002. Bird usage of Lake Ap opka’s North Shore Restoration Area. Zellwood Drainage and Water Control District Unit 1, Un it 2, and the Zellwin Sand Farm property at Zellwood, Florida. August 15, 1999–August 14, 2000. Prepared for St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla.

PROJECT: North Shore Re storation (LA-3-303-M)



### I NTRODUCTION

This is the second report on the birds that visited the Zellwood Drainage District Units 1 and 2 together with the eastern end of the Zellwin Sand Farm Property, all located in Zellwood, Florida (Figure 1). This detailed su mmary covers the peri od from August 15, 1999, to August 14, 2000. This surve y is ongoing. Table D gives details of the days site visited, the hours spent surveying and the number of species/individuals seen. This survey involved 1,207 hours of fieldwork.

The survey started in August 1998, as there was an urgent n eed for detailed information on the birds that visited the flooded fields. After the fields were drained in February 1999, the fields continued to be a major draw for birds. In all seasons, this area continues to surprise with many species setting new records for the State of Florida. During this year the only water has been at the Sand Farm. At times there have been
areas of mud, and at other time s it has been full to the bank s. The area underwater is decreasing, perhaps 250 acres no w against the original 300 acre s. The rest of the area has been undisturbed. It has not been static as the vegetation has continued to evolve.

Much of the northern and east ern areas are now clothed in some very tall, dense plant growth. There has been no significant change to the border habitats.

The actual area surveyed has varied accor ding to season, weather conditions and from time to time, because of the work of the road system. More time has been spent in Unit

1 and the Sand Farm than in Unit 2. The extr eme southern end of the area, i.e., the area south of Hooper Farms Road, received the least attention due to time constraints. I have however tried to keep to the same route seasonally in order to make the counts comparable.

The aim of this report is to record what I saw during the 12 months. I have also, where relevant, included early fall records from th e first year in order that there is a fullAppendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

481 picture of the fall migration in 2000. I have tried to identify, as far as possible, the habitat used by each species. This habitat usage is detailed in Table B. In case the reader has not seen the first report, I am including a summary of the wetland habitat usage together with my estimates of the species/numbe rs that would visit th e flooded fields if they were either deep or shallow flooded.

In addition, I conducted a breeding bird survey during the summer of 2000. The results of this and last year ’s survey are included in Appendix A. I have also tried to identify all mammals, butterflies, dragonflies, damself lies, reptiles, and amphibians that I came across. Details of these, for the two years, are included in Appendices C–F.

I have provided a systematic list of the bird species seen over the two years August 15 1998–August 14, 2000. With this I have detailed the highest record ed count for each species. This is all in Table E.

Finally, I have taken a look at how the chan ging vegetation has effected the bird population.

Schelske, C.L. 1994. Assessing nutrient limitation in a hype reutrophic lake. Lake Reserv. Manage . 9(2):112.

PROJECT: Internal Nutrie nt Budget (LA-1-102-D)

A BSTRACT

Nutrient limitation in Lake Ap opka, a hypereutrophic lake in north central Florida, was assessed with nutrient enrichment bioassays, dilution bioassays, and chemical

measurements in an 18-month study. Results of nutrient enrichment bioassays with natural phytoplankton assemblages showed that phytoplankton were nitrogen limited in 18 of 19 monthly assays. Phosphorus was the limiting nutrient in one experiment. These results are consistent with chemical measurements. Phosphorus limitation was not expected because average total phosph orus is approximately 200 μg P/L. In addition, phytoplankton store excess phosph orus as polyphosph ate. Nitrogen was limiting because combined inorganic nitrogen is low (<50 μg/L) compared to chlorophyll a that ranged from 50 to 200 μg/L. Beca use algal biomass was high, dilution experiments were conducted to determine the effect of nutrient reduction on phytoplankton growth. A dilution series of lake water and simulated lake water containing no nitrogen and phosphorus was used to test the effects of nutrient reduction in 2 x 2 factorial experiments with nitrogen and phosphorus. In theseSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

482 experiments, the importance of nitrogen lim itation decreased with increasing dilution of simulated lake water. Algal growth was nitrogen limited in undiluted lake water, but at high dilution, algal growth was colimit ed by nitrogen an d phosphorus. These dilution experiments provide guidelines on th e amount of phosphor us removal needed to achieve specific reduct ions in algal biomass.

Schelske, C.L. 1997. Sediment and phosphorus de position in Lake Apopka . Special Publication
SJ97-SP21. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns Ri ver Water Management District.

PROJECT: Internal Nutrie nt Budget (LA-1-102-D)

E XECUTIVE S UMMARY

Sediment studies in Lake Apopka were undertaken with two major objectives. The first

was characterization and determination of the origins of the floccu lent and consolidated sediment layers. This objective is import ant because the origin of sediments is presumed to have changed abruptly in 1947 when the lake primary producer community shifted from macrophyte domina nce to phytoplankton dominance. Several independent approaches were employed to characterize sediments and determine their origin. The second major objective was to estimate lake-basin sedimentation of mass, organic matter, total phosphorus (TP), and non-apatite inorganic phosphorus (NAIP) after 1947 and also for shorter periods af ter 1947 when phytoplankton became the dominant primary producer. To meet these objectives, a hi gh quality data set for 46 survey and 8 historic cores was collected (see Appendices B and C). Historic cores were

210

Pb dated to provide a chronology of his toric changes in sediment and nutrient deposition. Stratigraphic feature in historic and survey cores were correlated as a means of obtaining time-dependent markers in the undated survey cores. Data from the survey cores arranged on an equal area grid were equally weighted in developing basinwide

estimates.

Highly organic, flocculent sediments produced during the phytoplankton phase were hypothesized to be lower in dry weight fraction and with a lower total carbon/total nitrogen (TC/TN) ratio than sediments produced during the macrophyte phase. This difference was expected because macrophytes require structural organic carbon to grow upright. This structural carb on is degraded slowly compar ed to more labile forms in phytoplankton; thus a higher TC/TN ratio is found in sediments produced during the macrophyte phase. A stratigraphic marker of this type was used to determine the thickness of flocculent sediments at historic and survey stations.Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

483 Several stratigraphic markers were used to infer the change from macrophyte to phytoplankton dominance in the lake. The ratio of TC/TN, fraction dry weight, and TP concentration provided stratigr aphic evidence that flocculent sediments were produced as by-products of autotrophic metabolism during the recent, 50-year period of phytoplankton dominance. These variables, which were analyzed in all cores, were

used to establish the thickness of flocculent sediments. That flocculent sediments were produced during the planktonic phase was ve rified with additional analyses, including

the chemical measurement of diatom silica and analysis of diatom microfossils.

Highly organic sediments such as those found in Lake Apopka are not common in some geographic areas, but are ch aracteristic of many Florida lakes (Brenner and Binford 1988). Lake Apopka forms the headwaters of the Ocklawaha Ri ver and receives relatively small inputs of allochthonous organic matter from its small drainage area, headwater spring and rainfall. Lake Apopk a, therefore, may differ from many Florida lakes in that a high proportion of its sedimentary organic matter has been formed historically from organic matter produced photosynthetically in the lake, either from the macrophyte community during the macrophyte phase or from phytoplankton community during the phytoplankton phase. Results presented he re provide many lines of evidence for the two different sources of sedimentary organic carbon in Lake Apopka.

Data on diatom microfossils provide additional support for criteria used in stratigraphic zonation. Three distinct assemblages were present in the diatoms identified from LA9-
95, a historic core collected in 1995. These in cluded (1) a diverse assemblage dominated by benthic taxa ( Amphora ovalis, Cyclotella stelligera, Cymbella sp ., Pinnularia sp ., and

Nitzschia sp.) that was found below the zone of flocculent se diments, (2) an assemblage dominated by Aulacoseira italica

, Pseudostaurosira brevistriata

, Staurosirella pinnata, and

Staurosira construens found at the bottom of the zone of flocculent sediments, and (3) an assemblage comprised of 75–80% A. italica in the uppermost zone of flocculent

sediments. The diverse benthic assemblage also differed in th at its absolute abundance was approximately an order of magnitude less than the overlying assemblage.

Data on microfossil diatoms provide ev idence that water transparency changed markedly in a few decades. Water transparency inferre d from the diatom assemblage present during the macrophyte phase indicates high water transparency such that benthic algae grew on the lake bottom. By contrast, the meroplanktonic diatom, A.

italica now is the dominant diatom in the lake because it can survive in the aphotic environment on the lake bottom. Decreased transparency is attributed to increases in phytoplankton standing crop and other factors. Increased standing crop of phytoplankton is one of the consequences of nutrient enrichment.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

484 The ratio of planktonic to benthic (P/B) diatoms also provides evidence that the primary producer community sh ifted from macrophytes to phytoplankton at the time when flocculent sediments were first deposited. A. italica is the major phytoplankton species in the lake presently; therefore, the P/B ratio is highest in the upper 15 cm where this species is dominant (75–80% of the assemblage). The P/B ratio increases upcore as does the concentration of TP. True benthic species will be replaced by other forms if water transparency decreases as the result of increased standing crops of phytoplankton or other factors. These data indicate that the changes in the lake’s primary producer community since the 1940s and earlier were driven by increased nutrient loading.

Establishing the thickness of flocculent sediments at survey stations allowed the calculation of inventories (storage) of ma ss, organic matter, TP, and NAIP at each station. The thickness of flocculent sediments varied greatly among the 46 survey cores and ranged from 1 to 136 cm. Flocculent se diments were highly organic averaging 63% of sediment mass. Storage of sediment mass an d TP also varied among stations. This variability can be illustrated by noting the <5 % of the total storage of TP was found at

the 10 stations with the lowest storage and that 63% of the TP storage was found at the 15 stations with the highest storage. This variability does not affect estimates of basinwide storage which are based on eq ual areal weighting for each station.

Variability in sediment deposition over the lake basin is attributed to the dynamics of sedimentation that focus sediments at high sedimentation sites. Sediments that are focused at high deposition sites have in part been transported from other areas of the lake that are subject to sediment resuspension. Stations with high sedimentation rates are characterized as depositional sites. These sites preserve the paleolimnological record

and must be identified to infer historical conditions in the lake. Stations with low sedimentation, transitional, or no-depositional sites were in the central part of the lake where the effects of wind action on sediment resuspension would be greatest.

Resuspension of sediments was evaluated as a potential source of phosphorus to the water column. An amount eq uivalent to approximately 400 μ g TP/L in the water mass is present in the upper 5 cm of sediment and an amount equivalent to 1200 μ g TP/L is present in the upper 10 cm. Co ncentrations as large as 400 μ g TP/L are found very rarely during monitoring of the lake. These calculated amounts, therefore, are undoubtedly overestimates of the amount that might be resuspended at any one time, particularly because sediments are not likely to be resuspended over the entire lake bottom during most storm events and because some areas in the center of the lake which are subjected to the greatest effects of wave action have thin layers of flocculent

sediments.Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

485 Conventional models of dating sediments with 210 Pb could not be used in Lake Apopka

because the construction of dik es in the 1940s reduced the area of the lake basin. This

reduction in surface area of the lake in validates the assumption in models that 210 Pb flux to the sediments is constant over time. A hybrid model which adjusted ages so that the zone of flocculent sediments was 50 yr old was used to date flocculent sediments. During this time period, the flux of 210 Pb can be assumed to be constant. Ages and sedimentation rates calculated from the hybrid model indicated that sedimentation rate increased at least 2.1-fold and total phosphor us accumulation rate (TPAR) increased from 3.3-fold in the last 50 years. These result s were then used to estimate the change in

TP sedimentation over time.

Flocculent sediments were highly organic, averaging 63% organic matter measured as loss on ignition (LOI); therefore, sedimentation accumulation and mass sedimentation rate (MSR) are determined largely by organic ma tter. This characteri stic is important in evaluating the 210 Pb chronology. A mean 2.1-fold incr ease in MSR in 50 yr was found using the hybrid model. This 2.1- fold increase can be attributed to an increase in organic matter production by phytoplankton in 50 years because sediments are highly organic. Increased production and sedimentation of organic matter over time can then be used to partly explain the relatively flat excess 210 Ph profiles. An increase in phytoplankton production is one of the expected consequences of increased phosphorus loading to the system that is inferred from historic in creases in TP storage in the sediments.

Several lines of evidence, in cluding TPAR obtained from 210 Pb dating, indicate that whole-basin rates of TP storage increased during the planktonic phase, approximately the last 50 yr. Average rates of TP storage for the period of phytoplankton dominance were estimated to be 45,000 kg yr -1 . This is slightly smaller than 49,100 kg yr -1 , an estimate by Brezonik et al. (1978) for net TP deposition (storage) in 1977. Average rates of deposition were 61.6% larger in the last 10 years and about 50% smaller during the first 10 years of phytoplankton dominance if the rate of TP accumulation increased 4- fold at a logarithmic rate during the 50-yr period of phytoplankton dominance.

The high abundance of meroplanktonic algae in near-surface sediments and storage of phosphorus by this algal community may be one of the factors contributing to artificially high MSR and TPAR at the tops of sediment cores. Data from LA9-95 show

that A. italica has the greatest relative abundance in the upper 15 cm. The uptake and storage of phosphorus by meroplankton is a biogeochemical process that may account for the relatively large storage of phosphorus in recent sediments. Polyphosphate stored in these cells may be a significant phosphorus sink.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

486 Estimated whole-basin inventories (storage) of organic matter in the last 50 yr are reasonable compared to estimated organic matter production by phytoplankton. Data on annual phytoplankton production in the lake are limited; however, organic matter sedimented in the past 50 yr is on th e order of 10% of estimated phytoplankton production. This comparison indicates that calculated storage of organic matter closely approximates storage evaluated independen tly. This comparis on and comparable

estimates of TP sedimentatio n by Brezonik et al. (1978) and the present investigation validate data obtained in the present investig ation. The whole-basin inventory of TP in

flocculent sediments was 2.25 x 10 6 kg (2,250 metric tons). This inventory which accumulated in 50 yr is 54 times larger than the present inventory of TP in the water

column. These data indicate that residence ti me of phosphorus in the water column is short, on the order of one year. This calc ulation undoubtedly un derestimates recent

rates of TP sedimentation in the lake whic h have increased historically. These data show that the sediments are a significant sink for phosphorus.

The present investigation provides data to qu antify phosphorus storage in sediments and to demonstrate that phos phorus loading and sedimentation have increased since 1947 during the planktonic phase of the lake. Data from the investigation are used to show that phosphorus storage has increased at least 3-fold in the last 50 yr based on decadal comparisons and as much as 4-fold if annual rates are compared. Changes in the assemblage composition of diatom microfoss ils in flocculent se diments also provide additional evidence that phosph orus loading has increased markedly in the past 50 yr.

Schelske, C.L., F.J. Aldridge, and H.J. Carrick. 1992 . Phytoplankton-nutrient interactions in Lake Apopka. Special Publication SJ92-SP9. Pala tka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

PROJECT: Phytoplankton-Nutrient Interactions (LA-4-104-D)

E XECUTIVE S UMMARY

Phytoplankton-nutrient interactions in Lake Apopka were studied under an agreement between the St. Johns River Water Management District and the University of Florida. The study was instituted because Lake Apopka contains high concentrations of total phosphorus, and excessive algal (phytoplank ton) growth has been identified as the prime symptom of eutrophication in this lake. High standing crops of phytoplankton are the result of excessive phosphorus loa ding and contribute to low light penetration in
the water column. Studies on this shallow, hypereutrophic lake were conducted from December 1989 to November 1991. Results are presented in five chapters.Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

487 I NTRODUCTION (C HAPTER 1)

Chapter 1 presents the purpose and scope of the report including a literature review on previous environmental condit ions and management activi ties. The literature review

includes discussion of the dr amatic environmental change s that occurred in 1947 when the lake changed from a clear-water, macrophyte-dominated system to a turbid, phytoplankton-domi nated system.

P HYTOPLANKTON P RODUCTION AND A MBIENT L AKE C ONDITIONS (C HAPTER 2)

Results of a sampling pr ogram conducted from Fe bruary 1990 to July 1991 are presented. Data collected twice-monthly include photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), water column light extinction, Secchi disc transparency, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and chlorophyll a . This chapter also includes monthly measurements of phytoplankton productivity.

Except for water temperature and lake level, no distinct seasonal patterns were found in the parameters measured during the study. Seasonal patterns, if present, are obscured by large between-sampling differe nces in data collected tw ice-monthly. We obtained evidence that phytoplankton dynamics in this shallow lake are controlled by short-term dynamics in environmental processes. Algae an d other materials that have settled to the bottom may be resuspended by wind-generated turbulence and periodically comprise a large fraction of measured phytoplankton and total suspended solids.

The high standing crops of ph ytoplankton are a major factor causing high turbidity in the lake. Measurements of Secchi disc transparency showed that the limit of visibility in the water ranged from 6–14 inches. Large ranges in other variables were found including K

t or light extinction (3.1–12.8 m -1 ), water temperature (17.0–32.5 o C), chlorophyll (44–217 mg m -3

), maximum gross primary productivity (133–1149 mg C m -3

h

-1 ), and areal gro ss primary production (116–568 mg C m -2

h -1 ).

Although twice-monthly sam pling is not adequate to char acterize the short-term variation in phytoplankton dynamics in Lake Apopka, our results are valid to describe average conditions in the la ke. These results provide an important database on which management decisions can be based and from which the results of management

decisions can be assessed.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

488 N UTRIENT E NRICHMENT B IOASSAYS (C HAPTER 3)

Results of monthly bioassays for nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) nutrient limitation are presented. The experimental approach was based on measuring responses of the algal community to nutrient enrichments of N, P, or N+P compared to non-enriched controls. Experiments were run in the laboratory under controlled light and temperature conditions using the natural phytoplankton assemblages present in the lake at the time water was collected. Comparison of experiments conducted in Lake Apopka with those conducted in the laboratory showed no statistically significant difference in response.

We conducted 20 experiments at approximately monthly intervals from December 1989 to July 1991 to determine if N or P was the pr imary limiting nutrient or a secondary limiting nutrient. Results from these expe riments indicated that N was the primary limiting nutrient in 19 of the 20 experime nts and that P was the primary limiting nutrient only once. Secondary P limitation was found in only 5 of the 19 experiments in which responses to N+P were statistically greater than the response to N alone.

We conclude that N is the pr imary limiting nutrient because the water of Lake Apopka generally contains large supplies of phosphor us that can be utilized for phytoplankton growth when the water is enriched with N. We also conclude that N limitation in Lake Apopka is the result of excessive P loa ding to the lake and that P supplies must be reduced to reduce standing crops of algae.

N UTRIENT -D ILUTION B IOASSAYS (C HAPTER 4)

Chapter 4 presents results of bioassays for nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) nutrient

limitation that were combined with dilution experime nts. These studies are called nutrient-dilution bioassays because the expe riments utilized nutrient enrichment with
N, P, and N+P in combination with dilution of lake water to determine the effect of reduced nutrient supplies on phytoplankton growth and production. Lake water was diluted from 5% to 95% in these experiments. Effects of nutrient reduction must be known to predict or assess the impact of reduced nutrient loading on phytoplankton production and other ecosystem processes.

Although complex interactions characterized these experiments, results provide insight

on the relative roles of N and P in es tablishing and maintaining the present hypereutrophic condit ions in Lake Apopka. Most of the phosphorus occurs in phytoplankton, and a large portion is stored in phytoplankton as polyphosphates. This finding is important because the stored polyphosphate in phytoplankton can be used for growth in the absence of phosphorus in the water. Phytoplankton in the lake,Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

489 therefore, are generally N-limited becaus e of phosphorus storage in phytoplankton

cells.

Clear evidence for reduction of biomass with dilution was obtained only in N treatments because N enrichment allowed the utilization of stored phosphorus for phytoplankton growth and eventually caused phytoplankton to be P-limited.

In general for treatments other than N enrichment, the biomass yield increased with

dilution. This effect was most dramatic with the combined treatment of N+P, but was also evident in the control and P treatments. The unexpected increase in phytoplankton growth with dilution possibly can be attributed to one or more of the following factors: dilution increases the supply of nutrients for the dilute d phytoplankton, zooplankton grazing on phytoplankton is relieved with dilution, artificial diluents like MIS may contain substances that enhance growth either directly or indirectly, allelopathic substances (growth-inhibiting compound s) may have been diluted, and light attenuation was reduced by dilution.

The cellular content of stored phosphorus in algae increased with dilution more than 3-fold. In the present marsh restoration project, increased P-storage capacity with dilution may aid in the removal of P from Lake Apopka by (1) removing available P more swiftly in waters that have been dilu ted with effluent from the marsh and (2) decreasing the internal P load by producing more P-rich particles to be deposited in the

wetland. The relative effectiveness of this internal “P-pump,” in concert with P removal by the wetland, requires addit ional experimentation in order to assess its role in the net export of P from Lake Apopka.

I NDICATORS OF N UTRIENT S TATUS (C HAPTER 5)

Nutrient enrichment bioassays (NEB) appe ar to be the most reliable indicator of

nutrient limitation to phytoplankton in Lake Apopka. In addition to NEB, physiological

indicators of N and P limitation can be used to provide an independent validation. For indices to be used as predictive tools of phytoplankton nutrient status, they need to be calibrated in parallel with NEB for phytopla nkton assemblages of varying nutrient deficiency. The most appropriate methods for this are HEP (hot-water extractable phosphorus) storage or P-uptake for evaluation of P-limitation and N-uptake to

corroborate N-limitation. All three of these assays are no n-hazardous (avoid the use of harsh chemicals), simple to conduct (experimentation duration <24 h), and do not require any specialized equipment (e.g., radioisotopes) other than that used to measure basic water chemistry.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

490 Routine chemical measurement of dissolved inorganic nitrogen in the water can be used to determine if phytoplankton are N-limited. The nutrient status of phytoplankton relative to N is not complicated by N storage in phytoplankton cells.

Schelske, C.L., M.F. Coveney, F.J. Aldridge , W.F. Kenney, and J.E. Cable. 1999. Wind or nutrients: Historic development of hypereutrophy in Lake Apopka, Florida. T.
Berman, ed. In Proceedings from the Kinneret Sy mposium on Limn ology and Lake Management 2000+ , September 6–11, 1999, Tiberias, Israel.

PROJECT: Phytoplankton-Nutrient Interactions (LA-4-104-D)

A BSTRACT

Lake Apopka is a large (125 km 2 ), shallow (mean dept h = 1.63 m), polymictic, hypereutrophic lake located 25 km north of Orlando, Florida. Before 1947, the macrophyte-dominated lake was characteri zed by clear water and a highly prized sports fishery. A switch in the primary producer community from macrophyte dominance to phytoplankton dominance has been attributed to a hurricane in 1947 that uprooted the submersed macrophytes. Paleo limnological data, however, show that phosphorus (P) loading increased before th e switch. We propose shading by increased growth of phytoplankton stimulated by P en richment as an alternative mechanism for

the switch. Other workers have used records of storm tracks over Florida to rule out

wind effects from the 1947 hurricane as th e primary cause for the switch. Principal sources of P loading before the 1940s were from sewage discharge and citrus farming
and processing. In the 1940s, P loading increased after 80 km 2 of adjacent sawgrass ( Cladium jamaicense ) wetlands were diked and drained so fertile histosols (muck soils) could be used for high-intensity agriculture. Eventually muck farm agriculture

provided 85% of the areal total phosphorus (TP) loading, approximately 400 mg m -2

yr -1

. Inferences from the paleolimnological record show that phytoplankton production and sedimentation of organic compounds derived largely from phytoplankton increased several fold during the phyto plankton phase in response to accelerated P loading. Phytoplankton and meroplankton that are resuspended during wind events and their by-products are presently the major components of light attenuation. Resuspension of meroplankton that assimilate nutrients in an aphotic benthic environment is an important factor in phytoplankton dynamics. In teractions of wind, nutrients, and light are important in maintaining the present hypereutrophic co ndition and it s associated aphotic benthic environment. Management programs are underway to reduce P loading and increase water clarity and restore submersed macrophytes. Our paleolimnological

results show that TP sedimen tation is at least 360 mg m -2

yr -1 . TP residence time in theAppendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

491 water based on this TP sedimentation rate is 0.93 yr, which indicat es sediments are an important P sink. Decreases in nutrient loading and the role of biological sinks that may affect or accelerate the response to reduced TP loading are discussed in an evaluation of current restoration strategies.

Schelske, C.L., and W.F. Kenney. 2001. Mode l erroneously predicts failure for restoration of Lake Apopka, a hy pereutrophic, subtropical lake. Hydrobiologia

448:1–5.

PROJECT: Restoration Monitoring (LA-6-803-S)

A BSTRACT

A recent paper (Bachmann et al. 1999) based on analysis of liter ature data predicts failure for restoration plans implemented by the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) for Lake Apopka, a large (125 km 2 ), shallow (mean depth = 1.63 m), polymictic lake in central Florida. A marsh flow-way desi gned to remove particulatesfrom inflowing water from Lake Apopka as a means to improve downstream and lakewater quality is part of the restoration plan. Accor ding to Bachmann et al. (1999) restoration “will be ineffective in removing particles from the lake” and fail because

estimated time for removal of 2.21 million tons of historic sediments in a constructed marsh flow-way is 329 yr. This inadvertently proposed mini ng hypothesis given as a

condition for successful restorat ion is based on questionable assumptions, i.e., removing all the historic sediments deposited over a 50-yr period with the flow-way and exporting concurrent sedimenta tion while historic sediments are being removed. These questionable assumptions are used in an erroneous, disco ntinuous model of sediment dynamics that does not justify the alternate approach for restoration of Lake Apopka suggested in their paper.

Schiffer, D.M. 1994. Quality of water and bottom sediments, and nutrient and dissolved-solids loads in the Apopka-Beauclair Canal, Lake County, Florida 1986–90 . Water-Resources Investigations Report 93-4103. Tallahassee, Fla.: U.S. Geological Survey.

PROJECT: External Nutrie nt Budget (LA-1-101-D)SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

492 A BSTRACT

The water entering Lake Beauclair, in the Ocklawaha River chain of lakes in central Florida, has high concentrations of the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus. Major sources of the nutrients entering Lake Beauclair are Lake Apopka outflow and drainage from farming operations adjacent to the Ap opka-Beauclair Canal. The U.S. Geological Survey began a study in 1986 to determine the relative contribution of nutrient loads

from these two sources.

Two flow and water quality monitoring sites were established to obtain data needed to calculate loads leaving Lake Apopka and at a control structure (the Apopka-Beauclair Canal lock and dam) between the two lakes. Water samples were collected at those sites biweekly for analysis of majo r ions during 4 years of the study. The study, which was originally scheduled to end in 1989, was extended to 1991 to provide an additional 2 years of data collection at a constriction built at the lake-outflow gaging site. Prior to 1988, discharge could not be gaged at the site because of low velociti es. The constriction

increased velocities in the canal and made it possible to gage discharge at the site. Regression analysis of discharge data collect ed at the gaged sites indicated that 64% of the variation in discharge at the lake-outflow site is explained by discharge at the lock and dam, and other hydrologic variables (rainf all, water-surface sl ope) explained 8% of

the variation.

The quality of water in the Apopka-Beauclair Canal is relatively uniform during periods between storms. Analysis of water samples collected 1 to 2 days after storms, however, indicated that water quality is much more va riable during these periods because of the effects of farm inflow (to the canal) at both the lake outflow and lock-and-dam sites. Sand, silt, and clay account fo r most of the native materials in the bed sediments of the canal, but muck (the highly organic fraction of the bottom sediments characterized by a high water content) and organic material are deposited downstream from Lake Apopka

to a distance of about 0.5 mile (the location of the lake -outflow site). Higher median concentrations of carbon, and nitrogen and phosphorus species (except ammonianitrogen) were measured in bottom sediments at the lake-outflow site than at the lockand-dam site, an indication that much of the nu trient load leaving the lake is not being transported downstream to Lake Beauclair.

Nutrient and dissolved-solids loads were computed for the two monitoring sites based on daily mean discharge and water-quality data linearly interpolated between samples.

Loads at the lock and dam were fairly constant (a reflection of the controlled discharge at the site) except during periods of increased discharge (when gates were opened). Loads at the lake-outflow site were much more variable (a reflection of the more variable discharge at that site).Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

493 An alternative approach for determining th e relative nutrient-load concentration was derived using water-quality data for both lo cations and discharge data for the lock and dam. This approach involved the computation of a “canal-effective load,” which is a

measure of the effect on the total load measured at the lock and dam from farm activities along the canal and physical and chemical processes occurring in the canal

between the two monitored sites. The canal-effe ctive load represents the net increase (or decrease) in load at the lock and dam, above (or below) th e load that would have been received from Lake Apopka if there were no farm discharge to the canal.

The maximum monthly nitrate-plus-nitrite nitrogen load at the lock and dam duringthe study was 41 tons in April 1987, and the maximum monthly canal-effective nitrateplus-nitrite nitrogen load was 6.44 tons in September 1988. The canal-effective total nitrogen load generally was less than 10% of th e total nitrogen load at the lock and dam. The annual phosphorus load ranged from 33 tons in th e 1987 water year to 9.1 tons in the 1990 water year; canal-effective phosphor us load accounted for 11.4% of the annual phosphorus load in 1987 and 33% in 1990.

Much of the constituent load transported through the lock and dam on the ApopkaBeauclair Canal was transported during peri ods of high discharge. In April 1987, when discharges were as high as 589 cubic feet pe r second, loads transpor ted through the lock and dam accounted for 59% of the ammonia-plu s-organic nitrogen load, 61% of the total nitrogen load, 59% of the phos phorus load, 51% of the tota l organic carbon load, and

47% of the dissolved-solids load tran sported during the 1987 water year.

The canal-effective nitrogen load accounted for less than 10% of the total nitrogen loadat the lock and dam, but most of the total phosphorus load was attributable to the canaleffective load. In December 1987 and Janu ary 1990, 69 and 73% of the total phosphorus load, respectively, was due to the canal-effective load. During the summer months of
1989, both load calculation methods indicated large inflows to the canal. In June and July 1989, 50% and 60%, respectively, of the tota l phosphorus load was attributable to

the canal-effective load.

Load computations using the canal-effectiv e load approach indicated that, with the exception of phosphorus , nutrient and dissolved-solids lo ads due to farm activity along the canal account for 10% or less of the total load at the Apopka-Beauclair Canal lock

and dam.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

494 Schramm, H.L., Jr., and L.L. Pugh. 1996. Gizzar d shad stock estimate for Lake Apopka, Florida. Contract 95W121. Miss. Coop. Fish and Wildlife Res. Unit. Submitted to St. Johns River Water Manageme nt District, Palatka, Fla.

PROJECT: Rough Fish Harvesting (LA-3-302-M)

E XECUTIVE S UMMARY

Gizzard shad ( Dorosoma cepedianum) have achieved a large biomass in Lake Apopka, Florida. Removal of a large po rtion of this biomass will re move significant amounts of phosphorus in this highly eu trophic lake and help create co nditions more conducive for establishing desirable sportfish populations. Under the direction of the St. Johns River Water Management District, 281, 198 kg of gizzard shad were commercially removed from Lake Apopka in 1995 by gill nets. Evalua tion of this restorat ion method requires determining the proporti on of the total gizzard shad popu lation harvested. This report provides population estimates of gizzard shad prior to harvest and evaluates methods used to produce the population estimates.

Population estimates were calculated by change-in-composition, depletion (Leslie estimate), and Baranov’s catch equation methods. Input data for these calculations included harvest and fishing effort for the duration of the commercial fishery (16 January 5–April 1995); age, length, weight, and gender of fish in experimental gill net (6.4–12.7 cm square mesh) samples collected before and after the commercial fishery and monthly during the commercial fishery; and length data from commercial gill net catches during August–November 1995. Age wa s determined by analysis of sagittal otoliths obtained from the sampled fish. Validation of oto liths for aging gizzard shad was constrained by lack of ot oliths collected throughout the year; however, marginal increment analysis of otoliths collected during January–June suggested otoliths provided accurate ages of gizzard shad in Lake Apopka. We assumed the ages of gizzard shad assigned by otolith analysis were accurate and used these ages in population estimation calculations.

The changes-in-composition me thod estimated the populati on of Lake Apopka gizzard shad was 1,618,354 fish (95% confidence limits [CL] = 1,441,597 and 1,795,111 fish) weighing 657,537 kg (95% CL = 585,721 and 729,354 kg) . This estimate excludes the segment of the popula tion too small to be effectively sampled by the experimental gill nets (<280 mm).

The depletion method estimated the population was 1,505,811 fish (95% CL = 2,925,094 and 4,969,049 fish) weighing 2, 195,874 kg (95% CL = 1,656,481 and 2,813,972 kg). This estimate is for fish longer than 280 mm and age 1 or older. Expanding the estimate toAppendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

495 the entire population resulted in an estimated 12,041,034 fish weighing 2,911,809 kg. This estimate equate to a standing crop of 233 kg/hectare, which is lower than expected for hypertrophic Lake Apopka.

Population estimates from the change-in-composition method and the catch equation method both provided estimates with reasonable and relatively narrow confidence limits. Although the catch equation method resulted in a population estimate more than twice the estimate obtained by the change-in-composition method, both estimates must be considered equally reliable based on si milarly narrow confidence limits. Both methods are subject to errors in measurement of input parameters obtained at the beginning and end of the harvest period.

A total of 281, 198 kg and an estimated 402,493 gizzard shad were harvested from Lake Apopka during January–April 1995. This harvest was 25% and 9% of the number of harvestable fish estimated by the change-in-composition and catch equation methods, respectively; and 43% and 11% of the weight of harvestable fish estimated by the change-in-composition and catch equation methods, respectively.

Future estimation of Lake Apopka gizzard shad sh ould use the change-in-composition and catch equation methods. Both methods are subject to errors in measurement of input parameters obtained at the beginning and end of the harvest period. The reliability of future population estimates can be increased by greater harvest; complete subsampling of landings to meas ure length, weight, gender, and age of at least 300 fish during each month of the commercial fisher y; and measuring length, weight, gender, and age of at least 300 fish from experime ntal gill net samples collected immediately before and after the commercial harvest program. Future interpretation of population estimates by these two methods should consider trends in population estimates and sensitivity analyses for variation in input parameters should be performed.

Schramm, H.L., Jr., and L.L. Pugh. 1997 . Gizzard shad stock estimate for Lake Apopka,

Florida 1995 . Special Publication SJ97-SP10. Pa latka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

PROJECT: Rough Fish Harvesting (LA-3-302-M)

E XECUTIVE S UMMARY

Gizzard shad ( Dorosoma cepedianum) have achieved a large biomass in Lake Apopka, Florida. Removal of a large po rtion of this biomass will re move significant amounts ofSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

496 phosphorus in this highly eu trophic lake and help create co nditions more conducive for establishing desirable sportfish populations. Under the direction of the St. Johns River Water Management District, 281, 198 kg of gizzard shad were commercially removed from Lake Apopka in 1995 by gill nets. Evalua tion of this restorat ion method requires determining the proporti on of the total gizzard shad popu lation harvested. This report provides population estimates of gizzard shad prior to harvest and evaluates methods used to produce the population estimates.

Population estimates were calculated by change-in-composition, depletion (Leslie estimate), and Baranov’s catch equation methods. Input data for these calculations included harvest and fishing effort for the duration of the commercial fishery (16 January – 5 April 1995); age, length, weight, an d gender of fish in experimental gill net (6.4–12.7 cm square mesh) samples collected before and after the commercial fishery and monthly during the commercial fishery; and fish length and weight data from commercial gill net catches during Augu st–November 1995. Age was determined by analysis of sagittal otoliths obtained from the sampled fi sh. Validation of otoliths for aging gizzard shad was constrained by lack of otoliths collected throughout the year; however, marginal increment analysis of otoliths collected during January–June suggested otoliths provided accurate ages of gizzard shad in Lake Apopka. We assumed the ages of gizzard shad assigned by otolith analysis were accurate and used these ages in population estimation calculations.

The change-in-composition method estimate d the population of Lake Apopka gizzard shad was 1,618,354 fish (955 confidence limits [CL] = 1,441,597 and 1,795,111 fish weighing 657,537 kg (95% CL = 585,721 and 729,354 kg) . This estimate excludes the segment of the popula tion too small to be effectively sampled by the experimental gill nets (,280 mm).

The depletion method estimated the population was 1,505,811 fish (95% CL = 903,490 and 18,390,461 fish) weighing 928,634 kg (95% CL = 557,182 and 11,341,397 kg). This estimate is for gizzard shad longer than 300 mm. Although similar to the change-incomposition estimate, the precision of the estimate was low. The variation in catch rates and relatively low harvest reduced the reliability of this estimate.

The catch equation method estimated th e population was 3,877,582 fish (95% CL = 2,925,094 and 4,969,049 fish) weighing 2, 195,874 kg (95% CL = 1,656,481 and 2,813,972 kg). This estimate is for fi sh longer than 280 mm and age 1 or older. Expanding the estimate to the entire popu lation resulted in an estimated 12,041,034 fish weighing 2,911,809 kg. This estimate equates to a standing crop of 233 kg/hectare, which is lower than expected for hypere utrophic Lake Apopka.Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

497 Population estimates from the change-in-composition method and the catch equation method both provided estimates with reasonable and relatively narrow confidence limits. Although the catch equation method resulted in a population estimate more than twice the estimate obtained by the change-in-composition method, both estimates must be considered equally reliable based on si milarly narrow confidence limits. Both methods are subject to errors in measurement of input parameters obtained at the beginning and end of the harvest period.

A total of 281, 198 kg and an estimated 402,493 gizzard shad were harvested from Lake Apopka during January–April 1995. This harvest was 25% and 9% of the number of harvestable fish estimated by the change-in-composition and catch equation methods, respectively; and 43% and 11% of the weight of harvestable fish estimated by the change-in-composition and catch equation methods, respectively.

Future estimation of Lake Apopka gizzard shad sh ould use the change-in-composition and catch equation methods. Both methods are subject to errors in measurement of input parameters obtained at the beginning and end of the harvest period. The reliability of future population estimates can be increased by greater harvest; complete subsampling of landings to meas ure length, weight, gender, and age of at least 300 fish during each month of the commercial fisher y; and measuring length, weight, gender, and age of at least 300 fish from experime ntal gill net samples collected immediately before and after the commercial harvest program. Future interpretation of population estimates by these two methods should consider trends in population estimates and sensitivity analyses for variation in input parameters should be performed.

Schramm, H.L., Jr., and L.L. Pugh. 1997 . Gizzard shad stock estimate for Lake Apopka,

Florida 1996 . Special Publication SJ97-SP11. Pa latka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

PROJECT: Rough Fish Harvesting (LA-3-302-M)

E XECUTIVE S UMMARY

Gizzard shad ( Dorosoma cepedianum) have achieved a large biomass in Lake Apopka, Florida. Removal of a large po rtion of this biomass will re move significant amounts of phosphorus in this highly eu trophic lake and help create co nditions more conducive for establishing desirable sportfish populations. Under the direction of the St. Johns River Water Management District, 249,748 kg of giz zard shad were comm ercially removed from Lake Apopka in during March–May 1996. Evaluation of this restoration methodSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

498 requires determining the prop ortion of the tota l gizzard shad population harvested. This report provides popula tion estimates of gizzard shad prior to harvest and evaluates methods used to produce the population estimates.

Population estimates were calculated by change-in-composition, depletion (Leslie estimate), and Baranov’s catch equation methods. Input data for these calculations included harvest and fishing effort for the duration of the commercial fishery (7 March– 23 May 1996); age, length, weight, and gender of fish in experimental gill net (6.4–12.7 cm square mesh) samples collected before and after the commercial fishery and monthly during the commercial fishery; an d fish length and weight data from commercial gill net catches during January– May 1996. Age was determined by analysis of sagittal otoliths obtained from the sampled fish. Validation of otoliths for aging gizzard shad was constrained by lack of otoliths colle cted throughout the year; however, marginal increment analysis of otoliths collected during January–June suggested otoliths provided accurate ages of gizzard shad in Lake Apopka. We assumed the ages of gizzard shad assigned by otolith analysis were accurate and used these ages in population estimation calculations.

The change-in-composition method estimate d the population of Lake Apopka gizzard shad age-1 and older in February 1996 wa s 726,228 fish (95% confidence limits [CL] = 718,706 and 733,750 fish) weighing 245,683 kg (95% CL = 243,138 and 248,228 kg). The estimate for the total population (all ages) was 2,0 19,268 fish weighing 458,129 kg.

The depletion method estimated the population of age-1 gizzard shad in February 1996 was 899,681 fish (95% CL = 732,753 and 1,288,907 fish) weighing 375,527 kg (95% CL = 305,851 and 537,990 kg). The depletion method estimated the total population was 2,200, 192 weighing 589,201 kg.

The catch equation method estimated the population of age-1 gizzard shad in January 1995 was 2,073,744 fish (95% CL = 1,947,327 and 2,204,113 fish) weighing 1,174,361 kg (95% CL = 1,102,771 and 1,248,189 kg). Expanding the estimate to the en tire population resulted in an estimated 6,455,109 fish weighing 1,917,002 kg.

We consider all three methods appropriate for the population estimated and the data
available. Therefore, the best estimate of the total gizzard shad population is 2,0 19,268– 6,455,109 fish weighing 458,129–1,917,002 kg. This esti mate equates to a density of 162– 518 fish/hectare and a biomass of 37–154 kg/hecta re which is lower than expected for hypertrophic Lake Apopka.

In January–April 1995, the subsidized co mmercial fishery harvested 281, 198 kg of gizzard shad; estimated exploit ation rates, based on three population estimates forAppendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

499 January 1995 were 24–43%. During March–May 1996, the subsidized commercial fishery harvested 249,748 kg of gizzard shad; th is harvest amount was 67–102% of the estimated harvestable population weight in February 1996.

While the comparison with other biomass estimates and high exploitation rates suggest the population estimates are low, seve ral population variables support high exploitation rate and, hence, re latively small population size . First, gizzard shad in Lake Apopka had rapid growth rate and recruited to the commercial fishery at age-1; new recruits are a large portion of the commercia l landings. Second, hi gh exploitation rates are expected to result in ov erfishing. The lower estimate d population in 1996 than in 1995 (Schramm and Pugh 1996), and the decline in mean weight of fish in each age class from February 1996 to May 1996 in dicate overfishing occurred.

We conclude that the population estimates pr ovided in this report are reasonable. Based
on these estimates, the ha rvest of gizzard shad duri ng 1995 and 1996 substantially reduced the Lake Apopka gizzard shad population.

Segal, D.S., and C.D. Pollman. 1991. Assessment of potential sedime nt contaminat ion for the restoration of Lake Apopka . Special Publication SJ91-SP8. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

PROJECT: Internal Nutrie nt Budget (LA-1-102-D)

E XECUTIVE S UMMARY

Lake Apopka forms the headwaters of th e Oklawaha chain of lakes, eutrophic to hypereutrophic water bodies located in central Florida approximately 25 km northwest of Orlando. Once a popular resort area noted for its game fishing, Lake Apopka is now ranked as the seventeenth-most eutrophic lake in Florida. This condition results largely from direct backpumping of nutrient-enriched irrigation water from muck farms on the northern shores of the lake into Lake Apopka and from past sewage treatment practices by the City of Winter Garden. The St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) has been charged by the Florida state legislature to assess the feasibility of restoring Lake Apopka to Class III wa ter quality standards (Chapter 17-3, F.A.C. ). Priority issues in the restoration program ou tlined by the SJRWMD in the Lake Apopka Surface Water Impr ovement and Management (SWIM) Plan include poor water quality and excessive accumulation of flocculent organic sediments.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

500 Dredging nutrient-rich sediments from Lake Apopka and reuse of the dried muck has been suggested as a restoration technique. The newly initiated marsh flow-way project

uses a restored 950-acre wetl and to filter water from the lake, which will result in substantial deposition of lake sediments in the restored wetland. Artificial barriers to
stabilize the sediment, reduce nutrient releas e, and improve plant habitat are also being considered as possible tools in lake restoration. A survey of levels and potential toxic effects of substances in Lake Apopka sediments was necessary to support these and other projects. This contamin ation assessment is especi ally important if dredged
sediments are reused, such as for soil am endments, as a cost-recovery method for dredging.

The goals of this project were the following:

1. To analyze sediment samples from two depths at ten locations in Lake Apopka for the 152 elements and compounds on the EPA Target Compound List 2. To tabulate the analytical results 3. To determine the potential toxic and deleterious effects of those elements or compounds on lake biota, fisheries, and other recreational uses of the lake

An extensive literatur e search revealed a large number of lake water toxicity studies, which focused primarily on chronic and acute effects. In contrast, the availability of similar guidelines or criteria for sediment-associated toxicity was much more limited,

and criteria were available only for the Great Lakes, Canada, and Wisconsin. Because these criteria were developed for northe rn temperate systems, their applicability to Lake Apopka is uncertain. Therefore, for th is survey, when contam inant concentrations exceeded both the north-temp erate sediment criteria and the reported EPA threshold for toxicity in water, the contaminant was considered potentially toxic to the lake’s

biota.

Comparison of contaminant concentrations in bulk sediments with toxicity criteria developed for lake water generally provide s a very conservative analysis. Sediment concentrations reflect not only the dissolv ed free forms, but al so forms that are chemically bound to sediment particles, which often renders them less toxic. These comparisons should serve to identify potent ial contamination prob lems, but may also exaggerate actual toxicity risks.

In Lake Apopka sediments , 13 of the 152 elements and compounds occurred in sufficiently high concentrations to warrant detailed examination. Based on these comparisons, copper and lead appear to pose the greatest threat of toxicity to Lake Apopka. Concentrations of arsenic and selenium exceed both the sediment threshold criteria and chronic aquatic threshold crit eria but not the acut e aquatic thresholdAppendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

501 criteria, and hence may be toxic to the lake’s biota. Sediment concentrations of barium, beryllium, chromium, and zinc suggest potential toxicity as well, although the evidence for toxicity is less well established because of the lack of aquatic toxicity studies (barium, beryllium) or because levels in the sediments compared across media (sediments and water) did n ot consistently exc eed established criteria (zinc and chromium). Concentrations of nickel are below established threshold criteria. Toxicity
threshold data for vanadium, acetone, and benzoic acid were insufficient to determine the potential toxicity of these contaminants in Lake Apopka.

Although elevated levels of some elements and compounds appear to occur in Lake Apopka sediments, it is difficult to assess th e effects these contaminants will have on the lake’s biota because of the complex interactions that occur in biological systems. For example, the toxicity of many elements declines in hard water. The relatively high water hardness in Lake Apopka sediments should ameliorate potential toxic effects of
these elements. However, be cause of the debilitating he alth effects that some contaminants cause, combined with the desire to restore Lake Apopka to a healthy sport fishery lake, it is suggested that further consideration be given to those elements and compounds that exceeded both sediment and lake water threshold criteria values.

Sheng, P., X. Meng, and S. Schofield. 1994. Assessment of hydrodyn amic conditions in Lake Apopka. Vol. I. Analysis of wind data from Lake Apopka and Orlando Airport. Final report for St. Johns Rive r Water Management District, Palatka, Fla. University of Florida, Gainesville.

PROJECT: Hydrodynamic Survey (LA-4-109-D)

I NTRODUCTION

Lake Apopka is a large (31,000 acres), shallo w (mean depth 5.4 ft) hy pereutrophic lake located approximately 30 miles northwest of Orlando, Fla. Through the SWIM program, the St. Johns River Water Management Dist rict (SJRWMD) is creating a 5,000-acre marsh flow-way on former agricultural lands on the NW shore of Lake Apopka. The flow-way will recirculate Lake Apopka water to remove solids and nutrients by filtration. Through 1-2 intakes located on the eastern side of the marsh, lake water is drawn into the marsh, while subsequently the marsh water is discharged from the northern end near the entrance to the Apop ka-Beauclair Canal (ABC). To effectively
utilize the marsh, it is desirable to minimize hydraulic short-ci rcuiting, a condition which occurs when most of the discharge water is quickly drawn into the intakes. ToSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

502 minimize the hydraulic short-circuiting of disch arge water, it is essential to quantify the flow patterns in Lake Apopka during a variety of meteorological conditions.

Among the various meteorological conditions, wind forces play the dominant role in affecting Lake Apopka’s flow patterns. Thus, in order to be able to quantitatively assess the probability of hydraulic short-circuiting, it would be useful to understand the wind field patterns at Lake Apopka.

C ONCLUSIONS

1. Lake Apopka is located in the middle of the Florida Peninsula, where the weather conditions are influenced by the air flows over the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico,

cold air from the north and warm air from the south. The weat her conditions in this area are very unstable due to such a complicated ai r flow environment, and vary from year to

year.

2. The wind speed ranges at Orlando Airport are obviously very different from those at Lake Apopka. These differences should be ma inly resulted from the totally different surrounding environments at these two sites, which would also affect the turbulence
structure of the wind field, and in turn affect the wind forces over the lake. Therefore, it would be inappropriate to use the wind data at Orlando Airport as a substitute for the wind conditions at Lake Apopka.

3. Generally, N/NE and S/SW wind prevail ov er Lake Apopka on yearly and monthly

bases.

4. From the wind roses, we can tell that the extent to which N/NE and S/SW prevail is quite limited due to (1). To decide the opti mal location and to design the intake and discharge points for the flow-way to minimize hydraulic short-circui ting, the chance of occurrence of wind in each direction should be equally considered.

Sheng, P., and S. Schofield. 1994. Assessment of hydrodynamic co nditions in Lake Apopka. Vol. II, Bathymetric surveys of the northwest section of Lake Apopka. Final report prepared for St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla. University of Florida, Gainesville.

PROJECT: Hydrodynamic Survey (LA-4-109-D)Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

503 A BSTRACT

The northwest section of Lake Apop ka was surveyed during December 1992. A bathymetric survey grid was la id out to obtain fine resoluti on (200 ft) contour spacing along the northwest area of the lake, encompassing approximately 10 square miles. The survey was conducted using a microwave positioning system for positioning and an Innerspace depth sounder. The depths were corrected for a lake level of 66 ft (MSL). Results of the 1992 survey are summarized in Part A of this volume.

Results of the 1992 bathymetri c survey were used in th e three-dimensional model

simulation of wind-driven circulation in La ke Apopka (Sheng and Meng 1994, Vol. V of the report series). Results of the model simulations suggested that a 50 ft grid resolution is needed to more accurately represent the flow and dye dispersion in the northwest section of Lake Apopka. Hence, a finer resolution (50 ft) bathymetric survey was conducted over a 0.843 square mile area in the northwest section of the lake during February 1994. Results of the 1994 survey are presented in Part B of this volume.

Sheng, P., and S. Schofield. 1994. Assessment of hydrodynamic co nditions in Lake Apopka. Vol. III, Lake Apopka 1992 field da ta report. Final repo rt prepared for St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla. University of Florida,

Gainesville.

PROJECT: Hydrodynamic Survey (LA-4-109-D)

ABSTRACT

A field study on the hydrodynamics of Lake Apopka was conducted in August and September 1992. Various meteorological and hydrodynamic instr uments were mounted
on three instrument towers located in the northwest, central, and southeast sections of the lake. Comprehensive data at the Center Tower and Southeast Tower were successfully collected over a 14-day period . The Northwest Tower malfunctioned most of the time due primarily to the damages incu rred by lightning strikes during the first week of deployment, except during several 3- day periods. Results of the data analysis

showed that diurnal wind variation associat ed with lake breeze generated significant seiche oscillation and currents (up to 10 cm/s) in the lake. Diurnal temperature fluctuation was found to be significant at all the stations, although vertical temperature stratification was not significant. The flow data are used for numerical simulation as described in Vol. V of the report. Significan t temporal variation in suspended sediment concentration (100–400 mg/L ) was also found.SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

504 Sheng, P., S. Schofield, X. Meng, and K. Ellins. 1994. Assessment of hydrodynamic conditions in Lake Apopka. Vol. IV, Dispersion of discharge water from the Apopka-Beauclair Canal into Lake Apopk a. Final report prepared for St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla. University of Florida, Gainesville.

PROJECT: Hydrodynamic Survey (LA-4-109-D)

A BSTRACT

As part of the study entitled “Assessment of Hydrodynamic Conditions in Lake Apopka” funded by the St. Johns River Water Management District, a tracer study was conducted by the Coastal and Oceanographic Engineering Department of the University of Florida to track the discharge from the Apopka-Beauclair Canal to Lake Apopka.

On January 27 1993, 25 pounds of Rhodamine-WT dye was injected into the ApopkaBeauclair Canal in the northw est quadrant of Lake Apopka during a weather event exhibiting northerly winds. The canal disch arge was at approximately 100 cfs, 50% of full capacity. The dye was tracked with a fluorometer mounted on a boat from 15:30 until 17:24. At the same time, aerial photographs were taken from an airplane flying at

3500 ft altitude between 14:50 and 16:56. In addition to the Rhodamine dye, SF

6 was also injected into the Apopka-Beauclair Canal and water samples were collected from the boat. Results from the fluorometer readings , aerial photographs, and analysis of SF

6 samples all revealed consistent dispersion patterns of the discharge water: an initial southward movement and a subsequent eastward movement of the discharge plume, which contained a large amount of mud. Th e discharge water did not reach the water intake on the west shore during the course of the study period, although there was some westward movement of the mud and dye plume. Model simulations suggested that finer resolution bathymetry and n umerical grid could lead to improved model results. A finer (50-ft) resolution bathym etric survey was conducted in February 1994

and its results were used in the refined model simulation for invest igating the potential of short circuiting.Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

505 Sheng, P., S. Schofield, X. Meng, and K. Ellins. 1994. Assessment of hydrodynamic conditions in Lake Apopka. Vol. V, A three-dimensional hydr odynamic numerical model of wind-driven circulation in Lake Apopka (LAHM3D): Theory, Model
documentation, user’s manual and model simulation. Final report prepared for St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Fla. University of Florida,

Gainesville.

PROJECT: Hydrodynamic Survey (LA-4-109-D)

I NTRODUCTION

This report details the development, ca libration, and validation of LAHM3D model (Lake Apopka Hydrodynamic Model-3D), whic h is a numerical model for calculating three-dimensional unsteady flow in Lake Apopka. Given proper boundary and initial conditions, geometry and bathymetry of a wa ter body, the model is able to calculate the three-dimensional, time-dependent distributions of flow velocity ( u, v, w ), temperature
( T

), density ( ρ ), and dissolved species concen tration (c) in Lake Apopka.

C ONCLUSIONS

LAHM3D model has been developed to simulate the wind-driven circulations in Lake Apopka. Results of a two-day model calibrati on and an eight-day model validation are quite reasonable, based on comparison be tween simulated and measured currents. Pending further improvement, the model can be used to provide detailed 3-D circulation patterns in Lake Apopka over long time periods as well as over transient

events of short durations.

The “irregularity” in the measured data at the Southeast Tower suggests the significant influence by abrupt bathymetric variation and hence, the need for finer-resolution bathymetric data to accurately represent the abrupt depth variation for a successful model simulation. Future study should also measure the water level in the lake so that

model simulation of water leve l can be validated. Despite our effort, we did not obtain good data at the Northwest Tower. Tracer study, as opposed to in-situ mooring, could be used to obtain circulation patterns there.

The LAHM3D model could be further enhanced to include the following:SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

506 • A moving boundary (flooding-drying) al gorithm to simulate the movement of shoreline during severe storm conditions

• A vegetation canopy model to parameterize th e effect of vegetation on circulation in

the marsh area

• A 3-D sediment transport model to allow the simulation of movement of fine sediments in various parts of Lake Apopka

• A 3-D water quality model to allow estimation of nutrient budget of Lake Apopka for better lake management

Shireman, J.V., and K.K. Opuszynski. 1992. Ichthyofaunal reconstruction for the management of phytoplankton . Special Publication SJ92-SP4. Pa latka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management District.

PROJECT: Ichthyofaunal Re construction (LA-4-206-F)

E XECUTIVE S UMMARY

Experimental ponds were used to test the hypothesis that bighead carp, a filter-feeding fish, could improve water quality and reduce the excessive growth of nuisance algae in Lake Apopka. Six experimental ponds were built adjacent to the lake and received water from Lake Apopka. Four ponds were stocked with bighead carp. Two ponds were not stocked and used as control ponds.

Out of 16 physics-chemical parameters measured, seven were significantly different between Lake Apopka and the ponds. Secchi disk visibility was greatest in the ponds, along with higher values of specific conductance. Total alkalinity in the fish stocked ponds was higher than in the lake, but no difference was found between the control ponds and the lake. Total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total chlorophyll a , and filtered chlorophyll a were higher in the lake.

No differences in plankton abundance were found between the lake and the control ponds for blue-green algae ( Botryococcus braunii ), total algae number, rotifers, copepods, and total zooplankton number groups. These parameter values, however, were significantly lower in the ponds stocked with bighead carp than in the lake. It suggests that bighead carp exerted some effect on the pond ecosystem, but this effect was not large enough to cause significant differences between the stocked and unstocked ponds. The algal community in the ponds and lake was characterized by an extreme dominance of blue-green algae, reduced nu mber of total algal species, and a clear dominance by several algal species ( Spirulina lesissuna, Lyngbya contorta, L. limnetica, L.Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

507 lagerheinii and Microsystis incerta ). A large green algae ( Botryococcus Braunii) , despite low numerical occurrence, constituted an important component of the algal biomass (more

than 45% at the lake intake site and more than 25% in the ponds, based on chlorophyll a determination). Bighead ca rp fed selectively on B. braunii , which comprised 66–70% of the volume and 50–60% of the dry weight of th e fish food. Bighead carp did not reduce algal numbers in the ponds but did decrease the ratio of blue-green/green species in the pond algal community. Using the data collected in this study, we calculated that a biomass of 750 kg/ha of bighead carp would be needed to cause a significant reduction

in B. braunii abundance in Lake Apopka within eight days. This biomass was not achieved during the study due to the slow growth and high mortality of stocked fish and the short experimental time period. The sm all size of the fish also contributed to their inability to reduce the algal biomass.

Shumate, B.C., C.L. Schelske, T.L. Crisma n, and W.F. Kenney. 2002. Response of the cladoceran community to trophic state change in Lake Apopka, Florida. Journal of Paleolimnology 27:71–77.

PROJECT: Phytoplankton-Nutrient Interactions (LA-4-104-D)

A BSTRACT

A paleolimnological evaluation of cladoceran microfossils was initiated to study limnological changes in Lake Apopka, a large (125 kg 2 ), shallow (mean depth = 1.6 m), warm, polymictic lake in central Florida. The lake switched from macrophytes to algal dominance in the late 1940s, creating a Sedi ment Discontinuity Laye r (SDL) that can be visually used to separate sediments deri ved from macrophytes and phytoplankton.

Cladoceran microfossils were enumerate d as a means of corroborating extant eutrophication data from the sediment record. Inferences about the timing andtrajectory of eutrophication were made using the cladoceran-based paleoreconstruction. The cladoceran community of Lake Apopka began to change abruptly in both total abundance and relative% abundance just before the lake shifted from macrophytes to algal dominance. Alo affinis , a mud-vegetation asso ciated cladoceran, disappeared before the SDL was formed. Plankton and benthic species also began to increase below the SDL, indicating an increase in production of both planktonic and benthic species. Chydorus cf. spaericus , an indicator of nutrient loading, increased relative to all other cladocerans beginning in the layer below the SDL and continuing upcore. Changes in the transitional sediment layer formed before the lake switched to phytoplankton dominance, including an incr ease in total phosphorus concentration, suggest a more gradual eutrophication process than previously reported. Data from thisSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

508 study supported conclusions from other paleolimnological studies that suggested anthropogenic phosphorus loading was the ke y factor in the euthrophication of Lake Apopka.

St. Johns River Water Management Distri ct. 1999. Wetland hydrau lic investigation project, Lake Apopka test channel status report. Tec hnical memorandum 38.
Palatka, Fla.

PROJECT: Marsh Flow-Way Restoration (LA-3-301-M)

O BJECTIVE :

The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between vegetation characteristics and flow resistance in shallow wetlands with emergent vegetation. The focal point of the study is the selection of an appropriate methodology, including a set of vegetation parameters, enabling the formulation of a relationship between vegetation, and flow characteristics in a wetland environment. The vegetation characteristics considered include type of vege tation, vegetation density, stem diameter, stem height, percent cover, and leaf area. Fl ow characteristics considered include flow depth, flow velocity, and flow resistan ce as quantified by Manning’s roughness

coefficient.

St. Johns River Water Management Distri ct. 2000. District water management plan.
Palatka, Fla.

PROJECT: District Water Ma nagement Plan (LA-6-501-M)

E XECUTIVE S UMMARY

All five water management districts (WMDs) are required to prepare district water management plans (DWMPs) and update them every five years. The first update of the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) DWMP is summarized in this

document.

DWMPs provide long-range gu idance for WMD activities an d present a compilation of water resource information that forms the basis for water management. SJRWMD’s DWMP sets direction for the District’s strategic plans, fiscal plans, and other planning

efforts.Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

509 The overall goal for the DWMPs and activities of all the WMDs is stated in the Water

Resources element of the State Comprehensive Plan (Chapter 187, FS ) as follows:

Florida shall assure the availability of an adequate supply of water for all competing

uses deemed reasonable and beneficial and shall maintain the functions of natural systems and the overall present level of surface and groundwater quality. Florida shall improve and restore the quality of waters not presently meeting water quality

standards.

The format of the DWMPs was developed through the cooperative efforts of the five WMDs and the Department of Environmenta l Protection (DEP). Each plan provides goals, issues, objectives, and strategies for each of the four WMD areas of responsibility (AORs):

• Water supply

• Flood protection and floodplain management

• Natural systems

The state’s goal for water resources is realiz ed through the individual district goals for each AOR. Issues in the SJRWMD plan were identified in resour ce assessments and a series of workshops held in 14 counties for local government staff, elected officials and the public. The issues will be addressed th rough implementation of DWMP strategies over the next five years. Progress will be tracked using measures specific to each district’s particular programs in additio n to a set of state performance measures developed by the WMDs, DEP and the Governor’s Office.

Maps portraying the results of the resource assessments can be found in the complete plan, which also contains general informat ion on the SJRWMD such as its natural resources, population and land use and an ov erview of each of its ten major watersheds. This summary document presents the goal, issues, objectives, strategies, and performance measures for each AOR and al so issues, strategies and performance measures specific to each watershed.

St. Johns River Water Management District. 2001 (draft). Lake Apopka marsh flow-way plan for initial operation and pesticide monitoring and exposure management

. Palatka, Fla.

PROJECT: Marsh Flow-Way Restoration (LA-3-301-M)SWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

510 S UMMARY

Reduction in P loading is a primary component of the Lake Apopka Restoration Program and the restoration efforts for the downstream Ocklawaha Chain of Lakes. Ongoing drainage of the MFW site discharges a fraction of labile P to Lake Apopka. The labile pool of P in the soils increases while the site is dry, which may result in even greater discharges of P when the MFW finally starts operation. The restoration of Lake Apopka and downstream lakes in the Ocklaw aha Chain of Lakes (e.g., Beauclair, Dora, and Eustis) will be delayed by not operating the MFW.

Not operating the MFW not only slows restoration of Lake Apopka but also does not completely remove the risks from soil pesticide residues. While dry, the soils remain exposed to terrestrial wildlife. The soil thre sholds (Exponent 2000) discussed in this plan and in a previous risk analysis by ATRA (1997) suggest that OCPs do not pose an acute toxicity threat to wildlife, but may pose a long -term sub-lethal risk. Duringoperation, the residual OCP concentration in the soils of the MFW create limited sublethal risk for wildlife; but these risks appear to be low. This is supported by the

observation that when the MFW Demonstration Project was in operation from 1990 to
1997, no bird deaths or sick birds were observe d at the site. The former fields north of
Phase I, which are the locati ons for future MFW phases, ha ve been flooded since 1994 to

reduce soil oxidation and minera lization. No deaths of bird s have been observed in any of these areas as well. Moreover, in the MFW, there will be minimal exposure to the existing contaminated soils due to the rapid accrual of new sediment, dense vegetation within the cells, and the biodegradation of the OCPs under anaerobic conditions.

Although the chronic risks to wildlife appe ar low, the Distri ct will implement a monitoring and management program to track OCP levels in soils and biota to ensure

that the realized risks are indeed low. Dist rict personnel will be at the MFW regularly for monitoring and maintenance and will be able to act quickly and effectively if problems do arise. If problems develop, the MFW’s pumps and water control structures will allow changes in water levels or flo ws to be rapidly implement ed. The information gathered as part of the OCP monitoring e ffort for the MFW will be available to guide

restoration efforts at the NSRA and other wetlands.

Restoration of Lake Apopka will yield subs tantial ecological and economic benefits. Initiation of operation of Phase I of the MFW is a critical step towards realizing these benefits. Operation of Phase I also provide s a means of rapidly reducing the risks to wildlife posed by OCPs in the farmed soils. For these reasons, it appears prudent to initiate operation of Phase I as described in this document.Appendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

511 Stenberg, J.R., D.L. Day, and G.R. Best. 1991 . Development of natural vegetation in the Lake Apopka Marsh Flow-Way Demonstration Proj ect: Phase I—Baselin e conditions, fall 1990

. Special Publication SJ91-SP11. Palatka, Fl a.: St. Johns River Water Management

District.

PROJECT: Marsh Flow-Way Restoration (LA-3-301-M)

E XECUTIVE S UMMARY

The objective of this paper is to present the results of a study of the baseline vegetation conditions in the Apopka Marsh Demonstration Project. Data collected during this study will provide a pre-flooding refere nce point for comparison with future evaluations as the marsh develops.

For the purposes of this report, discussion of the marsh is divided into two sections—

the north and south marshes. Th is division not only different iates the two sites by land use history, but also separates the marshes into the inflow marsh (south marsh) and outflow marsh (north marsh). Historically, the north marsh has been farmed for the longest time (1950–1988). The south marsh has b een intermittently farmed since about

1965.

A sampling grid containing permanent community and temporary biomass sampling plots was established in the fall of 1990 alon g a downstream gradient from the lake water inlet to the outflow pumps. Also, a 600 m transect was establ ished from near the inlet downstream along the flow direction to provide higher resolution measurements. Sampling intensity was 0.014% of the total marsh area.

Data collected consisted of plant species comp osition, percentage co ver, height, density, phenology, and water depth. Aboveground vegetation was clipped at ground level from one plot per sampling node. Belowgro und biomass was sampled at grid points near the inlet to determine preliminary esti mates of belowground biomass averages and

variation. Soil cores were collected and placed in a greenhouse under a moist soil treatment to determine the composition of the soil seed bank.

Sixty-four plant species were found. Each plant species was categorized according to its wetland affinity. The categories were as follows:

• Obligate Hydrophyte—found in wetlands >99% of the timeSWIM Plan for Lake Apopka

St. Johns River Water Management District

512 • Facultative-Wetland—usually found in wetlands 67–99% of the time

• Facultative—found in wetlands 34–66% of the time

• Facultative-Upland—occasionally foun d in wetlands 1–33% of the time

• Upland—seldom found in wetlands <1% of the time

The proportions of species by wetland af finities were: obligat e hydrophyte (51%), facultative-wetland (24%), fa cultative (16%), facu ltative-upland (8%), and upland (2%). The north marsh was dominated by dogfennel (Eupatotiwn capillifolium) stands separated by grass and herb fringed canals . The south marsh was a complex aggregate of wetland and marginal wetland plants, including, dayflower (Commelina diffusa),
water primrose (Ludwigia octovalvis), smartweed ( Polygonum punctatum ), arrowhead ( Sagittafia lancifolia ), and cattail ( Typha latifolia). Vegetative co-dominance within both the north and south marshes was shared by six species. The occurrence of common south marsh plants in the north can be attr ibuted to the exploitation of occasional patches and canal edges. Mean abovegro und biomass estimates ranged from 191 g/m

2 to 1,807 g/m 2 . No strong gradient pattern along th e east-west axis of the marshes was observed for total aboveground biomass. A comparison of mean biomass vs. mean cover revealed a pattern in wh ich cover peaked at about 900 g/m 2 biomass, thus reducing the utility of mean cover as a predictor of mean biomass. Mean belowground estimates ranged from 116 g/m 2 to 342 g/m 2 . A correlation anal ysis revealed no relationship between aboveground and belowground biomass. This may result from the nature of root distribution within the study area. Also, within plot variation of belowground biomass was very high. In futur e studies, a larger sample size will be needed to minimize the sample variation problem.

Stenberg, J., M. Clark, and R. Conrow. 1997. Development of natural and planted vegetation and wildlife use in the Lake Apopka Marsh Flow-Way Demonstration Project: 1990–1994

. Special Publication SJ98-SP4. Palatka, Fla.: St. Johns River Water Management

District.

PROJECT: Marsh Flow-Way Restoration (LA-3-301-M)

E XECUTIVE S UMMARY

This report describes the results of a study of the early successional characteristics of plant and wildlife communit ies developing on the Lake Apopka Marsh Flow-Way Demonstration Project. The study was conducted to gain an understanding of possible biological community development patterns that might be expected on former agriculture lands undergoing restoration to wetland by the St. Johns River WaterAppendix H

St. Johns River Water Management District

513 Management District. The st udy was conducted during the time period September 1990

to March 1994.

The Lake Apopka Marsh Flow-Way Demonstration Project was located along the northwest shore of Lake Apopka (28 ° 40’ N latitude/80 ° 39’ W longitude), approximately 40 km northwest of Orlando, Florida. Prior to large-scale anthropogenic disturbance, the site probably had been a sawgrass and shrub wetland. A sawgrass and shrub wetland was inferred from observing aerial photographs taken during 1940. During the 1940s and 1950s, conversion to agri cultural use on the site, as well as, in the remaining Apopka Marsh was completed. The site was farmed until its purchase by the St. Johns River Water Management District in 1989. Th e flow-way project became operational and was flooded during November 1990. Fl ooding continued near ly uninterrupted through the end of the surve y period (March 1994). Water level drawdowns occurred during June–August 1991 and spring 1993.

At the initiation of the flow-way project, four distinct vegetation communities were present on the site. The eastern half of the southern flow-way cell (south marsh) contained a shallow emergent marsh with prominent species including, cattail ( Typha

latifolia ), smartweed ( Polygonum punctatum ), pickerel weed ( Pontederia cordata ), arrowhead ( Sagittaria lancifolia ), water primrose ( Ludwigiaspp.), and southern waterhemp ( Amaranthus australis ). The western half of the southern cell (south marsh) was covered by an expanse of panic grass ( Panicum dichotomiflorum ) and water primrose ( Ludwigia spp.) The northern cell (north marsh) contrasted sharply with that of the south. Most of the northern cell was covered by a continuous community of dogfennel ( Eupatorium capilifolium ). A narrow swath (~400m x 600 m) adjacent to the western perimeter road was dominated by St. Augustine grass ( Stenatophrum secondatum ).

Soil on the site was predominantly histosol with varying thickness. Shallowest organic soil depths were observed in the northeastern corner of the southern cell. A soil consisting of silts and clays was observed below less than 10 cm of histosol. With time, and the continual action of Lake Apopka phytoplankton sedimentation, an unconsolidated flocculent layer with greatest depths of ab out 35 cm was observed in the

eastern south cell.

The study was conducted using a multi-faceted approach. To test plant community successional patterns and the potential for manipulating these successional patterns sample plots and transects were establis hed in the unmanipulated marsh (Natural Succession Transects) and in three areas containing planted, seeded, or mulched plots (Experimental Planting Sites).