On a motion by Commissioner Rogers and seconded b y Commissioner Duda Chapman, Chapter 62-709, F.A.C., Criteria for the Production and Use of Compost made from Solid Waste, was unanimously approved as amended. Chairman Wright recognized Deputy Secretary Kirby Green and introduced Kelly Layman of the Theodore Roosevelt Society. Chairman Wright stated that the response to the 36 questions helped to clarify the complicated issues surrounding TMDLs. The purpose of the TMDL program is to establish the maximum amount of a pollutant that a water body can assimilate without causing exceedances of water quality standards. The objective of the TMDL process is to identify and quantify all point and nonpoint source loadings to a water body to determine the assimilative capacity of that water body for each pollutant impairing water quality.
Water quality is based on the designated use of the water body.
If a water body only partially meets or does not meet designated uses, it is considered impaired. Using a Powerpoint presentation, Mr. Joyner provided a briefing on the issues surrounding Chapter 62-303, F.A.C., Identification of Impaired Surface Waters. The TAC consisted of technical experts in specific fields, such as ecology, statistics, chemistry, and lakes. The Department also held workshops and public meetings, after each workshop, to obtain additional input. Mr. Joyner pointed out that both the TMDL Legislation and the federal regulations refer to listing waters that do not meet applicable water quality standards.