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Waterbodies and waterbody segments for which the Department has determined that only the narrative nutrient criterion currently applies based on available data and information. This does not represent an exhaustive or complete list of such waters, only those waters where an affirmative demonstration has been made that one or more of the numeric nutrient criteria exemptions apply. The narrative water quality criteria for nutrients in paragraphs 62-302.530(47)(a) and (b), F.A.C., applies to all Class I, Class II, and Class III waters. This criterion has been numerically interpreted in 62-302.531, F.A.C., for the majority of the waterbodies in the State of Florida. However, only the narrative nutrient criterion is in effect for wetlands, tidal streams, non-perennial streams, and ditches, canals and other conveyances, or segments of conveyances that are man-made, or predominantly channelized, unless a site specific numeric interpretation has been established by the Department. Provisions for exempting a waterbody are provided in paragraphs 62-302.200(36)(a) and (b), F.A.C., and Section 62-302.532, F.A.C, and described in the document titled “Implementation of Florida’s Numeric Nutrient Standards,” dated April 2013 (http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-02905).Until a Class I or III stream segment is identified as meeting the provisions in paragraphs 62-302.200(36)(a) or (b), F.A.C., the criteria in Rule 62-302.531(2)(c), F.A.C., will apply. Interested parties wishing to distinguish the characteristics of a waterbody with respect to provisions in paragraph 62-302.200(36), F.A.C., may provide the Department with the applicable information set forth in the stream definition. A clear delineation of the geographic boundaries of the segment in question is necessary so that the Department knows exactly where applicable criteria apply. Delineation of segment boundaries can include physical, biological, and chemical information, such as intersections of tributaries into a segment, control structures, the interface of wetlands, or other factors that indicate that the homogeneous physical, biological, or chemical condition of the segment would change at the boundary.Only narrative nutrient criteria apply to wetlands or to tidal tributaries that fluctuate between predominantly marine and predominantly fresh waters during typical climatic and hydrologic conditions unless specifically provided by name in subsection 62-302.532(1), F.A.C. The determination of whether a segment is tidally influenced can be made using either chloride or specific conductance data that were collected during typical hydrologic conditions, taking into account tidal cycles and seasonal and climatic variability. The information (continuous or frequent grab sampling data) that demonstrates changing salinity conditions during a typical tidal cycle is necessary for the Department to establish that a segment is exempt from numeric nutrient criteria under the tidal creek provisions. |