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Site specific numeric interpretation of the narrative nutrient criterion in paragraph 62-302.530(47)(b), F.A.C., established by the Department shall be the primary interpretation for that waterbody. If there are multiple interpretations of the narrative criterion for a waterbody, the most recent interpretation established by the Department shall apply. This feature provides a list of the most recent site specific numeric interpretations, not including estuary and coastal criteria adopted in section 62-302.532, F.A.C., established by the Department and approved by the U.S. EPA. The estuary specific and coastal numeric nutrient criteria segments are provided in the Estuary Nutrient Regions and Coastal Nutrient Segment features, respectively.Site specific interpretations must establish the total allowable load or ambient concentration for at least one nutrient (total nitrogen, nitrate-nitrite, or total phosphorus) and at least one response variable (typically chlorophyll a), with the exception of the Everglades Protection Area. The Everglades phosphorus criterion in Rule 62-302.540, F.A.C., provides a site specific numeric interpretation for only phosphorus. There are no nitrogen or floral response criteria applicable to the Everglades. In cases where the site specific interpretation does not include total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and a response variable, the default criteria for the waterbody type (i.e., stream, lake, spring, estuary, or coastal) applies for the missing parameters. For example, if a site specific interpretation established a total nitrogen load for a stream, but did not establish total phosphorus and floral thresholds, then the stream total phosphorus threshold and floral response metrics in paragraph 62-302.531(2)(c), F.A.C., still apply to that stream. Nitrate-nitrite criteria do not apply to all waterbodies, but rather only to spring vents as described subparagraph 62-302.531(2)(b)2., F.A.C., which are not considered site specific numeric interpretations, and a limited number of waters on a site specific basis as determined by the Department to be necessary to provide full achievement of the narrative nutrient criterion. |