PALATKA, FLA., April 28, 2006 — The St. Johns River Water ManagementDistrict’s Governing Board will consider a notice of proposed rule forestablishing a minimum flow regime for Blue Spring in Volusia County on May9, 2006. The meeting will begin at 1 p.m. and will be held at District headquarters,4049 Reid Street, Highway 100 West, Palatka.
State law mandates that the District adopt minimum flows and levels for allfirst magnitude springs. First magnitude springs are those springs with a long-termaverage flow of at least 100 cubic feet per second (cfs). The long-term averageflow of Blue Springs is 157 cfs.
During cold weather, Blue Spring is used as a warm-water refuge for the WestIndian manatee. The proposed regime is designed to protect Blue Spring as awarm-water refuge for a growing manatee population. The proposed regime alsowill protect other resource values, such as recreation, fish and wildlife habitats,navigation and water quality.
The proposed minimum flow regime defines the minimum long-term average flowin five-year increments until 2024. The first increment would require thatthe long-term average flow be at least 132 cfs from the date of rule adoptionto March 31, 2009. This minimum long-term average flow would be raised duringeach of four subsequent five-year intervals to the following:
- 136 cfs (from April 1, 2009, through March 31, 2014)
- 140 cfs (from April 1, 2014, through March 31, 2019)
- 145 cfs (from April 1, 2019, through March 31, 2024)
- 157 cfs (after March 31, 2024)
For more information or to comment on the proposed minimum flow regime for BlueSpring, visit floridaswater.com.
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