|
Little Big Sturgeon Consumptive Use Permit Evaluation
Florida
Overview
The purpose of this effort was to evaluate the proposed water use permit to identify environmental concerns associated with the sighting, constructing, and operating a sturgeon farm in North Central Florida. To this end, the following technical information was gathered and evaluated:- Requested groundwater withdrawal volumes to determine if these were consistent with other sturgeon farm water use in the state.
- What types of material may be given to the fish as part of the plant process, and what chemicals of concern would be treated by the proposed particulate and bio-filtration systems.
- The proposed effluent discharge system, including septic and waste water retention ponds as they pertained to being sized adequately to handle emergency flushing and storm events, and the potential need for stormwater permitting.
- Available model results to determine if they adequately addressed the area's unique hydrostratigraph and the possibility of direct connection between surface water, upper aquifers, and the Floridan aquifer.
- Best Management Practices (BMPs) for aquaculture certification, and determine whether the BMPs can adequately address potential risk to human health and the biota near LBS. Also, summarize what monitoring practices will be used by LBS to protect public and private well water quality.
- The possibility that operating the sturgeon pond would negatively impact water quality in nearby lakes, shallow aquifers, and the Floridian Aquifer.
Details - Expert Opinion
- Water Use Permitting
- Groundwater Modeling
- Public Meeting Participation
- Regulatory Agency Coordination
Results
As a result of our evaluation, serious water quantity and water quality concerns were identified that had the potential to negatively impact nearby surface and groundwater resources. These issues were recognized by the Water Management District, which resulted in the project being postponed until the permittee could provide additional information and assurances that showed the proposed farm would not adversely impact the areas water resources. |
