Middle St. Johns - Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Water Quality Assessment Report: Middle St. Johns
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for freshwater sediments that are comparable in value to the marine ERLs
(Durell and Fredriksson, 2000). Several sediment samples from Lake
Monroe were also found to have metals concentrations above the TEL.
Watershed Management Activities and
Processes
Over the years, management plans and activities in the basin have
been implemented to eliminate wastewater discharges; reduce discharges
of polluted stormwater from urban and agricultural areas; and protect,
preserve, and restore special areas. The following section describes historical,
current, and ongoing activities and processes to address water quality
problems. Appendix C contains a list of current and proposed projects and
more detailed information about stakeholder groups in the basin.
The southern half of the Middle St. Johns Basin is urbanized while the
northern half of the basin is largely rural. The management of stormwater
is an important management issue.
Much of the progress in the Middle St. Johns Basin for developing
water quality restoration plans and implementing watershed and water
quality improvements is attributable to coordinated local, state, and
regional efforts. The designation of the Middle St. Johns Basin as a SWIM
waterbody has enhanced intergovernmental coordination and provided
funds to address stormwater and other water quality problems. The Department
continues to coordinate its efforts with the SJRWMD, state agencies,
and local governments to obtain data, strengthen monitoring activities, and
exchange information through periodic meetings. The local organizations
and initiatives listed in Table 2.8 provide leadership in waterbody restoration
and preservation efforts. Descriptions of these organizations and
programs are contained in the “Major Programs and Projects” section.
Table 2.8: Summary of Organizations Implementing Waterbody Restoration and Preservation
Plans and Projects in the Middle St. Johns Basin
Organization
Federal, State, or Regional Agencies
St. Johns River Water Management
District
Florida Department of Transportation
Ocala National Forest
Role
SWIM Plan, Pollutant Load Reduction Goals for the basin
MS4 Phase I and II; Stormwater management for new road
construction
Conservation land management
Middle St. Johns Basin Organizations and Local Governments
St. Johns River Alliance
Alliance of government and public; St. Johns River Restoration Plan
Orange County
Stormwater Master Plans; MS4 Phase I; Capital Improvement Plans
Seminole County
Stormwater Master Plans; MS4 Phase I; Capital Improvement Plans
Volusia County
MS4 Phase II; Capital Improvement Plans
Lake County
MS4 Phase II; Capital Improvement Plans
Orlando
MS4 Phase I; Stormwater Master Plans; Capital Improvement Plans