GREEN MOUNTAIN SCENIC BYWAY - Florida Scenic Highways

SECTION 7- BACKGROUND CONDITIONS ANALYSISPROTECTION TECHNIQUESBACKGROUND CONDITIONS ANALYSISProtection TechniquesExisting ProtectionsThe Lake Apopka Basin Planning InitiativeThe Lake Apopka Basin Planning Initiative, which is discussed more fully inthe Relationships to Other Programs Section, can provide a viable mechanismfor aiding in protection of the corridor. The Green Mountain Scenic Bywayintends to remain an active participant in the initiative.The Lake County Board of County Commissioners passed in 2002 the LakeApopka Basin Development Design and Resource Protection Ordinance putforward by the Friends of Lake Apopka as a result of the initiative. (Chapter6.15.00, Lake County Code, Appendix E, Land Development Regulations) Thedevelopment standards prohibit new high intensity commercial andagricultural uses within the basin, allows only single family residential unitswithin ½ mile of the shoreline unless part of an approved PUD, and setsstandards for removal of exotic aquatic plants. The ordinance requires allnew developments to design storm water management systems inaccordance with the Outstanding Florida Water provisions, as well asestablishing standards and restrictions on septic tanks.Saint Johns River Water Management District - The Lake Apopka BasinPhosphorous RuleIn March of 2003 the Saint Johns River Water Management District adopted arule which strictly limits the discharge of the nutrient phosphorus into LakeApopka. Phosphorus is considered to be the main culprit in the degradationof the lake. Under the new rule ,the amount of discharge of phosphorus fromnewly developed lands in the basin is limited to the amount of phosphorusdischarged into the basin from those lands prior to development.49