Rocky Brushy Creek Watershed Mgmt. Plan (2007) -- Part 2

CHAPTER 9The recovery strategy involves:• District and Tampa Bay Water (TBW) water level monitoring• District and TBW biologic monitoring (WAPs)• TBW annual assessment of wellfields (annual reports)• District Minimum Flows and Levels (MFL) monitoring• Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMP) referrals to the Operations PlanDuring the first several years of pumpage from the three wellfields in the project area, wetlandswithin the wellfield’s zone of influence exhibited signs of wetland health decline including thereplacement of wetland vegetation with upland species. These ecological changes were attributedto sustained groundwater production as well as below normal rainfall conditions. From about 1986to 1993, overall annual pumpage rates for the wellfields were reduced by nearly 40% compared tothe original production period. Recent pumpage data from the area’s three wellfields, however,indicates that the production in the wellfields has increased but not significantly.Several management strategies have been proposed and/or undertaken to minimize the impactsdue to water withdrawals, which include:• Development of operation and management plans to minimize environmental impacts for allpermitted water users• Implementation of projects associated with the NTBWUCA• Investigation for alternative sources of water• Development and implementation of aggressive water conservation and water reuseprograms• Continuation of cooperative funding to encourage development of alternative water sources• Continuation of regulatory requirements/incentives for alternative water sources9.4.3 Minimum Flows and LevelsChapter 373.042 (2) F.S., requires the SWFWMD to adopt minimum flows and levels on streams,lakes and aquifer water levels throughout the District. By statute the District must prioritize theadoption of minimum levels in areas of Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties which areexperiencing or are expected to experience adverse impacts because of groundwater withdrawals.In response to this charge the District has proposed minimum levels in lakes, wetlands, andaquifers in priority areas including the Northwest Hillsborough area.Establishment of minimum flows and levels (MFLs) constitutes defining the minimum flow regimeand water levels necessary to prevent significant environmental impacts to lakes, wetlands,streams, and aquifers. The Hillsborough County Comprehensive Plan (Coastal ManagementElement) requires cooperation between the County and the SWFWMD to ensure that the minimumfreshwater flows needed to support natural, optimal diversity and productivity in estuarine areasare scientifically determined and maintained.9-15 Rocky/Brushy Creek Watershed Management Plan