Category: Uncategorized

District offers training sessions for well permitting system

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The Northwest Florida Water Management District will be implementing a new online well permitting system for well permitting and contractor licensing beginning Monday, September 24, 2018. Well permitting and contractor licensing will be incorporated into the existing permitting system for Environmental and Water Use Permitting. The current online well permitting system will be available until 5 p.m. (Eastern) on September 19.

No well permits will be issued on September 17 and 18 due to internal training or on September 20 and 21 due to transitioning to the new well permitting system. You will be able to submit well applications in the current system up to 5 p.m. (Eastern) on September 19. These well applications will transition to and be processed in the new system beginning Monday, September 24.

All new well permitting and contractor licensing applications must be submitted in the new well permitting system beginning Monday, September 24.

District staff will offer training sessions using the new online well permitting system at the following locations, dates, and times:

  • Warrior Hall, Crestview, September 19, 2018, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Central).
  • Gulf Coast State College, Panama City, September 19, 2018, 3-6 p.m. (Central).
  • Chipola College, Marianna, September 20, 2018, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Central).
  • Northwest Florida Water Management District, Havana, September 20, 2018, 3-6 p.m. (Eastern). 

Gov. Scott reappoints George Roberts to District Governing Board

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TALLAHASSEE – Governor Rick Scott announced the reappointment of George Roberts to the Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board.

Roberts, 54, of Panama City Beach, is the vice president of Roberts & Roberts Inc., and the owner of Hombre Golf Club. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Florida Transportation Builders Association. Roberts is reappointed for a term beginning August 24, 2018, and ending March 1, 2022.

The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

District releases draft Strategic Water Management Plan update

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The Northwest Florida Water Management District has released a draft version of its annual update to the Strategic Water Management Plan. The Plan describes the current priorities of the District and plans to undertake over a five-year planning horizon to accomplish its mission. This guidance document is complementary to and implemented by the District’s annual budget.

Questions and comments are welcome.

View the Strategic Water Management Plan by clicking here.

District re-opens recreation sites (Aug. 9 update)

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The Northwest Florida Water Management District has re-opened the following sites which were closed last week because of heavy rains in the area:

Econfina Creek Water Management Area sites

Pitt Spring
Williford Spring
Econfina Canoe Launch
Devils Hole

Choctawhatchee Water Management Area sites

Lost Lake campsite and Tilley Landing
Dead River Landing

District names Bishop its inaugural ‘Partner of the Year’ award winner

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MARIANNA – Jackson County farmer Craig Bishop was named the inaugural winner of the “Partner of the Year” award on Thursday by the Governing Board of the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

The award will be presented annually to recognize individuals or groups who work with the District to make significant contributions toward the protection of the natural resources in northwest Florida.

Bishop, who owns and operates Bishop Farms, has partnered with the District in a variety of programs and projects focused on improving water quality and reducing water-use demands within the Jackson Blue Spring basin.

“In addition to being a well-respected farmer and member of our community, Craig exemplifies the commitment to water resource stewardship that Governor Scott and our District look for in its partners,” Governing Board member John Alter said.

Bishop Farms first enrolled in the District’s Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share program in 2013 by retrofitting or modifying the equipment he uses on his farms to reduce his usage of water. The upgraded equipment also reduced the amount of fertilizer used on his acreage.

Bishop Farms has continued participating in the BMP Cost-Share program each year since 2013. Last year, Bishop Farms became one of the first participants in the new Grass-Based Rotation program designed to further reduce the amount of fertilizers used in the Jackson Blue Spring basin.

“Mr. Bishop has embraced the use of new technologies and farming practices to not only become a more productive producer but also to become an even better steward of the water resources in Jackson County,” said Brett Cyphers, Executive Director of the Northwest Florida Water Management District. “He has been an eager participant in the District’s efforts to improve water quality in Jackson County and his leadership has encouraged others to take part in our programs.”

Bishop was presented with a “Partner of the Year” plaque and a permanent nameplate memorializing his selection as the 2018 winner on a trophy housed at the Northwest Florida Water Management District’s headquarters.

Rabies alert issued for southeast Washington County

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The Florida Department of Health has issued a rabies alert for the Greenhead area in southeast Washington County near Rattlesnake Pond. This is in response to a fox testing positive for rabies recently near this geographic location.

The following recreation sites managed by the Northwest Florida Water Management District are within the alert area: Rattlesnake Lake South, Rattlesnake Lake North, Pine Ridge Equestrian Trail, Florida National Scenic Trail, and Hammock Lake.

Visitors to the following recreation sites should also exercise caution: Whitewater Lake, Tom Johns Landing, Williford Spring, and Pitt Spring.

The recent rabies alert is for 60 days.

All residents and visitors in Washington County should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population and domestic animals are at risk if not vaccinated. The public is asked to maintain a heightened awareness that rabies is active in Washington County. Alerts are designed to increase awareness to the public, but they should not give a false sense of security to areas that have not been named as under an alert.

An animal with rabies could infect other wild animals or domestic animals that have not been vaccinated against rabies. All domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies and all wildlife contact should be avoided, particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes. Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to warm-blooded animals and humans. The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies specific immune globulin and rabies immunization. Appropriate treatment started soon after the exposure, will protect an exposed person from the disease.

Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:

  • Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets and at-risk livestock.
  • Do not allow your pets to run free. Follow leash laws by keeping pets and livestock secured on your property.  If your pet or livestock are bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 850-265-3676.
  • Support animal control in efforts to reduce feral and stray animal populations.
  • Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of unwanted pets that may not be properly cared for or regularly vaccinated.
  • Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with outdoor food sources such as uncovered trash or litter.
  • Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
  • Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
  • Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas, where they might come in contact with people and pets.
  • Persons who have been bitten or scratched by wild or domestic animals should seek medical attention and report the injury to the DOH-Washington at 850-638-6240.

For further information on rabies, go to http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/rabies/index.html, or contact DOH-Washington at 850-638-6240.

District provides nearly $350,000 for Eastpoint water system upgrades

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HAVANA – A grant from the Northwest Florida Water Management District helped the Eastpoint Water and Sewer District increase the quality of its potable water supply while reducing the amount of water the system uses.

The District’s grant of $343,152 helped complete a project that began in the early 2000s to end Eastpoint Water and Sewer District’s reliance on a pair of coastal water supply wells. These wells had shown signs of increased chloride levels and poor water quality from saltwater intrusion. Because of the increased chloride levels, the wells had to be flushed periodically.

The initial project saw the construction of two inland test wells, which were later converted to potable supply wells.

The Eastpoint Water and Sewer District provides water for 1,536 residents in Franklin County.

“Without support from the Legislature and the water management district, smaller communities throughout northwest Florida would have a hard time finding the funding for much-needed projects like these,” State Sen. Bill Montford said. “The water management district and its Governing Board share my commitment to the rural communities in our area and I appreciate the local leaders in Eastpoint for their efforts in improving the quality of water for their residents.”

The most recent project added a well pump, controls and backup generator as well as a transmission line and connections. These upgrades will allow Eastpoint Water and Sewer District to abandon the two coastal wells and use the two inland wells as the primary source for potable water for its customers.

The project also saw $39,581 in local matching funds, bringing the overall funding for the work to $382,733.

“This project not only helped the Eastpoint Water and Sewer District to alleviate the problem of salt water intrusion into our system, but also improve the water quality for the customers of the District,” Franklin County District 1 Commissioner Ricky Jones said. “We are not a large District, but we will continue to pursue partnerships that will benefit the District and will benefit the Apalachicola Bay.”

The newer wells feature improved water quality and also reduce the amount of water lost in the system from the older wells.

“This project ensures the residents of Eastpoint have access to a safe and reliable supply of water, which is another example of how the District’s Water Supply Development Grant program has been such a success,” District Governing Board member Bo Spring said. “Our District takes tremendous pride in working with local communities to fund these types of projects that make such a positive impact.”

The funding is part of the District’s Water Supply Development Grant program, which launched in 2013 and has awarded funding for 70 projects totaling more than $21.6 million. These projects have helped local governments and utilities make potable water distribution system improvements, replace aging infrastructure, evaluate and develop alternative water supply projects, and address local drinking water quality issues. Two-thirds of the projects are in rural or financially disadvantaged communities.

For more information on projects funded under this program, please visit https://nwfwater.com//Water-Resources/Funding-Programs/Water-Supply-Grants.

District names Beshears its inaugural ‘Springs Champion’ award winner

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HAVANA – State Representative Halsey Beshears was named the inaugural winner of the “Springs Champion” award on Thursday by the Governing Board of the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

The award will be presented annually to recognize individuals who make significant contributions toward the restoration and protection of the springs in northwest Florida.

“As we began the process of selecting a winner for this award, Rep. Beshears’ name quickly rose to the top based on his tireless support for this Board’s and Governor Scott’s efforts to restore springs throughout northwest Florida,” said George Roberts, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Northwest Florida Water Management District. “Thanks to his work with Governor Scott, the Florida Legislature, and DEP Secretary Valenstein, we have seen nearly $71 million committed to restoring and protecting northwest Florida’s springs in the last five years.”

Rep. Beshears’ district includes Calhoun, Gulf, Liberty, Franklin, Leon, Wakulla, Jefferson, Madison, Taylor, and Lafayette counties.

Among the highlights of springs projects in Rep. Beshears’ district in 2017-2018 are:

  • Funding for septic-to-sewer projects for the protection of Wakulla Spring
  • Funding for land acquisitions for the protection of Wakulla Spring
  • Funding for the restoration and improvements at recently acquired Horn Spring, a second magnitude spring near Natural Bridge State Park
  • Funding for the continued development of Minimum Flows and Minimum Levels for St. Marks Rise and Wakulla and Sally Ward springs

“There are plenty of ‘Springs Champions’ who share my passion for the health and well-being of the springs in northwest Florida,” Rep. Beshears said. “I appreciate the opportunity to work with springs champions such as Governor Scott, Secretary Valenstein, and the Governing Board and staff of the water management district.”

Rep. Beshears was presented with a “Springs Champion” bowl with a permanent nameplate memorializing his selection as the 2018 winner. The bowl will remain on display at the Northwest Florida Water Management District’s headquarters.

Pictured above: Governing Board chairman George Roberts (left) and State Representative Halsey Beshears.

District grant pays for Rosedale Water System upgrades

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Nearly $275,000 in grant funding from the Northwest Florida Water Management District helped make significant upgrades to the Rosedale Water System, located in an unincorporated area of Gadsden County.

The funding, part of the District’s Water Supply Development Grant program, allowed Rosedale Water System to replace its transmission main, which includes 6,300 feet of waterline and appurtenant structures. The $271,222 grant also paid for the installation of automated water meters which will help identify the severity and location of water loss within the system.

The city of Chattahoochee owns and operates a permitted Public Water System that provides water to the 184 residents of the Rosedale community.

“A quality water supply is essential for a higher quality of life and I am thankful the water management district shares my commitment to rural communities across northwest Florida,” State Sen. Bill Montford said. “I also appreciate the local leaders in Chattahoochee for working with the District to make these necessary upgrades on behalf of their residents.”

The Rosedale Water System’s existing master meter and booster plant were recently upgraded as part of another project utilizing funds received through a legislative appropriation. The current project completed the much-needed upgrades to the water system to reduce water loss, operation and maintenance expenditures, and groundwater withdrawals.

“Our Water Supply Development Grant program has provided millions of dollars in recent years to help smaller communities throughout northwest Florida,” District Governing Board member Jon Costello said. “We are proud to work with local governments to fund projects like these that make such a positive impact in our communities.”

The District’s Water Supply Development Grant program was launched in 2013 and has awarded funding for 70 projects totaling more than $21.5 million. These projects have helped local governments and utilities make potable water distribution system improvements, replace aging infrastructure, evaluate and develop alternative water supply projects, and address local drinking water quality isshttps://nwfwp.sgssys.info/Water-Resources/Funding-Programs/Water-Supply-Grantsues. Two-thirds of the projects are in rural or financially disadvantaged communities.

For more information on projects funded under this program, please visit https://nwfwp.sgssys.info/Water-Resources/Funding-Programs/Water-Supply-Grants.

District provides $300,000 to city of Gretna for water system upgrades

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HAVANA – The city of Gretna is one step closer to an improved water system thanks to a grant from the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

The District recently provided $300,000 in funding for the city to design and permit water system upgrades that, upon development, will triple the amount of water storage and nearly double the rate at which that water can be transmitted through the system.

The Gretna water system serves approximately 1,500 residents.

“Providing a safe and reliable water supply is not only important for the residents of Gretna but it helps spur economic growth in the area,” State Sen. Bill Montford said. “Support for these types of projects is so important for smaller communities in northwest Florida.”

The District’s Governing Board approved initial funding for the project in 2014 and approved additional funding in 2015. The $300,000 paid for the design and permitting of a new 12-inch transmission main, two new wells and related equipment, and two new 300,000 gallon storage tanks and related pumps and equipment.

“The District takes great pride in working with local governments to provide a quality source of water while also protecting the area’s precious natural resources,” District Governing Board member Marc Dunbar said. “These upgrades will not only increase the city’s water storage but prepare the city for future growth while also increasing fire safety for the community.”

Once completed, the city’s storage capacity will increase from 300,000 gallons to 900,000 gallons and the supply rate will increase from 700 gallons per minute to 1,300 gallons per minute.

“Gretna’s project is another great example of the Northwest Florida Water Management District’s firm commitment to helping communities in the District to expand water capacity,” Gretna city manager Antonio Jefferson said. “Without the District’s partnership on this project, our city would have struggled financially to raise the money needed for completion.”

The funding is part of the District’s Water Supply Development Grant program, which launched in 2013 and has awarded funding for 70 projects totaling more than $21.6 million. These projects have helped local governments and utilities make potable water distribution system improvements, replace aging infrastructure, evaluate and develop alternative water supply projects, and address local drinking water quality issues. Two-thirds of the projects are in rural or financially disadvantaged communities.

For more information on projects funded under this program, please visit https://nwfwater.com/Water-Resources/Funding-Programs/Water-Supply-Grants.