Jump to main content or area navigation.

Contact Us

ReefLink Database

Sewage Treatment

Sewage Treatment

Sewage Treatment is a subsector of the Waste Management sector. Industries in this subsector collect, treat, and dispose of sewage in sewage treatment facilities.

CMap

Discharge limitations are responses to regulate and control the discharge of pollutants and the use of chemicals. Discharges are the intentional or unintentional distribution of chemicals, debris, or other pollution, into the environment as a consequence of human activities. Ecosystem services are the benefits people obtain from ecosystems . Infrastructural sectors provide the physical, organizational, and technical support for the economy to function, including construction, utilities, transportation, finance, manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, and technical services. Littering is a type of pollution that occurs when garbage, including plastics, paper, and metal, are not disposed of properly and can enter coastal waters. Marine debris includes garbage, plastics, glass, and metal, which are not disposed of properly and can enter coastal waters. Non-point source pollution is runoff from diffuse sources that is caused by rainwater moving over and through the ground, carrying pollutants with it and depositing them in coastal waters. Nutrients are essential elements needed by plants and animals for growth and primarily include nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, as well as minor nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, or zinc. Pathogens are disease-causing microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The Reef Ecosystem includes a suite of abiotic variables that form the physical and chemical environment. Waterborne point source discharges are pollution from a discernible, confined conveyance, such as a pipe, vehicle, ship, or animal feeding operation that directly enter the aquatic environment into streams or direct discharge into coastal waters. Pressures are human activities that create stress on the environment. Provisioning services are the products or ecosystem goods obtained from ecosystems, including seafood, genetic and biochemical resources, pharmaceuticals, ornamental resources, and water resources. The state of the Reef Ecosystem is the condition, in terms of quantity and quality, of the abiotic and biotic components including physical, chemical, and biological variables. Reef Habitat is the abundance, distribution, and condition of the benthic components of the reef ecosystem. Reef Life is the abundance, distribution, and condition of the biological components of the coral reef ecosystem. Responses are actions taken by groups or individuals in society and government to prevent, compensate, ameliorate or adapt to changes in Ecosystem Services or their perceived value. Sediment includes dirt, sand, silt, clay, and small rocks that form soil on land or soft substrate in marine habitats, and may be transported by water, wind, or human activities. Sewage Treatment is a subsector of the Waste Management sector. Shoreline Protection is the attenuation of wave energy by reefs that protects coastal communities against shoreline erosion and flooding during storms, hurricanes, and tsunamis that can cause property damage and loss of life. Socio-Economic Drivers include the sectors that fulfill human needs for Food & Raw Materials, Water, Shelter, Health, Culture, and Security, and the Infrastructure that supports the sectors. Solid Waste Disposal is a subsector of the Waste Management sector. Stormwater management are practices to control the quantity and quality of stormwater discharges in order to reduce flooding, erosion, and stormwater runoff of contaminants into the environment. Toxics are chemical pollutants that are poisonous, carcinogenic, or otherwise directly harmful to humans, plants, or animals. Utilities specialize in providing basic services for public use, including telecommunications, water systems, natural gas, electric power, and waste management. Utility policies are those that put controls on delivery of utilities to human populations. Waste Management is the collection, treatment, and disposal of waste. Waste Management Policies include legislation and restrictions and guidelines for the environmentally safe and healthy management and disposal of waste. Wastewater Discharges are direct discharges of wastewater, including nutrients and chemicals, into streams, rivers, lakes, or coastal waters. Waterborne discharges include direct and indirect discharges of pollutants into the aquatic environment, including chemicals, nutrients, sediment, and pathogens. A wetland is an area of land whose soil is saturated with moisture either permanently or seasonally.

CMap Description

Waste management can influence the discharge of waste products, including litter, sewage discharge, and stormwater runoff, which can increase levels of nutrients and toxics and freshwater into the physical & chemical environment, impacting the growth and survival of reef species. Waste management policies can reduce discharges through improved technology, installing new systems, upgrading systems, or imposing fines for improper disposal methods. Waste management may benefit from shoreline protection, as well as indirectly from other ecosystem services that improve the well-being of sectors, such as tourism & recreation, which drive coastal development.

Citations

Citation Year Study Location Study Type Database Topics
Bao, Y; Zhan, L; Wang, CX; Wang, YL; Qiao, WM; Ling, LC. 2011. Carbon foams used as packing media in a biological aerated filter system. Materials Letters 65:3154-3156. 2011 Microorganisms; Nutrients; Sewage Treatment; Wastewater Discharge
Lapointe, BE; Thacker, K; Hanson, C; Getten, L. 2011. Sewage pollution in Negril, Jamaica: effects on nutrition and ecology of coral reef macroalgae. Chinese Journal of Oceanology and Limnology 29:775-789. 2011 Florida; Jamaica Algae; Discharges; Fleshy Macroalgae; Hotel & Food Services; Marine Protected Areas; Nutrients; Sewage Treatment; Surface & Groundwater Flow; Tourism & Recreation; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge
Baker, D. M., E. Jordan-Dahlgren, M. A. Maldonado, and C. D. Harvell. 2010. Sea fan corals provide a stable isotope baseline for assessing sewage pollution in the Mexican Caribbean. Limnology and Oceanography 55:2139-2149. 2010 South & Central America; Caribbean; Mexico Field Study & Monitoring Infrastructure; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Nutrients; Octocoral; Sewage Treatment; Tourism & Recreation; Waste Management Policies
Foster, M. S. and D. R. Schiel. 2010. Loss of predators and the collapse of southern California kelp forests (?): Alternatives, explanations and generalizations. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 393:59-70. 2010 Review Coastal Development; Discharges; Finfish Harvest; Fishing Sector; Lobster, Crab, & Shrimp; Planktivorous Fish; Sea Urchins; Sediment; Sewage Treatment; Waste Management Policies
Lapointe, B. E., R. Langton, B. J. Bedford, A. C. Potts, O. Day, and C. M. Hu. 2010. Land-based nutrient enrichment of the Buccoo Reef Complex and fringing coral reefs of Tobago, West Indies. Marine Pollution Bulletin 60:334-343. 2010 Tobago Remote Sensing Algae; Improved Technology; Non-point Source Runoff; Nutrients; Plankton; Sewage Treatment; Surface & Groundwater Flow; Wastewater Discharge
Singh, S. P., A. Azua, A. Chaudhary, S. Khan, K. L. Willett, and P. R. Gardinali. 2010. Occurrence and distribution of steroids, hormones and selected pharmaceuticals in South Florida coastal environments. Ecotoxicology 19:338-350. 2010 Florida Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics; Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics Sources; Sewage Treatment; Surface & Groundwater Flow; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge; Wetlands
Nelson, M., W. F. Dempster, and J. P. Allen. 2009. The water cycle in closed ecological systems: Perspectives from the Biosphere 2 and Laboratory Biosphere systems. Advances in Space Research 44:1404-1412. 2009 Global Lab Study Agriculture; Drinking Water Supply; Irrigation; Mangroves; Nutrients; Salinity; Sewage Treatment; Surface & Groundwater Flow; Wastewater Discharge; Wetlands
Rosales-Hoz, L., A. Carranza-Edwards, L. Sanvicente-Anorve, M. A. Alatorre-Mendieta, and F. Rivera-Ramirez. 2009. Distribution of Dissolved Trace Metals Around the Sacrificos Coral Reef Island, in the Southwestern Gulf of Mexico. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 83:713-719. 2009 South & Central America; Mexico Nutrients; Sewage Treatment; Surface & Groundwater Flow; Waste Management Policies
Singh, S., W. G. L. Aalbersberg, and R. J. Morrison. 2009. Nutrient Pollution in Laucala Bay, Fiji Islands. Water Air And Soil Pollution 204:363-372. 2009 Fiji Discharge Limitations; Discharges; Nutrients; Point Source Discharges; Sewage Treatment; Waste Management Policies
Center for Watershed Protection. 2008. Guanica Bay watershed management plan. 2008 Puerto Rico Review; Field Study & Monitoring Agriculture; Improved Technology; Landscape Conservation & Restoration; Non-point Source Controls; Non-point Source Runoff; Nutrients; Point Source Discharges; Sediment; Sewage Treatment; Shoreline Protection; Surface & Groundwater Flow; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge
Chang, Y.C., F.W. Hong, and M.T. Lee. 2008. A system dynamic based DSS for sustainable coral reef management in Kenting coastal zone, Taiwan. Ecological Modelling 211:153-168. 2008 Taiwan Model; Decision Support Frameworks & Tools Decision Support; Fish; Sewage Treatment; Stony Coral; Tourism & Recreation; Wastewater Discharge
Salvat, B., A. Aubanel, M. Adjeroud, P. Bouisset, D. Calmet, Y. Chancerelle, N. Cochennec, N. Davies, A. Fougerousse, R. Galzin, E. Lagouy, C. Lo, C. Monier, C. Ponsonnet, G. Remoissenet, D. Schneider, A. Stein, M. Tatarata, and L. Villiers. 2008. Monitoring of French Polynesia coral reefs and their recent development [Le suivi de l'etat des recifs coralliens de Polynesie francaise et leur recente evolution]. Revue d'Ecologie (La Terre et la Vie) 63:145-177. 2008 US Pacific & Hawaii; Pacific Ocean Field Study & Monitoring Aquarium & Pet Trade; Aquarium Stock; Climate; Finfish Harvest; Fish; Molluscs; Nutrients; Seastars; Sewage Treatment; Storms & Hurricanes; Tourism & Recreation; Waste Management Policies
Thorpe, K.L., R. Benstead, P. Eccles, G. Maack, T. Williams, C.R. Tyler. 2008. A practicable laboratory flow-through exposure system for assessing the health effects of effluents in fish. Aquatic Toxicology 88:164-172. 2008 Lab Study; Model Fish; Sewage Treatment; Wastewater Discharge
Wantiez, L. 2008. Coral reefs of New Caledonia in 2006: Status report and monitoring network [Les recifs coralliens de nouvelle-caledonie en 2006: etat des lieux et reseau de suivi]. Revue d'Ecologie (La Terre et la Vie) 63:117-132. 2008 US Pacific & Hawaii; New Caledonia; Europe Field Study & Monitoring Cruise Ships; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Finfish Harvest; Fish; Funding & Donations; Funding & Incentives; Housing; Mining; Mining Policies; Seastars; Sewage Treatment; Small Boats; Tourism & Recreation; Wastewater Discharge
World Bank Group. 2008. Biodiversity, Climate Change, and Adaptation. Nature based solutions from the world bank portfolio. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Washington, DC. 2008 Global; South & Central America; Iran; Caribbean Field Study & Monitoring; GIS & Maps Agriculture; Banks, Credit, & Securities; Climate; Corporate Responses; Discharges; Funding & Donations; Funding & Incentives; Invasive Species; Irrigation; Landscape Conservation & Restoration; Sewage Treatment; Waste Management; Waste Management Policies
Chen, B.-Y. 2007. Revealing threshold criteria of biostimulation for dye-laden wastewater treatment using immobilized cell systems. Process Biochemistry 42:158-166. 2007 Nutrients; Sewage Treatment; Stony Coral; Surface & Groundwater Flow; Wastewater Discharge
Conlan, K. E., G. H. Rau, and R. G. Kvitek. 2006. δ13C and δ15N shifts in benthic invertebrates exposed to sewage from McMurdo Station, Antarctica. Marine Pollution Bulletin 52:1695-1707. 2006 Index or Indicator Bivalves; Octocoral; Point Source Discharges; Sea Urchins; Seastars; Sediment; Sewage Treatment; Surface & Groundwater Flow; Waste Management Policies
Madhusoodanan, G., P. P. Ouseph, and S. Kumar. 2006. Bacterial contamination of drinking water and its impact on primary health at Kavaratti Island, Lakshadweep, Union Territory of India. Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences 8:839-843. 2006 Global; India Discharges; Drinking Water Supply; Microorganisms; Pathogens; Sewage Treatment; Waste Management Policies; Water Utilities Policies
Costanzo, S. D., J. Udy, B. Longstaff, and A. Jones. 2005. Using nitrogen stable isotope ratios of macroalgae to determine the effectiveness of sewage upgrades: changes in the extent of sewage plumes over four years in Moreton Bay, Australia. Marine Pollution Bulletin 51:212-217. 2005 Australia; Cuba Field Study & Monitoring; GIS & Maps Algae; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Nutrients; Sewage Treatment; Waste Management Policies
Costanzo, S.D., J. Murby, J. Bates. 2005. Ecosystem response to antibiotics entering the aquatic environment. Marine Pollution Bulletin 51:218-223. 2005 Discharges; Microorganisms; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Sewage Treatment; Surface & Groundwater Flow; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge
Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2005. Solid/liquid Waste Separation Facility. U.S. Depatrment of Agriculture. 2005 Improved Technology; Nutrients; Sediment; Sewage Treatment; Surface & Groundwater Flow; Wastewater Discharge
Tomasko, D. A., C. A. Corbett, H. S. Greening, and G. E. Raulerson. 2005. Spatial and temporal variation in seagrass coverage in Southwest Florida: assessing the relative effects of anthropogenic nutrient load reductions and rainfall in four contiguous estuaries. Marine Pollution Bulletin 50:797-805. 2005 Florida Nutrients; Plankton; Ports & Harbors; Resource Use Management; Seagrasses; Sewage Treatment; Wastewater Discharge
Barile, P. J. 2004. Evidence of anthropogenic nitrogen enrichment of the littoral waters of east central Florida. Journal of Coastal Research 20:1237-1245. 2004 Florida; US East Coast (NC, SC, GA); India Index or Indicator Algae; Discharges; Fleshy Macroalgae; Improved Technology; Marine Worms; Nutrients; Ports & Harbors; Sewage Treatment; Surface & Groundwater Flow; Wastewater Discharge
Gaston, T. F., A. Kostoglidis, and I. M. Suthers. 2004. The 13C, 15N and 34S signatures of a rocky reef planktivorous fish indicate different coastal discharges of sewage. Marine and Freshwater Research 55:689-699. 2004 Discharges; Fish; Nutrients; Planktivorous Fish; Sewage Treatment; Waste Management Policies
Kwong, J. and J. Kalani. 2004. Microtunnelling required for ocean outfall beneath coral reefs. Water and Wastewater International 19:12-Nov. 2004 US Pacific & Hawaii; Pacific Ocean Construction Codes & Projects; Improved Technology; Sewage Treatment; Surface & Groundwater Flow; Wastewater Discharge
[No author name available]. 2003. Coral Princess: First of the new Princess pair from Atlantique. Pages 13-15 Naval Architect. 2003 Cruise Ships; Sewage Treatment; Waste Management Policies
Gartner, A., P. Lavery, and A. J. Smit. 2002. Use of δ15N signatures of different functional forms of macroalgae and filter-feeders to reveal temporal and spatial patterns in sewage dispersal. Marine Ecology Progress Series 235:63-73. 2002 Australia Field Study & Monitoring; Lab Study Algae; Nutrients; Sewage Treatment; Sponges; Wastewater Discharge
US Environmental Protection Agency. 2002. Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual. EPA/625/R-00/008, US EPA. 2002 Sewage Treatment; Wastewater Discharge
Harborne, A. R., D. C. Afzal, and M. J. Andrews. 2001. Honduras: Caribbean Coast. Marine Pollution Bulletin 42:1221-1235. 2001 South & Central America; Belize; Honduras; Caribbean; Mexico Field Study & Monitoring Agriculture; Chemical Use Regulations; Coastal Development; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Fertilizer & Pesticide Use; Finfish Harvest; Funding & Donations; Funding & Incentives; Infrastructure; Mangroves; Marine Protected Areas; Non-point Source Runoff; Seagrasses; Sediment; Sewage Treatment; Special Use Permitting; Storms & Hurricanes; Tourism & Recreation; Waste Management Policies; Wetlands
Agard, J. B. R. and J. F. Gobin. 2000. The Lesser Antilles, Trinidad and Tobago. Seas at the millennium - an environmental evaluation - Volume 1 627-641. 2000 South & Central America; US Virgin Islands; US East Coast (NC, SC, GA); Atlantic Ocean; Antilles; British Virgin Islands; St. Lucia; Trinidad; Tobago; Martinique; Venezuela; Guyana; Caribbean Apex Fish Predators; Commercial Fisheries; Commercial Fishing Boats; Deforestation & Devegetation; Docks & Marinas; Finfish Harvest; Fish; Fishing Sector; Land & Air Transportation; Lobster, Crab, & Shrimp; Mangroves; Marine Protected Areas; Nutrients; Sea Urchins; Seagrasses; Seawater Flow; Sediment; Sewage Treatment; Shipping, Storage, & Warehousing; Snails & Conch; Storms & Hurricanes; Surface & Groundwater Flow; Tourism & Recreation; Trawling & Fishing Gear Damage; Waste Management Policies; Waterborne Discharges; Whales & Dolphins
Paul, J. H., M. R. McLaughlin, D. W. Griffin, E. K. Lipp, R. Stokes, and J. B. Rose. 2000. Rapid movement of wastewater from on-site disposal systems into surface waters in the Lower Florida Keys. Estuaries 23:662-668. 2000 Florida; US East Coast (NC, SC, GA); Atlantic Ocean Ports & Harbors; Sewage Treatment; Surface & Groundwater Flow; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge
Roseth, R. 2000. Shell sand: A new filter medium for constructed wetlands and wastewater treatment. Journal of Environmental Science and Health - Part A Toxic/Hazardous Substances and Environmental Engineering 35:1335-1355. 2000 Norway Sewage Treatment; Snails & Conch; Wastewater Discharge; Wetlands
Sheppard, C. R. C. 2000. The Red Sea. Seas at the millennium - an environmental evaluation - Volume 2 35-45. 2000 Indian Ocean; India Algae; Finfish Harvest; Fishing Sector; Fleshy Macroalgae; Mangroves; Nutrients; Primary Production; Seagrasses; Sediment; Sewage Treatment; Special Use Permitting; Substrate; Surface & Groundwater Flow; Trawling & Fishing Gear Damage; Waste Management Policies
Wright Robert, R. 1994. Best of both worlds. Water Environment and Technology 6:40-44. 1994 Discharges; Irrigation; Sewage Treatment; Surface & Groundwater Flow; Wastewater Discharge
Jones, G. B. 1993. Monitoring the effect of the floating hotel on the water quality of John Brewer Reef. Pages 261-267 in National Conference Publication - Institution of Engineers, Australia. 1993 Australia Field Study & Monitoring Hotel & Food Services; Sewage Treatment; Wastewater Discharge
Robert Pitt and K. Dunkers. 1993. Lake Water Quality Improvements from Treatment of Stormwater Using the Flow Balancing Method, 66th Annual Water Environment Federation Conference. Anaheim, CA. October 1993.; Detecting Water Quality Trends from Stormwater Discharge Reductions, Engineerin. in 66th Annual Water Environment Federation Conference. 1993 Global Field Study & Monitoring Agriculture; Algae; Discharge Limitations; Discharges; Dredging, Draining, & Filling; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Improved Technology; Non-point Source Controls; Non-point Source Runoff; Nutrients; Seawater Flow; Sediment; Sewage Treatment; Surface & Groundwater Flow; Wastewater Discharge; Water Depth & Sea Level
Gersekowski, J. N. 1992. Sewage treatment on green island. Pages 175-179 in National Conference Publication - Institution of Engineers, Australia. 1992 Australia Nutrients; Sewage Treatment; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge
Herberts, J. C., M. K. Fries, and A. B. Archer. 1992. Barbados keeps beaches clean and traffic flowing. WATER QUALITY INTERNATIONAL 2:26-27. 1992 Beaches & Nature Parks; Improved Technology; Sewage Treatment; Tourism & Recreation; Wastewater Discharge
Bunpapong, SI RI KU L and SO MP ON G Ausavajitanond. 1991. Saving what's left of tourism development at Patong beach, Phuket, Thailand. Pages 1685-1697 in Coastal Zone: Proceedings of the Symposium on Coastal and Ocean Management. 1991 Thailand Anchoring & Vessel Grounding; Boating Regulations; Sewage Treatment; Tourism & Recreation; Waste Management; Waste Management Policies
Kelleher, G. 1990. Floating hotels on the Great Barrier Reef. Pages 149-154 in Coastal ocean space utilization. Proc. international symposium, New York, 1989. 1990 Australia Hotel & Food Services; Marine Protected Areas; Sewage Treatment; Tourism & Recreation; Waste Management Policies
Meiorin, E.C. 1989. �Urban Runoff Treatment in a Fresh/Brackish Water Marsh in Fremont, California�, in: Hammer, D.A. (Ed.) Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment: Municipal, Industrial, and Agricultural, Lewis Publishers, Inc., Chelsea, pp. 677-685. 1989 Agriculture; Discharges; Non-point Source Runoff; Nutrients; Sewage Treatment; Surface & Groundwater Flow; Wastewater Discharge; Wetlands
Rigden, B. 1989. Water and wastewater treatment for a small island resort. Water Science and Technology 21:189-193. 1989 Hotel & Food Services; Sewage Treatment; Wastewater Discharge
Slocum, DE AN, RI CH AR D Berlandy, and RO BE RT Wardwell. 1986. Facilities Planning In The Caribbean A Case Study. Pages 1351-1357 in [No source information available]. 1986 South & Central America; Caribbean Improved Technology; Sea Turtles; Sewage Treatment; Wastewater Discharge; Water; Waterborne Discharges
HUDDELL, H. D., J. C. WILLET, and G. MARCHAND. 1974. Nearshore Currents And Coral Reef Ecology Of The West Coast Of Guam, Mariana Islands. in [No source information available]. 1974 Guam Field Study & Monitoring Beaches & Nature Parks; Military; Sewage Treatment; Tourism & Recreation; Waste Management Policies
Nedwell, D. B. 1974. Sewage treatment and discharge into tropical coastal waters. Search 5:187-190. 1974 Discharges; Mangroves; Nutrients; Sewage Treatment; Waste Management Policies

Management Options

Management Option Description Sources Database Topics
Agriculture & Aquaculture: Pond Sealing Waste treatment ponds and pits are useful methods of treatment, but premature seepage from these storage impoundments would also have negative impacts. Bentonite Liner Treatment, Compacted Clay Treatment, Flexible membrane, and Soil Dispersant Treatment are all options for sealing treatment impoundments, depending on the specific soil suitability and other criteria. Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2011. National Handbook of Conservation Practices. U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Agriculture; Discharges; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Non-point Source Runoff; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Nutrients; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Point Source Discharges; Remediation; Sewage Treatment; Supporting Services; Waste Management; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge
Data Management & Decision Tools: Research and Model Causal Linkage Between Pollutants and Ecological Impact This involves conducting research to identify and document causal linkages between discharge water pollutants and specific, quantifiable ecological problems. The natural environment naturally assimilates some pollutants, but has thresholds for this type of contaminant processing. Different hydrology, biology and spatial/temporal factors are all going to play a roll in the linkage between pollutants and ecological problems, meaning modeling and risk assessment can be beneficial. NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL.

Applied Chemicals; Biological Monitoring & Restoration; Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Chemical Variables; Cleaner & Solvent Use; Decision Support; Discharge Limitations; Discharges; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Fertilizer & Pesticide Use; Non-point Source Controls; Non-point Source Runoff; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Petroleum Spills; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Point Source Discharges; Reef Inhabitants; Regulating Services; Sewage Treatment; Stormwater Management; Sunscreen Use; Supporting Services; Toxics; Wastewater Discharge; Water; Waterborne Discharges; Wetlands
Discharge Controls: Point Source Effluent Toxicity Standards Effluent Toxicity is considered the aggregate toxic effect to aquatic organisms from all pollutants contained in a facility's wastewater (effluent). It is one part of the Water Quality Standards (#22) that prohibits the discharge of toxic pollutants in toxic amounts. Numerical criteria can be adopted from the Clean Water Act of based on scientifically-defensible methods. In addition to setting this numerical criteria, enforcement of the standards requires inspection programs and monitoring. Center for Watershed Protection. 2008. Guanica Bay watershed management plan.

Chemical Variables; Decision Support; Discharge Limitations; Discharges; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Food, Beverage, & Tobacco Products; Improved Technology; Manufacturing & Trade; Metals, Electronics, & Machinery Products; Natural Gas & Electric Power; Nutrients; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Point Source Discharges; Sewage Treatment; Toxics; Utilities; Utility Policies; Waste Management; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge; Waterborne Discharges; Wood, Plastics, & Chemical Products
Water Quality Management: Wastewater Management System Standards This management option involves reducing the amount of pollutants entering groundwater by enforcing existing standards. Inspection and compliance programs for cesspits, Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (OSTDS) and septic tanks are necessary to do this. Municipal sewage treatment plants have a variety of means to meet these standards, including improving management of current treatment systems or upgrading treatment systems with newer technology. Some of these technologies include: Continuous-Flow, Suspended-Growth Aerobic Systems (CFSGAS), Fixed-film, Sequencing batch reactor systems, Stabilization ponds, FWS constructed wetlands, and other aquatic systems (#2), Enhanced nutrient removal: phosphorus & nitrogen, Recirculating sand/media filters and Land treatment systems. NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL.

Center for Watershed Protection. 2004. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination. US EPA.

US Environmental Protection Agency. 2002. Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual. EPA/625/R-00/008, US EPA.

Chemical Variables; City Planning; Decision Support; Discharge Limitations; Discharges; Improved Technology; Landuse Management; Nutrients; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Point Source Discharges; Sewage Treatment; Supporting Services; Utilities; Waste Management; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge; Waterborne Discharges
Water Quality Management: Treating Effluent Water Through Wetlands Additional treatment of sewage is often a necessary management option because secondary treatment alone leaves 20,000 times more nutrients in the water than the safe limit for corals. High concentrations of nutrients in the water leads to eutrophication, and coral reefs are more sensitive to nutrient enrichment than any other coastal system. Wetlands are extremely successful at reducing nitrogen levels in water. Using natural wetlands or "living machines" to perform this task can actually be more cost effective than further sewage treatment. Each successive wetland treatment cell of the series can provide incredible levels of denitrification, and thus protect corals from nutrient enrichment. Center for Watershed Protection. 2008. Guanica Bay watershed management plan.

Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2011. National Handbook of Conservation Practices. U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2003. Waste Treatment Lagoon. CODE 359. U.S. Depatrment of Agriculture.

Building & Home Construction; Chemical Variables; City Planning; Civil Engineering & Construction; Coastal Development; Coastal Engineering; Deforestation & Devegetation; Discharge Limitations; Discharges; Ditching & Soil Disturbance; Infrastructural Policies; Infrastructure; Land-Based Civil Engineering; Landscape Changes; Landscape Conservation & Restoration; Landuse Management; Mangroves; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Nutrients; Physical Variables; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Point Source Discharges; Primary Production; Security & Public Administration Policies; Sewage Treatment; Supporting Services; Surface & Groundwater Flow; Toxics; Utilities; Utility Policies; Waste Management; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge; Waterborne Discharges; Wetlands
Water Quality Management: Reduce Pollution & Discharges from Marinas & Live-Aboards This management option strives to reduce and eliminate the discharge of wastewater and pollution within zones near corals. In many instances, "no-discharge" zones already exist and are simply poorly enforced. In other instances the discharge limits are not stringent enough. Successful regulation requires marinas to be equipped with the proper infrastructure to support transfer of wastewater from vessels to shore-side for treatment. This infrastructure includes: pump-out facilities and mobile pump-out services. NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL.

Biological Addition; Boating Activities; Boating Regulations; Coastal Engineering; Cyanobacteria; Discharge Limitations; Discharges; Docks & Marinas; Health; Health Policies; Marine Debris; Microorganisms; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Nutrients; Pathogens; Physical Damage; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Point Source Discharges; Ports & Harbors; Resource Use Management; Sewage Treatment; Solid Waste Disposal; Waste Management; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge; Waterborne Discharges
Water Quality Plans: Reducing Pollution Discharges from Marinas and Live-Aboards This plan strives to reduced pollution discharges through more strictly enforcing already-existing regulations for discharging. This includes enforcing regulations that restrict boaters from releasing sewage into state waters and requiring connecting toilets to shore-side plumbing. Also, this entails enforcing "no-discharge" zones where live-aboard vessels congregate or where there is history of violation issues with sewage release. The third component to this plan would be to develop and education plan to educate boaters on how/why to reduce pollution from their vessels. NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL.

US EPA. 2011. Vessel General Permit Fact Sheet.

2005. Brightwork: Best Management Practices Manual for Maine's Boatyards and Marinas.

Biological Addition; Contact Uses; Cultural Policies; Culture; Discharge Limitations; Discharges; Entertainment & Accommodation Services; Environmental Education & Outreach; Fishing Sector; Food & Raw Materials; Health; Health Policies; Infrastructure; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Point Source Discharges; Pressures; Recreational Fishing; Resource Use Management; Responses; Sectors Filling Human Needs; Sewage Treatment; Socio-Economic Drivers; Tourism & Recreation; Utilities; Waste Management; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge; Waterborne Discharges

Laws

Legal Citation Purpose of Law Management Organization Database Topics
Administrative fines for damaging State Lands of products thereof, 18-14 Florida Administrative Code. 18-14.003 Violations. It shall be a violation of this rule for any person or the agent of any person to knowingly refuse to comply with any provision of Chapter 253, F.S., willfully violate any provision of Chapter 253, F.S., or to willfully damage state land (the ownership or boundaries of which have been established by the state) or products thereof, by doing any of the following: (1) Fill, excavate, or dredge, including prop dredging in a manner which produces a defined channel, on state land without the lease, license, easement or other form of consent required by the Board. (2) Remove, in violation of state or federal law, any product from state land without written approval or specific exemption from the Board or Department. (3) Discharge contaminants, wastes, effluents, sewage or any other pollutant as defined in Chapter 376 or Chapter 403, F.S., on, under or over state land; when such discharge is in violation of Chapter 403 or conditions of a permit issued pursuant to that chapter, or conditions of a lease or easement issued pursuant to Chapter 253, F.S. - 37 (4) Maintain, place or build permanent or temporary structures, including, but not limited to, additions to existing structures; all structures whose use is not water-dependent; sanitary septic systems; fences, docks and pilings; houses; oil rigs; and utility installations on or over state land without consent or authority from the Board or Department. (5) Place garbage, refuse, or debris on or over state land without approval by the Board or Department. (6) Any other willful act that causes damage to state land, or products thereof, when such activity occurs without the required approval by the Board or Department.

Application to Coral Reefs:Controlling and limiting excavation and dredging, as well as discharge of contaminants, wastes, sewage, and other pollutants will assist in keeping sediment and pollutants from reaching the coral reefs and causing degradation of reef organisms..

Legislative Actions:

Comments:Administrative Fines for Damaging State Lands or Products Thereof 		Florida State Department of Environmental Protection

Jurisdiction:
US State Waters 		Anchoring & Vessel Grounding; Ballast Discharge; Coastal Engineering; Commercial Fisheries; Construction Codes & Projects; Dredging, Draining, & Filling; Educational & Research Opportunities; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Fertilizer & Pesticide Use; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Oil & Gas Research & Exploration; Petroleum Spills; Recreational Opportunities; Resource Use Management; Sediment; Sewage Treatment; Substrate; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge
Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve, 18-18 Florida Administrative Code. 18-18.001 Intent. (1) The Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve, the boundaries of which are fully described in Rule 18-18.002, F.A.C., was established for the purpose of preserving and enhancing Biscayne Bay and all natural waterways tidally connected to the bay in an essentially natural condition so that its biological and aesthetic values may endure for the enjoyment of future generations. (2) These rules shall apply to all lands public and private within the boundaries of the preserve. However, privately owned uplands shall be excluded from these rules except as otherwise provided for herein. (3) In promulgating and implementing these rules, it is the intent of the Department to construe the provisions of Sections 258.397 and 258.35 through 258.46, F.S., together and to apply the more stringent statutory provisions for the maintenance of the preserve. (4) The preserve shall be administered and managed in accordance with the following goals: (a) To preserve, protect, and enhance Biscayne Bay and all natural waterways tidally connected to the bay by reasonable regulation of human activity within the preserve through the development and implementation of a comprehensive management program; (b) To protect and enhance the waters of the preserve so that the public may continue to enjoy the traditional recreational uses of those waters such as swimming, boating and fishing; (c) To coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies to aid in carrying out the intent of the legislature in creating the preserve; (d) To use applicable federal, state, and local management programs, which are compatible with the intent and provisions of the Act and these rules, to assist in managing the preserve; (e) To encourage activities that protect or enhance the biological and aesthetic values of the preserve, including but not limited to the modification of existing manmade conditions towards their natural condition, when reviewing applications or developing and implementing management plans for the preserve; (f) To preserve and promote indigenous life forms and habitats including but not limited to sponges, soft corals, hard corals, seagrasses, mangroves, mud flats, marine reptiles, game and non-game fish species, marine mammals, tropical marine invertebrates, birds and shellfish; (g) To acquire additional title interests in land wherever such acquisitions would serve to protect or enhance the biological or aesthetic values of the preserve.

Application to Coral Reefs:Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve protection of water quality will contribute to a lowering of contaminants leaving the preserve on tides and thus limiting the contaminants that reach off-shore ecosystems including the FKNMS and the reef system within the sanctuary.

Legislative Actions:

Comments:This chapter establishes the rules to protect the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve, which was established for the purpose of preserving and enhancing Biscayne Bay and all natural waterways tidally connected to the bay in an essentially natural condition so that its biological and aesthetic values may endure for the enjoyment of future generations. 		Florida State Department of Environmental Protection

Jurisdiction:
Designated Marine Areas 		Accidental & Illegal Harvest; Anchoring & Vessel Grounding; Ballast Discharge; Boat Movement; Coastal Development; Docks & Marinas; Dredging Regulations; Dredging, Draining, & Filling; Environmental Education & Outreach; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Finfish & Shellfish Stock; Finfish Harvest; Hydrologic Management; Landuse Management; Mangroves; Marine Birds; Marine Debris; Nutrients; Point Source Discharges; Recreational Opportunities; Resource Use Management; Seagrasses; Seawater Flow; Sediment; Sewage Treatment; Small Boats; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge
Chapter 7: Water pollution control, 12 Virgin Islands Code. In coordination with EPA through Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, establishes controls for the discharge of wastewater and other pollutants to waters of the USVI, sets water quality standards. The Commissioner sets water quality standards applicable to he United States Virgin Islands to protect the public health and welfare and the present and future usa of such waters for public water supplies, propagation of fish, aquatic life and wildlife , recreational purposes and other legitamate uses. The standards are to be reviewed every three years.

Application to Coral Reefs:Water of polluted quality is detrimental to propagation and survival of coral reef organisms. Setting appropriate water quality standards will play a major role in protecting coral reefs.

Legislative Actions:The Commissioner or any USVI resident can commence a civil action. Civil penalties for violators are not to exceed $50,000 per day. Any knowingly or negligently discharging polluants can be crimimnally punished with a fine of not less than $5,000 nor more than $75,000 per day of violation. A second conviction can be punishable up to a fine of $100,000, six years in jail, or both.

Comments: 		US Virgin Islands, Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Division of Environmental Protection

Jurisdiction:
US Virgin Islands 		Biocriteria; Discharges; Health Policies; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Point Source Discharges; Reef Life; Resource Use Management; Sewage Treatment; Waste Management Policies
Clean Water Act of 1974, 33 United States Code § 1252. To restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation's waters

Application to Coral Reefs:The Act can be used to establish water quality standards for the disharge of pollutants into surface waters. Section 101 (3) stated that it will be the national policy that the discharge of toxic pollutants in toxic amounts will be prohibited. The legislation employs a variety of regulatory and nonregulatory tools to reduce direct pollutant discharges into waterways, finance wastewater treatment facilities, and manage polluted runoff. The tools are employed to achieve the broad goal of restoring and maintaining the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's waters so they can support "the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife and recreation in and on the water."

Legislative Actions:During the late 1980's, the program shifted from program-by-program, source by source, pollutant-by-pollutant approach to more holistic water-shed strategies. Under the watershed approach equal emphasis is placed on protecting healthy waters and restoring impaired waters. Also during the 1980's, voluntary programs for nonpoint runoff and regulatory programs for wet weather point sources began to be addressed.

Comments:The Federal Water Pollution Contrl Act Amendments of 1972, PL 92-500, replaced the previous language of the Act entirely, including the Water Quality Act of 1965, the Clean Water Restoration Act of 1965, and the Water Quality Improvement Act of 1970, all of which had been amendments of the Water Pollution Control Act first passed in 1956. The 1977 amendments, PL 95-217, further amended PL 92-500. 		US Environmental Protection Agency

Jurisdiction:
United States; US Territories 		Agriculture, Aquaculture, & Forestry Policies; Biocriteria; Collaboration & Partnering; Construction Codes & Projects; Corporate Responses; Drinking Water Supply; Economic Markets & Policies; Energy Policy & Development; Hydrologic Management; Improved Technology; Mangroves; Microorganisms; Non-point Source Controls; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Nutrients; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Point Source Discharges; Political Pressure; Public Administration; Remediation; Resource Use Management; Seagrasses; Sewage Treatment; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge
Delineation of the landward extent of wetlands and surface waters, 62-340 Florida Administrative Code Annotated (2000). The Rule's intent is to provide a unified statewide methodology for the delineation of the extent of wetlands to satisfy the mandate of Section 373.421, F. S.

Application to Coral Reefs:Preservation of wetlands will allow them to continue to function as buffers for sediment and contaminant control keeping them from reaching estuarine and marine waters and eventually habitats including coral reefs.

Legislative Actions:The Rule is administrative and methodological for delineation purposes.

Comments: 		Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Jurisdiction:
State Coastal Waters; US State Waters; Designated Marine Areas 		Agriculture, Aquaculture, & Forestry Policies; Coastal Development; Dam Construction & Maintenance; Docks & Marinas; Dredging Regulations; Drinking Water Supply; Energy Policy & Development; Finfish & Shellfish Stock; Fish; Invertebrates; Landuse Management; Molluscs; Pipelines; Ports & Harbors; Road Construction & Maintenance; Sediment; Sewage Treatment; Shoreline Armoring; Small Boats; Solid Waste Disposal; Utility Line Construction & Maintenance; Wetlands
Domestic Wastewater Facilities, 62-600 Florida Administrative Code. (1) Section 403.021(2), Florida Statutes, as amended, the Florida Air and Water Pollution Control Act, established that no wastes are to be discharged to any waters of the state without first being given the degree of treatment necessary to protect the beneficial uses of such water. Toward this end, Sections 403.085 and 403.086, Florida Statutes, set forth requirements for the treatment and reuse or disposal of domestic wastewater. Section 403.051(2)(a), Florida Statutes, requires that any Department planning, design, construction, modification, or operating standards, criteria, and requirements for wastewater facilities be developed as a rule. This chapter is promulgated to implement the provisions and requirements of Sections 120.53(1), 120.55, 403.021, 403.051, 403.061, 403.062, 403.064, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.088, 403.0881, 403.101, 403.131, 403.161, 403.182, 403.859, and 403.918, Florida Statutes, concerning domestic wastewater facilities. - 442 (2) The requirements of this chapter represent the specific requirements of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and of Local Pollution Control Programs approved and established pursuant to Section 403.182, Florida Statutes, where such authority has been delegated to those programs. It may be necessary for domestic wastewater facilities to conform with requirements of other agencies, established via interagency agreements (e.g., for mosquito control); the absence of reference to such arrangements in this chapter does not negate the need for compliance with those requirements. (3) The purpose of Chapter 62-600, F.A.C., is to provide minimum standards for the design of domestic wastewater facilities and to establish minimum treatment and disinfection requirements for the operation of domestic wastewater facilities. All systems shall be designed in accordance with sound engineering practice. Supported by moderating provisions, it is intended that Chapter 62-600, F.A.C., establish a framework whereby design flexibility and sound engineering practice can be used in developing systems with which to manage domestic wastewater in an environmentally sound manner. (4) As appropriate, Chapter 62-600, F.A.C., shall be used in conjunction with other Department rules relating to the design and operation and maintenance of domestic wastewater facilities. (5) Standards and requirements in this chapter shall apply only to domestic wastewater treatment, reuse, and disposal facilities (including residuals management facilities). (a) Standards and requirements shall apply to all new facilities and modifications or expansions of existing facilities that submit complete permit applications to the Department after July 1, 1991. (b) Standards and requirements shall apply to all existing facilities that submit complete applications for permit renewal after July 1, 1991. (6) Domestic wastewater facilities that submit complete permit applications on or before July 1, 1991, may: (a) Continue to comply with the rule requirements that were in effect at the time the permit was issued and with the conditions of the existing construction or operation permit until the expiration of such permit, or (b) Opt to comply with the requirements of this revised chapter. (7) The standards and requirements of Part II of Chapter 62-600, F.A.C., and Rules 62-600.500 and 62-600.530, F.A.C., shall be applicable to septic tank drainfield systems and other on-site waste treatment systems with subsurface disposal regulated by this chapter. The reliability requirements of paragraph 62-600.400(1)(b), F.A.C., shall not apply to such septic tank drainfield systems and other on-site waste treatment systems. (8) The discharge limitation of subsection 62-600.510(4), F.A.C., shall not be applicable to facilities permitted on or before January 1, 1982, that discharge into Class II waters or Class III waters which are subsequently reclassified as Class II waters. (9) This chapter provides for exemptions, allowances for existing facilities and variations from standards and requirements. Unless specifically provided otherwise, no wastewater permit shall be issued or renewed unless the permit applicant demonstrates that the subject facility is in compliance with the applicable provisions of this chapter.

Application to Coral Reefs:Setting construction and treatment water quality criteria for wastewater facilities will provide a system of less contaminated water being discharged to surface waters. The environmental impact of the wastewater will be less harmful to ecosystems.

Legislative Actions:

Comments:Establishes the processes for planning, design, construction, modification, or operating standards, criteria, and requirements for wastewater facilities 		Florida State Department of Environmental Protection

Jurisdiction:
State Coastal Waters 		Biocriteria; Building & Home Construction; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Nutrients; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Point Source Discharges; Sewage Treatment; Toxics; Waste Management Policies
Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plant monitoring, 62-601 Florida Administrative Code. (1) Section 403.051(2)(a), Florida Statutes, as amended, part of the Florida Air and Water Pollution Control Act, requires that any Department operating standards, criteria, and requirements for wastewater facilities be developed as a rule. This rule is promulgated to implement the provisions and requirements of the Act concerning domestic wastewater treatment plant monitoring. (2) The purpose of Chapter 62-601, F.A.C., is to ensure that owners and operators of domestic wastewater treatment facilities maintain accurate records and submit reports required by this Chapter in a timely, accurate, cost-effective and uniform manner. (3) Standards and requirements in this chapter shall apply only to domestic wastewater treatment, reuse, and disposal facilities (including residuals management facilities). The standards and requirements are not applicable to facilities described in Rules 62-600.120(1) and (2), F.A.C. (a) Standards and requirements shall apply to all new facilities and modifications or expansions of existing facilities that submit complete permit applications to the Department after July 1, 1991. (b) Standards and requirements shall apply to all existing facilities that submit complete applications for permit renewal after July 1, 1991. (4) Domestic wastewater facilities that submit complete permit applications on or before July 1, 1991 may: (a) Continue to comply with the rule requirements that were in effect at the time the permit was issued and with the conditions of the existing construction or operation permit until the expiration of such permit, or (b) Opt to comply with the requirements of this revised chapter.

Application to Coral Reefs:Setting monitoring requirements and treatment water quality criteria for wastewater facilities will provide a system of less contaminated water being discharged to surface waters. The environmental impact of the wastewater will be less harmful to ecosystems.

Legislative Actions:

Comments:to implement the provisions and requirements concerning domestic wastewater treatment plant monitoring 		Florida State Department of Environmental Protection

Jurisdiction:
State Coastal Waters 		Biocriteria; Building & Home Construction; Discharge Limitations; Manufacturing & Trade; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Nutrients; Point Source Discharges; Sewage Treatment; Toxics; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge
Estuaries and Clean Waters Act of 2000, 33 United States Code §§ 2901 et seq. Creates a federal interagency council that includes the Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Secretary of Army for Civil Works, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The council is charged with developing a national estuary habitat restoration strategy and providing grants to entities to restore and protect estuary habitat to promote the strategy.

Application to Coral Reefs:Protecting water quality in estuaries will help mitigate the impacts of water pollution which inturn would help mitigate ocean acidification.

Legislative Actions:The Act authorized the formation of the Estuary Habitat Restoration Council that was responsible for developing a National Habitat Restoration Strategy.

Comments: 		US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Agriculture, US Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Jurisdiction:
United States 		Ballast Discharge; Building & Home Construction; Collaboration & Partnering; Dredging, Draining, & Filling; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Education & Outreach; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Finfish Harvest; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Forestry; Funding & Donations; Mangroves; Marine Birds; Mining; Non-point Source Runoff; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Nutrients; Remediation; Resource Use Management; Seagrasses; Sediment; Sewage Treatment; Solid Waste Disposal; Waste Management; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge
Identification of impaired surface waters, 62-303 Florida Administrative Code Annotated (2002). The Chapter established a methodology to identify surface waters of the state that will be included on the state's planning list of waters that will be assessed pursuant to subsections 403.067(2) and (3), Florida Statutes. It also establishes a methodology to identify impaired waters based on representative data that will be included on the state's verified list of impaired waters, for which the Department will calculate Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDLs), pursuant to subsection 403.067(4), F.S., and which will be submitted to the United States Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to paragraph 303(d)(1) of the Clean Water Act (CWA).

Application to Coral Reefs:By regulating the amount of pollutants that will be allowed to be discharged into major waterbodies of the state, the amount of pollutants reaching estuarine and then marine environments, and eventually coral reefs, will assist in protecting the reefs and other habitats.

Legislative Actions:The planning list of impaired water bodies has been completed. Data on each water bodies has been collected. DEP is in the process of calculating TMDLs for each water body.

Comments: 		Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Jurisdiction:
State Coastal Waters 		Agriculture, Aquaculture, & Forestry Policies; Construction Codes & Projects; Corporate Responses; Designated Uses; Fertilizer & Pesticide Use; Finfish & Shellfish Stock; Forestry; Irrigation; Landscaping & Household Services; Landuse Management; Metals, Electronics, & Machinery Products; Microorganisms; Mining; Non-point Source Runoff; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Nutrients; Oil & Gas Research & Exploration; Point Source Discharges; Sewage Treatment; Solid Waste Disposal; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge; Wood, Plastics, & Chemical Products
Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972, 33 United States Code § 1401. To regulate the dumping of all types of materials into ocean waters and to prevent or strictly limit the dumping into ocean waters of any material which would adversely affect human health, welfare, or amenities, or the marine environment, ecological systems, or economic potentialities. To regulate (1) the transportation by any person of material from the United States and, in the case of United States vessels, aircraft, or agencies, the transportation of material from a location outside the United States, when in either case the transportation is for the purpose of dumping the material into ocean waters, and (2) the dumping of material transported by any person from a location outside the United States, if the dumping occurs in the territorial sea or the contiguous zone of the United States.

Application to Coral Reefs:The Act has been historically used to regulate dumping of dredged materials and sewage sludge into the marine environment. The law intends to improve the conservation, understanding, management, and wise and sustainable use of marine resources, enhance public awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the marine environment, and to maintain for future generations the habitat, and ecologigal services, of the natural assemblage of living resources that inhabit those areas. Because permits are required, it can be assumed that dumping would not be allowed if the material would be dispersed into a sensitive habitat such as coral reefs.

Legislative Actions:EPA may assess an administrative civil penalty up to $50,000 per person. Higher penalties can be assessed for dumping medical waste (up to $125,000). Each day in violation constitutes a separate offense. Continuing violations can suffer criminal penalties with fines and up to five years imprisionment possible.

Comments:The Act has played a major role in regulating the disposal of dredged material into the ocean environment. However, medical and radioactive wastes, industrial wastes, as well as sewage sludge, are also regulated in the law. 		United States Environmntal Protection Agency

Jurisdiction:
US Territorial Waters; US Federal Waters; Designated Marine Areas 		Ballast Discharge; Biocriteria; Boating Regulations; Complex Habitat & Resources; Designate Protected Species; Designated Uses; Environmental Education & Outreach; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Mangroves; Marine Debris; Marine Protected Areas; Microorganisms; Non-point Source Controls; Oil & Gas Research & Exploration; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Political Pressure; Remediation; Resource Use Management; Seagrasses; Sediment; Sewage Treatment; Solid Waste Disposal; Tourism & Recreation Policies; Transportation Policies; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge
State Revolving Fund Loan Program, 62-503 Florida Administrative Code. (1) Florida�s water pollution control revolving loan program is authorized by Section 403.1835, F.S. This statute establishes the Wastewater Treatment and Stormwater Management Revolving Loan Trust Fund, which meets federal requirements for a State Revolving Fund. The statute authorizes the Department to fund the planning, design, construction, and implementation of wastewater management systems and stormwater management systems. The Act also authorizes financial assistance for a wide range of services, equipment, and construction associated with nonpoint source pollution control. Project examples include brownfield remediation, wetland restoration, septic tank problem correction, best management practices (especially those for agricultural operations) for controlling leaching and runoff, animal waste management, boat discharge elimination, or other needs identified by the Department�s nonpoint source management program. National estuary program projects also may be eligible. (2) The federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, commonly called the Clean Water Act, authorizes federal appropriations for grants to the Department to capitalize the State Revolving Fund. The Act requires that the state contribute matching funds of 20% to qualify for federal capitalization grants. The State Revolving Fund must be operated in perpetuity by the Department. (3) This rule sets forth the Department�s program management procedures and the requirements for obtaining financial assistance. Specific Authority 403.1835(5)(a) FS. Law Implemented 403.1835 FS. History - New 7-29-04.

Application to Coral Reefs:Providing financial assistance to parties interested in building wastewater treatment palnts and best available standards for construction will result in higher treatment of wastewater prior to discharge to waters of the state. Less contaminated water will reach the marine environment where it would have the potential to adversely effect ecosystems.

Legislative Actions:

Comments:Establishes the Wastewater Treatment and Stormwater Management Revolving Loan Trust Fund to fund the planning, design, construction, and implementation of wastewater management systems and stormwater management systems and to provide financial assistance for a wide range of services, equipment, and construction associated with nonpoint source pollution control. 		Florida State Department of Environmental Protection

Jurisdiction:
US State Waters 		Building & Home Construction; Environmental Education & Outreach; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Nutrients; Point Source Discharges; Sewage Treatment; Toxics; Waste Management Policies
Surface water quality standards, 62-302 Florida Administrative Code Annotated (2008). The Chapter establishes the minimum concentrations of contamination that are allowable to protect the designated uses of a waterbody. Designated uses include public drinking water supplies, propagation of fish and wildlife, agricultural, recreation, industrial, and navigation.

Application to Coral Reefs:Protecting surface waters by limiting the concentration of pollutants that can be present will control the concentrations of those pollutants that will reach estuarine and marine environments, thus protecting the associated ecosystems, including coral reefs.

Legislative Actions:Penalties are not presented in the Rule. Specific requirements and penalties are addrressed in individual permits. The Rule relies heavily on biocriteria including acute toxicity, chronic toxicity, Shannon-Weaver Diversity Index. Section 400 presents the classes of Florida waters; Class I potable water supplies, Class II shellfish propagation or harvesting, Class III recreation, propagation and maintenance of a healthy, well-balanced population of fish and wildlife, Class IV agricultural water supplies, Class V navigation, utility and industrial use.

Comments: 		Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Jurisdiction:
State Coastal Waters; US State Waters; Designated Marine Areas 		Biocriteria; Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Civil Engineering & Construction; Coastal Development; Commercial Fisheries; Complex Habitat & Resources; Dam Construction & Maintenance; Deforestation & Devegetation; Designate Protected Species; Discharge Limitations; Dive, Snorkeling, & Swimming Tourism; Docks & Marinas; Dredging Regulations; Dredging, Draining, & Filling; Drinking Water Supply; Fertilizer & Pesticide Use; Finfish & Shellfish Stock; Fish; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Impervious Surfaces; Invertebrates; Irrigation; Landuse Management; Molluscs; Non-point Source Controls; Non-point Source Runoff; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Nutrients; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Pipelines; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Point Source Discharges; Ports & Harbors; Recreational Fishing; Sediment; Sewage Treatment; Shoreline Armoring; Small Boats; Tourism & Recreation Policies; Toxics; Waste Management Policies
Total maximum daily loads, 62-304 Florida Administrative Code Annotated (2006). The Chapter establishes Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), and their allocations, for waters that have been verified to be impaired by a pollutant pursuant to Chapter 62-303. F.A.C.

Application to Coral Reefs:By regulating the amount of pollutants that will be allowed to be discharged into major waterbodies of the state, the amount of pollutants reaching estuarine and then marine environments, and eventually coral reefs, will assist in protecting the reefs and other habitats.

Legislative Actions:The planning list of impaired water bodies has been completed. Data on each water bodies has been collected. DEP is in the process of calculating TMDLs for each water body.

Comments: 		Florida Department of Envitonmental Protection

Jurisdiction:
United States; State Coastal Waters 		Agriculture, Aquaculture, & Forestry Policies; Aquaculture; Ballast Discharge; Biomedical Research Policies; Coastal Development; Deforestation & Devegetation; Ditching & Soil Disturbance; Dredging Regulations; Finfish & Shellfish Stock; Impervious Surfaces; Irrigation; Landuse Management; Metals, Electronics, & Machinery Products; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Nutrients; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Point Source Discharges; Resource Use Management; Sediment; Sewage Treatment; Shoreline Armoring; Solid Waste Disposal; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge; Wetland & Reef Restoration; Wood, Plastics, & Chemical Products
Water quality based effluent limitations, 62-650 Florida Administrative Code Annotated (1996). To implement the provisions of Section 403.051, 403.085 through 403.088 concerning the development of effluent limitations for wastewater facilities.

Application to Coral Reefs:The Florida Air and Water Pollution Act establishes that no wastes are to be discharged to any waters of the state without first being given the degree of treatment necessay to protect the beneficial uses of such water. Requiring treatment of industrial and domestic waste water indirectly protects adjoining ecosystem, such as reefs, by limiting the pollutant that reach these other systems.

Legislative Actions:The Department shall not issue a permit for a discharge to waters of the state, unless the Department has established an efflent limit for those pollutants in the discharge that are present in quantities or concentrations which can be reasonably expected to cause or contribute, directly or indirectly, to a violation of any water quality standard established in rule 62-302. The effluent limit may be a technology based effluent limit (TBEL), a water quality based effluent limit (WQBEL) determined by a Level 1 process, or where applicable, a WQBEL determined by a Level 2 process.

Comments: 		Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Jurisdiction:
US State Waters; Designated Marine Areas 		Agriculture, Aquaculture, & Forestry Policies; Applied Chemicals; Building & Home Construction; Cleaner & Solvent Use; Coal Mining; Construction Codes & Projects; Dam Construction & Maintenance; Domestic Animal Waste; Dredging, Draining, & Filling; Fertilizer & Pesticide Use; Finfish & Shellfish Stock; Fish; Food, Beverage, & Tobacco Products; Irrigation; Landuse Management; Lobster, Crab, & Shrimp; Metals, Electronics, & Machinery Products; Mineral, Rock, & Metal Mining; Non-point Source Runoff; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Nutrients; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Point Source Discharges; Road Construction & Maintenance; Sediment; Sewage Treatment; Solid Waste Disposal; Utility Line Construction & Maintenance; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge; Waterborne Discharges; Wholesale & Retail Trade; Wood, Plastics, & Chemical Products
Wetland applications, 62-611 Florida Administrative Code Annotated (1996). To provide qualitative and quantitative design criteria discharge limits, permitting requirements, and monitoring requirements for wetlands, man-made and natural, receiving domestic wastewater.

Application to Coral Reefs:Because wetlands act as buffers and remove nutrients from contaminated water, in many case the nutrients will not reach the estuarine and marine environments and potentially have an adverse effect on coral reefs.

Legislative Actions:The Rule is administrative in nature and specific pollutant limits and monitoring requirements are specified in individual permits

Comments: 		Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Jurisdiction:
State Coastal Waters 		Agriculture, Aquaculture, & Forestry Policies; City Planning; Construction Codes & Projects; Environmental Education & Outreach; Hydrologic Management; Landuse Management; Mangroves; Nutrients; Pipelines; Point Source Discharges; Resource Use Management; Seagrasses; Sewage Treatment; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge

Jump to main content.