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7/6/2016
<br />Topic Descriptions — Florida Environmental Network
<br />the waterbody does not meet, or is projected not to meet, the adopted minimum flow or level, the
<br />district must adopt a recovery or prevention strategy. Going through this process, the water
<br />management districts have found that many waterbodies are below their established minimum flow
<br />or level and thus require a recovery or prevention strategy. Some districts are re-evaluating their
<br />minimum flows and levels to see if they were set correctly. Minimum flows and levels and their
<br />associated prevention or recovery strategies can affect water users by causing cutbacks on existing
<br />sources, forcing development of alternative water supplies, and forcing participation in aquifer or
<br />surface water body recharge projects, in each case creating general uncertainty. This course focuses
<br />on the process by which minimum flows or levels are developed and adopted, while also identifying
<br />where minimum flows or levels are already in place or are scheduled for adoption in the future, how
<br />water users are impacted, and what you can do to protect your water uses. Instructors: Doug Manson
<br />(Moderator), Mark Hammond, Mike Register, Terrie Bates, Matt Leopold
<br />PP. EMBRACING WATER SUPPLY SUSTAINABILITY: THE CRITICAL ROLE OF ALTERNATIVE
<br />WATER SUPPLY AND REUSE As our population grows, the demand for water will also grow - and not
<br />just for human consumption. Growing the food to feed a hungry nation consumes a significant
<br />amount of water. Powering up homes and businesses for the latest in "gadgetry' also requires more
<br />electricity, which also requires volumes of water. As demand increases, the impacts of drought will
<br />become more pronounced, particularly in places that are vulnerable to extreme weather, like Florida.
<br />Thankfully, scientific advances and innovative technologies allow us to tap into alternative supplies,
<br />including reuse water, to provide a safe and reliable water supply for drinking, manufacturing,
<br />irrigation and energy generation. While conservation is an important tool, states must incorporate
<br />alternative supplies and reuse in their water portfolios to meet their growing needs and protect
<br />against environmental degradation. The passage of SB 536 in 2014 and SB 552 in 2016 suggests that
<br />Florida is taking bold steps to achieve these goals. DEP just released its comprehensive study on how
<br />to expand the use of reclaimed water, stormwater and excess surface water in the state. SB 552
<br />provides for significant improvements to the water supply planning and development process. These
<br />significant efforts by the Legislature and DEP have the potential to guide the long-term strategy for
<br />water use and development in Florida. join us for an intriguing discussion of the policies needed to
<br />advance alternative water supply and reuse in the Sunshine State, while highlighting successful
<br />policies and projects that have led to economic development, sustained agriculture, and
<br />environmental restoration. Instructors: Melissa Meeker (Moderator), Ann Shortelle, Mike Sole, Ed Torres,
<br />Temperince Morgan
<br />QQ. USING PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS TO SOLVE FLORIDA'S WATER CHALLENGE Florida is
<br />faced with significant water shortages projected to be an estimated 2 billion gallons per day by 2025
<br />unless proactive action is taken. Florida is also confronting significant water quality challenges,
<br />including meeting recently enacted Numeric Nutrient Criteria, TMDLs and restoration targets. How
<br />can the private sector help public entities with these issues? Part of the solution may be the
<br />development of long-term contractual arrangements between public utilities and private land owners
<br />in the storage, production, reuse and treatment of water. The panel will discuss advantages and
<br />difficulties in developing public-private partnerships, recent legislative changes at the state and
<br />federal level, and success stories in meeting Florida's future water needs. This is a very timely and
<br />highly recommended course! Instructors: John Fumero (Moderator), Jack Fiveash, Pat Lehman, Ernie Cox
<br />RR. DISPERSED WATER MANAGEMENT The Dispersed Water Management Program administered
<br />by the SFWMD encourages private property owners to retain water on their land rather than drain it,
<br />accept and detain regional runoff for storage or do both. Landowners typically become involved in
<br />the program through cost -share cooperative projects, easements, or payment for environmental
<br />services. Managing water on these lands is one tool to use in reducing damaging amounts of water
<br />diverted into lakes and estuaries for flood protection. Dispersed water management also offers
<br />many other environmental and economic benefits, including providing valuable groundwater
<br />recharge for water supply; improving water quality and rehydration of drained systems; enhancing
<br />plant and wildlife habitat; and helping sustain the local economy by incentivizing landowners to
<br />provide great environmental stewardship. This timely and informative course will tell you all about
<br />it. Audience participation encouraged. Instructors: Ernie Barnett Ernie Cox, Benita Whalen, Jeff Sumner
<br />** SPECIAL COURSE SERIES ON WATER QUALITY **
<br />SS. NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN WATER QUALITY PERMITTING Extremely informative course includes
<br />timely updates on new ways the Department of Environmental Protection and EPA are addressing
<br />water quality issues; also includes basic as well as advanced discussion on water quality discharge
<br />permitting, whether from industrial, domestic, or other discharge sources; emphasis on current
<br />agency practices, and updates on pending legal changes; emerging water quality issues affecting
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