Site Specific Interpretations of the Narrative Nutrient Criterion

Numeric nutrient criteria that are approved Hierarchy 1interpretations of the narrative nutrient criteria under Rule 62-302.531(2)(a), F.A.C., can include Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), Level II Water Quality-Based Effluent Limits (WQBELs), Reasonable Assurance Plans (RAPs) and Site Specific Alternative Criteria (addressed above).

Site Specific Alternative Criteria

Site specific alternative criteria (SSAC) replace the criteria applicable statewide in cases where site specific information supports different numeric criteria. Any SSAC must fully support and protect the designated use of the waterbody. SSACs fall into three types: Type I, Type II and Type III.

  • Type I SSACs (Rule 62-302.800(1), F.A.C.) are established to reflect natural background conditions, such as lower dissolved oxygen levels than the statewide default criteria.
  • Type II SSACs (Rule 62-302.800(2), F.A.C) are established for situations other than natural background conditions.
  • Type III SSACs (Rule 62-302.800(3), F.A.C.) are limited to nutrient criteria.

All types of SSACs must still fully protect the designated use of the water body.

Examples of site specific criteria include the Everglades phosphorus criterion (Rule 62-302.540, F.A.C.) and the Site Specific Alternative Criteria described in Rule 62-302.800, F.A.C.

Type III Nutrient SSACs for Lake Tarpon in Pinellas County

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) hosted an in-person public hearing on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, 6 p.m. EDT at the Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center Auditorium (3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL 34688) to present information on the proposed adoption of Type III nutrient site specific alternative criteria (SSACs) for total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) for Lake Tarpon (WBID 1486A) in Pinellas County, Florida. 

Links to the agenda for the public hearing, a map of the proposed SSAC area, hearing presentation, and the technical documentation supporting the proposed SSACs are located below.

DEP is requesting that all comments be received by October 29, 2025. Verbal comments will be received during the in-person workshop. Written comments should be submitted by email to WQS_Rulemaking@FloridaDEP.gov or by mail to:

Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Attn: DeAsia Armster
Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration
2600 Blair Stone Road, MS 6511, Tallahassee, FL, 32399

Please contact Kaitlyn Sutton (850-245-8819) or Nia Wellendorf (850-245-8190) if you have any questions about the public hearing or proposed SSACs.

Water Quality Standards Variances

 

Last Modified: Friday, Mar 27, 2026 - 07:22am