PUBLIC SUMMARY CHARTING THE COURSE: THE COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR TAMPA BAY AUGUST 2017 REVISION

Transcription

1 PUBLIC SUMMARY CHARTING THE COURSE: THE COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR TAMPA BAY AUGUST 2017 REVISION

2 INTRODUCTION Tampa Bay, designated an estuary of national significance by Congress, is the vibrant centerpiece of a bustling region of 2.7 million people. The bay s watershed stretches from the spring-fed headwaters of the Hillsborough River to the sugarwhite beaches of Anna Maria Island. TAMPA BAY IS A SPECIAL PLACE More than 200 species of fish live in the bay 26,000 pairs of herons, egrets and other colonial waterbirds nest each summer on bay islands One-quarter of the Gulf Coast population of Florida manatees winters in Tampa Bay One in every five jobs in the watershed depends on a healthy bay More than one-third of all cargo shipped in and out of Florida passes through Tampa Bay ports The Tampa Bay Estuary Program was established by Congress in 1991 to assist the region in developing and implementing a comprehensive plan to protect and improve the bay. The third revision of this community blueprint for action was released in 2017, and is summarized here. ABOUT CHARTING THE COURSE Charting the Course: The Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) for Tampa Bay presents 39 actions to sustain progress in bay restoration through the year The CCMP addresses historical challenges such as reducing nutrient pollution and restoring key habitats as well as new or emerging concerns such as impacts of climate change. ADDITIONALLY, THE CCMP REVISION INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING ELEMENTS: State of the Bay reports Strategic Plan Research and Monitoring Priorities Monitoring and Indicators Plan Communications Plan Climate Change Vulnerability Analysis Tampa Bay Reasonable Assurance Report VIEW THE COMPLETE CCMP AT TBEP.ORG OR TBEPTECH.ORG. Photo by Donna Bollenbach. CCMP PUBLIC SUMMARY PAGE 2

3 TAMPA BAY WATERSHED SIZE: TAMPA BAY PROPER: 400 SQUARE MILES TAMPA BAY WATERSHED: 2,200 SQUARE MILES AVERAGE DEPTH: 11 FEET MAXIMUM DEPTH: 43 FEET (MAIN SHIPPING CHANNEL) SALINITY RANGE: >20-35 PARTS PER THOUSAND IN BAY PROPER; <1-25 PARTS PER THOUSAND IN TIDAL TRIBUTARIES POPULATION IN WATERSHED: 2.7 MILLION (2010 CENSUS) MAJOR TRIBUTARIES: HILLSBOROUGH, ALAFIA, LITTLE MANATEE AND MANATEE RIVERS ABOUT THE TAMPA BAY ESTUARY PROGRAM TBEP is a partnership of Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco and Pinellas counties; the cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD); and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). TBEP STAFF Holly S. Greening Executive Director hgreening@tbep.org Ron Hosler Program Administrator ron@tbep.org Maya Burke Technical Projects Coordinator mburke@tbep.org Misty Cladas Project Manager misty@tbep.org Nanette O Hara Public Outreach Coordinator nanette@tbep.org Gary Raulerson Ecologist graulerson@tbep.org Ed Sherwood Senior Scientist esherwood@tbep.org MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Tampa Bay Estuary Program is to build partnerships to restore and protect Tampa Bay through implementation of a scientifically sound, community-based management plan. CCMP PUBLIC SUMMARY PAGE 3 Photo courtesy Pinellas County Communications

4 A HISTORY OF TAMPA BAY KEY MILESTONES IN THE RESTORATION OF TAMPA BAY, Courtesy Florida State Archives 1950s Population less than ¼ of today Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County (EPCHC) established EPA Clean Water Act approved EPCHC initiates baywide water quality monitoring program Statewide Stormwater Rule is enacted, requiring nutrient management from municipal stormwater systems The Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council convenes the region to develop the Future of Tampa Bay report, including specific actions to reduce pollution and recover habitats in Tampa Bay. The Agency on Bay Management is established to support the report s recommendations. 1960s Bay degradation is recognized. JOR Johansson photo 1970s Save Our Bays and other citizen groups call for legislative action to reduce pollution discharges. SWFWMD photo 1972 Florida s Wilson- Grizzle Act requires wastewater plants discharging to Tampa Bay to upgrade to Advanced Wastewater Treatment (AWT) standards, or enact 100% reclaimed City of Tampa s Howard F. Curren Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) achieves AWT standard, reduces nitrogen loadings by 90%. City of St Petersburg implements 100% reclaimed water from their direct discharge, with similar reductions. Other WWTPs in the region implement nutrient reductions The first Bay Area Science Information Symposium (BASIS) is conducted by the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council. CCMP PUBLIC SUMMARY PAGE 4

5 1991 Tampa Bay is recognized by EPA as an estuary of national significance, and the Tampa Bay National Estuary Program is created to develop a Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan TBNEP s CCMP is approved by local partners, the Governor, and the EPA Administrator. Numeric goals for habitat restoration and water quality improvement are adopted The TBNMC develops an Action Plan (Partnership for Progress) to meet nutrient management targets First year that all bay segments achieve TBEP water quality targets Tampa Bay surpasses seagrass recovery goal of 38,000 acres The State s Water Management Districts establish Surface Water Implementation and Management (SWIM) programs to restore and protect priority water bodies within each District. Tampa Bay is identified as the Southwest Florida Water Management District s priority water body The public/ private Tampa Bay Nitrogen Management Consortium (TBNMC) is formed to assist in meeting nitrogen management targets needed to meet seagrass goals An Interlocal Agreement between the TBNEP partners forms a new Independent Special District of the State of Florida, the Tampa Bay Estuary Program. TBEP partners commit to implementing projects to assist in meeting numeric goals, and to support a funding schedule TBNMC develops voluntary nutrient loading limits for all sources, to continue to meet water quality targets. Federal and state regulatory agencies adopt limits to meet regulatory requirements Seagrass coverage increases to 41,655 acres. CCMP PUBLIC SUMMARY PAGE 5

6 ACCOMPLISHMENTS IMPORTANT ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION PERIOD OF CHARTING THE COURSE: Met and surpassed TBEP s seagrass recovery goal of 38,000 acres baywide, with an estimated 41,655 acres in Established the Tampa Bay Environmental Restoration Fund, a public-private grant partnership jointly managed by TBEP and Restore America s Estuaries. TBERF supports large-scale restoration, research and education initiatives that advance the goals of the CCMP. From , the Fund awarded more than $3 million for projects that restored more than 200 acres of seagrass and 112 acres of coastal uplands, and created 8 acres of oyster reefs. MacDill AFB photo Met one or both water quality targets in all bay segments every year but one (2011). Established restoration targets for freshwater wetlands (18,703 acres) and emergent tidal wetlands (22,739 acres). Expanded the TBEP Management Conference by adding Pasco County, Tampa Bay Water and the Manatee Port Authority. Removed or prevented 537 tons of nitrogen from entering the bay through projects completed by public and private industry partners of the Tampa Bay Nitrogen Management Consortium (NMC). Nitrogen loading targets developed by the NMC were adopted as formal water quality criteria by the state. Facilitated a stakeholder process that resulted in adoption and implementation of local ordinances that restrict sales or use of lawn/ landscape fertilizer in the summer. CCMP PUBLIC SUMMARY PAGE 6

7 IMPORTANT GOALS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION HORIZON OF CHARTING THE COURSE: Jimmy White photo Maintain at least 38,000 acres of seagrass by continuing to manage nitrogen loadings to the bay. Establish restoration and protection targets for hard bottom habitats, coastal uplands and tidal tributaries. Improve water quality in Old Tampa Bay through better management of freshwater inflow and removal of physical barriers to tidal circulation. Expand our knowledge of the sources, distribution and ecological effects of new Contaminants of Concern such as personal care products, pharmaceuticals and microplastics. Ensure that bay habitats can withstand and adapt to climate change, and further quantify the role and value of salt marshes, mangroves and seagrasses in storing carbon and buffering ocean acidification. Donna Bollenbach photo Maintain adequate funding to ensure base operations of TBEP and to implement the CCMP. Reduce municipal sewer overflows and the occurrence of Harmful Algal Blooms in the bay. CCMP PUBLIC SUMMARY PAGE 7

8 GOALS AND PRIORITIES OF CHARTING THE COURSE INFORMED, ENGAGED AND RESPONSIBLE COMMUNITY Inform and engage our partners and the public to appreciate, protect, and sustain Tampa Bay through responsible use, participation in restoration, and adoption of best practices. CLEAN WATERS AND SEDIMENTS Improve water quality by managing nutrient loads from urban, agricultural, and atmospheric sources and by reducing contaminants from spills and discharges. GOAL: FOSTER RESPONSIBLE PUBLIC USE OF THE BAY *Provide for and manage recreational uses of the bay GOAL: INCREASE PUBLIC EDUCATION AND INVOLVEMENT Promote public involvement in bay restoration and protection Promote public education about key issues affecting Tampa Bay GOAL: INCORPORATE CCMP GOALS AND ACTIONS IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT PLANS *Incorporate CCMP goals and actions in local government comprehensive plans, land development regulations or ordinances GOAL: IMPROVE WATER QUALITY *Implement the Tampa Bay nutrient management strategy Reduce frequency and duration of harmful algal blooms GOAL: REDUCE POLLUTION FROM STORMWATER RUNOFF *Reduce nitrogen runoff from urban landscapes Expand adoption and implementation of best management practices for commercial and urban agriculture Expand use of Green Infrastructure practices GOAL: REDUCE THE EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION ON THE BAY Continue to reduce nitrogen loading from atmospheric deposition GOAL: REDUCE POLLUTION FROM WASTEWATER DISCHARGED TO THE BAY Expand the beneficial use of reclaimed water Extend central sewer service to priority areas now served by septic systems Require standardized monitoring of wastewater discharges *Reduce the occurrence of municipal sewer overflows GOAL: REDUCE CONTAMINANTS OF CONCERN IN THE BAY Address hot spots of contamination in the bay Identify and understand emerging contaminants CCMP PUBLIC SUMMARY PAGE 8 * PRIORITY ACTION

9 GOALS AND PRIORITIES (CONT D) CLEAN WATERS AND SEDIMENTS (CONT D) GOAL: REDUCE SOURCES OF BACTERIAL CONTAMINATION Continue assessments of human and ecosystem health indicators suitable for Tampa Bay beaches and other recreational waters THRIVING HABITATS AND ABUNDANT WILDLIFE Increase the number and diversity of healthy bay habitats through restoration and protection to support thriving fisheries and wildlife resilient to a changing climate. Reduce fecal contamination from humans and pets in Tampa Bay Area waters Reduce pollution from recreational boaters GOAL: IMPROVE SPILL PREVENTION AND RESPONSE Continue implementation of advanced technology to improve coordination of ship movements in Tampa Bay Evaluate and update oil and hazardous material spill response plans for priority areas GOAL: REDUCE THE IMPACT OF DREDGING AND IMPROVE DREDGED MATERIAL MANAGEMENT Develop a plan for beneficial uses of dredged material in Tampa Bay Continue to minimize impacts to wildlife and their habitats from dredging activities GOAL: INCREASE AND PRESERVE THE NUMBER AND DIVERSITY OF HEALTHY BAY HABITATS *Implement the Tampa Bay Habitat Master Plan Establish and implement mitigation criteria Reduce propeller scarring of seagrass and pursue seagrass transplanting opportunities Identify hard bottom communities and avoid impacts Encourage habitat enhancement along altered waterfront properties Continue and enhance habitat mapping and monitoring programs Enhance ecosystem values of tidal tributaries Implement the Tampa Bay Freshwater Wetland Habitat Masterplan CCMP PUBLIC SUMMARY PAGE 9 Photo by Nanette O Hara * PRIORITY ACTION

10 GOALS AND PRIORITIES (CONT D) THRIVING HABITATS AND ABUNDANT WILDLIFE (CONT D) GOAL: ESTABLISH AND PRESERVE ADEQUATE FRESHWATER FLOWS TO THE BAY AND ITS TRIBUTARIES Maintain seasonal freshwater flows in rivers GOAL: REDUCE THE OCCURRENCE OF INVASIVE SPECIES IN THE BAY Support prevention, eradication or management of invasive species in Tampa Bay and its watershed GOAL: PROTECT AND ENHANCE FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE Increase on-water enforcement of environmental regulations Achieve a sustainable bay scallop population Continue and expand the Critical Fisheries Monitoring Program *Preserve the diversity and abundance of bay wildlife GOAL: IMPROVE THE RESILIENCY OF BAY HABITATS TO CLIMATE CHANGE Improve ability of bay habitats to adapt to a changing climate Understand and address the effects of ocean acidification INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT The Interlocal Agreement adopted between local government and regulatory partners of the Tampa Bay Estuary Program formally affirms their commitment to implementing the goals of Charting The Course. The first of its kind among the nation s 28 NEPs, the Agreement is a binding pledge by TBEP s major partners to work together to achieve bay recovery targets. The Interlocal Agreement was updated in 2015, including a revised funding schedule and dues for local government partners that calls for a minimum increase in annual dues of 2.5% per year for 5 years for those member governments contributing to the Tampa Bay Environmental Restoration Fund, and slightly higher annual dues for those members that do not contribute to TBERF. This baseline funding commitment will allow TBEP to keep up with inflation and continue to provide support to our partners. CCMP PUBLIC SUMMARY PAGE 10 * PRIORITY ACTION

11 FINANCING THE PLAN TBEP will continue to pursue multiple separate avenues to secure funding or in-kind support to finance operation of the base program and to implement the CCMP. Four funding sources provide dedicated or reasonably secure funding, over both the short-term and long-term: Federal National Estuary Program funding administered through the US Environmental Protection Agency; The Interlocal Agreement that obligates local government and agency partners to help fund the program; Revenue from the Tampa Bay Estuary specialty license plate authorized under Florida State law, and; The Tampa Bay Environmental Restoration Fund, a fundraising partnership between TBEP, Restore America s Estuaries, local governments and private industry. Additional variable funding sources supplement CCMP implementation through local action plans of TBEP partners, grants, cooperative agreements, and other mechanisms. MONITORING SUCCESS A wide variety of characteristics are monitored within Tampa Bay, to both track and demonstrate effects of management actions (including progress, losses, and status quo) and to evaluate whether measureable environmental results have been achieved. These efforts include assessing changes in water and sediment quality, bay habitats, fish and wildlife and climate change effects within the Tampa Bay study area. CCMP PUBLIC SUMMARY PAGE 11

12 RESEARCH RESTORATION EDUCATION th Avenue South St. Petersburg, FL tbep.org tbeptech.org