Maitland City Talk

Almost a year ago the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopted a law that established Numeric Nutrient Criteria (NNC) for all lakes and springs within the state of Florida. These criteria set very stringent phosphorous and nitrogen limits that all governing bodies would be required to meet by the spring of 2012 to comply with federal standards. Since the adoption of these rules, local public and private organizations have been racing to propose more practical replacement standards designed to achieve balanced water quality without undue financial and logistical strain.

Earlier this month, the Florida Legislature approved proposed draft replacement standard from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) designed to override EPA’s adopted criteria. The EPA is currently reviewing these rule changes to determine if FDEP’s standards are an acceptable substitute. We anticipate that a final determination from EPA will be made by the summer of 2012.

To the average citizen living in Maitland, surface water quality may seem like a foreign concern that they have no tangible connection to. However, most readers will be surprised to know that Maitland’s lakes are significantly more impacted by those living upland than actual lakefront residents. Unlike sewer systems in the New England area that mix stormwater with sanitary waste for processing or disposal, Florida’s stormwater infrastructure is completely independent and relies on gravity to carry rainwater to low points such as lakes and streams. Every single inlet or drain within the city, no matter how far away from natural water it may seem, will eventually drain to one of the Maitland’s 22 lakes. While rainwater is not typically a source of pollutants, the materials that it collects on its journey downstream can cause significant damage to the city’s lakes. Grease, garbage and even soil are common visual nuisances, but the most harmful element that the Stormwater and Lakes Management Division struggles to remove is excess nutrients. Unnaturally, increased dissolved phosphorous and nitrogen can turn a balanced and healthy lake into a water body ridden with algae blooms and fish kills.

Now that we have explained how all residents contribute to the city’s surface water quality, we need to understand the most effective ways to prevent the pollutants from entering Maitland’s stormwater infrastructure. There are numerous Best Management Practices (BMPs) that individual homeowners can adopt to become good aquatic stewards. The following is a quick list of do’s and don’ts: 

DON’T dump old chemicals such as paint or solvents into storm drains.

DON’T blow leaves and grass clippings into the street.

DON’T use fertilizer containing phosphorous unless you meet the county’s allotted exemptions.

DO wash your vehicle in your yard instead of driveway to prevent soap and chemical from flowing into a nearby storm drain.

DO pick up after your pets when going for a walk.

DO blow all yard debris and leaf litter into your yard for proper collection and off-site disposal.

The city of Maitland has adopted a number of local ordinances to enforce these BMPs, but if you do see someone violating any of these standards or if you would like guidance regarding additional BMPs that can be practiced, please contact Maitland’s Stormwater and Lakes Management Division at 407-539-6203.

—Marissa Williams, Stormwater and Lakes Management coordinator

City Council Meeting of March 26

City Council meets the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The next meeting is scheduled for March 26 in the Council Chambers, 1776 Independence Lane. Below are items that will be addressed at that meeting.

Special Presentations:

Proclamation — Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Proclamation — Maitland Public Library Month

Municipal Park — Paula Rue, Vice Chair Parks & Recreation Advisory Board

Enzian — Florida Film Festival

Tallahassee Session Update — Louis Rotundo

Public Hearings:

Ordinance – Creating the Downtown Maitland Zoning District

Ordinance – Rezone Properties within the Downtown Maitland Zoning District

Consent Agenda:

Approve Council Minutes of March 12

Approve Workshop Minutes of March 5

Receive Senior Advisory Board Minutes of Nov. 21

Contract – Chippewa Trail Water Main

Joint Participation Agreement – Sun Rail Station “Art in Transit”

Decision Items:

Appointments – Personnel Board (2)

Request Additional Funding for Littlejohn Engineering Associates

Additional Funding for Police Dept – Chamber Art Festival - Requested by Councilman Bonus

Discussion Items:

Consideration for Preparation of a “Mining Agreement” & Project Funding

Schedule Council/Library Board Workshop

Comments from the Community – March 13 Art & History Association Workshop

Please visit www.itsmymaitland.com for the complete agenda and approved meeting minutes.