Tallahassee-Leon County Wakulla Springs Initiative
Implementation
The adopted Comprehensive Plan policies for the protection of Wakulla Spring call for the adoption of a Primary Springs Protection Zone and additional regulations within the zone to protect our groundwater. All development orders in the City and County must to be consistent with the adopted language. However, a majority of the new policies provide general direction that will require the development of specific Land Development Regulations or other actions before the policy direction is implemented. The adopted Comprehensive Plan polices set an implementation goal of December 31, 2010.
We have included below information on implementation efforts starting with the adoption of the Primary Springs Protection Zone.
Primary Springs Protection Zone
The Primary Springs Protection Zone is based largely on the Leon County Aquifer Vulnerability Assessment (LAVA). LAVA identified the areas of the County where the Floridan Aquifer (our drinking water and source of spring water) is more likely to be contaminated by pollution discharged near land surface. The Primary Springs Protection Zone was drawn to include the most vulnerable region of the County. The map linked above has been adopted into the Land Development Regulations for Leon County and the City of Tallahassee. An interactive version of the map is available on www.TLCGIS.org.
Remove Clustering Provision for Urban Fringe in the Primary Springs Protection Zone
The City and County have both adopted changes to the Urban Fringe Zoning District in the Land Development Code that prevent the use of a specific type of clustered development that previously allowed for potentially higher home densities in this vulnerable area.
Transfer of Development Units System, No Net Increase in Dwelling Units, and No New Urban Fringe in the Primary Springs Protection Zone
These three components adopted in Comprehensive Policy 4.2.5: [C] (4) were developed due to concerns that promoting the extension of central sewer to Woodville Rural Community would result in unrestrained development pressure that, due to increased impervious area, more lawns, and other pollution sources, would overrun the aquifer protection benefit of connection to central sewer. These three items are implemented straight from the adopted Comprehensive Plan policies. However, a component of the transfer of development units program will need future implementing Land Development Regulations.
Restrict Fertilizer Application
Improper fertilizer application has been identified by the State as a major source of excessive nutrients to our surface waters and increasing levels of nitrogen in our groundwater. In order to address these concerns and protect our water resources, the City Commission adopted Ordinance No. 08-O-72AA on January 28, 2009. The ordinance regulates the proper use of fertilizers by any fertilizer applicator within the City, requires proper training (provided through Leon County Extension Office) and provides for certification of commercial and institutional fertilizer applicators. The Leon County Board of County Commissioners is also considering a similar countywide ordinance
Require the Use of Performance Based Septic Systems
Septic systems have been identified as one of the major sources of nitrogen released into the Wakulla Spring recharge area. Properly installed and maintained traditional septic systems are an effective tool for disposing of human waste. However, traditional septic systems are not designed to significantly reduce the amount of nitrogen in the effluent they discharge. To help reduce the nitrogen contribution from septic systems the Comprehensive Plan calls for the use of performance based septic systems within the Primary Springs Protection Zone. These performance based systems are capable of reducing the total nitrogen levels discharged by up to 70%. The link above provides information on the process Leon County is engaged in to develop regulations that implement the Comprehensive Plan policy.