Johns.Īs a result, in November 2012, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) released a draft nutrient Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for Silver Springs and the upper Silver River that calls for a 79% reduction in nitrate concentrations for these waterbodies. Cool, clear water bubbles up from the aquifer below flowing from spring vents into the Silver River, which leads to the Ocklawaha River and eventually the St. Silver Springs provides an important source of fresh, clean water to the St.

Insect productivity has declined by 72%.

Ecosystem productivity has declined by 27%.

Total algal biomass has increased by 371%.

Submerged aquatic plant biomass has declined by 21%.

Nighttime dissolved oxygen has declined by about 19%.

NO3-N has increased by 176% (2,600% over the entire period of record of more than 100 years).

Flows have declined by 32% during the past decade and 50% since 1965.

Bob Knight, Director of the Florida Springs Institute, and the Silver Springs 50-year Retrospective Study: One of Florida's most iconic natural treasures and a National Natural Landmark, Silver Springs, has experienced dramatic declines in flow and increases in nitrate levels in recent years.Īccording to Dr. Location of Sleepy Lands Ranch Phase I, Credit: SJRWMD SPRINGS IN DECLINE Johns Riverkeeper and the Florida Defenders of the Environment filed an appeal of the decision.Ĭontinue reading to learn more about the threats to Silver Springs and this important issue. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) unanimously approved two permits for Sleepy Creek Lands (formerly known as Adena Springs Ranch), the massive cattle operation located adjacent to Silver Springs. On July 14, 2015, the Governing Board of the St. S JRWMD Press Release – Governing Board Approves Permits P ress Release Response to Recommended Order by Petitioners

Silver Springs Photo Credit: Bill Belleville LATEST NEWSĪdministrative Hearing Recommended Order 4.29.15

Dangerous Waters by John S. Burnett