The Department of Environmental Protection gives notice of the intent of the Mosaic Company to conduct a study of water quality in the Little Manatee River and tributaries thereof. The purpose of this study is to establish water quality based effluent limits (WQBELs) for a proposed discharge from the Mosaic Four Corners Mine to an unnamed tributary that flows into Howard Prairie Branch and thence to the Little Manatee River Outstanding Florida Water.

Any interested person may submit written comments as to the plan of study to: Jan Mandrup-Poulsen, Watershed Assessment Section, Department of Environmental Protection, 2600 Blair Stone Road, M.S. 3555, Tallahassee, FL 32399. Comments must be received within 14 days of publication of this notice.

In response to comments received pertaining to the plan of study prior to the proposed commencement date, the Department or applicant, by mutual agreement, may revise the plan of study if necessary. Upon approval of any revisions to the plan of study by the Department, the applicant shall conduct the study for purposes of establishing WQBELs for the affected discharger.

Although the Department may allow for informal dispute resolution during the study period, the study is free-from agency decision making and does not constitute proposed agency action until notice of such is given pursuant to subsection 62-650.500(8), Florida Administrative Code.

Upon request, the plan of study is available for public inspection during normal business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except legal holidays, at Department of Environmental Protection, 2600 Blair Stone Road, Room 238, Tallahassee, FL 32399, (850)245-8448 or the Department of Environmental Protection, Southwest District Office, 13051 North Telecom Parkway, Temple Terrace, FL 33637, (813)632-7600.