NMC Potential Projects

1. NMC Potential Projects

2. 2008-2012 RA Implementation PlanSection IX, Approved RA Plan • Defining the Basic Roles of the Consortium • Revisiting the 1998 Federally-Recognized TMDL • Monitoring and Reporting Chlorophyll-a in Tampa Bay and the Consortium’s Actions to meet Chlorophyll-a Thresholds • Consideration of Defining Nitrogen Credits and Development of a Transfer System • Pursuit of Legislation to Allow Trading

3. A. Defining the Basic Roles of the Consortium • Annually apply decision framework and report results. Complete. • Update nitrogen management projects. Database platform updated, need NMC project updates. Ongoing. • Provide information to NMC participants (including N transfers, offsets, etc). This meeting. • Maintain and management Database. Updated platform complete- project updates needed. • Evaluate mechanisms to maintain chl-a thresholds in the bay in the future. Ongoing.

4. B. Revisiting the 1998 Federally-Recognized TMDL • Nitrogen load targets adopted by TBNEP partners in 1996 were developed as management tools to support seagrass recovery, not TMDL assimilative capacities. • Formal acknowledgement from EPA received that TMDL could be revised with proper submittal and approval process. • Potential implications of Numeric Nutrient Criteria- unknown. • Assimilative capacity asssessment may required additional funding for finalizing analysis and submittal, if approved by NMC.

5. C. Monitoring and Reporting Chlorophyll-a in Tampa Bay and the Consortium’s Actions to meet Chlorophyll-a Thresholds • Maintain existing monitoring programs. Ongoing • NMC update actions in database. This spring • Consistent point source monthly data reporting. FDEP taking the lead. • NMC evaluate and consider cost-sharing to support ambient monitoring necessary for RA assessment. No action.

6. D. Consideration of Defining Nitrogen Credits and Development of a Transfer System 1. New or expanded sources must document how expected additional TN loads will be offset, in permit application and in NMC Action Plan. 2. Defining economic value or negotiating transfers are not the responsibility of the NMC or FDEP. 3. Allocations and credits (offsets) generated by an entity will remain with that entity indefinitely. Each entity is responsible for documenting credits in Action Plan Database.

7. D. Consideration of Defining Nitrogen Credits and Development of a Transfer System, cont. • Transfers of allowable credits are allowed within a bay segment drainage area (Table 9). • Transfers are not allowed for interim allocations. • Transfers between-entities (like and non-like sources) may be allowed by FDEP on a case-by-case basis. The WQBEL for these entities will require revision for the parties involved, but would not affect other entities. • Develop detailed transfer guidelines. Not initiated – discussion item.

8. NMC Contributions for 2012 RA Update and potential projects • 2012 RA Update can be completed without additional funds from NMC (TBEP funds). • Reallocation and/or assimilative capacity assessment will require additional funds to support technical contractor . • Transfer program development will require time from NMC, and may require additional legal assistance (may be in-kind or require funding)

9. Funding to date • Some entities have already contributed for 2012 RA Update- thank you! Your contribution will be credited toward your portion of the NMC-approved potential projects costs (if needed), and/or will serve as your contribution to the 2017 RA Update (contributions due by 2015-16). • If your entity can or would like to provide your contribution now, please let Holly or Ed know- we can invoice you at any time.

10. Discussion by NMC • Reallocation to all sources prior to 2017 RA? • ‘Interim allocations’ – how to address? • Define assimilative capacity? • Consider cost-sharing for ambient monitoring support? • Develop detailed offset and transfer guidelines? May require legislative action, if considered a trading program. • Other NMC issues?