Local Resolution Reached for Wakulla Springs

City of Tallahassee and Wakulla County officials recently worked together to protect Water Quality at Wakulla Springs. There has been friction between the two local governments regarding the Southeast Sprayfield's (SESF) role in the recent decline of water quality at Wakulla Springs.

Some points of contention have been the presence of cattle and the use of fertilizer on the SESF, and the spreading of residual sewage sludge at the Tallahassee Regional Airport. The recent agreement was regarding the City's announcement they would discontinue the use of fertilizer and remove all cattle from the SESF. "The purpose of the proposed city action is to be proactive and in the best interests of the region- and specifically our friends in Wakulla County," Said City Commissioner Debbie Lightsey, "The city is taking due diligence with this proposal despite the Florida Department of Environmental Protection not requiring such action."* The City stopped the spreading of sludge at the airport some time ago.

Over $800,000 has been spent researching the change in water quality at Wakulla Springs. The City of Tallahassee is currently funding an over $300,000 study to map the flow of groundwater in Southern Leon County. Unmentioned septic tanks in our region may contribute to the woes of Wakulla Springs, but no studies have been proposed to explore that source. Septic Tank studies are very difficult and costly to conduct because of the dispersed nature of septic tanks.
*quote taken from "The Wakulla News" Jan 11th 2006 issue