Northwest Florida Springs Get a Helping Hand

DEP’s Northwest District (NWD) is working with state and local governments and local landowners on a new Jackson County Spring/Sinkhole Cleanup Amnesty Program. Under the Amnesty Program and with assistance from local sponsors, Jackson County will establish a central collection center for disposal of waste generated from the cleanup of private springs and sinkholes – including trash, hazardous waste and old pesticides/herbicides.

The project’s sponsors include the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Florida Department of Agriculture, Jackson County, Okaloosa County, University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), Chipola College, Waste Management and the Jackson Blue Spring Working Group.

On a voluntary basis, landowners are offered the opportunity to participate in the program to cleanup springs or sinkholes on their property. Once a landowner enters the program, an IFAS representative will work with them to determine the most efficient cleanup manner. Since no two springs or sinkholes are alike and public safety is a primary concern, the first step will be an onsite visit to identify the type of waste to be disposed, any potential risks and to determine if volunteer labor will be needed to assist with the cleanup. Factors considered will be the stability of the site, the type of waste and the amount of labor/equipment needed to remove the waste. Based on the onsite visit, the IFAS representative will coordinate with the cleanup program sponsors and volunteers to schedule the cleanup.

As more and more landowners enter the program, cleanups will be prioritized based on environmental impact and resource availability. Guidance for submerged land, waste and asbestos issues has been provided to the partners and DEP’s NWD contacts are also available as a resource.

The Jackson County Board of County Commissioners has voted in favor of this program. In addition, the county is working with DEP to establish a Springs Ambassador who will serve to educate local citizens about springs, sinkholes, groundwater and stewardship. It is anticipated that the Springs Ambassador position will be approved by the County and in place shortly to provide that important link between landowners and members of the Amnesty Program in an effort to better protect Florida’s treasured spring systems.