Site Specific Alternative Criteria (SSAC) (Lines)

<DIV STYLE="text-align:Left;"><DIV><DIV><P><SPAN>All of Florida's surface waters are classified according to designated uses (Classes I-V). Water quality criteria that support the classes (and therefore, uses) apply uniformly to all waters within the state that have the same classification. Florida recognizes that with the variety of waters found here and a broad approach to them, there may be situations where a generally applicable statewide criterion may not be appropriate for a waterbody or portion of a waterbody. A Site Specific Alternative Criterion, or SSAC, is a water quality criterion developed for a particular waterbody or segment of a waterbody that is designed to more accurately reflect site specific conditions. Criteria, including site specific criteria, are one of the components of Florida?s surface water quality standards, and are intended to protect designated and existing uses of the state waters. Development of an approvable site specific criterion is dependent on a demonstration that the different water quality criterion is more appropriate for the waterbody than the one normally used for the classification. A SSAC recognizes and accounts for the specific needs of the biological community native to the waterbody to make sure they are fully protected. When approved, a SSAC is used instead of (or sometimes in conjunction with) the surface water criterion that applies to the waters for that classification. This data layer should be used on conjunction with the surface water classification data layers (poly and line).</SPAN></P></DIV></DIV></DIV>