(1) The provisions of this section shall not apply to the discharge of reclaimed water to man-made wetlands, provided that the water quality criteria for heavy metals contained in Fl. Admin. Code Chapter 62-302, shall apply in man-made wetlands. Except as provided herein such discharge shall not be required to meet the surface water quality criteria contained in Fl. Admin. Code Chapter 62-302, except for Fl. Admin. Code R. 62-302.500 However, discharges to such wetlands shall be permitted in accordance with all other applicable surface water discharge criteria in Fl. Admin. Code Chapter 62-600, and other rules.
    (2) If the man-made wetland is contiguous to other waters, the permit applicant shall provide reasonable assurance that Fl. Admin. Code R. 62-611.450, and all other applicable water quality criteria in Fl. Admin. Code Chapter 62-302, will be met at the boundary between the man-made wetland and other waters, or the applicant shall obtain a permit for discharge of reclaimed water to wetlands for the discharge from the man-made wetland to other wetlands within the landward extent of waters of the state, in accordance with the criteria contained in this section.
    (3) In reviewing a proposal to dredge and fill in a man-made wetland, the department shall apply the permitting criteria of Sections 373.414(1), F.S., to the downstream water only. In addition, the Department shall consider the adverse effects of the dredging and filling on the assimilation capacity of the man-made wetland. Minor dredging and filling which is associated with the construction of the discharge pipe(s) or spreader system, or which is necessary for the installation of platforms or gauges for monitoring shall be reviewed as part of the application to construct or operate a domestic wastewater treatment and disposal system. Any other dredging and filling shall require a dredge and fill permit which shall, when possible, be evaluated concurrently with the application to construct a domestic wastewater treatment and disposal system.
    (4) A man-made wetland created for mitigation as a condition of a Department dredge and fill permit may not be used as a treatment wetland. Such a man-made wetland is not prohibited from use as a receiving wetland, provided all appropriate Department rules are met, and provided that such a use is in conformance with the dredge and fill permit that required the mitigation.
Rulemaking Authority 403.061, 373.414(4) FS. Law Implemented 403.051, 403.061, 403.085, 403.086, 403.087, 403.088, 373.414(4) FS. History-New 11-27-89, Formerly 17-611.650.