(1) Existing drainage facilities shall not be modified so as to discharge water to any coastal waters, either directly or through existing drainage facilities. Existing drainage facilities shall not be expanded in capacity or length except in conformance with subsection (2) below; however, modifications may be made to existing facilities that will raise the ground water table or limit salt water intrusion.
    (2) New drainage facilities shall release water in a manner approximating the natural local surface flow regime, through a spreader pond or performance equivalent structure or system, either on site or to a natural retention, or natural filtration and flow area. New drainage facilities shall also maintain a ground water level sufficient to protect wetland vegetation through the use of weirs or performance equivalent structure or systems. Said facilities shall not retain, divert, or otherwise block or channel the naturally occurring flows in a strand, slough, or estuarine area.
    (3) New drainage facilities shall not discharge water to any coastal waters either directly or through existing drainage facilities.
    (4) This rule shall not apply to drainage facilities modified or constructed in order to use land for agricultural purposes or to convert land to such use.
Rulemaking Authority 380.05 FS. Law Implemented Florida Statutes § 380.055. History-New 11-28-73, Formerly 22F-3.07, 27F-3.07, 27F-3.007.