The purpose of these rules is to implement the expressed policy of the Northwest Florida Water Management District and the State of Florida to assure that agricultural and forestry projects relating to the management, storage, and drainage of surface waters will not be harmful to the water resources, and will provide for the safety of life and property. The following constitutes an expression of the objectives of the District with regard to its permitting powers.
    (1) It shall be the objective of the District to encourage sound agricultural and forestry water management practices in a manner which provides for the conservation of the District’s water resources.
    (2) It shall be the objective of the District to provide that the discharge to waters of the State from agricultural and forestry surface water management projects meet the water quality provisions of Chapters 62-302 and 62-4, F.A.C.
    (3) It shall be the objective of the District to ensure that any dam, impoundment, reservoir, appurtenant work, or works under permit does not create a hazardous condition which might threaten lives or property.
    (4) It shall be the objective of the District to ensure that the waters within the District are not depleted, restricted, or otherwise impaired by artificial means unless permitted by the District.
    (5) It shall be the objective of the District to ensure the protection and preservation of wetlands and other water-dependent natural systems.
Rulemaking Authority 373.044, 373.113, 373.418 FS. Law Implemented 373.413, 373.416, 373.418, 373.426 FS. History-New 10-1-84, Amended 7-1-92.