Simulated changes in ground-water levels resulting from proposed phosphate mining, west-central Florida; preliminary results

Abstract

A digital model of two-dimensional ground-water flow was used to simulate projected changes in the Floridan aquifer potentiometric surface in 1985 and 2000, resulting from proposed ground-water developments by the phosphate mining industry in west-central Florida. The .model was calibrated under steady-state conditions to simulate the September 1975 potentiometric surface. Under one development plan, existing phosphate mines in Polk County would continue to withdraw ground water at 1975 rates, until phased out as the ore is depleted; no new mines would be introduced. Preliminary results indicate that under this plan, maximum simulated recovery of the potentiometric surface is 11.9 feet by 1985 and 36.5 feet by 2000. Under an alternative plan, all proposed mines in Polk, Hardee, DeSoto, Hillsborough and Manatee Counties would begin operations: in addition to the continuation and phasing out of existing mines. Preliminary results indicate that the potentiometric surface would generally recover in Polk County and decline elsewhere in the modeled area. Maximum simulated recovery is 4.5 feet by 1985 and 29.6 feet by 2000; maximum simulated drawdown is 15.1 feet by 1985 and feet by 2000. All results are preliminary and subject to revision as the investigation continues.