BUREAU OF GEOLOGY


 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF PEAT MINING

 by
 Paulette A. Bond
 The Effects of Peat Mining on Wetlands

 Cowardin, et al. (1979) define wetlands as, . lands transitional
between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is usually
at or near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water". This
definition encompasses a number of environments which are commonly
associated with the accumulation of peat including bottoms of lakes,
vegetated and forested wetlands (such as swamps, heads and sloughs),
scrub or shrub wetland (such as shrub swamp, mangrove swamp, poco-
sin and bog) and emergent wetland (such as marsh, fen and bog). This
general definition of wetland may not apply to all of Florida's myriad
wetland environments. The complexity of Florida's wetlands is reflected
in the various classification systems designed especially for them.
Appendix B describes several classifications developed specifically for
use in the state which list and describe various wetland environments of
Florida. King, et al. (1980) note that state and federal land management
and environmental agencies will classify most peatlands as wetland habi-
tats. It was also noted by those authors that peatlands falling into a
wetlands land use category would be closely scrutinized, so that it would
be necessary to demonstrate substantial benefits to the state in order for
land use permits to be secured.
 It is generally accepted that peat mining in a wetland environment will
modify the existing system. It is, thus, instructive to examine the various
functions attributed to wetlands. The hydrologic functions of wetlands
are summarized by Carter, et al. (1978). Hydrologic functions include:
flood storage and storm flow modification, base flow and estuarine
water balance, recharge, indicators of water supply, erosion control and
water quality. Flood storage and storm flow modification, base flow, and
water quality are treated in sections of this report dealing with water
resources and water quality. Estuaries are characterized by a balance
between fresh water (from landward sources) and salt water (from sea-
ward sources). Rivers which flow into estuaries may be flanked by wet-
lands which are flooded on occasion due to increased river discharge
combined with tidal action. Waters which temporarily reside in wetlands
lose some of their nutrient load as well as sediment load. They likewise
gain organic detritus and decomposition products which are passed on to
the estuary for entry into certain food chains. Temporary residence in
wetlands causes a decrease in velocity which aids in controlling both
timing and volume of fresh water influx (Carter, et al., 1978).
 Recharge occurs when water moves into an aquifer. Carter, et al.
(1978) note that there is considerable disagreement concerning the role
of wetlands in recharge. It is noted that while some recharge may occur
in wetlands, all wetlands are not recharge areas. Little information in the