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Volume 22, Issue 3
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March 2020 |
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FSA's Response to COVID-19
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As the impact of COVID-19 unfolds,
FSA continues to monitor updates from the CDC and government officials. In response to the most recent update and with a focus on the health and safety of our members,
we are rescheduling in-person Stormwater Operator Certification classes through April 30th. If you or your staff are currently registered, you should have received information by email. The
online April 14th Stormwater Operator Recertification classes will proceed as planned.
Regarding Stormwater Operator classes beyond April 30th and the Annual Conference in June, we will make a determination as more information is available. Like you, we are taking this day by day, and making decisions with the information we have.
The FSA Office will remain open and staff are available to respond to your questions and concerns by
email and phone (888-221-3124). FSA management staff have the capability to work from home without disruption in service.
We hope that you, your family and your staff remain safe and healthy during this crisis.
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Legislative Session Wrap-Up
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The 2020 Legislative Session was scheduled to conclude on March 13th but was extended (for budget matters only) and finally ended on March 19th. A total of 3,578 bills and 2,596 amendments were filed, 4,223 votes were taken, and 210 bills passed both chambers of the Legislature. The Governor's water quality legislation (Senate Bill 712) unanimously passed both the House and the Senate. SB 712 transfers the OSTDS program from FDOH to FDEP, and includes provisions concerning Biosolids, SW Design Criteria, the "10/2" General Permit, SSOs, inspection of Agricultural BMPs, and increases fines for violations of most permits to discharge pollution into waters of the state. Members may find more information on SB 712 and the 2020 Session on the FSA Legislative Page or by watching a recording of FSA's Webinar Overview of the 2020 Legislative Session.
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There have been no new developments in the litigation or rulemaking efforts concerning the Waters of the US regulations.
FSA's challenge to the 2015 WOTUS regulations remains active in Tallahassee federal trial court, the 2019
repeal rule is being challenged by at least four plaintiffs and a rule to
replace the pre-2015 rule is yet to be adopted but will likely be challenged in court as well.
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Conference Early-Bird Registration Extended to May 1st
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Join stormwater professionals from around Florida this June 17-19, 2020 at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort in beautiful Fort Myers. In keeping with the 2020 year, we will be
Building a Clear Vision in Stormwater Management. This year's event promises to provide sessions from industry-leading experts and thought leaders on regulatory and management topics that matter to you. If you only attend one event in 2020, this is the one you can't miss!
Register now or visit the
Conference Webpage to view all of the details including the agenda, fees, hotel information and more.
Discounted, "Early-Bird" registration rates have been extended to May 1st!
Hotel rooms are going fast so
book now to save your spot at the conference hotel.
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Blue-Green Algae Task Force
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The March meeting of FDEP's Blue-Green Algae Task Force was postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Watch the
Task Force's website for information on when their next meeting will be scheduled.
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States are required by the CWA to review their surface water quality standards every three years as part of the
Triennial Review process. FDEP initiated its 2019 Triennial Review last summer and it is scheduled to be completed later this year. Further workshops on any proposed revisions will likely be conducted in an on-line format. See
FSA's Comments on an earlier draft of FDEP's proposed revisions.
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With the passage of SB 712 during the recent Legislative Session, FDEP has withdrawn its October 2019 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and cancelled a March meeting to discuss biosolids permitting policies. FDEP will be publishing a new Notice of Rule Development to revise biosolids permitting regulations in a manner consistent with the provisions of SB 712. Need more information? Visit the Department's Biosolids webpage.
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| Phase II Permit Revisions |
| On January 13th, FDEP released an updated proposal of revisions to the Phase II MS4 Generic Permit. FDEP plans to announce that they are soliciting comments on the proposed revisions to the Phase II MS4 general permits during the quarterly teleconference meeting set for March 31st. Comments will be accepted for two to four weeks. See FDEP's website for more information on rules currently in development. Please contact FSA immediately if you have any concerns with the proposal. |
| Construction Generic Permit |
FDEP has published a Notice of Continuation which maintains the 2015 generic permit's policies for the time being. A formal process revising rules based on EPA's 2017 CGP changes has not yet been initiated by the Department.
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| Webinar: Smart Resiliency Planning for Florida Stormwater Programs |
Join us as we address sea level rise and climate change. These issues are scientifically robust, extremely expensive, and legally complex - on a scale we have never seen before. As part of this Webinar, we will offer a primer on the complete picture for building resilience in Florida communities - all starting with the planning process. What are the true legal and insurance implications of the infrastructure solutions we hear so much about? How will these projects collectively impact the water quality issues we have worked on for so long and how can we build them smarter? And, how can Florida communities hardwire their planning processes for success - from Comp Plan development through CIP implementations. Registration opens April 6th and the Webinar is FREE to FSA members!
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| Board of Directors Elections Coming in June |
FSA is looking for dynamic leaders dedicated to ensuring the continued success of the Association. There will be elections to fill vacancies on the Boards of Directors of the Florida Stormwater Association and the FSA Educational Foundation during the Friday business meeting at the Annual Conference. This is your chance to help lead the primary organization dedicated to furthering the stormwater management profession and water quality improvement programs in Florida. What's in it for you?
- An opportunity to enhance the value and set the direction of FSA and FSAEF
- A significant role in advancing your profession and water quality programs
- Access to up-to-date information about the challenges facing your profession
- The chance to exchange ideas and perspectives with other volunteer leaders
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| New Director of Environmental Assessment and Restoration |
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| Julie Espy |
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Julie Espy has been named as FDEP's Director of the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration or "DEAR." DEAR adopts water quality standards, monitors surface and groundwater quality, manages the TMDL and BMAP programs, coordinates the Florida Stormwater, Erosion, and Sedimentation Control Inspector Training & Certification Program, and oversees the environmental analytical services provided by the FDEP Laboratory. Join FSA in welcoming Julie to this role!
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| FSA's Fogarty Training Center - Response to COVID-19 |
FSA is currently rescheduling in-person Stormwater Operator Certification classes through April 30th. The following classes are impacted:
Level 1
- March 25-26, 2020 - Pinellas County Class has been rescheduled to October 1-2, 2020.
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March 31-April 1, 2020 - Ft. Lauderdale Class will be rescheduled, dates TBD.
- April 23-24, 2020 - Spring Lake Improvement District Class will be rescheduled, dates TBD
Level 2
- April 7-8, 2020 - Ft. Lauderdale Class will be rescheduled, dates TBD.
- April 29-30, 2020 - Pinellas Class will be rescheduled, dates TBD.
If you or your staff are currently registered for these classes, you should have received information by email. All registrations will be automatically transferred to the new dates.
Regarding Stormwater Operator classes beyond April 30th, we will make a determination as more information is available. Updates will be posted on the Training Center's Level 1 and Level 2 webpages and those registered will be contacted via email.
NOTE: The online April 14th Stormwater Operator Level 1 and Level 2 Re-Certification classes will proceed as planned.
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| FSA's Fogarty Training Center |
A current list of classes may be found on the Training Center's webpage. Both Level 1 and Level 2 Certified Stormwater Operator classes meet the requirements of your MS4 permit for initial or "refresher" training of stormwater staff in:
- Erosion and Sedimentation Control
- Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
- Spill Prevention and Remediation
- Good Housekeeping Practices
- High Risk Facilities
Need to recertify in 2020? There is still time to register. FSA certifications are valid for five years so check your status today. Login to your personal FSA profile, scroll down to find your Level 1 and/or Level 2 expiration year or you can view the Stormwater Operator Certification Renewal Date List on the FSA Website. The first online option for 2020 recertification will be held on April 14, 2020. Registration for Level 1 and/or Level 2 will close April 7, 2020. Don't delay, reserve your seat today!
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The FSA Educational Foundation's Scholarship Program awards financial assistance to qualified students attending Florida colleges and universities whose educational interest is in stormwater research, management or finance. In 2020 the FSAEF will be offering three $2,000 scholarships. Applications are accepted annually from graduate students in colleges or schools of engineering, natural science, public administration (or closely related fields). Qualified applicants should submit an Application Form along with supporting materials by August 7, 2020.
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We appreciate your feedback! Please don't hesitate to contact us if have any questions about FSA.
Sincerely,
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