My internship with the Orange County Environmental Protection Division (EPD) began in May 2024. I work with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program while studying at the University of Central Florida where I am pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies with a certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). As an intern for the NPDES team, my main project has been inputting data for the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) annual report that is submitted to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. This project required a great amount of internal coordination and communication between teams in EPD, Public Works and Utilities. Now that the annual report is ramping down, I have started participating in fieldwork with our stormwater inspectors. Recently, I joined EPD staff at a pre-construction meeting and on multiple construction site inspections. Going into the field and learning about what the inspectors do is quite fascinating!

The Orange County Environmental Protection Division (EPD) would like to thank all the volunteers that assisted with cleanup projects last month.

Students from the University of Central Florida Knights for Wildlife Conservation Club spent a few hours exploring the Hidden Pond Preserve. The group hiked, picked up trash and used their iNaturalist app to log species observed on this scenic Orange County Green PLACE property. One interesting species they identified and researched, was the Blue-striped Gartersnake. This non-venomous snake is black with a beautiful teal stripe down its sides. Gartersnakes occur throughout Florida and are found in a variety of natural and developed areas. 

Additionally, a group of volunteers led by EPD's Pollution Prevention program, cleared up trash at Sandhill Preserve. EPD is grateful for the time and energy these two groups devoted to keeping Orange County's natural lands clean and beautiful!

The Orange County Environmental Protection Division (EPD) will host a virtual Meet & Greet on Thursday, November 7, at 9 a.m. This networking event is for those interested in volunteering as interns for the spring semester. At the Meet & Greet, EPD staff will conduct brief interviews with candidates and describe various internship opportunities. Current internship application and enrollment in school is required. Candidates must RSVP to participate.

Are you concerned about noise in our community? You are not alone. A number of residents have raised issues about Orange County’s current Noise Pollution Control Ordinance, including noise standards and enforcement.

On September 10, 2024, the Board of County Commissioners held a work session to review findings from recent noise ordinance studies and explore possible code updates. The Board will meet again in the upcoming months to decide on final proposed ordinance changes.

Be part of the conversation!

Watch the work session recording and visit our webpage to share your ideas, review the current code, access policy studies, and read comments from stakeholders. We want to hear from you!

Would you like to learn more about the Orange County Environmental Protection Division (EPD)? EPD is excited to share a variety of information about events, sustainability, the Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge, regulatory updates, lake management, water quality and more! If you would like to be included on the email list, please fill out this brief sign-up form.