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Volume 22, Issue 6
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June 2020 |
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Fall Seminar - Online Event
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"Impacts of Sediment on Water Quality"
Join us online September 18, 2020 for FSA's Fall Seminar focusing on the
Impacts of Sediment on Water Quality. Sediment is one of the most common pollutants entering Florida waters. Sediment transport can impact receiving waters by reducing sunlight penetration, blanketing aquatic vegetation, and carrying other pollutants such as nutrients and metals. This Seminar will address the effects of sediment on water quality and provide an overview of dredging methods and techniques used to remove excess sediments from aquatic systems. In addition, the seminar will provide case study examples on prevention by maintaining the MS4 system; how to determine access points for dredging projects; recommendations for proper reuse and disposal; permitting requirements; and how to get BMAP credits from dredging and street sweeping projects. The online Seminar will feature a full day of education, up to 5.5 continuing education credits, live Q&A, prizes, and more! Visit the
FSA Seminar webpage for details and to
Register Today!
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Annual Conference -
Online Event, July 15-17, 2020
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FSA is committed to being a trusted resource for stormwater education and we are excited to offer the same content you've always counted on, in an innovative way. The online Conference will feature three days of education, two concurrent tracks with more than 25 presentations, up to 13 continuing education credits, a virtual exhibit hall, live Q&A, and more! If you haven't registered, there's still time, visit the Conference page to register today! If you are registered, your registration has been transferred. Look for login information a week prior to the event.
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| Winter Conference - Call for Presentations |
Want to showcase your case study, research project or other valuable stormwater topic with your colleagues throughout the state? We won't know about it if you don't share! FSA invites you to present during the 2020 Winter Conference. Hurry, the
Call for Presentations deadline is July 31st.
Submit a presentation today!
FSA's 2020 Winter Conference is set for December 2-4, 2020 at the Caribe Royale Orlando. Save the Date! Registration opens in September.
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| WOTUS Replacement Rule Effective - For Now |
On June 22, 2020 EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers' "Navigable Waters Protection Rule" became effective. The rule replaces the 2015 Waters of the United States (WOTUS) definitions. The 2020 definitions are significantly narrower than both the 2015 definitions and those that proceeded the 2015 amendments. Many CWA-related permitting programs (e.g. NPDES, dredge-and-fill, etc.) hinge upon whether a waterbody is or is not subject to federal jurisdiction. Although the new rule is now technically in place, FSA members should not jump to conclusions about how MS4 permits or other programs may change at this time, as there are already 11 lawsuits challenging the new rule. And if rejected by courts or withdrawn by the agencies, FSA's lawsuit challenging the 2015 rule will move forward.
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| SB 712 - Environmental Resources Management |
The Governor is expected to sign SB 712 into law soon. SB 712 was the primary water resources legislation for the 2020 Session. Once signed, expect several rulemaking efforts or studies to be initiated quickly, including those on Biosolids, updating the Statewide Stormwater Design Criteria, the transfer of the OSTDS program from FDOH to FDEP and an examination of the "10/2" General Permit. Watch for more information from FSA.
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| EPA to Terminate COVID-19 Flexibility Policy |
In March, EPA announced a temporary policy relaxing enforcement of environmental legal obligations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Agency officials have recently stated that the policy will be "terminated in the near future."
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FDEP continues to move ahead with the process needed to assume authority to administer the dredge and fill permitting program under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Section 404 and implementing rules require a dredge-and-fill permit from the Army Corps for any activity that results in the discharge of dredged or fill material into the Waters of the United States. Florida Statutes contain similar policies for activities that impact wetlands or other surface waters located within the jurisdictional boundaries of the state. Currently, when a project impacts state and federal jurisdictional wetlands or other surface waters, the applicant must obtain both a state environmental resource permit (ERP) and a Corps dredge-and-fill (404). Assumption of the program by FDEP would alleviate the need to obtain 404 permits from the Corps in some situations. If the concept is adopted, the Corps would retain authority to issue permits only for projects that impact major ("navigable") waterbodies and 404 authority for other types of waters would be delegated to FDEP/WMDs. In either case, an ERP permit would still be required. Further hearings are planned. For more information, visit FDEP's webpage or contact Heather Mason.
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Early Membership Renewal Opening Soon!
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FSA's fiscal year begins November 1, 2020. First renewal notices for FY 2020-21 will be sent in July to the primary FSA contact for your organization, allowing local government members to pay next year's dues with remaining funds from the current fiscal year.
QUESTIONS? Call (888) 221-3124.
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| FSA's Fogarty Training Center - Class Changes |
Due to the impact of COVID-19 and to ensure the health and safety of all participants, FSA will be moving all classes scheduled between now and October 31st to an online platform. FSA will be contacting registrants directly with the details. Your patience is appreciated as we work through this process. Visit the Fogarty Training Center's Level 1 or Level 2 pages for details as they are finalized.
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Fogarty Training Center - Don't Let Your Certification Expire!
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| Your Association Needs You! |
Want to get more involved with your Association? Help set the direction for its training and education programs? Grow membership and improve networking opportunities? Guide legislative policy? Here's your chance!
Request forms are now being accepted to participate in one of
FSA's four committees. All committee members will be appointed by FSA's President after the Annual Conference. Interested? Be sure to complete a
Committee Request Form now.
Re-appointments to committees are not automatic! Be sure to complete a form even if you currently serve on a committee.
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FSAEF Scholarship Award - Application Deadline Approaching
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 Applications for the FSA Educational Foundation's 2020 Scholarship Award are due Friday, August 7, 2020. Three $2,000 scholarships will be awarded at this year's Winter Conference in Orlando. The $2,000 scholarship is available to graduate students attending a Florida college or university whose areas of study include stormwater science, engineering, management, or finance. Please help us spread the word!
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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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