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A Message from Your Membership Chair
Florida Stormwater Association (FSA) is experiencing its best days in the history of the Association. The adaptability and resiliency of our members is what keeps us going despite difficult times. As we continue to navigate the impacts from the pandemic; our collective commitment to strategically address stormwater legislation, build great projects, innovate with technology, expand our knowledge, and improve water quality is unwavering.
Your commitment starts with membership and getting involved. What do you get for being a member?
• TRAINING / EDUCATION. The FSA Training Center was created to meet the training / educational needs of field staff in stormwater management.
• COMMUNICATIONS / INFORMATION SHARING / NETWORKING. FSA’s statewide conferences are regarded as being the best-of-the-best in stormwater policy, management, and best practices.
• ADVOCACY. FSA supports advocacy through interaction at agency levels, legislative processes, and even litigation. Did you know that FSA members are serving or have served on numerous statewide technical and policy advisory committees!
• DISCOUNTS ON ALL CONFERENCES AND TRAINING FEES.
We have kicked off the membership renewal process for fiscal year 2021-2022. Please watch your email and renew quickly! Remember membership is organizational not individual, so when a city, county, district, or company joins, ALL employees are members and enjoy full member benefits!
I am proud to be your Membership Committee Chair and am looking forward to an exciting future! If I may be of any assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Larry Teich, City of Ft. Lauderdale
Membership Committee Chair
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2021 Winter Conference – Register Now!
FSA invites you to attend the 2021 Winter Conference! The Conference will be held online December 1-3, 2021. While we had hoped to see you in Orlando, we are excited to be able to offer the same outstanding content in an online format. No matter the platform, we are committed to being a trusted resource for stormwater education. The online Conference will feature stormwater experts from across the state to meet all of your continuing education needs including a Pre-Conference Workshop and two days of Florida focused stormwater education. The Conference offers great value with 12 timely presentations from Florida’s stormwater professionals, up to 11 continuing education credits, messages from FSA’s valued sponsors, live chat with fellow attendees, live Q&A with stormwater experts, and more!
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Membership Renewal Open Now!
FSA’s 2021-22 fiscal year begins November 1st. Don’t let your membership lapse! Keep all of the member services and benefits current for ALL of the employees of your organization. First renewal notices were sent in mid-August. Moving forward, watch your inbox for renewal emails from FSA. QUESTIONS? Call (888) 221-3124. |
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WOTUS Litigation
In late August 2021 a federal court in Arizona remanded and also vacated the 2020 Navigable Waters Protection Rule. While several courts have already remanded the rule back to EPA and the Army Corps for review and revision, none have yet vacated (invalidated) the rule. Many lawyers and the Biden Administration are interpreting the decision as having a nationwide effect, and EPA and the Corps are no longer implementing policy based on the 2020 rule. A second question in front of the Arizona court was whether the 2019 Repeal rule should also be invalidated. The Court asked for more information on that question and gave the parties in the litigation until mid-October to submit documentation.
Vacating the 2020 rule reverts WOTUS policy back to the pre-2015 regulations (which were originally developed in the 1980s) since the 2020 rule was developed after the 2019 “Repeal Rule” was already in effect. If the 2019 repeal rule is vacated and invalidated, policy reverts to the 2015 Clean Water Rule, which FSA and others still have a lawsuit pending in Tallahassee federal court. Stay tuned!
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WOTUS Rule Development
EPA and the Army Corps held a series of initial webinar meetings in August and September to receive comments on WOTUS policy as the agencies begin yet another rule-making effort to define what is or is not a “Water of the US.” FSA testified during one of the webinars, submitted written comments and will follow the rules as they develop. |
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Assessing Needs for SW Systems
HB 53 passed during the 2021 Legislative Session and requires local governments with wastewater or stormwater management systems to create a 20-year needs analysis, including a description of the system, the number of future residents served, revenues and expenditures, maintenance costs, etc. The compiled information will be filed with the Legislature’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research. The first analysis is due on June 20, 2022 and every five years thereafter. EDR will be releasing the survey instrument that will be used to gather information in early October. A workshop on implementing HB 53 is scheduled for FSA’s Winter Conference. Comments or questions should be directed to EDR.
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OSTDS Variance Committee Meetings
The Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems Variance Committee meetings will examine applications for variance from the requirements of Chapter 62-6, Florida Administrative Code ( Standards for Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems). The meetings are open to the public and are intended to fulfill the provisions of subsection 381.0065(3)(d), FS, which provides FDEP with the authority to grant variances in hardship cases that meet the criteria of rules and statues. Three meetings are set for the balance of 2021; all meetings begin at 9:00 AM. You may register by clicking one of the following dates:
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Statewide Stormwater Design Criteria TAC
The Statewide Stormwater Design Criteria TAC was formed to assist FDEP and the Water Management Districts in updating the state’s design criteria for the construction of stormwater systems, as directed by Senate Bill 712 which passed during the 2020 Legislative Session. The eleventh meeting of the TAC was held on September 14, 2021. More information may be found on FSA’s Advocacy page. The last scheduled meeting of the TAC is set for October 19, 2021, from 1:00 until 5:00 PM. |
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Legislative Committee Meetings
Interim Legislative Committee meetings began last month and will continue through November 2021. The 2022 Legislative Session convenes on January 11, 2022. FSA’s legislative webpage will be updated to track 2022 legislation soon!
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Blue Green Algae Task Force
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NOAA Funding
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program has announced its FY 2022 funding for projects that actively engage and educate target audiences such as students and teachers. Projects must raise awareness of and reduce barriers to marine debris prevention. Letters of Intent to submit proposals will be accepted through October 29, 2021. More information on the program and application process may be found at the Marine Debris Program website. |
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Fogarty Training Center – Stormwater Education From Your Desktop!
FSA’s Fogarty Training Center holds both Level 1 and Level 2 Certified Stormwater Operator classes that 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
FSA is continuing to host online classes while adding in-person options as requested. Registration is now open for the following classes:
Level 1 Classes designed for stormwater management field personnel
Level 2 Classes designed for stormwater management field supervisors
Don’t see a class when or where you want it? Contact FSA today! |
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Last Chance to Renew - Don’t Let Your Certification Expire!
The last opportunity in 2021 to renew your Stormwater Operator Certification for Level 1 and Level 2 is November 9, 2021. FSA Stormwater Operator Certifications must be renewed every five years. The Fogarty Training Center offers online Recertification classes that provide a convenient, cost-effective way to renew your certification.
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We appreciate your feedback! Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about FSA.
Sincerely,
Florida Stormwater Association
Toll-Free Phone: 888-221-3124
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