FSA fastTRACKS

This newsletter is available exclusively to FSA Members and is the kind

of information you receive as a benefit of membership
 Volume 18, Issue 7                                                                                                 August 2016

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In This Issue
Message from the President
Early Member Renewal
September Seminar
Winter Conference
FDEP Grant
WOTUS Update
Reclaimed Water Committee
FSAEF Scholarship
Fogarty Training Center
SWU Report
 
Join Our Mailing List
 
It's Time to Renew! 
 
Registration Opens 9/1!

FSA Winter Conference 
December 7-9, 2016
 
  FSA is proud to offer this service FREE to our members! 


 
 
FSAEF 2016 Scholarship Award
Award will be presented at the Winter Conference!  
 
FSA Fogarty
 Training Center  


Looking Forward to 2016-17   
Tiffany Busby, FSA President
As I look to the upcoming year, we are benefiting from FSA's strategic planning exercise and working harder than ever to keep our service to you, our members, at the highest levels. In 2015, we learned that FSA was doing many things well, but we had some great ideas on how to be even better. At the Fogarty Training Center , we will identify ways to continue to enhance our courses (just as the Level II curriculum was updated this year) so we continue to offer the best classes and instruction available. In membership, we are implementing new approaches to ensure that our members and potential members are aware of FSA's efforts. As our dues changes go into effect this year, we strive to be an excellent value to our members, especially as the Florida MS4 Program continues to grow and evolve. After record attendance at the June Annual Conference, we have more excellent programming planned at the September 9th BMP-focused Seminar  and on December 7 - 9, 2016 with an instructive "DEP Day"; Laws, Rules and Ethics for Professional Engineers; and, Winter Conference in Palm Harbor at the Innisbrook Resort.  In the meantime, FSA's legislative and legal engagement will adapt to recent court decisions and the 2017 Florida Legislature's proposals.

My goal is to encourage all members to be engaged with FSA.  Everyone is welcome at our training courses, the September Seminar, and at the Winter and Annual Conferences!  I especially urge you to attend the annual Membership Meeting in June where you can become involved in the Association's leadership.  Overall, I want FSA and its leadership to support our members so that we're the finest stormwater managers and local leaders in Florida and nationwide. I welcome your involvement with FSA in the upcoming year as we strive - with your help - to make the best better!
Early Membership Renewal Open!
FSA's fiscal year begins November 1, 2016.  First renewal notices for FY 2016-17 have been mailed to each "primary contact" for all member organizations.  This gives local government members the option to pay next year's dues with funds that may be remaining in their current budget.  Whether you renew now or in October, now is the time to be sure that all of your staff are included in your organization's membership profile.  Just login to your profile and view "Relationships" under the "My Profile" tab.  Use the Add/Delete Member Profiles Form to update your listing.  QUESTIONS?  Call (888) 221-3124! 
Seminar Registration Closing!
FSA's Fall Seminar "Stormwater BMP Selection, Design and Monitoring", is set for next week in Orlando.  It will present a comprehensive overview of stormwater BMPs, focusing on the information needed to determine the type of BMP to be used, its design and monitoring for both effectiveness and regulatory compliance, pollutant loading models, and monitoring for grant compliance will be included.  Case studies will be presented.  Visit FSA's website for information on the Seminar and registration fees.  There are only 11 seats left and onsite registration may not be available!  Online registration closes this Friday - HURRY! 
Winter Conference - Innisbrook  
Registration opens September 1st!  FSA's 2016 Winter Conference will be held at the Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor on December 7-9.  The program includes a great balance of technical sessions, case studies and policy updates!  In addition to a great line-up of workshops, exhibits and networking opportunities, this year's conference includes the bi-annual "DEP Day" plus Laws, Rules and Ethics for Professional Engineers.  Visit FSA's website for more information on registration fees and more.
FDEP Awards Grant to FSAEF and UF
FDEP has engaged the FSA Educational Foundation (FSAEF) and University of Florida in a research project that builds upon work previously completed by UF for FSAEF in 2007 and 2011.  That research quantified the nutrient load reduction values of common MS4 maintenance activities and data from that project is now embedded in FDEP protocols to give credits based on the nutrient content of materials removed from the stormwater system.  Participants in the new project will take two sets of samples:  One set inside a reclaimed water service area and the other outside of the area.  The project's goal is to improve the usefulness of the FSA Load Reduction Tool used by local governments and FDEP in the MS4 permit program and to compare the load reduction values of samples taken from non-reclaimed water service areas with those taken from reclaimed areas. 
"Waters of the United States" Update
The focus of the WOTUS litigation is now exclusively at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in Ohio, as the 11th Circuit Court in Atlanta held an appeal from a Georgia lower court in abeyance until the Sixth Circuit issues its final order.  A decision from the Sixth Circuit is not expected until next year.  Implementation of the WOTUS rules will remain postponed nationwide at least until the Sixth Circuit issues its ruling. 
Reclaimed Coordinating Committee    
SB 536 (2014 Session) directed FDEP to conduct a comprehensive study and submit a report on the expansion of the beneficial use of reclaimed water, stormwater and excess surface water in Florida.  The Final Report was completed in December 2015.  The Department is now coordinating stakeholders in an effort to draft legislation to implement key provisions of the Report's recommendations, primarily focusing on reclaimed water.  The subject of the Report and legislative initiatives for 2017 will be discussed during FSA's Winter Conference in Innisbrook. 
FSAEF Scholarship Award
The FSA Educational Foundation's Board of Directors is evaluating a record number of applications for its 2016 Scholarship Award.  The Award will be presented during the Winter Conference in Palm Harbor this December.  FSAEF provides the award each year to graduate students attending a Florida college or university whose areas of study include stormwater science, engineering, management or finance. 
FSA's Fogarty Training Center
Classes offered by the Fogarty Training Center are conveniently scheduled throughout Florida.  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
FSA Certifications are valid for five years.  You can see when your certification expires on FSA's website. 
Stormwater Utility Report Available
FSA's 2016 Stormwater Utility Report was completed in June.  One copy was provided to each FSA member and to those non-members who completed the Survey instrument.  Members may view the Report online or may order additional copies for $25.  FSA has conducted the Survey and published the corresponding Report every two years since 1995. 

We appreciate your feedback!  Please don't hesitate to contact us if have any questions about FSA. 

Sincerely,

Florida Stormwater Association
Website: www.florida-stormwater.org
Toll-Free Phone: 888-221-3124