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

of information you receive as a benefit of membership
 Volume 19, Issue 7                                                                                                  August 2017

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In This Issue
From Your President
Fall Seminar
Membership Renewal
Winter Conference
MS4's Responsibility
WOTUS Updates
Fogarty Training Center
SWU Manual
FSA Career Center
 
Join Our Mailing List
 
FSA Fogarty
 Training Center  


Last  online recertification   class for 2017 is November 7th!
 
Mark your Calendars!

25th Anniversary
 Conference
June 13-15, 2018
Sanibel
 
SWU Manual
 
December 6-8, 2017
Hilton Orlando

Registration Opens September 1st!
 
A Message From Your President
FSA Members -
Thank you for your membership and for allowing me to serve you this year! As we approach FSA's 25th Anniversary in 2018, I am proud that our advocacy, Fogarty Training Center, conferences, and membership are stronger than ever and continue to grow. My goals in the upcoming year are the following:
  • Expand our membership and educational content
  • Mentor new committee and board members
  • Promote excellent content in our conferences
  • Sustain our thoughtful advocacy programs
  • Enhance our interaction with other (related) associations and issues
You will hear from our FSA committee chairs in upcoming newsletters about their committee's specific objectives and activities. I hope that reading about our committee activities will encourage more members like you to increase your involvement in FSA and volunteer for committee service in the upcoming year. I ecourage you to attend one (or all!) of the following FSA events:
We are planning some special events for the Annual Conference to commemorate our 25th Anniversary, so I hope you will be there! While I don't usually have to look far for members who like to celebrate, I hope to see many new (as well as long-standing) members attend this special Annual Conference as well as the Winter Conference this December.

Stormwater management in Florida continues to be an important and challenging undertaking. I want FSA to support you - whether you work in the public or private sector - with top-notch training and education, great information on emerging products/technologies, funding opportunities and finance options, and robust advocacy services. This is only possible with an outstanding leadership team: Members of the Board and committees, our committee chairs, and management staff.  But, most importantly, a growing and engaged membership!

Tiffany Busby, FSA President
Fall Seminar - September 8th, Orlando 
"Achieving Progress in Reducing Pollutant Loads" 
The Seminar will present a comprehensive overview of the Phase 1 MS4 permit's requirements to document progress in reducing pollutant loads discharging to priority TMDL waterbodies.  The Seminar will help permit managers identify approaches to comply with permit requirements and demonstrate progress in reducing loadings. Go to the Seminar's webpage for more information.   Online registration closes September 1st - be sure to register today! 
Membership Renewal Now Open!
Keep your membership current and don't miss any of the great member services that are available to ALL of the employees in your organization!  First renewal notices for FSA's 2017-18 fiscal year were sent in mid-August to the primary membership contact for your organization, allowing local government members to pay next year's dues with remaining funds from the current fiscal year. Moving forward, keep an eye on your inbox for renewal emails from FSA! QUESTIONS?  Call (888) 221-3124.
Opening Soon - Winter Conference
FSA's Winter Conference will be at the Hilton Orlando on December 6-8, 2017. There'll be a great line-up of workshops and exhibits, a tour of local stormwater projects and an extended pre-conference workshop option.

Watch the
Winter Conference webpage  -  Registration opens September 1st! 
MS4's Responsibility for Private Ponds
Pinellas County's petition to FDEP seeking a Declaratory Statement as to whether a man-made, privately-owned stormwater pond was part of the County's MS4 has been withdrawn. Several local governments and FSA had submitted comments to FDEP, urging that such ponds should not be considered to be a part of an MS4's responsibilities.  Agency policy is to refrain from issuing Declaratory Statements when the party making the request was in litigation on the same subject at the local level. FSA will continue to monitor the issue while the trial moves forward.
WOTUS Updates   
On July 27, 2017 EPA published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to repeal the 2015 revisions to the definitions of Waters of the United States or WOTUS. The deadline to submit comments to EPA has been extended to September 27, 2017.  EPA has also scheduled a series of 10 teleconferences to hear recommendations from stakeholders on repealing and later revising the WOTUS definitions, which EPA states will occur in 2018.  While FSA objected to many provisions contained in the existing (adopted in 2015) rule, it is compiling recommendations from its leadership on the preferred approach to address EPA's new proposal.  Meanwhile, enforcement of the existing rule has been "stayed" by the courts and most matters in the current WOTUS litigation are on hold.
Fogarty Training Center 
FSA's Fogarty Training Center holds over 25 classes throughout Florida each year. 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 2017? FSA certifications are valid for five years. The last online option for recertification will be held on November 7, 2017.
Establishing SWUs in Florida  
FSA's manual  Establishing a Stormwater Utility in Florida was prepared to assist communities that are considering the development, implementation or revision to their stormwater utility user fee for stormwater management program. It is written for citizens, elected officials, and city/county administrators and staff who want to understand the issues, benefits and community investment associated with stormwater utilities. First published in 2008, the Manual was revised in 2003 and in 2013. Order your copy online today! 
FSA Career Center
Did you know that FSA members can post position vacancies on the FSA Career Center at no cost (i.e. FREE!) for 30 days?  Visit the Career Center to post a job announcement or to search for open positions.    

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