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FSA Education Update from Your Education Committee Chair, Melissa Long
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2020 was definitely a challenging year, but I’m proud to say that FSA was able to continue to provide the same excellent educational services. The Fogarty Training Center quickly transitioned to online classes for Level 1 and Level 2 Certified Stormwater Operators and thanks to your response, these classes have been extremely well attended. At this time FSA will continue to offer these classes online.
FSA also provides two free webinars for members annually. The first webinar will be an update on the Statewide Stormwater Rule Design Criteria and will be held March 18, 2021 from 10:30 to 11:30 am EST. Registration is now open. The second webinar will occur after the legislative session ends and will summarize what passed, what failed, and lessons learned during the session. Watch your email for details as they are finalized.
The Education Committee is currently planning for the 2021 Fall Seminar in September and is finalizing the topic as we speak. FSA offers so many opportunities to expand your stormwater knowledge. I encourage each of you to get involved, sign up for at least one educational session this year and be a part of helping us shape the future for stormwater.
Melissa Long, City of Jacksonville
Education Committee Chair
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Stay Informed – Visit the FSA Legislative Webpage
Be sure to visit FSA’s Legislative Page throughout the 2021 Session! The Legislative Page is frequently updated with a list of Priority Issues, Bill Tracking Reports, current news articles and information on individual bills. It’s a resource that is available for FSA members only; you will need your username and password to log in. The 2021 Legislative Session will begin in March and is set to end in early May.
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Reimagining the Future of Stormwater – FSA’s 2021 Annual Conference Goes Online
FSA’s 2021 Annual Conference will focus on Reimaging the Future of Stormwater. FSA is committed to being your trusted resource for stormwater communications, research, training, education and advocacy. This year’s conference will feature sessions from industry leading experts and thought leaders as we navigate and explore the future of stormwater management in Florida. In response to member feedback and with concern for your health and safety, the conference will be held online on June 23-25, 2021. Mark your calendars now – you don’t want to miss Florida’s premier stormwater conference. Watch your email, registration opens in February!
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Updating the Statewide Stormwater Design Criteria
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FSA Hosts Free "Statewide Stormwater Design Criteria" Webinar
Join us on March 18, 2021 for FSA’s first webinar of 2021 focused on Updating Statewide Stormwater Design Criteria. FSA’s webinar will review the background of Florida’s statewide stormwater rule, examine the initiatives undertaken in 2010, and review the objectives of and progress made on the current rulemaking effort. This event is brought to FSA members free of charge thanks to the sponsorship of Applied Sciences. Register today to save your seat!
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Florida Authority to Issue Dredge and Fill Permits Challenged
Less than 30 days after EPA approved authority for the State of Florida to issue dredge and fill “Section 404” permits, a coalition of environmental organizations filed a Complaint in federal court for the District of Columbia seeking to vacate EPA’s approval of Florida’s application and enjoin the transfer of such authority to the state. Florida and EPA had been in active negotiations concerning the delegation of the permitting program for the past three years. If upheld in court, Florida will be the third state to obtain authority to issue dredge and fill permits.
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Proposed Rule for Permitting of Biosolids Disposal Sites
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Online Workshop on Potable Reuse
In addition to a series of housekeeping amendments to Chapter 62-610, FAC, regulating the treatment, management and use of reclaimed water, an initiative to implement policy concerning potable reuse is underway. An online workshop on potable reuse was held on January 14, 2021. For more information, visit FDEP’s Reuse webpage.
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New Administration Reviewing WOTUS Policy
There has been no substantive change in information concerning the litigation over rules defining what is a “Water of the US.” However, the new administration has identified the 2020 definitions of “Waters of the US” as one of the regulations to be considered for review and likely revision. FSA’s challenge to the 2015 WOTUS rules remains alive as an “insurance policy” if the 2015 rule is resurrected.
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Triennial Review of Water Quality Standards Continues
States are required to conduct a comprehensive review of water quality standards every three years by the Clean Water Act. FDEP continues to move ahead with its Triennial Review of Water Quality Standards, which began in May of 2019. Issues that remain under active consideration include standards for turbidity in certain marine waters and cyanotoxin standards. Contact Daryll Joyner at FDEP for further information.
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Nominate a Deserving Stormwater Program or Project Today!
FSA’s Awards Program recognizes outstanding stormwater Programs or Projects and the benefit that they provide to the environment and local community. Awards are presented annually to public sector members who have demonstrated high quality distinctions in stormwater programs or projects. Interested? Submit a Nomination Form prior to February 19, 2021!
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Free Stormwater Job Postings
FSA's Career Center is the perfect place to post vacancies or search for jobs! FSA members can post on the Career Center for free for 30 days and reach qualified stormwater professionals across the state of Florida. Job seekers can easily search for new jobs in their area. Visit the Career Center to post a job announcement or to search for open positions.
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Fogarty Training Center – New Classes Added!
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 currently scheduling ONLINE classes for 2021. Online participants will require computer access with internet and audio capabilities. 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
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Fogarty Training Center – Does your Certification Expire in 2021?
Don’t let your certifications expire! FSA Stormwater Operator Certifications must be renewed every five years. The Fogarty Training Center offers Online Recertification Webinars that provide a convenient, cost-effective way to renew your certification. Don’t know when your certification expires? To find out you can log in to your personal FSA profile, scroll down to find your Level 1 and/or Level 2 expiration year or you can view the Stormwater Operator Certification Renewal Date List. The first opportunity to renew in 2021 will be April 6, 2021. Register for Level 1 and/or Level 2 by Friday, March 5th to receive a copy of the Stormwater Operators Manual prior to the class. For more information, visit the Fogarty Training Center’s recertification webpage.
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FSAEF Offering Scholarship Awards
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The FSA Educational Foundation’s Scholarship Program awards financial assistance to qualified students attending Florida colleges and universities whose educational interest is in stormwater research, management or finance. The Foundation will be awarding two scholarships for $2,000 each in 2021. Applications are accepted annually from graduate students in colleges or schools of engineering, natural science, public administration (or closely related fields) that have an interest in stormwater quality, management or finance. Qualified applicants should submit an Application Form by August 6, 2021. 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,
Florida Stormwater Association
Toll-Free Phone: 888-221-3124
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