A late amendment added to HB 53 in the 2021 Session 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 FDEP and the Office of Economic and Demographic Research (EDR). The first analysis is due on June 20, 2022, and every five years thereafter. EDR is close to finalizing the survey instrument that will be used to gather information and plans to release additional details over the next two months. A workshop on implementing HB 53 is scheduled for FSA’s Winter Conference in early December. Contact EDR with comments or questions.

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 10th meeting of the TAC was held on August 11, 2021. FSA was a strong supporter of the formation of the TAC and is closely monitoring its progress. For up to date information, visit FSA’s Advocacy page. There are two remaining meetings of the TAC with the next TAC meeting scheduled for September 14, 2021.

Daryll Joyner is retiring after 38 years of service protecting Florida’s water quality. He began working for the Department of Environmental Regulation while in graduate school and worked his way up to Administrator of the Water Quality Standards Program at FDEP. The consummate professional, Daryll had an encyclopedic knowledge of water quality programs and issues and was always courteous to work with.  We will miss you Daryll, best wishes from FSA!!!

During non-election years, Legislative Committee meetings and the subsequent Session start early. For the 2022 Legislative Session, Interim Committee meetings will begin the week of September 20, 2021, and the Session itself convenes on January 11, 2022. Watch FSA’s legislative webpage for 2022 legislation tracking coming soon!

Noah Valenstein has accepted a fellowship at Florida Gulf Coast University’s Water School, focusing on water quality and government policy. Valenstein was first appointed Secretary of FDEP by Governor Scott in 2017 and reappointed by Governor DeSantis in 2019. Prior to heading FDEP, he was Executive Director of the Suwannee River Water Management District.

The August meeting of the Blue Green Algae Task force focused on stormwater problems and solutions, including an update on the work of the Statewide Stormwater TAC. There were a number of good presentations, questions, and discussion. Written comments on the stormwater topic will be accepted at BlueGreenAlgaeTaskForce@FloridaDEP.gov through September 6, 2021.

Save the Date for FSA’s 2021 Winter Conference on December 1-3, 2021. The program will feature a great balance of technical sessions, case studies and policy updates. Join us as we bring together stormwater professionals throughout Florida to explore topics that matter to you most. Registration opens in September!

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. In addition, 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, all services are free to FSA members!