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Legislative Session Hits Halfway Point
Florida’s 2021 Legislative Session has passed the mid-point of the 60-day regular Session. The primary bills that FSA is engaged in for 2021 are those that limit local government’s ability to protect water quality through local regulatory programs. Members should visit FSA’s Legislative Page to see which bills are being tracked. The Legislative Page is frequently updated with a list of FSA’s 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 login. |
Conference Early-Bird Registration ends April 16th
The FSA Annual Conference will be held online on June 23-25, 2021 and will focus on Reimagining the Future of Stormwater. Join us to hear from industry-leading experts on regulatory, technical, and management topics that matter to you. This year’s event features discounted rates with easy access to two concurrent tracks, 20 presentations, up to 9.5 hours of continuing education, information on emerging stormwater technologies, live Q&A sessions with experts, optional interactive breaks with your colleagues, a full year of on-demand access to recorded presentations, and much more! If you only attend one conference in 2021, this is THE ONE you can’t afford to miss! Visit the FSA Conference page to register, view the agenda, rates, continuing education, and more. |
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Biennial Assessment of Water Quality
FDEP has completed its online meetings on the implementation of a streamlined approach to assessing statewide water quality every two years. The meetings were intended to provide stakeholders with an overview of the statewide biennial assessment process. Under the previous assessment process, FDEP would assess approximately 20% of the state’s water during each year of a five-year assessment cycle. The biennial assessment approach will provide more up-to-date information on overall water quality conditions and is consistent with EPA interpretations of the CWA. Questions? Contact Kevin O’Donnell for more information. |
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A Change in Florida's Chief Science Officer
Governor Ron DeSantis named Mark Rains, Director of the USF School of Geosciences, as Florida's Chief Science Officer on March 30, 2021. Rains replaces Dr. Tom Frazer, who left his position as the first Chief Science Officer earlier this month.
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WOTUS Watch
The WOTUS Replacement Rule became effective in June of 2020, significantly narrowing the number of waterbodies subject to CWA jurisdiction. The policies reflected in the 2020 definitions were the opposite of those as contained in the 2015 regulations. With the change in Administrations at the federal level, expect yet another set of regulations – perhaps reflecting more of a middle-ground approach to what is or is not a “ Water of the United States.” |
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Triennial Review - Next Meeting
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Statewide Stormwater Design Criteria TAC
FDEP’s Stormwater Rulemaking Technical Advisory Committee held their fourth meeting earlier this month. The TAC was formed to assist FDEP and the Water Management Districts in updating the state’s design criteria for the construction and maintenance of stormwater systems, as directed by Senate Bill 712 which passed during the 2020 Legislative Session. More information may be found on FSA’s Advocacy page.
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Updating Statewide Stormwater Design Criteria Webinar – It’s Not Too Late
FSA had record attendance at this month’s webinar with over 460 registrants! The webinar reviewed the background of Florida’s statewide stormwater rule, examined the initiatives undertaken in 2010, and reviewed the objectives of and progress made on the current rulemaking effort. If you missed the webinar, you can view a recording and download the presentation slides from FSA’s webinar page. |
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A big thank you goes out to Applied Sciences for sponsoring the webinar, their contribution allowed us to bring this webinar to members free of charge. |
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2021-22 Board Elections in June
FSA is looking for dynamic leaders dedicated to ensuring the continued success of the Association. There will be online elections to fill vacancies on the Florida Stormwater Association and the FSA Educational Foundation Boards of Directors at the Friday business meeting in June. This is your chance to help lead the primary organization dedicated to furthering the stormwater management profession and water quality improvement programs in Florida.
What’s in it for you?
- An opportunity to enhance the value and set the direction of FSA and FSAEF
- A significant role in advancing your profession and water quality programs
- Access to up-to-date information about the challenges facing your profession
- The chance to exchange ideas and perspectives with other volunteer leaders
The FSA Membership Meeting will be held online in June so there will be no in-person caucuses. Due to the online environment, FSA will be providing all nominee information online, so we need your information by April 30, 2021. Recommendations received after the deadline, including nominations made from the floor at the Annual Membership Meeting, will be accepted, however, candidate details cannot be included on the Elections page.
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Fogarty Training Center – Take Advantage of Online Training through June 2021!
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 hosting 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
Interested in hosting an in-person class? If your organization is interested in hosting a Level 1 or Level 2 Stormwater Operator Certification class call 888-221-3124 or email FSA.
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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. In 2021 the FSAEF will be offering two $2,000 scholarships. Applications are being accepted now from graduate students in colleges or schools of engineering, natural science, public administration (or closely related fields). Qualified applicants should submit an Application Form along with supporting materials by August 6, 2021. |
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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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