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It’s Not Too Late to Register for the Annual Conference
Don’t miss out on Florida’s preeminent stormwater conference! FSA is committed to being your trusted source for stormwater education. The 2021 Annual Conference will be held online from 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 20 presentations across two concurrent tracks, 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! Hurry, registration closes June 11, 2021 – Register today! |
Join a FSA Committee in 2021!
Are you looking for a way to dip your toe into the world of volunteering with FSA? Joining a committee is a perfect place to start! Put your passion to work for FSA today.
Visit FSA’s Committee page to see current Committee members and be sure to complete a Request Form prior to July 2, 2021. Appointments to FSA's Committees will occur in mid-July. Note that reappointment to a Committee is not automatic so submit your request today. |
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FSA Elections Coming Soon!
Mark your calendars for the Annual Membership Meeting this June. For the first time, the Meetings and Elections will be held online beginning with a Zoom Meeting on Friday, June 25, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern during the Annual Conference. The meetings will continue with electronic voting concluding one week later on July 2, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. The online meeting will include an election of the Florida Stormwater Association’s (FSA) and the Florida Stormwater Association Educational Foundation’s (FSAEF) Boards of Directors and FSA Officers.
A few details you should know before you vote:
- Membership in FSA is organizational so only one vote is allowed per organization. Decide today who will be casting your organization’s vote!
- Only one representative per organization can be elected to the FSA Board of Directors.
- Organizations may NOT be simultaneously represented on the FSA and FSAEF Board of Directors.
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Top Ten Public Works Leaders of the Year – Pat Collins
The American Public Works Association (APWA) recently announced its 2021 Top Ten Public Works Leaders of the Year. We are happy to announce that FSA Past President, Patrick Collins, was one of ten that received this award. Pat, now with the City of Valdosta, GA, spent most of his career in Florida concentrating on stormwater issues and advancing the knowledge of such topics as NPDES compliance, TMDLs, and stormwater finance.
In its 62nd year, this award is one of APWA’s highest honors, and is based on a lifetime of professional contributions. Recipients of the awards are chosen by past Top Ten recipients and embody professionalism, expertise, and personal dedication to improving the quality of life in their communities through the advancement of public works services and technology. Congratulations to Pat and the top ten outstanding Public Works leaders for their devotion to advancing the quality of life for all in their communities!
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Patrick Collins,
City of Valdosta
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Comments Sought on Revisions to the Construction General Permit
EPA is seeking comments on proposed revisions to the NPDES general permit for stormwater discharges from construction activities, sometimes referred to as the Construction General Permit (CGP). When finalized, the permit would replace the 2017 CGP that is set to expire in February 2022. EPA is seeking comments on the proposed permit and its accompanying fact sheet. Comments will be received through July 12, 2021 via EPA’s Notice published on the Federal Register’s website. EPA is planning one or more webcasts during the week of June 14, 2021 to provide an overview of the proposed 2022 CGP and respond to questions from participants. For more information, contact Michael Mitchell at EPA Region IV or Greg Schaner at the Office of Water at EPA Headquarters. |
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EPA Initiates Action on PFAS
In April, EPA Administrator Michael Regan formed a council of senior agency staff to jumpstart strategies for tackling per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The council is seeking “pragmatic approaches” to protect the public from the chemicals, such as reviewing ongoing PFAS actions and assisting states on PFAS challenges. EPA is acting to limit PFAS exposures and aims to reduce regulatory exemptions for approvals of certain PFAS. EPA had already reissued the previous Administration’s final Safe Drinking Water Act regulatory determinations for certain PFAS, triggering a 24-month timeline for EPA to propose national primary drinking water regulations with typically enforceable maximum contaminant levels (MCLs), for the chemicals. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances do not degrade in the environment, are common contaminants in water supplies, and pose hazards to human health even in very small amounts. |
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Assessing Future Needs for Stormwater Systems
An amendment added to HB 53 late in the 2021 Session requires local governments with wastewater or stormwater management systems to create a 20-year needs analysis. The analysis must include 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 currently preparing its approach on gathering the information. A workshop on implementing HB 53 is scheduled during the FSA Annual Conference. |
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Triennial Review of Water Quality Standards
The window to make comments on FDEP’s proposed revisions to water quality standards closed on May 19, 2021. Policy on cyanotoxins was not included in the Department’s recommendations and new turbidity criteria were limited to areas near coral reefs and hardbottom communities. The Department’s proposed revisions are the result of a Clean Water Act requirement that state governments review and possibly revise water quality standards every three years. FDEP began the current Triennial Review process two years ago. For more information, visit FDEP’s Triennial Review webpage or contact Daryll Joyner. |
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Statewide Stormwater Design Criteria TAC
The sixth meeting of FDEP’s Stormwater Rulemaking Technical Advisory Committee was held on May 21, 2021. Among other topics, the TAC discussed water quality issues surrounding pre-development, redevelopment, and net improvement. The 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 next meeting of the TAC will be held on June 9, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. You may register online and find more information about the TAC on FSA’s Advocacy page. |
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FDEP Interim Secretary Begins June 4th
FDEP Secretary Noah Valenstein will step down as Secretary next week after running the Department for four years under two governors. Shawn Hamilton, FDEP’s Deputy Secretary for land and recreation, will become the Department’s Interim Secretary on June 4. Hamilton has been with FDEP since 2007, starting as a Public Affairs Manager in the agency’s Northwest District Office and moving to Assistant District Director in 2010 and District Director in 2011. Hamilton was promoted to the Deputy Director position last year. Hamilton has worked as the agency’s environmental justice coordinator, providing statewide guidance on sensitive environmental justice issues, and as the primary state liaison for the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Environmental Justice.
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Shawn Hamilton,
FDEP Interim Secretary
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Did You Miss the FSA Legislative Recap?
Did you miss the FSA 2021 Legislative Session recap? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Visit FSA’s webinar page to download the presentation and view the recording. The webinar examined what was introduced, what passed and failed in 2021, and what might be returning for 2022. Hear a review of legislative actions on biosolids, septic tanks, permitting requirements, measures to preempt the regulatory authority of local governments, and many other bills. The webinar was brought to FSA members free of charge thanks to the sponsorship of Applied Sciences. |
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FSA Career Center
Did you know that FSA members can post vacancies in the Career Center for FREE? Each listing posts for 30-days and is accessible to job seekers across the state of Florida. Post your vacancy today! |
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Take Advantage of Online Training
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 email FSA or call 888-221-3124 today.
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Don’t Let Your Stormwater Operator Certification Expire!
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FSA Educational Foundation is Providing Scholarships! |
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The FSA Educational Foundation’s Scholarship Program awards financial assistance to qualified graduate students attending Florida colleges and universities. Applications are accepted annually from graduate-level 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 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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