Don’t Lose Sight of Compliance and Permitting Needs—Florida’s Rainy Season is Coming Soon
Tim Terwilliger, MS, PE / ERMI Principal Engineer
With the official rainy season (identified as May 15 through October 15 each year) comes the increased focus on maintaining facility and permit compliance related to stormwater management. Whether the property is under construction, a contaminated site cleanup project, or a routine manufacturing facility with permit conditions to maintain, the rainy season brings the enhanced need to ensure your property’s compliance with applicable Florida regulations and permits.
When planning a new development, construction activities must account for stormwater management. Several aspects are required for construction project sites, and the Florida Stormwater, Erosion, and Sedimentation Control Inspector (FSESCI) program factors into the planning and implementation of construction projects. The FSESCI includes a certification program to train installers and inspectors in the Best Management Practices (BMPs) for selection, installation and maintenance of erosion control and stormwater management features. Additionally, local stormwater drainage design requirements may factor into the development of a complete and adequate stormwater management plan. Understanding the various Water Management District requirements is a key role in this development.
Determining the most appropriate permitting and preparing applications is important. Depending on the type of business operating at the property, the permit needed may be different than a neighboring property. Efficient permit application preparation and processing will help minimize delays in business operations.
Following permit issuance, compliance becomes the key focus. Permits have varying monitoring and reporting requirements, as well as timeframes for permit renewal to accommodate.
ERMI helps clients determine the appropriate permitting requirements for the property, prepares applications, provides designs, develops needed calculations and conducts stormwater discharge monitoring and reporting. Routine compliance with regulations such as National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits involves a variety of requirements, including Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs), BMPs, sample collection during and/or immediately following a storm event, and specific reporting conditions. And with our certification in FSESCI, ERMI is well poised to efficiently assist with various properties.
Aligned with the rainy season in Florida is the Hurricane season. With all the urgent and intensified attention that Hurricanes warrant, it’s important not to lose sight of the less urgent but equally important stormwater management issues.