FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 3, 2001

TALLAHASSEE – In an innovative plan to regulate more efficiently while providing a high level of environmental oversight and protection, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and JEA (formerly Jacksonville Electric Authority) have announced a Memorandum of Agreement that will allow JEA to regulate the construction of its own small drinking water distribution and sewage collection/transmission lines in Duval County. The agreement codifies the commitment of DEP and JEA to streamline the regulation of these systems, but goes well beyond the minimum requirements of the law. The plan was developed in conjunction with Mayor John Delaney’s Better Jacksonville Plan. Self-regulation is authorized under Florida law and has been granted to several other local governments in Florida.

Because of the magnitude of JEA’s system and the shared commitment to implement the most effective program possible, JEA has agreed to have an independent party conduct yearly quality control audits in addition to DEP’s ongoing oversight. DEP also will conduct a separate audit of the agreement after it has been in effect for 8 –12 months. The authority to self-regulate applies to drinking water and sewer lines in Duval County 12 inches and smaller in diameter that serve treatment facilities owned by JEA. DEP would evaluate permit applications for water and sewer lines in Duval County that are larger than 12 inches in diameter and would continue to regulate drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities.

Before the DEP-JEA agreement may go into effect, JEA must publish a Notice of Proposed Agency Action in local newspapers, which will allow for a 21-day public comment period. The proposed agency action and draft agreement also will be made available by DEP for public inspection and comment. We look forward to working with JEA to promote more effective environmental protection in Duval County.