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TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today marks the implementation of expanded protection for water resources in the Florida Panhandle. The Florida Legislature passed House Bill 7163 in 2006, creating an Environmental Resource Permitting (ERP) program in Northwest Florida for the first time. DEP has worked with area stakeholders since that time to put effective rules and practices for the ERP program in place.
“This is an historic moment for the people, the environment and the economy of Northwest Florida,” said DEP Secretary Michael W. Sole. “Including the region in the statewide Environmental Resource Permitting program will improve stormwater management and flood control and better protect some of the most pristine rivers, estuaries and streams in the state.”
Today inaugurates the first phase of the program, updating stormwater rules and practices to protect water quality and reduce flooding. Phase Two, to be implemented after January 1, 2008, will enhance protection for wetlands connected to other surface waters as well as isolated wetlands not previously protected by state law in Northwest Florida. This program is being implemented jointly by DEP and the Northwest Florida Water Management District.
The ERP program regulates dredging of navigation channels, filling wetlands, other urban and residential development activities, highway construction, and installation of docks and seawalls. Phase One of this program requires stormwater management practices to reduce off-site flooding and protect water quality. The program includes a strong mitigation component to offset unavoidable impacts to water resources and related habitat. Rule development for Phase Two wetland regulations is underway and a public workshop is anticipated before the end of the year.
In addition to Florida’s environmental permitting programs, the State is conserving wetlands and wildlife habitat by acquiring environmentally sensitive land. More than two million acres of natural land -- including 191,000 acres in the Panhandle -- have been placed in public ownership through Florida Forever and its predecessor program, Preservation 2000. Established by the Florida Legislature, the 10-year, $3 billion Florida Forever program is the largest land buying initiative in the nation.
For more information, visit
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/wetlands/erp/rules/draft_nw.htm.
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