The Environmental Resource Permitting Program (ERP) is responsible for the review of all projects occurring in wetlands, surface waters, and uplands that have the potential to affect wetlands and surface waters.  These projects range from single family docks and seawalls to marina reconfigurations and natural gas pipeline installation.  The programs goals are to balance the needs of the public while protecting Florida’s unique habitats, wildlife and water quality. The program issues various forms of authorization from exemptions for smaller scale projects to individual permits that may require approval from the Board of Trustees.

Southeast District ERP Program Contacts

Jill King, Environmental Manager

Phone: (561) 681-6638 / Jill.M.King@dep.state.fl.us

Benny Luedike, Environmental Specialist III Supervisor

Phone: (561) 681-6646 / Benny.Luedike@dep.state.fl.us

Holly Boyett, Environmental Specialist III Supervisor

Phone: (561) 681-6635 / Holly.Boyett@dep.state.fl.us

Rules and Statutes that Govern the ERP Program

• http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/wetlands/erp/rules/index.htm

Common Projects in the ERP Program

• Single family docks, seawalls, dredging

• Single family wetland fill

• Marina development and reconfiguration

• Artificial reefs

• Fiber optic cable installation

• Mangrove trimming

• Ecosystem restoration

• Wetland enhancement

Projects Unique to the Southeast District (SED)

• The Calypso U.S. Pipeline, LLC. project involved the installation of an approximately 3.2 mile dry tunnel beneath the seafloor to contain a natural gas pipeline designed to transport natural gas from its entry point at Port Everglades to potential locations as far as the Bahamas. This project was designed to meet the growing demands for energy throughout Florida.

• The Port of Miami Tunnel project involved the conceptual approval of the installation of an underground two way highway tunnel traveling under the Government Cut waterway as the main entry/exit to and from the Port of Miami to meet the growing tourist and cargo demands of one of the busiest Ports in the world today. 

• The Broward County Tire Reef Removal Project involves the removal of approximately 2 million tires that were placed on the seafloor in the 1970’s for an artificial reef.  It was later discovered that the tires did not provide the ideal substrate for natural colonization and were unstable, migrating with storm events onto the nearby natural reefs.  Broward County along with other regulatory agencies are now working to remove the tires altogether to improve the health of the natural reefs and clean up the seafloor.

Relevant Links and Information

• Permitting Links

• List of environmental consultants

Artificial Reef Programs

Miami-Dade County Department of Environmental Resource Management (DERM)

• http://www.miamidade.gov/derm/reefs.asp

Broward County Environmental Protection Department (EPD)

• http://www.broward.org/bio/reefs.htm

Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resource Management (ERM)

• http://www.co.palm-beach.fl.us/erm/enhancement/reef.asp

Martin County Artificial Reef Program

• http://www.martinreefs.com

FDEP Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP)

Through its role in supporting Florida's membership on the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force and the U.S. All Islands Committee, the CRCP leads the implementation of the Southeast Coral Reef Initiative (SEFCRI) and contributes to the National Action Plan to conserve coral reefs.  The CRCP is also charged with coordinating response to vessel groundings and anchor damage incidents in southeast Florida, and developing strategies to prevent coral reef injuries.  More detailed information about the FDEP CRCP and its programs can be found at http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/programs/coral.

For vessel groundings on offshore reefs, or reef injury events, please contact:

• Brett Godfrey, FDEP CRCP Reef Injury Prevention and Response Coordinator

  (305) 795-2167 / Brett.Godfrey@dep.state.fl.us

Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative (SEFCRI)

Managed by the FDEP CRCP, SEFCRI is a team of interagency and non-agency marine resource professionals, scientists, resource users and other stakeholders.  More detailed information about SEFCRI and its projects can be found at http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/programs/coral/sefcri.htm or http://www.southeastfloridareefs.net.

Aquatic Preserves within the SED

• Indian River-Vero Beach to Fort Pierce Inlet Aquatic Preserve

• Jensen Beach to Jupiter Inlet Aquatic Preserve

• North Fork, St. Lucie Aquatic Preserve

• Loxahatchee River-Lake Worth Creek Aquatic Preserve

• Biscayne Bay-Card Sound Aquatic Preserve

• http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/programs/aquatic.htm - Other Aquatic Preserves in Florida

Southeast District Main Switchboard

(561) 681-6600

Map and Directions to the Southeast District Office