FSA fastTRACKS

This newsletter is available exclusively to FSA Members and is the kind

of information you receive as a benefit of membership
 Volume 17, Issue  9                                                                                             October 2015 

Newsletter Sponsors

amec foster wheeler

CPWG

RH Moore & Associates

Singhofen & Associates Logo
.
 
In This Issue
Winter Conference
FSA Files Challenge to WOTUS Rules
Jerry Brooks Dedication
Membership Renewal
Stormwater Training
Career Center
Phase 2 Rules
SB 536 Final Report
SWU Manual Available
 
 
Join Our Mailing List
 
 
 
 
Job Hunting?
Have a Vacancy?


Visit the

FSA Career Center
 
 FSA Members Receive FREE Job Postings!
 
 
FSA WINTER CONFERENCE 
December 9-11,
2015

 
 

Happy Halloween from FSA!

 

Winter Conference - Register Now!
FSA's Winter Conference will be held at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel in Orlando on December 9-11.  The Conference features a great mix of technical and policy-focused sessions; an Exhibit Hall with the best networking opportunities in Florida; and, the presentation of the FSA Educational Foundation's Stormwater Scholarship Award.  FDEP Deputy Secretary Drew Bartlett will provide the Keynote Address and General Counsel Craig Varn will discuss FDEP's "536 Report" on beneficial uses of reclaimed stormwater during the pre-conference session on Wednesday, December 9th.  Hurry, early-bird discount ends today (10/30)!  Register Now!
FSA & League of Cities File Challenge to WOTUS Rules
FSA filed a Petition for Review  in the Sixth Circuit (federal) Court of Appeals on October 26th challenging the rules of EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers that revise the definitions of "Waters of the United States."  A formal Complaint will be also filed in federal District Court in Tallahassee. The adopted rules will have dramatic, far-reaching effects on local governments' ability to improve water quality and manage stormwater programs.  The language of the rules is so broad and the universe of waters that will be subject to Clean Water Act policy and related state programs is so large, that it is likely that water quality improvement programs will actually be negatively impacted by the rules, not enhanced.  See FSA Comments on the draft rules.  Although numerous other lawsuits have been filed across the country challenging the validity of the rules, none of those suits have been filed by local governments or an association representing the interests of local governments as relates to stormwater or dredge/fill permitting programs.  Joining FSA in the lawsuit are the Florida League of Cities, the Southeast Stormwater Association and the Florida Rural Water Association. 
Jerry Edward Brooks Environmental Lab Building Dedicated
Jerry Brooks,
long-time water quality administrator at FDEP and friend of FSA, passed away in July.  When the Department was still known as "DER," Jerry oversaw the construction and initial management of its world-class Laboratory Building.  Three days before he passed, the Florida Legislature designated the building as the "Jerry Edward Brooks Environmental Laboratory" building.  The dedication ceremony was held last week.  
Renew Your Membership Now!
FSA's fiscal year begins November 1, 2015.  Those members who have not yet renewed for FY 2015-16 will automatically be dropped from membership at the end of November.  Maintaining your membership supports the numerous services that FSA provides and renewing your membership online is easy!  Remember that membership in FSA is organizational, not individual - everyone in your city, county or company is a member of FSA!  So when you're renewing your membership online, please take a moment to ensure that all of your stormwater personnel are included as contacts within your organization and that their information is current.  QUESTIONS?  Contact FSA at 888-221-3124.
Last Chance to Renew Your SW Operator Certification for 2015!
All FSA Stormwater Operator certifications must be renewed every five years.  The final option to renew your certification is scheduled for December 16, 2015.   Webinars for both Level 1 and 2 Stormwater Operator re-certifications are available.  The two-hour webinars allow you or your staff to attend from your office, saving time and money!  Go online to our Re-Certification page to find out more.  Visit FSA's Training Center for more information about Certified Stormwater Operator classes.  Remember that FDEP has recognized these classes as fulfilling your MS4 permit's requirements for training and 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 Career Center
Did you know that FSA members can post position vacancies on the FSA Career Center at no cost for 30 days?  Visit the Career Center to post a job announcement or to search for available positions.  It's FREE for FSA members!  
Revised Phase 2 Rules to be Released
On September 14, 2015 the Natural Resources Defense Council and EPA entered into a Settlement Agreement concerning revisions to the Phase 2 rules for small MS4s.  Under the agreement, EPA is required to:  1) Publish in the Federal Register a notice of proposed rulemaking by December 17, 2015; and 2) Sign for publication a final rule by November 17, 2016, regarding the Phase 2 MS4 rules that comply with the 2003 9th Circuit opinion.  FSA has been involved in preliminary discussions concerning the rule with EPA and will be watching its development, as the pending rules could have significant impacts on small MS4 permit holders.
Reclaimed Water (SB 536) Study Final Report
FDEP's Final Report to the Legislature on the expansion of beneficial uses of reclaimed water, stormwater and excess surface water in Florida is due early December.  The preparation of the Report was mandated by Senate Bill 536, which passed during the 2014 Legislative Session.  A Draft Report was released last month.  FDEP General Counsel Jake Varn will discuss the report during the pre-conference workshop session of FSA's Winter Conference. 
Stormwater Utility Manual Available
Thinking of starting a stormwater utility or revising your SWU rates?  FSA's manual on "Establishing a Stormwater Utility in Florida"  can help!  The manual was originally written to assist communities that are considering the development and implementation of a stormwater utility as a means of providing supplemental or alternative funding for their stormwater management program.  The third edition will also be useful to those cities or counties with established utilities that are considering revisions to their program, like changes to rates or rate structures, policies on credits, billing and collection mechanisms, etc.  The cost is $30 for FSA members and $50 for non-members.  Order Your Copy Today! 

We appreciate your feedback!  Please don't hesitate to contact us if have any questions about FSA. 

Sincerely,

Florida Stormwater Association
Website: www.florida-stormwater.org

Toll-Free Phone: 888-221-3124