Storm water regulations have existed since the Clean Water Act of 1972. Until January 2003, however, they were federally administered and regulated.
“The Environmental Protection Agency delegated this authority to the states last year,” said Clint Vinson with Paradigm Engineering. “Now storm water management comes under the jurisdiction of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The storm water program is a requirement that must be followed if a builder or developer is in a community one acre or larger.”
Vinson conducted a course for builders and contractors at the Northeast Florida Builders Association offices last month.
In regulated communities, a builder is required to have a site-specific Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) that addresses the EPA, FDEP and any local regulations. The builder must file a notice of intent - an application for a Florida storm water discharge permit - 48 hours before ground is broken.
The state also requires weekly inspections by a state-qualified inspector. In addition, an inspection must be performed after every half inch of rainfall.
“The last portion of this program is a maintenance program that keeps the communities clean and the erosion control devices working properly,” Vinson said. “Builders can be fined $32,500 per day per violation for non-compliance.”
While builders have not experienced a lot of enforcement in the past, Vinson said the storm water agencies currently are increasing inspections.
For more information on SWPPPs, contact Vinson at 321-795-9431.