Prevention not Intervention Developing a Sound Response to Erosion and Sediment Control Problems through the Planning Process

The Stormwater Problem Changes in land use affects the hydrology of an area in four ways: 1. Change in peak flow characteristics 2. Change in runoff volumes 3. Change in water quality 4. Changes in hydrologic amenities

NonPoint Source Pollution Agricultural runoff & leaching Runoff from forestry activities Construction site erosion & sedimentConstruction site erosion & sediment Urban stormwater runoff On-site wastewater systems Landfill leachates & Mining operations Everyday human activities

The Construction Contribution

Pollution from Stormwater Runoff Generates almost all of the sediments found in Florida’s waters. Contributes oxygen demanding substances in to water bodies at an amount greater than nine times that of a point sources Flushes nutrients into water bodies at a rate comparable to the discharge from a wastewater treatment plant. Deposits 80 to 95 percent of the heavy metals that reach Florida waters.

Causes of Noncompliance Inadequate implementation Best Management Practices (BMPs) not installed correctly Contributing areas changed, additional BMPs required Poor Maintenance of BMPs Inconsistent erosion control practices on sites Unstabilized ground cover

Enforcement is time consuming and costly for regulators and the regulated community

We Found a Problem... Let’s Fix it! What direction do we go?

Nocatee DRI

Nocatee at a glance Estimated 35,000 new residents to the county over the next 25 yrs.

Typical Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans +BMPs to control erosion & sediment +Proper implementation protects buffers & open waters +Required with Stormwater & NPDES permits -Costly tracking and enforcement of violations -Complicated by multiple subcontractors & owners -Lack of consistency in large developments -Limited accountability in large projects Positive Aspects Negative Aspects

Think outside the box Typical SWPPP Think outside the box!

The Nocatee Story Goal: Find a way to protect water quality from construction activities by insuring implementation of erosion and sediment control activities on entire development. Process: Met with developer to find a way to protect resources within development construction related impacts

Solution Erosion Control Specialist Work for applicant to ensure compliance with development order conditions including meeting SWPPP requirements.

Commercial Development Residential Development Public Infrastructure Master Developer Erosion Control Specialist Laborers Mult. Sub-Contractors Owner/ Developer On-site Superintendent

Erosion Control Specialist Responsibilities Trained in erosion control implementation techniques Set up and oversee programs to project buildout Monitor onsite training and compliance Meet with onsite superintendents Quarterly updates and annual reports

Erosion Control Specialist Responsibilities cont. Attend pre-construction conferences Conduct Homeowners Stormwater Training Conduct Contractor Stormwater Training Conduct periodic inspections of construction sites Notify SJRWMD and FDEP of observed potential permit violations within 24 hours and serve as agency liaison

Desired Results Create accountability Uniformity Reduce compliance efforts and costs Provide liaison on site for agencies to work directly with

Evaluate Success of Program Quarterly Reports Annual Reports Department Sampling Efforts 25 year build out gives us plenty of time to...