In Focus: Taking a Closer Look at DEP - March 1

Florida Department of Environmental Protection sent this bulletin at 03/01/2016 04:04 PM EST
florida department of environmental protection in focus

DEP Presents Awards to 16 Water Treatment Plant Operators at Annual Focus On Change Seminars

Focus on Change Award Recipient

DEP Secretary Jon Steverson (left) and DEP Northwest District Director Shawn Hamilton (right) with Plant Operations Excellence Award recipient representing Eglin Air Force Base, Duke Field.

Each year, the department presents awards to domestic wastewater and drinking water facilities around the state that demonstrate excellence in operation, maintenance, innovative treatment, waste reduction, pollution prevention, recycling or other achievements.

On Feb. 23, DEP presented the 2015 Plant Operations Excellence Awards to five Northwest Florida drinking water and domestic wastewater facilities at the annual Focus On Change Seminar conducted by the Florida Rural Water Association. 

The department is awarding a total of 16 facilities, including five domestic wastewater facilities and 11 drinking water facilities statewide. The other awards are being presented at district ceremonies during the additional Focus On Change Seminars in Ocala, Haines City, Punta Gorda and Tamarac. 

For more information, click here.

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Sign Up to Recieve DEP's Daily Lake Okeechobee Update

In an effort to keep Floridians informed of the state’s efforts to protect the environment, wildlife and economies of the communities surrounding Lake Okeechobee and the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie estuaries, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is issuing a Lake Okeechobee status update each weekday. These updates will help residents stay informed of the latest rainfall and lake level conditions, as well as the latest actions by the State of Florida and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Updates are available here.

If you would like to receive DEP's Updates on Lake Okeechobee, or any of the department’s publications, please click here to subscribe.

 

In the Field 

Central District In the Field

DEP Central District Director Jeff Prather tours Embraer's Phenom final assembly facility in Melbourne with Facility Manager Lance Glaab.

During the past year, Embraer, one of the world’s largest aerospace companies, announced plans to create 600 new jobs in Melbourne and 150 new jobs in Titusville. To protect Florida's air and to help Embraer “get to work,” DEP met with Embraer throughout the application process for an Air Construction Permit for the hangar where they plan to paint mid-size business jets. 

Pre-application meetings are encouraged during the project planning phase so the applicant and DEP can discuss the design and construction plans, and corresponding permit requirements. During these meetings, DEP staff also go over ways to minimize and mitigate environmental impacts.

This is an example of how DEP’s regulatory and district offices work with businesses to comply with Florida laws to protect the environment as well as contribute to economic development.

Septic Tank Initiative for Springs Restoration

Septic tanks can be a significant source of nitrates to both surface and groundwater, especially in areas where septic tanks are densely clustered near spring vents. This is why the department's recently adopted restoration plans for Silver, Rainbow, Wakulla and Wekiva Springs address septic tanks as critical to reducing nitrates in the springs systems in order to reach water-quality restoration goals. 

The department continues to work with stakeholders to identify specific wastewater management strategies and projects, such as septic tank removal, wastewater system upgrades and service connections to municipal systems, to achieve restoration goals. For information on upcoming public meetings, click here.

Ellie Schiller: 
A Heart for Nature

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Photo credit: Joe Dube

In celebration of Women's History Month, the department recognizes Ellie Schiller's contributions to environmental education and Florida State Parks. Schiller dedicated her life to nature conservation and studying wildlife.

On July 15, 2009, Homosassa Springs State Park was renamed Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in honor of her support of the park. Along with the Felburn Foundation, Ellie helped build a new state-of-the-art 8,000 square-foot wildlife care center at the park. 

She also contributed to the construction of two Boundless Playgrounds, which eliminate barriers for children with disabilities. These are located on the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway near Ocala and at the Wakulla Station Trailhead on the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail in Wakulla County.
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Fact Sheets Now Available on DEP Newsroom

One of DEP's goals is to proactively communicate a clear and consistent message both internally and externally. One of the ways we are working to achieve this goal is by developing fact sheets on various topics for both the regulated community as well as the general public, such as mangrove trimming, NPDES stormwater pollution prevention, how to handle pesticides, and how to dispose or recycle household batteries. These are now available on the DEP Newsroom.