Florida DEP to Assume Section 404

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), invites you to attend a two-part public webinar series.

These webinars will present information about Florida’s preparations to assume administration of the dredge and fill permitting program under Section 404 of the federal Clean Water Act for certain wetlands and other surface waters in the state. The informational sessions will be followed by an audience question-and-answer period.

DEP submitted Florida’s assumption package to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Aug. 20, 2020. It is anticipated that EPA will make a decision on Florida’s assumption request by Dec. 17, 2020. The decision must then be published by EPA in the Federal Register. If the decision is for Florida to assume the program, DEP is prepared to implement the program as early as the first week of January 2021.

The webinar content will be tailored to future applicants and environmental professionals who may submit applications on behalf of clients if Florida’s program is approved; however, all interested parties are invited to attend.

Webinar Training Part 1:
Dec. 10, 2020 from 2-4 p.m. EST

Part 1 will include general information about Florida’s proposed program. DEP staff will cover 404 program components including rules, memoranda of agreement/understanding and operating agreements between DEP and EPA, USACE, Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the State Historic Preservation Office. Information will also be presented about program jurisdiction, state-assumed and USACE-retained waters and types of authorization.

Register Now for Part 1

Webinar Training Part 2:
Dec. 14, 2020 from 2-4 p.m. EST

Part 2 will cover tools, coordination, how to apply for a state 404 program permit if Florida’s program is approved and DEP, USACE and EPA processes.

Register Now for Part 2