Last year your NUCA FL Government Affairs team worked to pass legislation granting authority to seek state assumption of the Clean Water Act Section 404 Program
EPA Announces Historic Approval of Florida ’ s Request to Administer the Clean Water Act Section 404 Program
Today , the U . S . Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) announced that the State of Florida is the first state in more than 25 years to apply for and receive approval to implement a Clean Water Act ( CWA ) Section 404 program , joining Michigan and New Jersey as the only states in the country with such authority . Today ’ s action formally transfers permitting authority under CWA Section 404 from the U . S . Army Corps of Engineers ( Corps ) to the State of Florida for a broad range of water resources within the State . This action allows the State to more effectively and efficiently evaluate and issue permits under the CWA to support the health of Florida ’ s waters , residents , and economy .
“ A considerable amount of effort has gone into Florida ’ s assumption of the Clean Water Act 404 program ,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler . “ Federal authorities don ’ t delegate this type of permit often , but Florida has , beyond question one of the greatest environmental records of any state , and I couldn ’ t be happier that Florida has shown it can meet the strict national standards EPA sets to protect human health and the environment .”
“ After a rigorous review , analysis and coordination process , EPA is pleased that the state of Florida will assume responsibility of its Clean Water Act Section 404 program ,” said EPA Region 4 Administrator Mary S . Walker . “ This approval is truly a reflection of the high-level scientific and regulatory expertise of the environmental professionals at the state , federal and tribal levels who ensured a legally and technically sound program . This monumental milestone will allow Florida to administer this program to best fit enhanced protection of its natural resources .”
EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler made the announcement at a press conference with Florida Department of Environmental Protection ( FDEP ) Secretary
10 DITCHMEN • DECEMBER 2020