The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires Collier County to operate its storm sewer system in a manner that prevents pollution flowing into state waterbodies. Collier County’s MS4 is covered under an NPDES Phase II MS4 Stormwater Permit (Permit ID FLR04E037-005). The permit requires the County to have a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) that prevents pollution from entering the MS4. Pollution can occur in various forms. It can come from pipes from homes or businesses dumping into swales or canals. Additionally, pollution can come from hazardous materials poured into a storm drain. These are referred to as illicit discharges.
Hazards Associated with Illicit Discharges
Untreated discharges contribute to high levels of pollutants, including heavy metals, toxic substances, oil and grease, solvents, nutrients, viruses, and bacteria to receiving waterbodies. Pollutants from these illicit discharges significantly degrade water quality and threaten aquatic and wildlife health, as well as human health.
Additional Permit Details:
The NPDES SWMP covers 6 Minimum Control Measures (MCM). Each MCM has Best Management Practices with measurable goals and schedules for implementation. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection administers this program in Florida under 62-624 F.A.C. More information is available at FDEP's stormwater page.
Have a question about Collier County's permit?
NPDES Construction General Permits (CGP)
INTRODUCTION
Construction sites are a potential source of pollution from sediment transport due to erosion, trash and debris, and the variety of chemicals associated with materials and equipment used at a construction site.
LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY
Federal rules promulgated under the Clean Water Act specify that construction site operators and owners have a legal responsibility to keep sediment and other pollutants from leaving the construction site and out of on-site preserve areas and storm sewer system components.
REGULATIONS
All construction sites that disturb one or more acres OR disturb less than one acre of land, but are part of a common plan of development or sale (CGP Section 8.5) AND discharge stormwater to surface waters of the state or to a municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) must have an "NPDES Construction General Permit" through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. FDEP has been delegated authority by the EPA to administer and enforce the program. A Notice of Intent (NOI) must be filed with FDEP, and a copy of the NOI must be sent to Collier County Engineering Services Department at least 2 days before ground breaking for construction.
- Information on FDEP's program for construction activity.
- FDEP electronic NOI submittal web page.
IMPLEMENTATION
Collier County will continue to inspect construction sites for compliance with its own regulations, which apply to all construction sites regardless of size. Failure to comply with approved site-specific sediment and erosion control plans, or allowing uncontrolled trash and pollution, may result in monetary fines or site closure. Persistent problem sites may be referred to FDEP for further inspection and enforcement under the NPDES program. Construction sites may also be inspected by FDEP inspectors as part of the NPDES Construction General Permit program. If a site is inspected, the inspector will check with the site operator for compliance with the NPDES Permit, including the records required showing self-inspection and remedial maintenance by the operator. Collier County believes that compliance is best achieved through education and training. Avoiding problems with proper planning and follow-through should be everyone’s goal.
TRAINING
FDEP has developed a training and certification program for stormwater erosion and sediment control techniques suited to Florida. It is recommended that contractors responsible for implementing erosion control on construction sites receive this training since, by law, you are the responsible party. In the future, Collier County may require certain contractor licenses to have this certification.
Florida's Stormwater, Erosion, and Sedimentation Control Inspector Training & Certification Program
The International Erosion Control Association (IECA) and the Soil and Water Conservation Society are sponsors of an internationally recognized certification program called "CPESC", or, "Certified Professional Erosion and Sediment Control". Visit the IECA.
Educating Collier County
Free Services Offered
- School Presentations: Hands-on water science education based on your curriculum needs.
- Business Owners: Staff training on a variety of subjects, such as lake management, pollution prevention, and landscaping practices that protect water quality.
- Community and Civic Associations: Tailored presentations for your community about the storm water management system, shoreline plants, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ , and local water quality.
- Pond Assessments: Onsite pond assessment(s) and customized recommendations to help your pond look AND function at its best.
- Resources: Handouts on topics such as pollution prevention, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ , county ordinances, and how you can be the solution to pollution at your home, business and community
Goals
- PROVIDE our community with resources about stormwater maintenance that incorporates sustainability, function and beauty.
- EDUCATE our community on the importance of surface and groundwater protection, preservation and restoration.
- EMPOWER our community to prevent pollution.
- INFORM our community about best management practices (BMPs) and pollution prevention.
Email us to schedule a service!