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TALLAHASSEE –
To protect public health and safety, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Deputy
Secretary of Regulatory Programs Mimi Drew today signed an Emergency Final Order in response to
Tropical Storm Fay. The Order provides relief from some of the Department’s regulatory requirements
to minimize environmental hazards and accelerate restoration in areas damaged by the storm.
“The emergency authorization allows repair and restoration to begin immediately in the affected areas,
bringing faster relief to the communities and residents affected by Tropical Storm Fay,” said DEP Deputy
Secretary Drew. “By issuing the Order, DEP is reducing regulatory process and providing flexibility for
restoring services quickly in this time of critical need.”
The 60-day emergency authorization applies to governments, businesses and property owners across
affected counties, allowing immediate rebuilding of damaged structures without prior Department
notification. The Order will expedite the repair of damage to drinking water and wastewater facilities,
along with cleanup of tropical storm-generated debris and the restoration of natural areas such as dune
systems, waterways and wetlands.
The emergency authorization currently covers hurricane recovery activities for:
- Environmental Resource Permitting (wetlands) in Brevard, Volusia, Glades, Duval, Nassau, Flagler and St. Johns counties;
- Beaches and Coastal Systems in St. Johns County from R-87 (South Ponte Vedra) to R-117 (Vilano) and from R-200
(Summer Haven) to R-209 (Flagler/St. Johns County Line);
- Water and Wastewater Plants and Collection and Distribution Systems in St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach, Okeechobee,
Volusia, Brevard, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns Counties; and
- Waste Management (debris staging areas) in all counties.
Other areas may be added to the Order as the storm progresses westward across the state. The order will expire
on October 15, 2008. Extensions may be granted if contractors or supplies are not available.
Field authorizations will be provided to replace destroyed structures; alter mangroves; restore uplands, wetlands
and submerged lands and for other DEP-authorized activities not specified in the Order.
Visit www.dep.state.fl.us to view the Emergency Final Order
and for more information on Tropical Storm Fay.
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