SJRWMD: Environmental Resource Permits

By Alex Morse 03/06/2023

The St. Johns Water Management District is a regional governmental agency that serves as a resource for managing and protecting water resources in Central Florida. One of the ways in which the district accomplishes this mission is by issuing environmental resource permits (ERPs) to regulate new development and construction activities in the area.

An ERP authorizes new development or construction activities to occur in a manner that will prevent adverse flooding, manage surface water, and protect water quality, wetlands and other surface waters. In order to obtain an ERP, applicants may submit their application online through the ePermit system. If needed, the district is available to provide assistance in completing the application.

It’s important to note that unless specifically exempt or below the permitting thresholds, anyone proposing construction of new facilities such as residential, commercial, governmental or institutional, or anyone proposing work in, on or over wetlands or other surface waters, must obtain an ERP prior to beginning construction. The ERP rule criteria are designed to protect water quantity, water quality and wetland functions.

In cases where wetland or other surface water impacts will occur, mitigation will likely be required to offset adverse impacts to wetland or other surface water functions. This is an important step in maintaining the delicate balance of the local ecosystem.

Once an ERP permit is issued, the project must be constructed in accordance with the approved plans and associated permit conditions. Permit holders are responsible for complying with the terms of the permit and demonstrating that the project has been built as authorized. Each construction permit has a limited duration, usually five years, and once the construction activities are successfully completed, the construction permit must be converted to a perpetual operation and maintenance phase.

In conclusion, obtaining an ERP is an important part of protecting the environment in Central Florida. The St. Johns Water Management District’s ERP rule criteria are designed to ensure that development and construction activities are carried out in a manner that protects water quantity, water quality and wetland functions. For those in need of an ERP, the ePermit system and the district are available to assist in the application process.

Resources

• Permitting at the St. Johns River Water Management District (sjrwmd.com)