The Everglades Forever Act was issued in 1994. The EFA recognizes that the long-term water quality objective for the Everglades is to implement the optimal combination of source controls, stormwater treatment areas (STAs), advanced treatment technologies and regulatory programs to ensure that all waters discharged to the Everglades Protection Area achieve water quality standards consistent with the EFA. The EFA regulates the construction, operation and maintenance of the Everglades Construction Project. The Everglades Construction project is a series of STAs, which are constructed wetlands designed to remove excess nutrients and pollutants from watershed runoff. EFA permits are issued in lieu of all other permits issued under Part IV of Chapters 373, F.S., with the exception of NPDES permits.Ĭomprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan Regulation Act(CERPRA Section 373.1502, F.S.) Please find projects currently on public notice, as required by Rule 62-331.060, F.A.C., at OWPER State 404 Program Public Notices.Įverglades Forever Act(EFA Section 373.4592, FS) Army Corps of Engineers and the South Florida Water Management District, as well as with staff from the department’s South and Southeast district offices.Īs of December 22, 2020, OWPER began processing State 404 (dredge and fill) permit applications for mining projects in state-assumed waters. These functions involve close coordination with the lead agencies implementing restoration activities, the U.S. The Office of Water Policy and Ecosystems Restoration (OWPER) is responsible for implementing the department’s technical, planning and regulatory responsibilities for restoration activities required by the Everglades Forever Act (EFA Section 373.4592, Florida Statutes (F.S.), the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP Section 373.1502, F.S.) and the Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Plan (NEEPP 373.4595, F.S.).

Dredging pond dep