Environmental Protection

Environmental Compliance and Enforcement

Protection of our natural resources, as required by the Alachua County Comprehensive Plan, is an important part of the development review process. Projects are inspected during and after construction to insure compliance with development approval (see Environmental Review Checklist).

A major concern in Alachua County is protecting the functions and values of wetland areas. Development activities in surface water areas and wetlands are specifically prohibited, pursuant to the "Surface Waters and Wetlands," Chapter 406 Article 6, Alachua County Code. Development activity, which includes dredging, filling, clearing, and mechanical vegetation removal is prohibited on lakes, creeks, forested ponds, swamps, and marshes. Upland buffers surrounding these areas are also protected.

Floodplains, which normally contain wetlands and provide some of the same functions, are regulated in accordance with the "100 Year Floodplains," Chapter 406 Article 7, Alachua County Code. Contact Abel Paguio, 352 374-5245 at Public Works for more information on Floodplains.

Our staff provides guidance to property owners regarding wetlands and floodplains, but also seek compliance when violations of code are reported or discovered. Contact Mike Buono at Environmental Protection for additional information.

The Florida Stormwater, Erosion, and Sedimentation Control Inspector�s Manual

This manual is designed to be a comprehensive reference source for the conduct of your daily professional duties. Do not attempt to memorize this entire manual. Instead, become familiar enough to know where to find information quickly. Review the manual periodically to improve and maintain your technical and personal skills. Refer to this manual when facing a new situation or when in doubt. Try to keep this manual with you while conducting your duties.