Environmental Protection
Erosion and Sedimentation Control
Sediments are Pollutants! 
Areas where vegetation is removed from the landscape, especially construction sites, become a source of pollution as the soil becomes loose and erodable. Rain can wash the soil from bare sites (this is called erosion) and deposit it into the stormwater collection system or surface waters (this is called sedimentation).
You may be thinking, "It is just dirt, it won't hurt anything." Well, sediment in a creek smothers habitat that is needed by fish and aquatic insects. Even if you don't like bugs, these aquatic insects are the base of the foodchain and are important for all the critters you may prefer -like fish, birds, otters, and frogs. Sediment can also transport hazardous materials such as oils, hydraulic fluids, pesticides, and fertilizers. Sediment in the stormwater collection system can cause flooding and can be expensive to remove. Don't forget that most stormwater systems flow directly to our waterways without any treatment.
Sediment must stay on site at construction sites. The best way to do this, is to disturb as little area as possible. Erosion and sediment controls (or Best Management Practices) must be used to keep any disturbed sites stable. Typical controls include silt fences, inlet protection, and hay bales. Construction sites are regulated by the Public Works Departments of the municipality or county. However, ACEPD will take enforcement action through the Water Quality Code if necessary .
This silt fence will fail if sediment is not removed.
Regulatory Requirements
A construction site needs a permit from the Florida Department of Enviornmental Protection Department (FDEP) if the site will disturb more than one acre of land or if it may discharge to a water of the state or a permitted stormwater collection system. Download a permit application to determine if your site needs a permit. As part of the FDEP permit a stormwater pollution prevention plan must be submitted.
Dewatering permits are required for all de-watering activites on construction sites. To obtain these permits you must contact the St Johns River Water Mangement District or the Suwannee River Water Management District.
Local governments review stormwater pollution prevention plans for completeness and inspect erosion and sediment controls to insure that the plans are followed.
Training and Additional Resources
Alachua County Environmental Protection Department (ACEPD) hosts free classes on erosion and sediment controls. The classes are normally held in January and March. A flyer for the next class will be posted here soon.
ACEPD put together a vendor list to help you locate the products needed on your construction site and a guide to BMPs
The University of Central Florida's Stormwater Academy hosts trainings and has some helpful information on their site: http://www.stormwater.ucf.edu/
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection posts upcoming trainings all over the state and has a helpful manual that can be downloaded at http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/nonpoint/erosion.htm
