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Stormwater 101

Throughout Florida we are now experiencing flooding from Tropical Storm Debby.  We are not alone as flooding from rainfall and snow melts effects communities all over the world.  In coastal areas the problem is exacerbated by the storm surge of the Gulf and bays.  Why does one pond flood over the banks and another one across the street does not?  The...

Bottled Water Gets a Bad Rap

What is wrong with this picture? These drink cases are from a local convenience store.   There are three cases of all other kinds of flavored drinks compared to one case with water.  So why is the bottled water industry vilified? Here is some of the negative press about bottled water: It is not a good value per ounce; it is no healthier than tap water; bottled...

Mangrove Trimming and What is the Shoreline

The Florida Legislature created the mangrove trimming act, Chapter 403.9321 FS, 1996 Mangrove Trimming and Preservation,  in which they defined an exemption based on measurements from the “shoreline”.  The intent of the Legislature included the prevention of defoliation of mangroves and the riparian rights of property owners which includes their...

Local Land Use Code Changes

It is time to be vigiliant and watch your county government for land use code changes.  Pasco County Florida has made a change to the land use code for wetland setbacks on what they define as significant wetlands (Category 1).  Currently the wetland setback is 25 feet which is also a state criteria for wetland setbacks.  Until the end of 2011 a variance...

Budget Reductions and The Impact on Environmental Permitting

As an environmental consultant, I have been involved in environmental permitting in the southeastern United States for 32 years.  Over the years we have been through several downturns in the economy and changes in state and federal administrations.  In all of these situations, I have heard the doomsday predictions for the future state of the environment....

Wastewater to the Tap

There was a fascinating story on “The Morning Edition” today (August 16, 2011) about the power of words.  Water supply authorities and engineers are having a difficult time convincing citizens that it is safe to recycle the treated waste water into drinking water.  The water supply developers in the Tampa Bay area have first-hand experience with...

Clementi Environmental Services