The construction, operation, modification or closure of any solid waste management facility, in Hillsborough County, requires a Director’s Authorization, which is defined by Chapter 1-7, Rules of the Environmental Protection Commission, as the specific written authorization of the Executive Director.

In addition to solid waste management facilities requiring Director’s Authorizations, any activities or operations that affect or impact previously solid waste filled areas and old landfills also require the Executive Director’s approval.

Even though a permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) may be necessary for the construction, operation or modification of these facilities, obtaining a Director’s Authorization and the submittal of the appropriate application fee remains a requirement.

However, entering into a separate permitting process and the submittal of separate application information is not necessary. In accordance with Chapter 1-7, for those facilities or operations requiring an FDEP solid waste permit, a copy of a completed FDEP permit application, with original signatures and engineer’s seal along with a appropriate fee, may be submitted to the Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) as application for Director’s Authorization. The state permit, upon its approval by the FDEP and the EPC having no objections, will serve as the Director’s Authorization.

For those facilities or operations that are exempt from permitting by the FDEP, such as excavation of or construction on old landfills; the construction and operation of a Yard and Wood Waste Processing Facility; or the construction and operation of a Recovered Materials Processing Facility, the submittal of an application for Director’s Authorization and the appropriate application fee is required.