The
EPC Water Team section is made up of four people within the Environmental
Resources Management Division. This team has strong management, engineering,
geological and ecological science skills. All of whom have extensive
experience with water resource related issues in Hillsborough County, and
elsewhere in the state of Florida.
The Teams primary function is the review of any Tampa Bay Water project having the potential to impact surface water, groundwater, wetlands or other ecological resources in Hillsborough County. This technical review is coordinated and in cooperation with the larger group called the Hillsborough County Governments Water Resource Team under the county administrator. Related reviews of commercial construction projects, water supply development projects, mining projects, storm water management projects, and other environmentally sensitive projects throughout Hillsborough County are also carefully followed.
The Team is also
concerned with the broader issue of the "cumulative environmental impacts"
which could result from numerous development projec
ts
in the county and region, particularly when these projects occur in the same
watershed, or river basin.
Comments and evaluations for these projects are conveyed to Hillsborough County’s representatives (BOCC members) on the Tampa Bay Water board of directors in order to help them make informed decisions that may impact our water and ecological resources. Evaluations begin from the very inception of a project idea through the permitting, construction, and operational phases of these projects. The Team does not issue permits but tries to influence the various regulatory agencies that do issue permits such as the SWFWMD, ACOE, DEP, etc.
The Team also helps manage and coordinate EPC’s Pollution Recovery Fund and the Gardinier Settlement Trust Fund. Restoration projects and others projects requesting money from these funds are reviewed by EPC staff, DEP, the Citizen’s Environmental Advisory Committee (CEAC) and finally by the EPC.
If you would like further information, please call (813) 272-5960, and ask for the EPC Water Team section of the Environmental Resources Management Division.