SAVE THE DATE!

Manufacturing Days at the Capital is scheduled for February 4-5, 2013 in Tallahassee.  This is an annual event for MAF members.  Sponsorships are now being accepted. More details forthcoming. Please contact nancy@mafmfg.com.

 

Closing in on the Manufacturers Summit

This is the last week to register for the upcoming Manufacturers Summit and it is not too late to sign up for an exhibit or a sponsorship. There are nearly 40 speakers at the Summit this year and 25 exhibitors.  Thank you to our wonderful sponsors for making the Summit possible. Regarding the Manufacturer of the Year Awards Banquet at the Summit, we have 17 finalists this year vying for the winning position in four categories.  Thank you to everyone who participated in this awards process and to Phil Centonze, POS-Impact for managing it! You may register for the Summit at www.mafmfg.com. An updated agenda is also posted there for your convenience.

 

DEP Solid Waste Webinar

On December 4, 2012 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. DEP will hold a solid waste webinar.  The purpose is to discuss 1) the changing of District boundaries; 2) the centralization of some solid waste permitting in Tallahassee; 3) updates on plans for Chapter 62-701 rulemaking and 4) time for questions.  In order to participate you must register at:

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/303989418.  You can also find more information on the first two discussion items from the DEP solid waste webpage at: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/solid_waste/default.htm.

 

Florida Legislative Organizational Session

On November 19 Nancy Stephens, nancy d. Stephens & Associates, cosponsored a legislative reception for freshman legislators, sponsored by the Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists.  It was great to see the freshman legislators and their staff.

 

On November 20 the Florida Legislature held their organizational session for the 2012-2014 Legislature.  Some of the highlights follow:

 

·         Senator Don Gaetz was named President of the Florida Senate; Rep. Will Weatherford was named Speaker of the Florida House.

·         President Gaetz announced new ethics rules for the Senate; combined the K-12 and Higher Education Policy Committees and respective appropriations committees; announced a Select Committee on Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare); and announced a panel on gambling.

·         The Democratic Minority Leaders for the House and Senate were chosen, both from Broward County.  They are Rep. Thurston and Senator Smith.

·         Sen. Garrett Richter, Naples, was chosen as Senate President Pro-Tempore; Sen. Maria Sachs, Boca Raton, was elected as the Senate Democratic leader Pro-Tempore.

·         Senate Democrats also chose Sen. Braynon, Miami Gardens, as the Democratic whip, Sen. Soto, Orlando, as the Deputy Whip, and Sen. Montford, Tallahassee, as the policy chair.

·         House Democrats chose Rep. Jones, Jacksonville, as House Leader Pro-Tempore; Rep. Waldman, Coconut Creek, Minority Floor Leader; Rep. Pafford, West Palm Beach, as the policy chair; Rep. Rouson, Tampa, as policy advisor; and Rep. Williams, Tallahassee, as Minority Whip.

 

Legislative Delegation Meetings

Legislative delegation meetings are held in the local community and are a great way to get the attention of local legislators on your issues.  They are always held prior to the upcoming legislative session. You can contact your local legislator to find out who is responsible for setting the agenda and ask if you can have 3 minutes on that agenda to present your 2013 legislative issues.  If you would like to do that, MAF can help you with your remarks related to the MAF legislative agenda. This makes the next contact on the issue much easier! Contact nancy@mafmfg.com.

 

November 27

Miami-Dade County Legislative Delegation          Miami                   9:30 am

Broward Legislative Delegation                                  Ft. Lauderdale   4:00 pm

 

December 7      

Manatee Legislative Delegation                                Bradenton          8:30 am

 

December 10

Polk County Delegation                                                 Bartow                 8:30 am

 

December 11

Hardee County Delegation                                          Wauchula            10:00 am

 

December 12

Brevard County Delegation                                         Viera                     2:00 pm

 

December 13

Central Florida Delegation                                            Daytona Beach  1:30 pm

Palm Beach Delegation                                                  Jupiter                  2:00 pm

 

December 17

St. Lucie County Delegation                                         Fort Pierce          2:00 pm

 

December 18

Broward County Delegation                                        Pembroke

                                                                                                Pines                     4:00 pm

 

December 19    

Indian River County Delegation                                 Vero Beach         9:00 am

 

December 20

Seminole County Delegation                                      Sanford                9:00 am

Broward County Delegation                                        Ft. Lauderdale   4:00 pm

 

 

Workforce Florida Announces Statewide Branding Initiative

As you have noticed, each of the 24 local Workforce Boards call themselves something unique, which is a bit confusing for the public.  As a result of this and state law that calls for a single, consolidated workforce brand that is customer-focused and delivers consistency across all regions, Workforce Florida has selected IDEAS of Orlando to lead the branding initiative.  The campaign will be launched in 2013.

 

Florida MEP Releases Its Summary of Economic Impacts on Florida Economy

The Florida Manufacturing Extension Partnership (FMEP) is supported by the National Institute of Standards and Technology in the U.S. Department of Commerce and the State of Florida.  Its purpose is to help small and medium size manufacturers identify and implement advanced manufacturing and management technologies.  Through an independent survey of 1,000 FMEP client companies they have documented the impact of their programs from October 2007 through August 2012 as follows:

·        Created 2,823 jobs that otherwise would not have existed
·        Retained 5,156 jobs that otherwise would not have existed
·        Increased and retained $693.8 million in sales
·        Spent $176.6  million on new investment
·        Experienced $149.2 million in cost savings

The sum of the direct, indirect, and induced effects spurred by these small- and medium-size manufacturing companies that increased or retained jobs or sales and/or increased investments with assistance from the Florida MEP are responsible for:
·        Creating or retaining 28,359 jobs that paid a total of $1.42 billion in employee wages and benefits
·        Increasing or retaining economic output worth $6.5 billion
·        Contributing or retaining $2.46 billion of gross state product
·        Generating or retaining $547.5 million in additional tax and non-tax revenues at the Federal, state, and local government levels, including $176.5 million at the state and local level.

Great job FMEP!

 

Activity Picks Up on Restoring Springs

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is expanding its efforts to restore Silver Springs.  In the past two years DEP has directed $11.5 million to restoring Florida springs, more than double the spending in the previous three years. DEP research and monitoring led to designating Silver Springs and the Upper Silver River as impaired for nitrates. With finalization of the Total Maximum Daily Load for the springs at .35 milligrams per liter, Florida protection will be identical to that of the EPA protection for the springs.  A total management plan to reduce nitrate inputs to meet the daily load is yet to be developed with local involvement. As a part of the solution DEP announced $1 million in wastewater projects last summer in the Marion County area. The projects include redirecting discharge from the Silver Springs Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant to the Silver Springs Shores Wastewater Treatment Plant, connecting a series of small wastewater treatment plants to the central facility eliminating more than two tons of nitrates that are going into the Silver Springs system.  Another $400,000 will be invested by DEP to take Silver River State Park off septic tanks and hook it to central sewer, reducing another 1,370 pounds of nitrates that are going into the Silver Springs system. 

 

Across the state to the Gulf Coast, DEP is committing $1.1 million to a reuse project for the City of Crystal River which will send 750,000 gallons of reclaimed water from the Crystal River wastewater treatment plant to the Progress Energy Citrus County Power Complex, reducing wastewater nutrient loading to the local springshed by 16% and increasing spring flow in Kings Bay by reducing the need for groundwater pumping at the power complex.

 

Next the DEP will establish nutrient reduction requirements for the Rainbow, Jackson Blue and Weeki Wachee spring systems.  DEP has already adopted a water quality restoration plan for the spring fed Santa Fe River and will adopt a similar plan for the Wekiva Basin.  Restoration plan initiation for Wakulla Springs and Suwannee River springs are expected yet this year.   The objective is to speed up the pace of restoration and develop plans with local stakeholders to solve long term goals.

 

Short Notes

·         Facts About Manufacturing, 2012, is now available at www.themanufacturinginstitute.org. This is a compilation of 65 charts and analysis presenting a wide array of data for the manufacturing sector and highlighting its importance to the U.S. and global economy.  It is the first comprehensive update since 2009 and is the product of the Manufacturing Institute, the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation and the National Association of Manufacturers.

·         Interested in adopting a school through the MAF Center’s Dream It Do It Program? Contact your regional manufacturing association or June Wolfe at june.wolfe@comcast.net. For more information about Dream It Do It, visit www.mafcenter.org.  

• Know someone who should be a member of MAF? Contact nancy@mafmfg.com to provide the contact information.

 

Upcoming Events

 

December 5       MAF Executive Committee Lunch Meeting, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Hotel, Orlando, FL

 

December 5       MAF Center for Advanced Manufacturing Excellence, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., (Center Board of Trustees and invited guests), Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Hotel, Orlando, FL

 

December 5       Joint Reception for MAF Board Members and MAF Center for Advanced Manufacturing Excellence Board of Trustees, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Hotel, Orlando, FL 

 

December 6       MAF Board of Directors Breakfast Meeting, 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. (MAF Board Members and invited guests), Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Hotel, Orlando, FL

 

December 6-7   MAF Manufacturing Summit and Marketplace and Manufacturers of the Year Awards Dinner at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Hotel, Orlando, FL. Now accepting sponsors and exhibitors. Go to www.mafmfg.com for more details or contact nancy@nstephens.com.

 

December 13     MAF Environmental Teleconference, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. E.T.  Dial in number is (712) 775.7000; PIN 317371#.

 

December 13     Volusia Manufacturers Association 32^nd Annual Awards Banquet at the Speedway Daytona 500 Club.  Register at www.VMAonline.com.

 

2013

 

February 4-5      Florida Manufacturing Days at the Capital, Governors Club and the Capital, Tallahassee, FL.  More info coming soon.

Best News of the Week – Repair Parts Sale Tax Rule Revision Suspended!

The Florida Department of Revenue informed us last week that because the Legislature will be introducing more business tax exemptions for 2013 (rather than less), work on the Manufacturing Machinery and Equipment Repair Parts Sales Tax Rule Revision has been suspended in order not to waste valuable time on a rule that would soon become obsolete!  MAF is delighted that our lobbying work on this has paid off.  If the proposed rule had been approved, many of the repair parts for your machinery and equipment would have become taxable costing you thousands of dollars.  This is a huge win for manufacturers in Florida!  MAF led the charge on this issue and we thank Enterprise Florida, the Florida Pulp and Paper Association, the Governor’s Office and the Florida Senate for their help with this issue and the Department of Revenue for their decision.

 

Closing in on the Manufacturers Summit

The deadline for making hotel reservations at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Hotel in Orlando for the MAF Manufacturers Summit and Marketplace has passed.  We hope you made your room reservations! Now it is time to turn in your meeting registration form. You may register at www.mafmfg.com. An updated agenda is also posted there for your convenience.

 

Chemical Industry Focus for Upcoming Year

Nancy Stephens, MAF Executive Director, attended the American Chemistry Council (ACC) annual meeting of state chemical and manufacturing association directors and chemical company state government lobbyists in Orlando on November 14-15.  Topics of discussion were nationwide election results, environmental justice, risk perception communication, product attacks, chemical regulation, and energy development.  ACC is a member of MAF. Thank you to ACC for the invitation!

 

60 Minutes Highlights the Manufacturing Skills Gap

On November 11, 60 Minutes ran a story featuring two NAM member companies – ClickBond and Alcoa – on the manufacturing skills gap.  The piece highlighted that despite high unemployment rates, hundreds of thousands of manufacturing jobs remain unfilled because employers like Click Bond can’t find the workers to fill open positions. In addition, companies like Alcoa find it hard to train their current employees to keep up with advances in technology. The skills gap can make it difficult for manufacturers to innovate their products and grow their businesses. It is concerns such as those highlighted on 60 Minutes that drove the Manufacturing Institute to establish programs like Dream It. Do It., Right Skills Now and the Manufacturing Skills Certification System, which attract, qualify and develop world-class manufacturing talent. The story sparked calls to MAF from the press in Florida and we expect to see an upcoming story in Southwest Florida and Orlando

 

DEP Recycling Recognition Program

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is expanding its Recycling Recognition Program to encourage businesses, schools, public groups and citizens to increase recycling in order to reach the Florida recycling goal of 75% by 2020.  Florida’s 75 percent recycling goal was set by the state Legislature and focuses on municipal solid waste and does not include industrial solid waste. Some common types of municipal solid waste include newspapers, office paper, glass and plastic bottles and food waste. The most recent data shows the residential sector has about a 42 percent recycling rate, while the commercial sector is at roughly 44 percent and overall, Florida recycles at about a 43 percent rate. In order for Florida to meet the 75 percent goal, it is critical for both the private commercial sector and residential sector to increase recycling rates.

 

The Department is hopeful that the expanded recognition program will encourage the commercial sector to not only recycle more, but increase their reporting. DEP has an easy tool for companies to track and compare recycling efforts to that of other businesses – the Florida DEP Business Recycling Tracking Tool. This can all be done online through the website. After you complete the free registration online, you can track different types of recycling efforts and produce reports on how those efforts are helping to shrink your carbon footprint.  The tracking will help the Department determine which companies should receive recognition. DEP is seeking candidates for statewide recognition and needs help in spreading the word.  To nominate a business contact Ron Henricks at Ron_Henricks@dep.state.fl.us or 850.245.8717 or visit the webpage https://my.re-trac.com/floridadep. 

 

Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Awards

The Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Awards are the nation’s highest Presidential honor for performance excellence through innovation, improvement and visionary leadership.   This year’s manufacturing award winner is Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control in Grand Prairie, Texas. Congratulations to Lockheed Martin.

 

ERC Approves Numeric Nutrient Criteria in Panhandle

The Florida Environmental Regulation Commission has approved numeric nutrient criteria for Florida’s six major Panhandle estuaries, further building on the already comprehensive nutrient standards set for Florida last year.  With this latest approval Florida has set rigorous nutrient criteria for more than 3,100 of the state’s 4,290 coastal miles of estuaries or 72% coverage. 

 

These are the numeric nutrient standards for the Panhandle estuaries, which includes Perdido Bay, Pensacola Bay (including Escambia Bay), Choctawhatchee Bay, St. Andrew Bay, St. Joseph Bay and Apalachicola Bay. The nutrient water quality standards adopted in 2011 included a schedule for the development of estuary specific numeric nutrient criteria for the Panhandle estuaries by June 30, 2013, and the Department has developed nutrient standards for total phosphorus, total nitrogen and chlorophyll a for individual estuary segments in each of the estuaries.

 

The numeric nutrient standards come nearly seven months before the Department's own deadline and 10 months before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's schedule for setting standards. They come five months after the Department's overall numeric nutrient standards set last year were upheld by an Administrative Law judge in their entirety and submitted to EPA for review.  EPA confirmed last year that the Department's rules are accurate and will serve to protect and improve Florida's water quality.  For more information visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/wqssp/nutrients

 

Short Notes

• United Technologies Corp. announced last week that Pratt & Whitney will expand its manufacturing capabilities at its West Palm Beach facility, which will entail a $63 million capital investment and result in 230 new jobs. The expansion involves Pratt & Whitney’s most advanced commercial and military engines and builds upon the great work already being done in Florida. 
• The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has appointed Susan Grandin as Director of State Lands.   Susan formerly served as President of The Preservation Law Group, Inc., a group specializing in the preservation and protection of military installations and civilian airfields.  Prior to that she was with The Trust for Public Land.

·         Interested in adopting a school through the MAF Center’s Dream It Do It Program? Contact your regional manufacturing association or June Wolfe at june.wolfe@comcast.net. For more information about Dream It Do It, visit www.mafcenter.org.  

• Know someone who should be a member of MAF? Contact nancy@mafmfg.com to provide the contact information.

 

Florida Administrative Register

The Florida Administrative Register report for November 12-16, 2012  is attached.

 

Upcoming Events

 

December 5       MAF Executive Committee Lunch Meeting, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Hotel, Orlando, FL

 

December 5       MAF Center for Advanced Manufacturing Excellence, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., (Center Board of Trustees and invited guests), Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Hotel, Orlando, FL

 

December 5       Joint Reception for MAF Board Members and MAF Center for Advanced Manufacturing Excellence Board of Trustees, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Hotel, Orlando, FL 

 

December 6       MAF Board of Directors Breakfast Meeting, 7:00 – 9:30 a.m. (MAF Board Members, MAF Center for Advanced Manufacturing Excellence Board Members and invited guests), Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Hotel, Orlando, FL  NOTE BEGINNING TIME CHANGE!!!

 

December 6-7   MAF Manufacturing Summit and Marketplace and Manufacturers of the Year Awards Dinner at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Hotel, Orlando, FL. Now accepting sponsors and exhibitors. Go to www.mafmfg.com for more details or contact nancy@nstephens.com.

 

December 13     MAF Environmental Teleconference, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. E.T.  Dial in number is (712) 775.7000; PIN 317371#.

 

December 13     Volusia Manufacturers Association 32^nd Annual Awards Banquet at the Speedway Daytona 500 Club.  Register at www.VMAonline.com.

 

2013

 

February 4-5      Florida Manufacturing Days at the Capital, Governors Club and the Capital, Tallahassee, FL.  More info coming soon.

 

Dear MAF Members:

We have great news for you!  The Florida Department of Revenue has SUSPENDED its rulemaking on the Manufacturing Machinery and Equipment Repair Parts Rule, saving our manufacturers many thousands of dollars in sales tax. The proposed rule would have defined consumables that we consider integral to making a product taxable… and more.    MAF attended the rulemaking workshop in August and submitted formal comments at that time. Some of you provided input for those comments – thank you!

Since that time we have been working hard to derail the proposed rule. Today we heard from the Department of Revenue that because they expect business tax exemptions to be expanded by the Florida Legislature, they would be wasting their time by promulgating a rule that trends in the opposite direction.

Another example of how MAF works for you every day!

 

MAF Weekly Report-October 26, 2012

 

 

November Ballot Initiatives – Vote Yes on 10!!!

On November 6 you will see 11 initiatives to change Florida’s constitution when you cast your vote at the ballot box.  (They are numbered 1-12, but number 7 was removed from the ballot by the Florida Supreme Court.) 

 

MAF encourages you to vote YES on Proposed Amendment No. 10 – Tangible Personal Property Tax Exemption. This amendment will grant a tangible personal property (TPP) exemption for those with TPP greater than $25,000 but less than $50,000. (You will recall we currently have in place a TPP exemption for values less than $25,000.) The new exemption would take effect on January 1, 2013. While many of you would still not be able to take advantage of this, it will help very small businesses.  The bigger issue for manufacturers is the other part of the amendment that authorizes a county or municipality to provide tangible personal property tax exemptions by ordinance. This would be in addition to any statewide TPP tax exemptions.  The importance of this is that those counties wishing to stimulate their local economy could offer additional TPP relief to business.  This is the first time in decades that Florida has had an opportunity to change TPP law in the constitution. MAF and its political arm, Manufacturers Making a Difference, have monetarily supported the campaign to pass this amendment and MAF lobbied for this to be on the ballot. For more information visit www.yesonten.com.  VOTE YES ON 10!

 

On a related note if any of your counties have local issues on the ballot that would allow them to reduce tangible personal property tax, please vote for them!

 

Regarding the other constitutional amendments, the Florida Chamber of Commerce is encouraging a YES vote on the following:

 

Amendment #1 –Health Care Services (Prohibits laws or rules compelling anyone to purchase health care coverage.)

 

Amendment #3-State Government Revenue Limitation (Changes the existing state revenue limitation from being based on Florida personal income growth to being based on inflation and population changes.)

 

Amendment #4 – Property Tax Limitations (Reduces from 10% to 5% the limitation on annual changes in assessments of non-homestead real property.)

 

Amendment #5 – State Courts (Requires the Florida Senate to confirm Supreme Court justices.)

 

Amendment #8 – Religious Freedom (Provides that no one can be denied governmental benefits on the basis of religion and allowing public monies to be used in the aid of religious institutions.)

 

Amendment #10 – Tangible Personal Property Tax Exemption (Allows local governments to provide tangible personal property tax relief in addition to state tax relief.)   

 

To review all the details of the amendments to make an informed decision, visit http://www.flchamber.com/political/2012-election-center/amendments/. 

 

Collecting Items for Summit Silent Auction

During the Manufacturers Summit in Orlando on December 6-7 we will hold a silent auction benefit for the MAF Center for Advanced Manufacturing Excellence.  Nancy Loehr, Progress Energy, and Jayne Fifer, Volusia Manufacturers Association, will be collecting items for the auction.  This is a fun way to do your Christmas shopping and contribute to the MAF Center for their manufacturing workforce education projects at the same time.  Be creative with your donations! For more information or to donate, contact nancy.loehr@pgnmail.com or jayne.fifer@vmaonline.com. Thank you for Nancy and Jayne for their work on this year’s auction!

 

Reports Released/Highlighted This Week

Florida Target Industry Competitiveness Report, September 13, 2012 by McCallum Sweeney Consulting and Avalanch Consulting for Enterprise Florida. Key findings are that:

a) site selectors are noticing the impressive improvements to our incentive approval process in FL. However, the study pointed out that the state’s Closing Fund is underfunded and the state has a distinct disadvantage in this area;

b) Florida has a large talented workforce noting the multilingual nature of the population. Given the strengths in this area Florida needs to better market current talent assets.

c) We should continue to modernize the tax structure and streamline the permitting processes. 

d) There is a need for the development and promotion of a strong Florida business brand and a need to align marketing activities to target industries. 

 

Specifically related to manufacturing, the study says “cost continues to be a key factor in site selection, meaning labor cost and tax policy play a dominant role in a state’s ability to attract substantial projects.  Manufacturing is usually capital intensive, so land, site preparation, and infrastructure costs are critical.  Capital oriented incentives are important – property tax reductions and full exemption of sales tax on machinery and equipment are two areas for improvement.  In addition, training incentives need to be expanded to better meet what is being offered by competitor states.” A copy of the report is attached for your convenience.

 

Florida TaxWatch Center for Competitive Florida Economic Commentary, September 2012. The report summarizes the investments that Florida has made over the years in seaports and more importantly the drastic increase in funding over the past 2 years. To learn more about Florida’s port projects and read this report visit www.floridataxwatch.org.

 

2012 Report Card for Florida’s Infrastructure, American Society of Civil Engineers September 2012. This report ranks Florida’s infrastructure as follows:

 

B             Bridges

B –          Aviation

C             Highways

C             Ports

C             Stormwater

C             Transit

C             Water and Sewer

D+          Flood Control

D-           Coastal Areas

D-           Energy

To read the entire report visit www.fla-asce.org.

 

College and Career 1^st, Governor Rick Scott, State of Florida, October 25, 2012. This report is partially the result of Governor Scott’s Education Listening Tour where he listened to teachers, parents and students.  The report brings forth the best ideas for educating and training students to compete in the 21^st century economy. Following are the goals:

#1 Maintain accountability while focusing on the successful transition to more rigorous Common Core State Standards and assessments, which better measure readiness for college and careers.

#2 Support teachers and equip them with the tools they need to improve their practice as professionals and to help students realize better educational outcomes.

#3 Allow choices and flexibility in districts, schools and classrooms that recognize the unique needs of students and teachers and support efforts to achieve improved results.  To read more, go to www.rickscottforflorida.com.

 

Legislative Leadership Making Appointments

Will Weatherford, Incoming Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, has appointed the following to House leadership positions:

Rep. Robert Schenck, Rules Chairman

Rep. Marti Coley, Speaker Pro-Tempore

Rep. Chris Dorworth, House Majority Leader

More appointments will be made during the November organizational Session, November 20.

 

Short Notes

·         Progress Energy Executive Roundtable – On October 17 Al Stimac, MAF President and Nancy Stephens, MAF Executive Director, participated in an Executive Roundtable with Progress Energy outgoing CEO Vinny Dolan, incoming CEO Alex Glenn, and Nancy Loehr, Progress Energy’s representative to the MAF Board.  We were updated on Progress Energy/Duke Power plans and challenges for the future. Thank you to Progress Energy for the invitation!

• Hopping Green & Sams informs us that the Joint Administrative Procedures Committee (JAPC) was not convinced by FDEP’s response to JAPC’s comments regarding the underlying statutory authority for de minimis discharge cleanup in proposed Rule 62-780.  FDEP staff and counsel will be discussing internally JAPC’s most recent comments on de minimis discharge cleanup as well as the other JAPC comments over the next several days to develop next steps, which will likely include additional discussions with JAPC.
• The Southwest District Office of FDEP continues to undergo significant reorganization.  New appointments in that office follow. Water Facilities: Cindy Zhang-Torres; Waste Management: Yanisa Angulo and Erin Rasnake; Compliance and Enforcement: Joe Squitieri, Ilia Balcom, Brian Brown, Erin DiBacco, Susan Pelz, Michelle Duggan and Sean McGinnis; Administration: Charley O’Neal.

·         At a meeting of the Florida Cabinet this week, the Division of Bond Finance reported that Florida has reduced its outstanding debt by $2 billion over the last two years.

• The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Office of Freight, Logistics and Passenger Operations (FLP) is actively seeking input from the freight community as they work to create a statewide Freight Mobility and Trade Plan. Their next round of meetings is for scenario planning, using the information they have gathered to date. This is a series of three meetings. The first is November 8, 8:30 – 4:30 p.m. at the Florida Hotel and Conference Center, 1500 Sand Lake Road, Orlando, FL. The next two will be in December and March.  The invitation is attached if you would like to attend.
• For quick facts about Florida, visit a new Enterprise Florida website location, www.eflorida.com/newsroom.

·         Interested in adopting a school through the MAF Center’s Dream It Do It Program? Contact your regional manufacturing association or June Wolfe at june.wolfe@comcast.net. We already have some 32 manufacturers committed to the program.  For more information about Dream It Do It, visit www.mafame.org.  

• Know someone who should be a member of MAF? Contact nancy@mafmfg.com to provide the contact information.

 

Upcoming Events

 

December 6-7   MAF Manufacturing Summit and Marketplace and Manufacturers of the Year Awards Dinner at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Hotel, Orlando, FL. Now accepting sponsors and exhibitors. Go to www.mafmfg.com for more details or contact nancy@nstephens.com.

 

December 13     MAF Environmental Teleconference, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. E.T.  Dial in number is (712) 775.7000; PIN 317371#.

 

Florida Administrative Register (FAR)

The Florida Administrative Weekly changed its name on October 1 to the Florida Administrative Register.  Instead of publishing the information once a week, it now comes out once a day.  Therefore you will see this section of our report formatted differently to accommodate the new FAR format.

 

FAR –October 22, 2012

 

Suwannee River Water Management District RULE NO.: 40B-2.331

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of the proposed rule is to provide an incentive for water use permittees to voluntarily implement the District’s water use monitoring requirements prior to expiration of their current permit. The effect of the proposed rule is to extend the duration of a water use permit if the permittee voluntarily implements the required water use monitoring program. Voluntarily implementing monitoring before a permit expires will provide needed data in a timelier manner.
SUMMARY: The proposed rule will allow existing water use permittees to voluntarily implement monitoring requirements prior to such monitoring requirements becoming mandatory. The proposed rule language will be located within rule 40B-2.331, Florida Administrative Code and within the SRWMD Water Use Permitting Guide, which is incorporated by reference in rule 40B-2.301, Florida Administrative Code.
IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED AND ANNOUNCED IN THE FAR.
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Robin Lamm, Business Resource Specialist II, SRWMD, 9225 C.R. 49, Live Oak, Florida, 32060, (386)362-1001 or (800)226-1066 (FL only)

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

RULE NO.: 62-302.532                                                                                                                                
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The proposed rules establish numeric nutrient criteria for total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and chlorophyll a in individual estuary segments for the following Panhandle estuaries:  Perdido Bay, Pensacola Bay (including Escambia Bay), Choctawhatchee Bay, St. Andrew Bay, St. Joseph Bay, and Apalachicola Bay. 
SUMMARY: The Department is amending Rule 62-302.532, F.A.C., to establish numeric nutrient criteria for total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and chlorophyll a in individual estuary segments for the following Panhandle estuaries:  Perdido Bay, Pensacola Bay (including Escambia Bay), Choctawhatchee Bay, St. Andrew Bay, St. Joseph Bay, and Apalachicola Bay.  Subsection 62-302.532(3), F.A.C., requires that the Department establish by rule or final order estuary specific numeric interpretations of the narrative nutrient criteria for TN and TP for Perdido Bay, Pensacola Bay (including Escambia Bay), St. Andrew Bay, Choctawhatchee Bay, and Apalachicola Bay by June 30, 2013.  

EFFECT ON THOSE OTHER RULES: The proposed amendments are not expected to have significant effects on other rules.  The proposed amendments establish estuary specific numeric nutrient criteria that maintain existing conditions. 

A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:
DATE AND TIME: Tuesday, November 13, 2012, 9:00 a.m.
PLACE: Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Marjory Stoneman Douglas Building, Conference Room A, 3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, Tallahassee, Florida
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Eric Shaw, Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Assessment and Restoration Support, MS 6511, 2600 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2400, (850)245-8429 or e-mail: eric.shaw@dep.state.fl.us.

FAR- October 23, 2012

 

The Department of Environmental Protection announces a public meeting to which all persons are invited.
DATE AND TIME: November 1, 2012, 6:00 p.m.
PLACE: Suwannee River Water Management District, 9225 CR 49, Live Oak, FL 32060
GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: This is a technical meeting to discuss issues related to the Suwannee River Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP). The primary topic of discussion during this meeting will be the Suwannee River BMAP development process. The BMAP is the means for implementation of the adopted Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs).
A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: Terry Hansen, Department of Environmental Protection, 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS 3565, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400.

FAR - October 24, 2012

 

The North Florida- Southeast Georgia (NFSEG) regional groundwater flow model Steering and Technical Teams are made up of area stakeholders, the St. Johns River Water Management District staff and the Suwannee River Water Management District staff, to work collectively on the development of the next generation regional-scale groundwater flow model for North Florida. The Technical Team announces a public meeting to which all persons are invited.
DATE AND TIME: Wednesday, November 7, 2012, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
PLACE: St. Johns River Water Management District Headquarters, 4049 Reid Street, Palatka, Florida 32177.
GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED:  This is a meeting of the Technical Team described above. The purpose of the meeting is to continue the discussion of the conceptual model to be used in the development of the NFSEG regional groundwater flow model. An opportunity for public comment will be provided near the end of the meeting.
NOTE: One or more members of the Governing Board from each of the water management districts named above may attend the meeting.
A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: St. Johns River Water Management District, Attention: Kristi Cushman, 4049 Reid Street, Palatka, FL 32177, (386) 329-4308, email: kcushman@sjrwmd.com or by visiting the North Florida Regional Water Supply Partnership website at www.northfloridawater.com.).

 

The Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Assessment and Restoration Support, announces a public meeting to which all persons are invited.
DATE AND TIME: Thursday, November 1, 2012, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
PLACE: Webinar: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/986139050.
GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: This is a meeting of the Florida Water Resources Monitoring Council Monitoring Catalog Workgroup to discuss the metadata elements to be included in the monitoring catalog.
A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: Ms. Stephanie Sunderman, Watershed Monitoring Section, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS #3525, Tallahassee, Florida 32399, e-mail: Stephanie.Sunderman@dep.state.fl.us.

 

The Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Assessment and Restoration Support, announces a public meeting to which all persons are invited.
DATE AND TIME: Wednesday, November 7, 2012, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
PLACE: Webinar: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/250147482.
GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: This is a meeting of the Florida Water Resources Monitoring Council Salinity Network Workgroup to discuss development of indices for groundwater levels and groundwater quality.
A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: Ms. Stephanie Sunderman, Watershed Monitoring Section, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS #3525, Tallahassee, Florida 32399, e-mail: Stephanie.Sunderman@dep.state.fl.us.

 

FAR - October 25, 2012
Nothing to report.

 

FAR - October 26, 2012

 

The Water Resource Advisory Committee (WRAC) announces a public meeting to which all persons are invited.
DATE AND TIME: November 8, 2012, 10:00 a.m.
PLACE: City of St. Cloud Marina (2nd floor), 1104 Lakeshore Blvd., St. Cloud, FL 34769.
Water Resource Advisory Committee (WRAC) - Monthly Meeting
GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: A Public Meeting of the Water Resources Advisory Commission (WRAC) regarding water resources protection, water supply and flood protection issues. The public is advised that it is possible that one or more members of the Governing Board of the South Florida Water Management District may attend and participate in this meeting.
A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: Paul Millar at: (561) 682 6335 or pmillar@sfwmd .gov; or at our website: http://my.sfwmd.gov/wrac.gov.

Ocala, FL – Clairson Plastics, a leader in high-performance Injection Molding technology, is pleased to announce Steve Meitzen as the new Director of Sales and Marketing.

“Steve brings over thirty years of distinguished experience in business development, program management, and customer is King Attitude to the Clairson Plastics Team,” says David Donihue, CEO of Clairson Plastics. “He has extensive experience in initiating start-up sales activities, developing strategies, and executing capture plans for successful business development efforts. Combine this with his practical business experience. Steve provides Clairson Plastics an edge in the custom injection molding market place.”

“I’m honored to be part of the Clairson Plastics organization and playing a leadership role on the Custom Injection Molding team,” says Steve Meitzen. “I look forward to bringing innovative solutions to the market.  Clairson has assembled a very impressive new leadership team and I am honored to have join them.”

As Director of Sales and Marketing for Clairson Plastics, Steve will be responsible for developing and executing Clairson Plastics’ market development, sales, and new business plans. From Clairson Plastics’ Florida office, he will supervise the US sales and marketing teams to identify market opportunities and fulfill market needs, ensure delivery of quality solutions, and meet short- and long-term business goals.

Steve holds a Bachelor’s degree from University of Nebraska, Past President of the Bay Area Manufacturers Association. He is a tireless supporter of the Aerospace Industry Association work to stop the sequestration movement. He is chairman of the BAMA STEM education committee. Steve lives with his family in Lutz, Florida.

About Clairson Plastics
Clairson Plastics, an international company headquartered in Ocala, Florida, provides Injection Molding services for Medical, Defense and Electronics custom molding markets. Clairson Plastics designs and manages secondary operations such as pad printing, packaging and other services needed by their customers.  

For more information, please contact

David Donihue
CEO
Clairson Plastics

2811 NE 14^th Street

Ocala, FL 34470

Telephone  262.424.4253
ddonihue@Clairson.com

 

Please click on attached document for more information:

Ybor Job Fair Registration FA12 Oct 2012.pdf.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
       

Ring Power Board of Directors Elects New Executive Vice President
Two Vice Presidents Also Appointed

ST. AUGUSTINE, FL – Sept. 27, 2012 – Ring Power Corporation Chairman and President Randal L. Ringhaver and the Board of Directors recently announced the election of David Alban as Executive Vice President – Sales and Corporate Secretary. The board also appointed new officers Alex Posson as Vice President – Director of Human Resources and Steve Gambill as Vice President – Power Systems Product Support.

In his new role as Executive Vice President - Sales, Alban will have responsibility for several Ring Power divisions including: New and Used Heavy Equipment, Cat^® equipment rentals, International, Crane and Lift Trucks. In an effort to efficiently grow our business and enhance our customers’ satisfaction in all areas, Alban will work closely with the senior-vice presidents of these divisions on a daily basis.

In 2001, Alban began his Ring Power career in the Sales Training Program, spending time working in the service shops, learning firsthand what happens day-to-day. Alban also worked in the Heavy Equipment Rental department before moving into Sales.

He earned his first managerial role in 2002, leading the newly launched Agricultural Equipment division.

In 2004, when the Six Sigma initiative began, Alban was selected as a project leader. Alban was then promoted to General Service Manager of Heavy Equipment for the northern half of Ring Power’s Cat territory. Since 2009 Alban had served as Vice President and Corporate Secretary. In 2011,
Alban took on additional responsibility, serving as Vice President of Power Systems Product Support.

Newly appointed Vice President – Director of Human Resources Alex Posson joined Ring Power in March as human resources manager. Prior to joining Ring Power, she served as the employee relations specialist at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Fla. Posson is a graduate of the University of Florida and Florida Coastal School of Law.

Taking over for David Alban as Vice President – Power Systems Product Support, Steve Gambill joined Ring Power in 1994 as a marine field service technician and worked his way up to assistant Power Systems service manager, Jacksonville branch Power Systems service manager and, most recently, marine services operations manager. Gambill brings 27 years of experience to Power Systems’ service operations along with the insight he has gained as a “green belt” on numerous Six Sigma projects.

# # #

Ring Power Corporation, North and Central Florida's Caterpillar^® dealer, is headquartered in St. Augustine, Florida. Ring Power is comprised of eight divisions and has more than 50 years of experience servicing and supporting Cat products and allied equipment. For more information on Ring Power Corporation, visit www.ringpower.com

MAF Weekly Report- September 24, 2012

 

Enterprise Florida Wishes to Speak to Regional Manufacturing Associations

Joel Gunter and Tim Johns are the “go to guys” at Enterprise Florida (EFI) for recruitment and retention of general manufacturing projects for Enterprise Florida, including clean energy projects.  Other project managers cover the gamut of aviation, aerospace, medical device manufacturing, and more. Our Enterprise Florida manufacturing managers would like to participate or attend some of the regional manufacturing association meetings as part of their outreach efforts.  They could do a short power point presentation, answer questions about EFI, say a few words or just introduce themselves and stick around afterwards for one-on-one conversations ...whatever fits into the typical program for your regional meetings.  To arrange such a meeting, contact Joel Gunter at jgunter@eflorida.com.

 

Medicine Abuse Project Initiated

Because manufacturers lose great employees and job applicants to failed drug tests, we thought you would like to know about a project that Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi has endorsed.  In her weekly news report of September 21 she writes that medicine abuse is a growing problem among teens in the United States. One in six teens has abused medicine, and medicine is the most commonly abused drug among 12- to 13-year-olds. General Bondi has joined The Partnership at DrugFree.org on The Medicine Abuse Project, a national awareness campaign to prevent medicine abuse in teens. The project launched on September 23 and aims to prevent half a million teens from abusing medicine within five years. The Project encourages communities to educate people about the dangers of abusing medicine, monitor prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines, safeguard and properly dispose of unused medication, and eliminate improper prescribing and dispensing practices.  To learn more visit medicineabuseproject.org.

 

Atwater Calls Together Small Businesses

Candy Munz, MAF, joined small business owners from across the state at the Westin Harbour Island Hotel in Tampa for a two-day 2012 Small Business Leadership Forum earlier this month aimed at strategically helping small businesses have long-term prosperity and increasing their bottom lines.

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater and The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship in Florida State University’s College of Business partnered for the forum, bringing together industry experts and university leaders to share best practices, resources and opportunities for growth as the state recovers from the economic downturn.

Forum topics and panel discussions, targeted specifically to small business owners, included short- and long-term forecasts and trends of Florida’s economy, creating an environment for investment and improving access to capital, and leveraging resources available through our public universities and small business development centers. Breakout sessions covered best practices for selling products and services, managing and protecting your brand, dealing with employees and legal issues, and the fundamentals of supply chain management.

 

There were three manufacturers on the first panel of speakers so the forum provided a direct line of communication with CFO Atwater.  The manufacturers addressed the gap in skilled workers, the machinery and equipment sales tax exemption and other issues that would make Florida a more business-friendly state.

 

Sponsor or Exhibit at the MAF Annual Summit

It’s not too early to sign up as a sponsor or exhibitor for the 9^th Annual Manufacturers Summit on December 6-7, 2012 in Orlando. Please tell your suppliers too so they can showcase their abilities to serve the manufacturing sector. For more information check www.mafmfg.com.  

 

Short Notes

• On September 20 the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, led by Congressman Gibbs from Ohio, began discussion on why more states had not assumed delegation of the Clean Water Act dredge and fill (wetlands) program (Section 404) and how more delegations could be accomplished.
• Florida’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research (EDR) has released its latest revenue projections for the next fiscal year. Florida’s economists predict a $71.3 million surplus next year over and above the $1 billion Florida has in reserves. These projections are the best our state has seen since the recession hit Florida in 2006, creating the first budget surplus in five years.
• According to CFO Jeff Atwater, Florida has an AAA credit rating – one of only nine AAA-rated states in the nation. Furthermore, last year Florida was able to reduce its debt by $500 million.

 

News from NAM

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is working on several things of interest to Florida manufacturers:

• NAM is urging the House to support the Stop the War on Coal Act (HR 3409). The bill will halt costly regulations from EPA and requires EPA to perform a comprehensive review of the Utility MACT and Boiler MACT regulations.  Manufacturers consume one-third of the energy produced in the U.S. and need continued access to all energy sources.
• NAM is showing strong support for the STEM Jobs Act of 2012 (HR 6429) which creates two new employment-based visa categories for masters and PH.D. graduates from qualified universities in science, technology, engineering and math fields.  The STEM Jobs Act streamlines the green card process and expands U.S. manufacturers’ access to global talent without increasing the total number of visas. This legislation will help to reform the employment-based visa system and give manufacturers access to the talent needed for researching, developing and manufacturing new and innovative products that will ensure manufacturers remain competitive in the global marketplace.
• NAM and the Manufacturing Institute have declared October 5 as Manufacturing Day. They encourage you to showcase manufacturing in your own way on October 5. The event is aimed at students, parents, educators, media, customers, suppliers and the community at large.  Visit www.mfgday.com.
• NAM continues to press Congress for a budget that does not adversely affect our defense manufacturers.

 

Upcoming Events

 

October 18          MAF Environmental Teleconference, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. E.T., Dial in number is (712) 775.7000; PIN 317371#.

 

December 6-7   MAF Manufacturing Summit and Manufacturers of the Year Awards Dinner at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Hotel, Orlando, FL. Now accepting sponsors and exhibitors. Go to www.mafmfg.com for more details or contact becky@nstephens.com.

 

Florida Administrative Weekly – September 21, 2012

 

Southwest Florida Water Management District

RULE 40D-2.091

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: As required by Section 373.250(3)(c) and (d), F.S., this rulemaking will amend Rule 40D-2.091, F.A.C., and Section 3.1 of the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Water Use Permitting Basis of Review to implement new requirements for water use permit applicants and reuse utilities to aid in the determination of the feasibility of using reclaimed water in lieu of other sources. Subsections 373.250(3)(c) and (d), F.S. direct the water management districts to adopt rules to require certain permit applicants to provide written documentation from a reuse utility addressing the availability of and costs associated with the connection and use of reclaimed water to facilitate the permit applicant’s reclaimed water feasibility evaluation.

SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Amendments to Chapter 40D-2, F.A.C., to implement mandates in Section 373.250(3) (c) and (d), Florida Statutes to address certain reuse feasibility requirements for water use permit applicants and reuse utilities.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT, IF AVAILABLE, IS: Sonya White, Southwest Florida Water Management District, Office of General Counsel, 7601 Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL 33637-6759, (813)985-7481 (4660) (OGC #2011030)

 

Southwest Florida Water Management District
RULE 40D-3.041

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this rulemaking is to amend Rule 40D-3.041, F.A.C., to incorporate the statutory exemptions established in Section 373.326, F.S., by Chapter 2012-205, Laws of Florida. The effect of the rulemaking will be that the District will require permits for only those wells identified as Class V, Group 1, pursuant to paragraph 62-528.600(2)(a), F.A.C.
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Modification of District Rules Requiring Well Construction Permits.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT, IF AVAILABLE, IS: Sonya White, Southwest Florida Water Management District, Office of General Counsel, 7601 Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL 33637-6759, (813)985-7481 (4660) (OGC #2012021)

 

Southwest Florida Water Management District

RULE 40D-3.037

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this rulemaking is to amend Rule 40D-3.037, F.A.C., to incorporate Chapters 62-528 (Underground Injection Control) and 62-532 (Water Well Permitting and Construction), F.A.C., which were recently amended by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (Department). The rulemaking will also amend Rules 40D-3.507, and 40D-3.517, F.A.C., to reference those sections of Chapters 62-528 and 62-532, F.A.C., that were renumbered as a result of the amendments undertaken by the Department. The rulemaking will ensure consistency between the rules of the District and the Department governing well construction.

SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Modification of District Rules Requiring Well Construction Permits

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT, IF AVAILABLE, IS: Sonya White, Southwest Florida Water Management District, Office of General Counsel, 7601 Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL 33637-6759, (813)985-7481 (4660) (OGC #2012021)

 

Southwest Florida Water Management District

RULE 40D-3.341

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of this rulemaking is to amend Rule 40D-3.341, F.A.C., to allow a property owner or party in legal control of a property to request that the District administratively cancel a well construction permit, provided that no activity has taken place under the

permit.
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Modification of District Rules governing Suspension, Revocation or Cancellation of Well Construction Permits

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT, IF AVAILABLE, IS: Sonya White, Southwest Florida Water Management District, Office of General Counsel, 7601 Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL 33637-6759, (813)985-7481 (4660) (OGC #2012022)

THE PRELIMINARY TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT IS AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE FROM THE CONTACT PERSON LISTED ABOVE.

 

Southwest Florida Water Management District
RULE 40D-4.091

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of this rulemaking is to incorporate a proposed Environmental Resource Permit Applicant’s Handbook Volume II which, together with an Applicant’s Handbook Volume I that will be adopted by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), will provide guidance to applicants seeking environmental resource permits (ERPs) following DEP’s adoption of proposed new statewide ERP rules mandated by Section 373.4131, F.S. DEP is currently undertaking rulemaking to amend Chapter 62-330, F.A.C., which will become the statewide ERP rules. Each water management district is expected to adopt an Applicant’s Handbook Volume II that will contain the District-specific design and performance criteria relating to water quality, water quantity and any special basin criteria or other statutory requirements. Upon District adoption of the Applicant’s Handbook Volume II, it will be incorporated by reference into DEP’s statewide

ERP rules.
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Environmental Resource Permitting.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT, IF AVAILABLE, IS: Sonya White, Southwest Florida Water Management District, Office of General Counsel, 7601 Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL 33637-6759, (813)985-7481 (4660) (OGC #2012023)

THE PRELIMINARY TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT IS NOT AVAILABLE.

 

Southwest Florida Water Management District

RULE 40D-8.624
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of this rulemaking is to amend Rule 40D-8.624, F.A.C., to establish minimum and guidance levels for one of the District’s listed priority waters, Lake Hooker in Hillsborough County, FL pursuant to Section 373.042, Florida Statutes.

SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Establishment of minimum and guidance levels for Lake Hooker in Hillsborough County, Florida. A minimum level is the level of surface water at which further water withdrawals would be significantly harmful to the water resources of the area.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT, IF AVAILABLE, IS: Christina Uranowski, Southwest Florida Water Management District, 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34604-6899, (352)796-7211, extension 4271. (OGC File No. 2012013).

 

Department of Environmental Protection
RULE 62-17.680
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: This is a rulemaking effort to allow electronic submittal of data by removing requirements that data in support of modifications under the Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Acts be submitted on paper.

SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: The Department is undertaking an effort to reduce the amount of paper that is used and filed for official business. As part of that effort the Department is amending these rules regarding modifications under the Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Acts to allow the submission of electronic data.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT, IF AVAILABLE, IS: Susana Garcia at (850)245-2005 or susana.garcia@dep.state.fl.us

THE PRELIMINARY TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT IS AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE FROM THE CONTACT PERSON LISTED ABOVE.

 

Department of Environmental Protection

RULE 62-113.100
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this rulemaking is to incorporate the Operating Agreement Concerning Regulation Under Part IV, Chapter 373, F.S., Between Northwest Florida Water Management District and Department of Environmental Protection into Rule 62-113.100, F.A.C. Rule 62-346, F.A.C., currently incorporates the agreement, but will be affected by the Department’s Statewide Environmental Resource Permitting rulemaking, including potential repeal, and Rule 62-113, F.A.C., is the Department’s rule for listing all similar agreements.

SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Incorporation of interagency agreements.

IF REQUESTED IN WRITING AND NOT DEEMED UNNECESSARY BY THE AGENCY HEAD, A RULE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP WILL BE NOTICED IN THE NEXT AVAILABLE FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE WEEKLY.
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT IS: Hillary Powell, 3900 Commonwealth Blvd., MS 35, Tallahassee, FL 32399, (850)245-2248, hillary.powell@dep.state.fl.us. (OGC #12-141

 

Department of Environmental Protection

RULE 62-343.070 Procedures to Obtain a Permit

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of the proposed rule amendment will be to allow the submission of electronic applications and supporting material for environmental resource permits.
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: The Department of Environmental Protection is undertaking an effort to reduce the amount of paper that is used and filed for official business. As part of that effort, the Department is amending its permitting rules to allow the submission of electronic permit applications and specifying the electronic format for supporting material.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT IS: Mary VanTassel, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Submerged Lands and Environmental Resources, 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS 2500, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400, telephone (850)245-8486, e-mail: Mary.VanTassel@dep. state.fl.us or facsimile (850)245-8499. (OGC No. 12-1445)

 

Department of Environmental Protection 

RULE  62-344.400

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of the proposed rule amendment will be to allow the submission of electronic permit applications and supporting material for petitions to request delegation of part or all of a permit program.
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: The Department of Environmental Protection is undertaking an effort to reduce the amount of paper that is used and filed for official business. As part of that effort, the Department is amending its permitting rules to allow the submission of electronic permit applications.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT IS: Mary VanTassel, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Submerged Lands and Environmental Resources, 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS 2500, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400, telephone (850)245-8486 e-mail: Mary.VanTassel@dep. state.fl.us or facsimile (850)245-8499. (OGC No. 12-1446)

 

Department of Environmental Protection

RULE 62-346

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of the proposed rule amendment will be to allow the submission of electronic applications and supporting material for permits, water quality certification, Coastal Zone Consistency Concurrence, to Request Verification of Qualification for an Exemption, and Permits and Petitions for Formal Determinations to Department and NWFWMD Offices.

SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: The Department of Environmental Protection is undertaking an effort to reduce the amount of paper that is used and filed for official business. As part of that effort, the Department is amending its permitting rules to allow the submission of electronic permit applications.

IF REQUESTED IN WRITING AND NOT DEEMED UNNECESSARY BY THE AGENCY HEAD, A RULE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP WILL BE NOTICED IN THE NEXT AVAILABLE FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE WEEKLY.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT IS: Mary VanTassel, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Submerged Lands and Environmental Resources, 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS 2500, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400, telephone (850)245-8486, e-mail: Mary.VanTassel@dep. state.fl.us or facsimile (850)245-8499. (OGC No. 12-1447)

 

Department of Environmental Protection

RULE  62-673.320
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of the proposed rule amendment will be to allow the submission of electronic applications and supporting material for

phosphogypsum stack systems.
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: The Department of Environmental Protection is undertaking an effort to reduce the amount of paper that is used and filed for official business. As part of that effort, the Department is amending its permitting rules to allow the submission of electronic permit applications.

IF REQUESTED IN WRITING AND NOT DEEMED UNNECESSARY BY THE AGENCY HEAD, A RULE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP WILL BE NOTICED IN THE NEXT AVAILABLE FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE WEEKLY.
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT IS: Hillary Powell, 3900 Commonwealth Blvd., MS 35, Tallahassee, FL 32399, (850)245-2248, hillary.powell@dep.state.fl.us. or facsimile (850)245-2297. (OGC No. 12-1444)

 

The St. Johns River Water Management District, Projects and Land Committee announces a public meeting to which all persons are invited.
DATE AND TIMES: Monday, October 8, 2012, 9:30 a.m., Site Visit; 12:30 p.m., Keystone Community lunch hosted by Save Our Lakes Organization; 3:30 p.m., Business Meeting. PLACE: 9:30 a.m. Site Visit starting location:  Camp Immokalee 6765 Immokalee Road, Keystone Heights, Florida 12:30 p.m. Community Lunch: Camp Immokalee 6765 Immokalee Road, Keystone Heights, Florida 3:30 p.m. Business Meeting: District Headquarters 4049 Reid Street (Hwy. 100 West) Palatka, FL 32177

GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: Etonia Chain of Lakes minimum flows and levels, prevention and recovery strategies. The location of the site visit may be changed due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Notice of such change will be available by contacting: St. Johns River Water Management District, Attention: Heather Barnes, 4049 Reid Street, Palatka, FL 32177, via email: hbarnes@sjrwmd.com or by phone: (386)329-4347 or (386)937-9717. The Projects and Land Committee Business meeting will discuss agenda items, followed by committee recommendations to be approved by the full Governing Board.

NOTE: In the event a quorum of the Committee is not available for the business meeting at the date, time and place set forth above, the Committee shall meet on Tuesday, October 9, 2012, 8:00 a.m. at District Headquarters, 4049 Reid Street (Hwy 100 West), Palatka, FL 32177. One or more Governing Board members may attend and participate in the meetings by means of communications media technology.

A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: Heather Barnes, 4049 Reid Street, Palatka, FL 32177, via email: hbarnes@sjrwmd.com, by phone: (386)329-4347, by visiting the District’s website: www.floridaswater.com.

If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at this meeting or hearing, he/she will need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceeding is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence from which the appeal is to be issued.

For more information, you may contact: St. Johns River Water Management District, Attention: Heather Barnes, 4049 Reid Street, Palatka, FL 32177, via email: hbarnes@sjrwmd.com, by phone: (386)329-4347, by visiting the District’s website: www.floridaswater.com or via The District Clerk, (386)329-4500.

 

The Water Resource Advisory Committee (WRAC)Monthly Meeting announces a public meeting to which all persons are invited.
DATE AND TIME: October 4, 2012, 9:00 a.m.

PLACE: SFWMD, Building B-1, Auditorium, 3301 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406
GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: A Public Meeting of the Water Resources Advisory Commission (WRAC) regarding water resources protection, water supply and flood protection issues. The public is advised that it is possible that one or more members of the Governing Board of the South Florida Water Management District may attend and participate in this meeting.

A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: Paul Millar, (561)682-6335 or pmillar@sfwmd.gov or at our website: http://my.sfwmd.gov/wrac.gov.

 

The Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Assessment and Restoration Support announces a telephone conference call to which all persons are invited.
DATE AND TIME: Wednesday, October 3, 2012, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

PLACE: Conference Call: 1(888)670-3525, Conference Code: 7593387652#
Webinar: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/421462626

GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: This is a meeting of the Florida Water Resources Monitoring Council Monitoring Catalog Workgroup to discuss the next steps for the monitoring catalog effort.

A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: Ms. Stephanie Sunderman, Watershed Monitoring Section, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS #3525, Tallahassee, Florida 32399, e-mail: Stephanie.Sunderman@dep.state.fl.us.

 

The Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Assessment and Restoration Support announces a public meeting to which all persons are invited.
DATE AND TIME: Tuesday, October 9, 2012, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

PLACE: South Florida Water Management District, Headquarters, Storch Conference Room, 3301 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406; The meeting can also be accessed via Conference Call: 1(888)670-3525; Code: 7593387652#; Webinar: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/477962850

GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: This is a meeting of the Statewide Florida Water Resources Monitoring Council (FWRMC) to discuss the workgroups’ tasks: coordinate a groundwater salinity network, develop a statewide catalog of existing monitoring efforts, develop a coastal monitoring network, and coordinate Regional Councils to increase opportunities for local monitoring entities’ to participate in the FWRMC.

A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: Ms. Stephanie Sunderman, Watershed Monitoring Section, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS #3525, Tallahassee, Florida 32399, e-mail: Stephanie.Sunderman@dep.state.fl.us.

 

MAF Weekly Report- September 3, 2012

 

As Fall Approaches Attention Turns to MAF Annual Summit

It’s not too early to sign up as a sponsor or exhibitor for the 9^th Annual Manufacturers Summit on December 6-7, 2012 in Orlando. Please tell your suppliers too so they can showcase their abilities to serve the manufacturing sector.   See the attached flyer for more details and feel free to pass it along to your friends. 

 

VMA Raises the Bar

In late August the Volusia Manufacturers Association papered the halls of the Volusia County Advanced Technology College with magnificent posters from area manufacturing companies.  There were thirty posters on the wall the day of the event and more will be added in the future.  Manufacturers paid for their own posters, as large as 10’ wide. Students were seen busily writing down information shown on the posters.  After the poster unveiling, some 100 manufacturers and educators gathered for remarks, conversation and a barbecue dinner.  June Wolfe, MAF Center for Advanced Manufacturing Excellence, was on hand to talk about Dream It Do It, which was very well received. Our hats off to Mark Madore, VMA Chairman and Jayne Fifer, VMA President/CEO for leading this innovative education project!

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New Grant to Support Manufacturing Education in the Capital Region

Tallahassee Community College and its grant partners have received a $200,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to support manufacturing education.  With the grant, a seamless pathway for Engineering Technology with degrees and programs that support the manufacturing industries in the greater Tallahassee region will be developed. The new project held its first advisory committee meeting last week at TCC's Advanced Manufacturing Training Center (AMTC) with over 15 partners from high schools, industry, FLATE and the regional EDC. The group set an aggressive timeline for implementation of the new high school and college programs.  A number of recruiting events and open houses will be hosted at the participating high schools this fall and the next advisory committee will meet in November. Industry partners were excited to be bringing this hands-on technical degree program to TCC, stating that it is critical for students to get a good mix of theory and practice.   If you are interested in participating, or want more information, please contact Bruce Batton (BATTONB@tcc.fl.edu) or Marilyn Barger (barger@fl-ate.org).

 

Short Notes

• Statistics from Workforce Florida over the past year:
• • Florida's workforce system assisted more than 43,700 employers with an array of business-focused services;
  • Quick Response Training and Incumbent Worker Training programs  trained nearly 5,000 employees in 27 new and existing companies, helping provide new jobs and keep existing companies growing in Florida; and
  • Every month more than 29,000 Floridians find jobs after receiving assistance through the Workforce Florida job placement system. 
• Hopping Green & Sams informed us that FDEP conducted a workshop on August 22, 2012, to discuss technical corrections to the used oil management regulations in Chapter 62-710, F.A.C. and the hazardous waste regulations in Chapter 62-730, F.A.C.  Written comments to FDEP regarding the draft rule changes are due by September 12, 2012, not September 21.  
• The August 29, 2012 Environmental Update from Hopping Green & Sams is attached.
• The Society of Maintenance and Reliability Professionals Annual Conference will be held in Orlando during the week of October 17^th.  Some 1,000 people will be in attendance.  There will also be a job fair associated with the conference.  Of note, this is a great place to get information on products and services in the maintenance and reliability engineering field. Go to www.smrp.org for more information.

 

Florida Administrative Weekly – August 31, 2012

 

Department of Environmental Protection

RULE NO.: 62-304.335

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of the rule is to adopt a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), and its allocations, for fecal coliform in the Perdido Bay Basin.

SUMMARY: The TMDL addresses a fecal coliform impairment in the Perdido Bay Basin. Specifically, the TMDL rule being proposed for adoption is for Brushy Creek. This water body was verified as impaired using the methodology established in Chapter 62-303, F.A.C., Identification of Impaired Surface Waters. The methodology used to develop the TMDL was the percent reduction method.

IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW (IF NOT REQUESTED, THIS HEARING WILL NOT BE HELD):

DATE AND TIME: September 27, 2012, 1:30 p.m.

PLACE: Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Bob Martinez Center, 2600 Blair Stone Road, Room 609, Tallahassee, FL

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Jan Mandrup-Poulsen, Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration, Bureau of Watershed Restoration, Mail Station 3555, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 2600 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400, telephone (850)245-8448

 

Department of Environmental Protection

RULE NO.: 62-304.435

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of the rule is to adopt a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), and its allocations, for fecal coliform in the Upper East Coast Basin.

SUMMARY: The TMDL addresses a fecal coliform impairment in the Upper East Coast Basin. Specifically, the TMDL rule being proposed for adoption is for Pellicer Creek. This water body was verified as impaired using the methodology established in Chapter 62-303, F.A.C., Identification of Impaired Surface Waters. The methodology used to develop the

IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW (IF NOT REQUESTED, THIS HEARING WILL NOT BE HELD):

DATE AND TIME: September 27, 2012, 1:30 p.m.

PLACE: Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Bob Martinez Center, 2600 Blair Stone Road, Room 609, Tallahassee, FL

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Jan Mandrup-Poulsen, Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration, Bureau of Watershed Restoration, Mail Station 3555, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 2600 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400, telephone (850)245-8448

 

Department of Environmental Protection

RULE NO.: 62-304.645

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of the rule is to adopt Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), and their allocations, for fecal coliform in the Springs Coast Basin.

SUMMARY: These TMDLs address fecal coliform impairments in the Springs Coast Basin. Specifically, the TMDL rules being proposed for adoption are for the 34^th Street Basin, Clam Bayou Drain, Clam Bayou (East Drainage), Clam Bayou Drain (Tidal), Cedar Creek (Tidal), Cedar Creek, Curlew Creek Freshwater Segment, McKay Creek Tidal, McKay Creek, and Pinellas Park Ditch No. 1 (Tidal Segment). These water bodies were verified as impaired using the methodology established in Chapter 62-303, F.A.C., Identification of Impaired Surface Waters. The methodology used to develop these TMDLs was the percent reduction method.

Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.

IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW (IF NOT REQUESTED, THIS HEARING WILL NOT BE HELD):

DATE AND TIME: September 27, 2012, 1:30 p.m.

PLACE: Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Bob Martinez Center, 2600 Blair Stone Road, Room 609, Tallahassee, FL

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Jan Mandrup-Poulsen, Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration, Bureau of Watershed Restoration, Mail Station 3555, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 2600 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400, telephone (850)245-8448

 

The St. Johns River Water Management District announces a workshop to which all persons are invited.

DATE AND TIME: September 14, 2012, 9:30 a.m. (EDT)

PLACE: St. Johns River Water Management District, District Headquarters, Governing Board, 4049 Reid Street, Palatka, Florida 32177.

Persons can attend the workshop in person or register to attend by webinar. Webinar registration information is available on the District’s website: http://www.floridaswater.com or can be obtained from Wendy Gaylord, Legal Administrative Assistant, (386)326-3026 or email: wgaylord@sjrwmd.com.

GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: Section 373.4131, Florida Statutes, became effective on July 1, 2012, and requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in coordination with the five water management districts (WMDs) to develop statewide environmental resource permitting (ERP) rules. These rules are to rely primarily upon existing rules of the DEP and WMDs, but may be revised as necessary to achieve a more consistent, effective, and streamlined approach in the State’s ERP program. As part of its rulemaking, DEP also intends to incorporate by reference an applicant’s handbook. At least two volumes of the applicant’s handbook will apply in each WMD: (1) one volume that will include general and environmental procedures and forms that will apply statewide, and (2) a second volume specific to, and adopted by, the WMD that will set forth design and performance standards for stormwater quality and quantity and include basin designations and basin-specific rules within the WMD. These volumes will replace and/or amend the SJRWMD’s current applicant’s handbooks. Comments will be solicited regarding amendments to Chapters 40C-1, 40C-4, 40C-41, 40C-42 and 40C-44, F.A.C., and a document to be known as “Environmental Resource Permit Applicant’s Handbook, Volume II: For Use within the Geographic Limits of the St. Johns River Water Management District,” which is based on existing provisions contained in the SJRWMD’s current applicant’s handbooks.

A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: Wendy Gaylord, Legal Administrative Assistant, (386)326-3026 or wgaylord@sjrwmd.com.

 

The Southwest Florida Water Management District announces a public meeting to which all persons are invited.

DATE AND TIME: Monday, September 10, 2012, 2:00 p.m.

PLACE: Lecanto Government Building, 3600 West Sovereign Path, Room 280, Lecanto, Florida 34461

GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: Discussion of task force business for the Citrus County Task Force of the Citrus/Hernando Waterways Restoration Council.

A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: Southwest Florida Water Management District, 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, Florida 34604, (352)796-7211 or 1(800)423-1476 (Florida Only), extension 4378 or online at www.watermatters.org/waterways.

 

The Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Water Resource Management announces a workshop to which all persons are invited.

DATE AND TIME: September 20, 2012, 10:00 a.m. (EDT)

PLACE: This workshop will be broadcast via webinar. Parties can register to attend the webinar via their personal computers with audio by telephone (regular long distance telephone charges will apply) or by speakers connected to their computer (no telephone charges will apply). Webinar registration is via https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/249668090.

Alternatively, persons may view the webinar at the following location where staff also will be available to accept comments.  Department of Environmental Protection, Bob Martinez Bldg., Rm. 609, 2600 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399.

GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: In accordance with Section 373.4131, Florida Statutes, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in coordination with the five Water Management Districts (WMDs), is developing statewide environmental resource permitting (ERP) rules governing the construction, alteration, operation, maintenance, repair, abandonment, and removal of storm water management systems, dams, impoundments, reservoirs, appurtenant works, or works, or combinations thereof, to implement Part IV of Chapter 373, F.S. This rulemaking will rely primarily upon existing rules of DEP and WMDs, revised as necessary to achieve a more consistent, effective, and streamlined approach to implement the ERP program. This is the fourth workshop to solicit comments on the proposed Chapter 62-330, F.A.C., including forms, fees, and Applicant’s Handbook Volumes I and II that will be incorporated by reference. A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: Mary VanTassel, Department of Environmental Protection by 2600 Blair Stone Rd., MS #2500, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2400, (850)245-8486 or e-mail: Mary.VanTassel@dep.state.fl.us. The agenda and workshop information will be posted on the DEP Public Notice Calendar: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/public_notices/default.htm  (OGC #12-1058).

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

October 18          MAF Environmental Teleconference, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. E.T., Dial in number is (712) 775.7000; PIN 317371#.

 

December 6-7   MAF Manufacturing Summit and Manufacturers of the Year Awards Dinner at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Hotel, Orlando, FL. Now accepting sponsors and exhibitors. Go to www.mafmfg.com for more details or contact becky@nstephens.com.

 

 

View the MAF Weekly Report, August 20, 2012

 

View the Florida Economic Overview, August 16, 2012