South Florida Water Management District rulemaking activity continues at a brisk pace.  The District is working on several efforts including rulemaking to allow compliance with the APA Uniform Rules of Procedure.  This rule contains necessary amendments to allow the District to fully comply with the Section 120.54(5), Florida Statutes, which states that agencies must comply with the rules of procedure adopted by the Administration Commission prior to July 1, 1998.   In addition, the District will seek exceptions to several of the uniform rules in order to retain current procedural rules which are considered essential for the continued fulfillment of the District’s mission.  All associated rulemaking will be completed prior to July 1, 1998.

     Amendments are also forthcoming to the Department of Environmental Protection / SFWMD Operating Agreement.  This rule addresses a 1996 law concerning the delegation of certain aquaculture activities from DEP to the water management districts.  The rule will also correct assorted “glitches”.  The adoption hearing for this rule is currently scheduled for March and the rule should become effective sometime in April.

     The District is also in the process of amending its Permit Application Processing Fees.  The current proposal is to raise fees consistent with the cumulative increase in the Consumer Price Index since 1993 (the last time the District raised these fees).  As with the previous rule, the adoption hearing is currently scheduled for March and the rule should become effective sometime in April.  No change is currently proposed in the permit application fee structure for Right of  Way Occupancy permits, as they will be addressed in a separate rulemaking effort concerning amendments to the District’s Right of Way Management Program.  This rule is to implement measures designed to streamline and improve the District’s right of way management permitting process.  The proposed rule is also to incorporate general permit provisions for minor activities.  Rule Development workshops are scheduled to be held in late-January and February.

     District rules are proposed on a continual basis.  For the latest information on the status of any District rulemaking effort, contact Jim Drosakis, Rules Analyst, at the South Florida Water Management District, 3301 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, Florida 33406.  Telephone (561) 687-6275, or 1-800-432-2045, extension 6275. You may also e-mail Mr. Drosakis at jim.drosakis@sfwmd.gov.

Jim Drosakis is the Rules Analyst with the South Florida Water Management District.