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DEP Issues Emergency Order for Hurricane Frances

--Authorization enables expedited restoration of essential services--

TALLAHASSEE – To protect public health and safety, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Colleen M. Castille today signed an Emergency Final Order in response to Hurricane Frances. The Order provides relief from the Department’s regulatory requirements to minimize environmental hazards and accelerate restoration in areas damaged by the storm.

“This emergency authorization allows repair and restoration to begin immediately in the affected areas, bringing faster relief to the victims of Hurricane Frances,” said DEP Secretary Castille. “Issuing this Order reduces regulatory process and provides flexibility for restoring services quickly in this time of critical need.”

The 60-day emergency authorization applies to governments, businesses and property owners across impacted counties, allowing immediate rebuilding of damaged structures without prior Department notification. The Order will expedite the repair of damage to drinking water and wastewater facilities, along with cleanup of hurricane-generated debris and the restoration of natural areas such as dune systems, waterways and wetlands.

Field authorizations will be required to replace destroyed structures; alter mangroves; restore uplands, wetlands and submerged lands unless a local, regional or State government; and for other DEP-authorized activities not specified in the Order.

The emergency authorization currently covers hurricane recovery activities across Brevard, Broward, Glades, Hardee, Highlands, Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Polk and St. Lucie counties. Other areas may be added to the Order as the storm progresses northward across the state. All activities authorized under the Order must begin before November 2 unless otherwise provided in a field authorization. Extensions may be granted if contractors or supplies are not available.