Air and Water Quality


Air Quality Index	Water Quality	Rain Barrels	Document Library

Sarasota County, Air and Water Quality (AWQ) team, is committed to preserving our environment and responding to concerns as quickly as possible.

Pollution Concern Form
Reporting an environmental emergency? Please contact the State Water Office at (800) 320-0519.

Air Quality

Asbestos

asbestos graphic

Building renovations, or demolitions, have the potential to release microscopic asbestos fibers into the air, putting at risk anyone in the area. Contrary to popular belief, asbestos-containing construction materials are still used today. Asbestos may be found in a variety of materials, including drywall, cement pipe, roofing materials, flooring, flooring adhesives and wall coatings. Therefore, it is important to consider the scope of a project, what materials may contain asbestos and whether federal law requires an asbestos survey prior to any work being performed.

When is an asbestos survey required?

Federal and state laws and Sarasota County Ordinance No. 54-119, regulate the management of asbestos materials during demolition and renovation activities. A thorough asbestos survey must be conducted by a Florida Licensed Asbestos Consultant, prior to performing any demolition or renovation work. Notification is required for projects which meet any of the following criteria, regardless of the age of the material:

Renovation

Greater than 160 square feet of building components
Greater than 260 linear feet of pipe
Greater than 35 cubic feet of material

Demolition

Removal of load bearing structures
Full demolition projects
Certain other demolition projects

A copy of the survey must be kept on site for the duration of the demolition/renovation activity whether asbestos is found or not.

Who can remove asbestos-containing material?

What are the notification requirements?

A Notice of Asbestos Renovation or Demolition, DEP form 62-257.900(1), is required per County Code 54-119 and must be received at least ten (10) working days prior to the start of a project under the following circumstances:

Demolition: The Form must be submitted for any demolition activity, even when no asbestos is found during the survey.

Renovation: The Form is required only if regulated asbestos is found above the threshold amounts and if it will be disturbed.

The Notice of Asbestos Renovation or Demolition may be submitted by any of the following methods:

Web: www.fldepportal.com/go/submit-registration (external)
Email: asbestos@scgov.net
Mail: Air and Water Quality, 1001 Sarasota Center Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34240

Please contact the Air and Water Quality team about notification requirements at 941‑861‑5000 or email asbestos@scgov.net.

What projects are exempt?

Where can I dispose of asbestos?

Burns

Open Burns

The activities listed below are considered Open Burning.

To report an illegal burn, contact the nearest Fire Department as well as the County Contact Center at 941‑861‑5000.

The Florida Forest Service (FFS) issues burn authorizations and has exclusive authority to permit agricultural, silviculture, land clearing, and prescribed burns. Please contact the local FFS office at 941-213-6970 to obtain a burn authorization permit.

Prohibited

Allowable

Cooking with an open fire is allowed if contained in a grill, camping stove, or similar device designed solely for cooking food and only uses approved fuels (e.g., charcoal, natural gas, clean/dry wood).
Recreational fires are allowed if they are safe and meet the restrictions in the code, which are summarized in the open burning pamphlet. Additional information is available in the Document Library below.
Ceremonial burning with an open fire is allowed only if the fire is conducted by a recognized organization (for example scouts, schools, etc.).

Burn Map

Please refer to the Myakka River District location tab of the Florida Forest Services (FFS) interactive map (external) to learn who is authorized to burn in your area. The FFS maintains a statewide map, updated daily, with wildfires and all authorized burns.

Additional Information

Current Wildfire Conditions (interactive map of current active wildfires) (external)

Water Quality

Fertilizer Restricted Season

Nutrient pollution is a widespread and challenging environmental issue. In 2007, Sarasota County took a crucial step toward improving water quality by adopting the Fertilizer and Landscape Management Ordinance. The goal of this ordinance is to help address the widespread and challenging environmental issue of nutrient pollution throughout our local waterways. Although nutrients are a natural part of aquatic ecosystems, excessive amounts create an imbalance which may diminish water quality, leading to fish kills and algae blooms.

The ordinance restricts the use of fertilizers containing nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) between June 1st and September 30th. The amount of rain experienced during this time of the year increases the likelihood of these nutrients being swept into storm drains and carried to local water bodies.

Additionally, and throughout the year, the ordinance strictly prohibits grass clippings and vegetative material from being intentionally or accidentally discharged into water bodies, roadways, and stormwater drains, ditches, and conveyances. This ordinance applies to everyone, from homeowners to landscape contractors.

Why is June 1st through September 30th the restricted season?

How are more nutrients harmful to water quality? Don’t fish and plants need the nutrients?

Nitrogen and phosphorus support the growth of algae and aquatic plants, which provide food and habitat. However, too many nutrients, which we typically see during the rainy season, cause algae to grow faster than the ecosystem can consume it. The excess algae eventually dies, with the decomposition process consuming oxygen and creating a temporary dead zone where aquatic life cannot survive. Reducing nutrient pollution is our best strategy for improving seagrass health and achieving cleaner water overall, which is a benefit to our economy, way of life and the environment.

What alternatives, if any, may be used during the restricted season?

Please contact the University of Florida's IFAS Extension Office for information regarding alternatives to fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorous at 941‑861‑9900 or visit them online (external).

You can also visit the Community Resources page on limiting fertilizers, pesticides and watering to discover how you and your community can reduce chemical applications on your lawn and landscape to help improve water quality in your community as well as downstream in our creeks, rivers and bays.

How much fertilizer do I need?

My irrigation system uses reclaimed water. Can I use less fertilizer?

What is a fertilizer-free zone?

A fertilizer-free zone is an area where the application of fertilizer is prohibited any time. Fertilizer may not be applied within 10 feet of any pond, stream, watercourse, lake, canal, or in any designated wetland or within 10 feet of any wetland. Residents, especially those living near waterbodies, are encouraged to plant native vegetation and practice Florida-friendly landscaping techniques to reduce or eliminate the need for fertilizer use.

How do I know if my landscape or lawn care company has the proper certification to apply fertilizer?

Commercial Fertilizer Applicators must meet State requirements found in 5E-14.117, F.A.C., and are provided with a certification which they are required to have on-site when applying fertilizer. It is recommended that you ask to see a copy of that certification. You may also look for the decal pictured below, which should be affixed to the exterior of vehicles associated with the application of fertilizers.

asbestos graphic

Are there any exemptions to this ordinance?

Yes, exemptions are as follows: Bona fide farm operations and pastures used for grazing livestock as defined in the Florida Right to Farm Act, golf courses, athletic fields and turf managed for active recreation whose owners implement best management practices, and newly established Turf and/or Landscape Plants for the first 60-day period after installation.

Please contact the Air and Water Quality team about Best Management Practices or to report pollution at 941‑861‑5000 or email reportpollution@scgov.net.

Delegated Domestic Wastewater Program

The Air and Water Quality staff of Sarasota County has been delegated as a local program by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) for domestic wastewater regulation. The program is implemented through County Code and a Specific Operating Agreement with the FDEP to protect and conserve our water resources. Responsibilities of the program include:

Issuance of permits for private wastewater systems,
Wastewater treatment facility inspection and compliance activities, and
Enforcement of State and County codes.

Collection System/Transmission System (CSTS) permits are issued by Air and Water Quality under the provisions of Chapter 403, Florida Statutes (F.S.), and Chapters 62-4 and 62-604, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.). The associated fees for CSTS permitting are outlined in Chapter 62-4, F.A.C. and Sarasota County Resolution No. 2007-192.

All new FDEP domestic wastewater permit applications for collection and transmission systems, as well as private treatment facilities, including their associated application fees, are now processed through Accela. Hard copy submittals are no longer accepted. This includes projects within city limits for which an FDEP domestic wastewater permit is needed. Note: Public Water Systems are processed through the Florida Department of Health.

Permit Type	Total Fee
Individual ≥10 EDUs	$1,500
Individual <10 EDUs	$900
General Permit or Minor Permit Revision	$750
Permit Transfer	$150

Method of Payment

Sarasota County no longer accepts checks for payment of FDEP permit related fees. Payments are now collected through Accela during the permit application process.

Projects permitted through Accela which are ready to be placed into service, must have a completed FDEP Notice of Completion, testing information, utility approved record drawings, and if applicable, lift station startup reports, uploaded to Accela under the original FDEP permit record.

For projects permitted pre-Accela, or for any FDEP permit related questions, please contact us by dialing 311 or emailing: wastewaterpermits@scgov.net.

Swimming Pool Discharges from Private Pools

Swimming pool discharges are authorized in Florida, provided they do not cause a violation of water quality standards (refer to Florida Administrative Code Rule 62-302.530). With a little planning, you can do your part to maintain a healthy environment. Please follow the guidance below.

Tips for Keeping Our Environment Healthy and Avoiding Potential Violations

Before draining your pool, ensure the amount of chlorine is less than or equal to 0.01 mg/L and the pH is between 6.5 and 8.5.
Pool water should not be cloudy or murky. Any solids or particles should be allowed to settle out and not be discharged with the water.
Direct the discharge of pool water over a vegetated surface to provide some filtration.
Ensure that the discharge rate is low enough to avoid erosion and nuisance conditions for neighboring properties.
Do not discharge on areas recently treated with herbicides or pesticides.

Please contact a County Environmental Specialist to learn more about emptying private swimming pools at 941‑861‑5000 or email reportpollution@scgov.net.

Rain Barrel Program

Sarasota County and the UF/IFAS Extension are working closely together to support our rain barrel community. Workshops are being offered at locations throughout the county and rain barrels are available for purchase online through Eventbrite (external). With only a few clicks, you can register for a free workshop and/or purchase rain barrels using a credit card or PayPal. Barrels will be available for pickup at the date, time, and location provided for each workshop event. Please note, rain barrels can only be purchased through Eventbrite and will not be available for purchase at workshops or pickup locations.

Please review and confirm your purchase selection and the associated pickup information on Eventbrite prior to completing your transaction. In the event you need to reschedule your pickup date after you have purchased barrels, or if you have any questions, please email reportpollution@scgov.net with the subject line: Rain Barrel. The email should include your name, purchase confirmation number, and original pickup date.

For more information and upcoming workshop dates, please visit Eventbrite.com, keywords: Rain Barrel. You may also dial 311 or email: reportpollution@scgov.net, for more information.

Pickup Locations

Englewood Sports Complex 1300 S River Road, Englewood 34223
Morgan Family Community Center 6207 W Price Boulevard, North Port 34291
Twin Lakes Park 6700 Clark Road, Sarasota 34241
Woodmere Park 3951 Woodmere Park Boulevard, Venice 34293

Petroleum Storage Tank Program

Air and Water Quality administers a petroleum storage tank program through a contract with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. This program is responsible for the inspection and compliance of the following storage tank systems that store regulated substances.

Aboveground Storage Tanks (AST) systems greater than 550 gallons (i.e. emergency generator tanks).
Underground Storage Tank (UST) systems greater than 110 gallons (i.e. marina and retail gas stations).

The goal of the program is to ensure that all regulated tanks are operating in compliance with State rules to help prevent potential discharges.

Please contact Air and Water Quality by dialing 311 or emailing: petroleumstorage@scgov.net to learn more.

Pollution Prevention

One thing is certain about our future…we will always depend on natural resources.

One of our most important resources is water. Unfortunately, only about 1% of all water on Earth is suitable for consumption. This emphasizes the need to keep our waterways clean and healthy, which starts with us.

The natural environment throughout Sarasota County is a big reason so many people call it home. We are a growing community, and it takes a community effort to prevent pollution.

Simply put, pollution is anything that degrades air, land, or water quality. Not all pollution can be avoided but with just a little effort, we can certainly limit our contribution. Below are some tips for common household sources of pollution:

Recycle

Use an Alternative

Dispose of Properly

Want to do more? Here are a few more easy tips:

Choose reusable water bottles instead of throw-aways
Turn off lights and electronics when not in use
Repair leaky faucets and hoses
Switch to green cleaners
Check your vehicle for leaking fluids and have it repaired if necessary

Pollution prevention practices are essential for preserving wetlands, groundwater sources and other critical ecosystems.

Please contact the Air and Water Quality team about Best Management Practices or to report pollution at 941‑861‑5000 or email reportpollution@scgov.net.