Sarasota County, FL
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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
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.