Sweetwater Creek Watershed Mgmt. Plan 2007 Update--Part 2

EXISTING NATURAL SYSTEMS CONDITIONS
in the watershed, and projects should be undertaken that improve and protect water
quality.
8.7 Regulations Protecting Natural Systems
As part of the development of the Sweetwater Creek watershed management plan, existing
regulatory mechanisms that protect natural communities within the watershed and throughout
the County were researched and reviewed. Regulations are an important component in the
protection, maintenance, preservation, and conservation of natural lands.
HCEPC Wetland Rule
The Hillsborough County Environmental Protection Commission’s (HCEPC) Chapter 1-11
(Wetlands) Rule provides standards for the identification, protection, maintenance, and
utilization of wetlands in Hillsborough County.
Hillsborough County
Wetlands, uplands, and environmentally sensitive areas are protected by the County Land
Development Code (Ordinance No. 00-21, PART 4.01.00) requirements including set backs,
buffer zones, and other mechanisms. The Natural Resources regulations protect habitats that
are scarce within the county and supports the Endangered Species Act, enforcing protection of
listed species and their habitats.
Environmental Resource Permit
The Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) process is administered by the SWFMWD and The
FDEP under Part IV of Chapter 373, Florida Statutes (F.S.) and Chapters 40D-4, 40, 45, and
400, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.). This permit provides protection for surface water
bodies, wetland ecosystems, partially through coordination with the Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission, NMFS, USFWS, and the USACOE.
Federal Regulation
Federal protection for wetlands is provided under the Section 404 Dredge and Fill Permit
administered by the USACOE and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit
(NPDES) administered by the EPA.
Tampa Bay Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan
The Tampa Bay Estuary Program has developed a Comprehensive Conservation Management
Plan that promotes improved land and water management throughout the Tampa Bay
watershed, including the protection and restoration of declining natural communities that serve
as indicators of the health of Tampa Bay.
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Sweetwater Creek Watershed Management Plan