MAF Weekly Report- September 24, 2012
Enterprise Florida Wishes to Speak to Regional Manufacturing Associations
Joel Gunter and Tim Johns are the “go to guys” at Enterprise Florida (EFI) for recruitment and retention of general manufacturing projects for Enterprise Florida, including clean energy projects. Other project managers cover the gamut of aviation, aerospace, medical device manufacturing, and more. Our Enterprise Florida manufacturing managers would like to participate or attend some of the regional manufacturing association meetings as part of their outreach efforts. They could do a short power point presentation, answer questions about EFI, say a few words or just introduce themselves and stick around afterwards for one-on-one conversations ...whatever fits into the typical program for your regional meetings. To arrange such a meeting, contact Joel Gunter at jgunter@eflorida.com.
Medicine Abuse Project Initiated
Because manufacturers lose great employees and job applicants to failed drug tests, we thought you would like to know about a project that Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi has endorsed. In her weekly news report of September 21 she writes that medicine abuse is a growing problem among teens in the United States. One in six teens has abused medicine, and medicine is the most commonly abused drug among 12- to 13-year-olds. General Bondi has joined The Partnership at DrugFree.org on The Medicine Abuse Project, a national awareness campaign to prevent medicine abuse in teens. The project launched on September 23 and aims to prevent half a million teens from abusing medicine within five years. The Project encourages communities to educate people about the dangers of abusing medicine, monitor prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines, safeguard and properly dispose of unused medication, and eliminate improper prescribing and dispensing practices. To learn more visit medicineabuseproject.org.
Atwater Calls Together Small Businesses
Candy Munz, MAF, joined small business owners from across the state at the Westin Harbour Island Hotel in Tampa for a two-day 2012 Small Business Leadership Forum earlier this month aimed at strategically helping small businesses have long-term prosperity and increasing their bottom lines.
Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater and The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship in Florida State University’s College of Business partnered for the forum, bringing together industry experts and university leaders to share best practices, resources and opportunities for growth as the state recovers from the economic downturn.
Forum topics and panel discussions, targeted specifically to small business owners, included short- and long-term forecasts and trends of Florida’s economy, creating an environment for investment and improving access to capital, and leveraging resources available through our public universities and small business development centers. Breakout sessions covered best practices for selling products and services, managing and protecting your brand, dealing with employees and legal issues, and the fundamentals of supply chain management.
There were three manufacturers on the first panel of speakers so the forum provided a direct line of communication with CFO Atwater. The manufacturers addressed the gap in skilled workers, the machinery and equipment sales tax exemption and other issues that would make Florida a more business-friendly state.
Sponsor or Exhibit at the MAF Annual Summit
It’s not too early to sign up as a sponsor or exhibitor for the 9th Annual Manufacturers Summit on December 6-7, 2012 in Orlando. Please tell your suppliers too so they can showcase their abilities to serve the manufacturing sector. For more information check www.mafmfg.com.
Short Notes
- On September 20 the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, led by Congressman Gibbs from Ohio, began discussion on why more states had not assumed delegation of the Clean Water Act dredge and fill (wetlands) program (Section 404) and how more delegations could be accomplished.
- Florida’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research (EDR) has released its latest revenue projections for the next fiscal year. Florida’s economists predict a $71.3 million surplus next year over and above the $1 billion Florida has in reserves. These projections are the best our state has seen since the recession hit Florida in 2006, creating the first budget surplus in five years.
- According to CFO Jeff Atwater, Florida has an AAA credit rating – one of only nine AAA-rated states in the nation. Furthermore, last year Florida was able to reduce its debt by $500 million.
News from NAM
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is working on several things of interest to Florida manufacturers:
- NAM is urging the House to support the Stop the War on Coal Act (HR 3409). The bill will halt costly regulations from EPA and requires EPA to perform a comprehensive review of the Utility MACT and Boiler MACT regulations. Manufacturers consume one-third of the energy produced in the U.S. and need continued access to all energy sources.
- NAM is showing strong support for the STEM Jobs Act of 2012 (HR 6429) which creates two new employment-based visa categories for masters and PH.D. graduates from qualified universities in science, technology, engineering and math fields. The STEM Jobs Act streamlines the green card process and expands U.S. manufacturers’ access to global talent without increasing the total number of visas. This legislation will help to reform the employment-based visa system and give manufacturers access to the talent needed for researching, developing and manufacturing new and innovative products that will ensure manufacturers remain competitive in the global marketplace.
- NAM and the Manufacturing Institute have declared October 5 as Manufacturing Day. They encourage you to showcase manufacturing in your own way on October 5. The event is aimed at students, parents, educators, media, customers, suppliers and the community at large. Visit www.mfgday.com.
- NAM continues to press Congress for a budget that does not adversely affect our defense manufacturers.
Upcoming Events
October 18 MAF Environmental Teleconference, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. E.T., Dial in number is (712) 775.7000; PIN 317371#.
December 6-7 MAF Manufacturing Summit and Manufacturers of the Year Awards Dinner at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Hotel, Orlando, FL. Now accepting sponsors and exhibitors. Go to www.mafmfg.com for more details or contact becky@nstephens.com.
Florida Administrative Weekly – September 21, 2012
Southwest Florida Water Management District
RULE 40D-2.091
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: As required by Section 373.250(3)(c) and (d), F.S., this rulemaking will amend Rule 40D-2.091, F.A.C., and Section 3.1 of the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Water Use Permitting Basis of Review to implement new requirements for water use permit applicants and reuse utilities to aid in the determination of the feasibility of using reclaimed water in lieu of other sources. Subsections 373.250(3)(c) and (d), F.S. direct the water management districts to adopt rules to require certain permit applicants to provide written documentation from a reuse utility addressing the availability of and costs associated with the connection and use of reclaimed water to facilitate the permit applicant’s reclaimed water feasibility evaluation.
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Amendments to Chapter 40D-2, F.A.C., to implement mandates in Section 373.250(3) (c) and (d), Florida Statutes to address certain reuse feasibility requirements for water use permit applicants and reuse utilities.
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT, IF AVAILABLE, IS: Sonya White, Southwest Florida Water Management District, Office of General Counsel, 7601 Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL 33637-6759, (813)985-7481 (4660) (OGC #2011030)
Southwest Florida Water Management District
RULE 40D-3.041
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this rulemaking is to amend Rule 40D-3.041, F.A.C., to incorporate the statutory exemptions established in Section 373.326, F.S., by Chapter 2012-205, Laws of Florida. The effect of the rulemaking will be that the District will require permits for only those wells identified as Class V, Group 1, pursuant to paragraph 62-528.600(2)(a), F.A.C.
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Modification of District Rules Requiring Well Construction Permits.
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT, IF AVAILABLE, IS: Sonya White, Southwest Florida Water Management District, Office of General Counsel, 7601 Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL 33637-6759, (813)985-7481 (4660) (OGC #2012021)
Southwest Florida Water Management District
RULE 40D-3.037
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this rulemaking is to amend Rule 40D-3.037, F.A.C., to incorporate Chapters 62-528 (Underground Injection Control) and 62-532 (Water Well Permitting and Construction), F.A.C., which were recently amended by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (Department). The rulemaking will also amend Rules 40D-3.507, and 40D-3.517, F.A.C., to reference those sections of Chapters 62-528 and 62-532, F.A.C., that were renumbered as a result of the amendments undertaken by the Department. The rulemaking will ensure consistency between the rules of the District and the Department governing well construction.
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Modification of District Rules Requiring Well Construction Permits
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT, IF AVAILABLE, IS: Sonya White, Southwest Florida Water Management District, Office of General Counsel, 7601 Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL 33637-6759, (813)985-7481 (4660) (OGC #2012021)
Southwest Florida Water Management District
RULE 40D-3.341
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of this rulemaking is to amend Rule 40D-3.341, F.A.C., to allow a property owner or party in legal control of a property to request that the District administratively cancel a well construction permit, provided that no activity has taken place under the
permit.
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Modification of District Rules governing Suspension, Revocation or Cancellation of Well Construction Permits
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT, IF AVAILABLE, IS: Sonya White, Southwest Florida Water Management District, Office of General Counsel, 7601 Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL 33637-6759, (813)985-7481 (4660) (OGC #2012022)
THE PRELIMINARY TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT IS AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE FROM THE CONTACT PERSON LISTED ABOVE.
Southwest Florida Water Management District
RULE 40D-4.091
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of this rulemaking is to incorporate a proposed Environmental Resource Permit Applicant’s Handbook Volume II which, together with an Applicant’s Handbook Volume I that will be adopted by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), will provide guidance to applicants seeking environmental resource permits (ERPs) following DEP’s adoption of proposed new statewide ERP rules mandated by Section 373.4131, F.S. DEP is currently undertaking rulemaking to amend Chapter 62-330, F.A.C., which will become the statewide ERP rules. Each water management district is expected to adopt an Applicant’s Handbook Volume II that will contain the District-specific design and performance criteria relating to water quality, water quantity and any special basin criteria or other statutory requirements. Upon District adoption of the Applicant’s Handbook Volume II, it will be incorporated by reference into DEP’s statewide
ERP rules.
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Environmental Resource Permitting.
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT, IF AVAILABLE, IS: Sonya White, Southwest Florida Water Management District, Office of General Counsel, 7601 Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL 33637-6759, (813)985-7481 (4660) (OGC #2012023)
THE PRELIMINARY TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT IS NOT AVAILABLE.
Southwest Florida Water Management District
RULE 40D-8.624
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of this rulemaking is to amend Rule 40D-8.624, F.A.C., to establish minimum and guidance levels for one of the District’s listed priority waters, Lake Hooker in Hillsborough County, FL pursuant to Section 373.042, Florida Statutes.
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Establishment of minimum and guidance levels for Lake Hooker in Hillsborough County, Florida. A minimum level is the level of surface water at which further water withdrawals would be significantly harmful to the water resources of the area.
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT, IF AVAILABLE, IS: Christina Uranowski, Southwest Florida Water Management District, 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34604-6899, (352)796-7211, extension 4271. (OGC File No. 2012013).
Department of Environmental Protection
RULE 62-17.680
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: This is a rulemaking effort to allow electronic submittal of data by removing requirements that data in support of modifications under the Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Acts be submitted on paper.
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: The Department is undertaking an effort to reduce the amount of paper that is used and filed for official business. As part of that effort the Department is amending these rules regarding modifications under the Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Acts to allow the submission of electronic data.
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT, IF AVAILABLE, IS: Susana Garcia at (850)245-2005 or susana.garcia@dep.state.fl.us
THE PRELIMINARY TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT IS AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE FROM THE CONTACT PERSON LISTED ABOVE.
Department of Environmental Protection
RULE 62-113.100
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this rulemaking is to incorporate the Operating Agreement Concerning Regulation Under Part IV, Chapter 373, F.S., Between Northwest Florida Water Management District and Department of Environmental Protection into Rule 62-113.100, F.A.C. Rule 62-346, F.A.C., currently incorporates the agreement, but will be affected by the Department’s Statewide Environmental Resource Permitting rulemaking, including potential repeal, and Rule 62-113, F.A.C., is the Department’s rule for listing all similar agreements.
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Incorporation of interagency agreements.
IF REQUESTED IN WRITING AND NOT DEEMED UNNECESSARY BY THE AGENCY HEAD, A RULE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP WILL BE NOTICED IN THE NEXT AVAILABLE FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE WEEKLY.
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT IS: Hillary Powell, 3900 Commonwealth Blvd., MS 35, Tallahassee, FL 32399, (850)245-2248, hillary.powell@dep.state.fl.us. (OGC #12-141
Department of Environmental Protection
RULE 62-343.070 Procedures to Obtain a Permit
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of the proposed rule amendment will be to allow the submission of electronic applications and supporting material for environmental resource permits.
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: The Department of Environmental Protection is undertaking an effort to reduce the amount of paper that is used and filed for official business. As part of that effort, the Department is amending its permitting rules to allow the submission of electronic permit applications and specifying the electronic format for supporting material.
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT IS: Mary VanTassel, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Submerged Lands and Environmental Resources, 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS 2500, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400, telephone (850)245-8486, e-mail: Mary.VanTassel@dep. state.fl.us or facsimile (850)245-8499. (OGC No. 12-1445)
Department of Environmental Protection
RULE 62-344.400
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of the proposed rule amendment will be to allow the submission of electronic permit applications and supporting material for petitions to request delegation of part or all of a permit program.
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: The Department of Environmental Protection is undertaking an effort to reduce the amount of paper that is used and filed for official business. As part of that effort, the Department is amending its permitting rules to allow the submission of electronic permit applications.
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT IS: Mary VanTassel, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Submerged Lands and Environmental Resources, 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS 2500, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400, telephone (850)245-8486 e-mail: Mary.VanTassel@dep. state.fl.us or facsimile (850)245-8499. (OGC No. 12-1446)
Department of Environmental Protection
RULE 62-346
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of the proposed rule amendment will be to allow the submission of electronic applications and supporting material for permits, water quality certification, Coastal Zone Consistency Concurrence, to Request Verification of Qualification for an Exemption, and Permits and Petitions for Formal Determinations to Department and NWFWMD Offices.
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: The Department of Environmental Protection is undertaking an effort to reduce the amount of paper that is used and filed for official business. As part of that effort, the Department is amending its permitting rules to allow the submission of electronic permit applications.
IF REQUESTED IN WRITING AND NOT DEEMED UNNECESSARY BY THE AGENCY HEAD, A RULE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP WILL BE NOTICED IN THE NEXT AVAILABLE FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE WEEKLY.
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT IS: Mary VanTassel, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Submerged Lands and Environmental Resources, 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS 2500, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400, telephone (850)245-8486, e-mail: Mary.VanTassel@dep. state.fl.us or facsimile (850)245-8499. (OGC No. 12-1447)
Department of Environmental Protection
RULE 62-673.320
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of the proposed rule amendment will be to allow the submission of electronic applications and supporting material for
phosphogypsum stack systems.
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: The Department of Environmental Protection is undertaking an effort to reduce the amount of paper that is used and filed for official business. As part of that effort, the Department is amending its permitting rules to allow the submission of electronic permit applications.
IF REQUESTED IN WRITING AND NOT DEEMED UNNECESSARY BY THE AGENCY HEAD, A RULE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP WILL BE NOTICED IN THE NEXT AVAILABLE FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE WEEKLY.
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT IS: Hillary Powell, 3900 Commonwealth Blvd., MS 35, Tallahassee, FL 32399, (850)245-2248, hillary.powell@dep.state.fl.us. or facsimile (850)245-2297. (OGC No. 12-1444)
The St. Johns River Water Management District, Projects and Land Committee announces a public meeting to which all persons are invited.
DATE AND TIMES: Monday, October 8, 2012, 9:30 a.m., Site Visit; 12:30 p.m., Keystone Community lunch hosted by Save Our Lakes Organization; 3:30 p.m., Business Meeting. PLACE: 9:30 a.m. Site Visit starting location: Camp Immokalee 6765 Immokalee Road, Keystone Heights, Florida 12:30 p.m. Community Lunch: Camp Immokalee 6765 Immokalee Road, Keystone Heights, Florida 3:30 p.m. Business Meeting: District Headquarters 4049 Reid Street (Hwy. 100 West) Palatka, FL 32177
GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: Etonia Chain of Lakes minimum flows and levels, prevention and recovery strategies. The location of the site visit may be changed due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Notice of such change will be available by contacting: St. Johns River Water Management District, Attention: Heather Barnes, 4049 Reid Street, Palatka, FL 32177, via email: hbarnes@sjrwmd.com or by phone: (386)329-4347 or (386)937-9717. The Projects and Land Committee Business meeting will discuss agenda items, followed by committee recommendations to be approved by the full Governing Board.
NOTE: In the event a quorum of the Committee is not available for the business meeting at the date, time and place set forth above, the Committee shall meet on Tuesday, October 9, 2012, 8:00 a.m. at District Headquarters, 4049 Reid Street (Hwy 100 West), Palatka, FL 32177. One or more Governing Board members may attend and participate in the meetings by means of communications media technology.
A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: Heather Barnes, 4049 Reid Street, Palatka, FL 32177, via email: hbarnes@sjrwmd.com, by phone: (386)329-4347, by visiting the District’s website: www.floridaswater.com.
If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at this meeting or hearing, he/she will need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceeding is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence from which the appeal is to be issued.
For more information, you may contact: St. Johns River Water Management District, Attention: Heather Barnes, 4049 Reid Street, Palatka, FL 32177, via email: hbarnes@sjrwmd.com, by phone: (386)329-4347, by visiting the District’s website: www.floridaswater.com or via The District Clerk, (386)329-4500.
The Water Resource Advisory Committee (WRAC)Monthly Meeting announces a public meeting to which all persons are invited.
DATE AND TIME: October 4, 2012, 9:00 a.m.
PLACE: SFWMD, Building B-1, Auditorium, 3301 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406
GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: A Public Meeting of the Water Resources Advisory Commission (WRAC) regarding water resources protection, water supply and flood protection issues. The public is advised that it is possible that one or more members of the Governing Board of the South Florida Water Management District may attend and participate in this meeting.
A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: Paul Millar, (561)682-6335 or pmillar@sfwmd.gov or at our website: http://my.sfwmd.gov/wrac.gov.
The Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Assessment and Restoration Support announces a telephone conference call to which all persons are invited.
DATE AND TIME: Wednesday, October 3, 2012, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
PLACE: Conference Call: 1(888)670-3525, Conference Code: 7593387652#
Webinar: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/421462626
GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: This is a meeting of the Florida Water Resources Monitoring Council Monitoring Catalog Workgroup to discuss the next steps for the monitoring catalog effort.
A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: Ms. Stephanie Sunderman, Watershed Monitoring Section, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS #3525, Tallahassee, Florida 32399, e-mail: Stephanie.Sunderman@dep.state.fl.us.
The Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Assessment and Restoration Support announces a public meeting to which all persons are invited.
DATE AND TIME: Tuesday, October 9, 2012, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
PLACE: South Florida Water Management District, Headquarters, Storch Conference Room, 3301 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406; The meeting can also be accessed via Conference Call: 1(888)670-3525; Code: 7593387652#; Webinar: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/477962850
GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: This is a meeting of the Statewide Florida Water Resources Monitoring Council (FWRMC) to discuss the workgroups’ tasks: coordinate a groundwater salinity network, develop a statewide catalog of existing monitoring efforts, develop a coastal monitoring network, and coordinate Regional Councils to increase opportunities for local monitoring entities’ to participate in the FWRMC.
A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: Ms. Stephanie Sunderman, Watershed Monitoring Section, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS #3525, Tallahassee, Florida 32399, e-mail: Stephanie.Sunderman@dep.state.fl.us.
