II. LINKING GROWTH WITH WATER SUPPLY AVAILABILITY
Discussion of integrating regional water supply plans of local government with the plans and projects of water utilities through a prescribed planning process requiring cooperation between water management districts and local and regional water management districts and local and regional water utilities; regulatory incentives for the development of alternative water supplies; financial assistance for utilities; linking the growth management plans of local governments with the plans and projects of water utilities; applying the principles of consistency with concurrency as set forth in Florida law and implementing rules. Audience participation is encouraged.
T. A New Eye in the Sky: How Drone Technology is Advancing Environmental Assessment and Monitoring
Drone (aka, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle or UAV) technology has impacted the world in a number of ways, providing an effective resource to capture high quality video and aerial imagery. The ability of a drone to reach inaccessible or otherwise cost-prohibitive areas has made it a valuable tool that provides on-demand data that is fast, flexible and affordable. Used in combination with post-processing software, drone imagery can be upgraded to create accurate 2D maps and 3D models for a myriad of products, including topographic surveys, digital surface models, volumetric calculations and 3D models with photorealistic textures. Since the Federal Aviation Administration has begun approving drone use for commercial applications, the environmental industry is being rapidly advanced by the innovations provided by the use of drone technology. This session will explore drone technology and some of these cutting-edge innovations that utilize drones to support environmental assessment and monitoring.
SS. WATER QUALITY CREDIT TRADING
This course will discuss the regulatory framework surrounding water quality credit trading in Florida, trades that have occurred already, and the potential for trading throughout Florida in the future. Through the panel discussion and presentations, we will explore trading from the perspective of both point source discharges and nonpoint source dischargers. The panel will also discuss the successes and failures of other trading programs around the United States. Come prepared to listen, learn and participate.
HH. APPLICATIONS AND BENEFITS OF INTEGRATED HYDROLOGIC MODELING
This is a new and exciting course for 2017! Integrated hydrologic models can simulate both surface water and ground water flow and the dynamic interactions between them. Over the past decade, Tampa Bay Water and the Southwest Florida Water Management District have developed and calibrated an integrated model which covers 4,000 sq mi of the Tampa Bay region. This model has been used to develop minimum flows for rivers and springs, evaluate the influence of uncertainty in streamflow and aquifer water levels due to rainfall on minimum flows for rivers, evaluate the influence of global circulation model output for rainfall and potential evapotranspiration on future streamflow and aquifer water levels, optimize the spatial and temporal distribution of well pumping for environmental recovery, evaluate delivery system reliability for a large public water supply utility, and support applications for Consumptive Use Permits. Given the ongoing water management challenges across the State of Florida, course participants will benefit from learning about the broad range of issues to which integrated modeling can be applied. Bring your questions for this expert panel!
MM. DISPERSED WATER MANAGEMENT
The Dispersed Water Management Program administered by the SFWMD encourages private property owners to retain water on their land rather than drain it, accept and detain regional runoff for storage or do both. Landowners typically become involved in the program through cost-share cooperative projects, easements, or payment for environmental services. Managing water on these lands is one tool to use in reducing damaging amounts of water diverted into lakes and estuaries for flood protection. Dispersed water management also offers many other environmental and economic benefits, including providing valuable groundwater recharge for water supply; improving water quality and rehydration of drained systems; enhancing plant and wildlife habitat; and helping sustain the local economy by incentivizing landowners to provide great environmental stewardship. This timely and informative course will tell you all about it. Audience participation encouraged.
S. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: A SOLUTION TO IMPROVE QUALITY AND EFFICIENCY OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES
Information Technology has changed the way we communicate, access information, entertain ourselves and conduct commerce. But, how has the “IT revolution” affected the way government agencies gather and share information and provide services? This panel explores the role for IT in improving data quality, real-time access to information, and delivery of government services, such as monitoring air quality, permitting new or expanded business, ensuring regulatory compliance, and providing online tools for the public and regulated community. Panel members will also discuss how upfront investment in IT solutions can lead to long-term improvements in data quality and increases in operational efficiencies for the agencies and the businesses they regulate. Finally, the panel will provide concrete examples of IT successes and insights into the next generation of needs and potential solutions.
G. TAKING LAND AND WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT TO THE “NEXT LEVEL”
To achieve Florida’s long term resource management goals, land managers must use innovation to increase efficiencies and improve productivity to ultimately enhance resource value. This timely and informative course was requested by DEP to provide for an advanced discussion of how new data and tools are being applied to meet or exceed resource management objectives. Audience participation is encouraged.
FFF. COASTAL CONSTRUCTION CONTROL LINE PERMITTING
Development within the dynamic and sensitive coastal beach environment requires a special permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. This course examines the regulatory framework and practical aspects of Coastal Construction Control Line permitting for beachfront structures and activities. Covers current agency procedures and practices with respect to structure siting and design, including respective responsibilities of state and local agencies; emerging agency policy; special permitting considerations for storm impact planning and emergency response, including appropriate use of coastal armoring structures. Always a timely and informative course.
