News & Updates
Florida’s Ports are Working Every Day to Protect Our Waters
As Stewards of the Ecosystems Surrounding Florida Seaports, Water is an Integral Part of our Environment
Florida seaports play an important economic role, but did you know that seaports also have an important environmental mission? Seaports are closely connected to waters and coastal ecosystems, and Florida’s seaports have a responsibility to protect these important resources.
As part of a state-wide strategy to reduce water pollution and ensure the health of our natural resources, Florida’s seaports and their tenants are committed to preventing discharges of pollutants from stormwater runoff, utilizing a series of management practices called Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans. Each Florida Seaport must develop a specific Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, which must be reviewed and approved at the State and Federal level. Some common practices found in these plans include:
- Mandatory erosion and sediment control during construction activities
- Inspections of facilities and activities that may pollute surface water
- Required maintenance of stormwater inlets and other structures
- Proper handling and storage of materials that may cause pollutants in stormwater runoff
- Regular pollution prevention and spill awareness training for all port and tenant staff
As you can see, stormwater pollution management is a major priority in all operations. Florida seaports continually strive to improve and upgrade stormwater management practices and infrastructure on our facilities.
Through the implementation of best management practices and stormwater pollution prevention plans, Florida seaports are committed to making a positive impact on the protection and health of our waters. This is how we ensure that Florida’s waters and coastal ecosystems remain a healthy and vibrant resource for our residents and visitors.