Policy Solutions
1.4 Improve FDEP public reporting of wastewater discharges
Notification and access to information about wastewater spills, emergency discharges, and overflows should be timely, standardized, and clearly conveyed so citizens and non-government organizations can evaluate short-term impacts and identify long-term chronic issues for remediation.
2.4 Require periodic inspection and maintenance of septic systems and develop incentive programs to facilitate compliance
Once a septic system is approved in Florida, ongoing inspection or maintenance is not required. Because septic systems can deteriorate over time, legislation that requires periodic inspection and maintenance is essential to ensuring they function properly to protect public health and the environment.
3.3 Explore local options for sustainable biosolids disposal given changing market conditions
Biosolids are transported from wastewater treatment facilities to processing and disposal locations around the state, making them a statewide issue.
4.2 Reinstate FDACS public reporting on fertilizer distribution
Publicly accessible data on the distribution and sale of fertilizer by category and by county is urgently needed to accurately estimate nutrient loading from fertilizer, assess compliance with fertilizer regulations, and track the success of educational efforts.
4.3 Strengthen local fertilizer ordinances and improve compliance
Sarasota County was among the first in the state to enact local restrictions on fertilizer use to protect water quality. The ordinance could be substantially strengthened by additional provisions to require point-of-sale educational signage on proper fertilizer use to promote greater awareness and compliance.
4.7 Encourage and facilitate commercial composting and redistribution for rebuilding soils
State law mandates that Sarasota and other large counties recycle 75% of their waste stream. Composting of yard waste contributes to that goal, but food waste is not collected or composted at large-scale.
6.3 Encourage implementation of green infrastructure and resiliency in site plans of new and redevelopment
Florida’s current stormwater regulations were adopted in the 1980s, and research has shown that conventional stormwater treatments do not meet nutrient removal standards.
6.4 Adopt or update local ordinances to provide guidelines for stormwater pond management
Stormwater ponds and canals must be maintained to retain their nutrient removal efficiency, yet are generally lacking in long-term maintenance. Local ordinances would provide a mechanism for outreach, inspection and certification to ensure that stormwater ponds and canals are managed and maintained to maximize nutrient removal.
7.2 Continue support and capacity for homeowners and HOAs to install stormwater improvement projects with free professional consultations and cost-share grants
Free professional consultations, financial assistance, and replicable demonstrations of successful pond management, Florida-adapted landscaping or green infrastructure elements
8.3 Support large-scale land conservation and restoration programs
Conserving natural lands promotes natural cycling of nutrients through ecosystems, while providing a host of other community benefits. Currently, about 30% of Sarasota County lands have been protected by acquisition or conservation easement.
8.4 Support urban forestation and rewilding programs
Trees intercept and promote percolation of rainfall, reducing runoff. Policies that protect mature native trees, and encourage and incentivize tree plantings on both private and public property,
9.1 Coordinate regional approaches to identify, prioritize, and implement projects to address impaired waters
Continued water quality declines in local water bodies, especially in Sarasota County’s southern bays, are likely to be exacerbated by increasing development pressure.
9.2 Coordinate strategic planning for water quality within and across agencies and organizations with local jurisdiction
Coordination of water quality protection and restoration in Sarasota County can be improved by aligning common goals and policies across multiple federal, state, and local management plants.
9.3 Inventory, develop, and coordinate grant funding
Intergovernmental coordination to identify, secure and manage grant funds for water quality projects can lead to economies of scale and faster results.
