Evaluation of Current Stormwater Design Criteria within the State of Florida (June 2007)
Prepared for: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)
Prepared by: Environmental Research & Design, Inc. (ERD)
Authors: Harvey H. Harper, Ph.D., P.E. & David M. Baker, P.E.
Contract: FDEP Contract No. SO108
Date: June 2007
Overview
This Final Report evaluates whether Florida’s existing stormwater design criteria achieve the treatment performance goals required under Chapter 62-40, F.A.C., including 80% pollutant load reduction for standard waters and 95% reduction for Outstanding Florida Waters (OFWs). Developed for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), the study examines the performance efficiency of commonly used stormwater management systems and identifies inconsistencies in design criteria applied across the state.
The report presents a comprehensive analysis of rainfall regions, hydrologic characteristics, land-use pollutant loadings, BMP performance data, and model simulations conducted using regional meteorological conditions. The study also provides recommendations for modifications to stormwater design standards to ensure compliance with statewide treatment requirements and to achieve no net increase in pollutant loadings under post-development conditions.
Key Elements of the Report
- Background on Florida stormwater regulations and pollutant reduction requirements
- Evaluation of statewide variability in BMP performance and design criteria
- Analysis of regional rainfall and runoff characteristics using meteorological data
- Assessment of pre-development hydrology and pollutant loads for natural areas
- Compilation and review of stormwater BMP treatment performance studies
- Model simulations of common stormwater treatment systems across different regions
- Identification of design criteria modifications required to meet 80% and 95% removal goals
- Evaluation of criteria needed to achieve no-net-increase in nutrient loading for development projects
- Summary of recommended regulatory changes based on scientific findings