Abstract
This report outlines a Master of Professional Science (MPS) project completed during an internship with the Environmental Permit Acquisition and Compliance (PAC) section within the Capital Projects Division of the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD or District). The SFWMD is a key governmental agency responsible for managing the movement, stability, and sources of water in South Florida. The process of developing water reservoirs, canals, and stormwater treatment areas is inherently complex. Through this internship, valuable insight was obtained into how the District must adhere to environmental law and policy to responsibly manage our state’s natural resources. This work requires the coordination and approval of the SFWMD alongside other governmental agencies tasked with protecting both state and federal waters.
The primary focus of this project was to create a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for PAC staff. This SOP serves as a documented set of instructions designed to provide clear guidelines for staff applying for various environmental permits. Proposed by PAC staff, the project addressed a critical gap in resources, as nearly all other District operations have SOPs, while permitting did not. This absence has led to inconsistencies in past permit applications across the PAC team. The SOP was developed as a practical tool to standardize the permitting process and enhance efficiency. It includes several sections to guide users through the steps required, depending on the type of permit being procured. Ultimately, the goal of this project was to establish a standardized approach to permit acquisition within the agency, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and alignment across the PAC team.