Compliance is a priority for DEP because it is key to protecting Florida's public health and the environment.

DEP takes a proactive approach to protecting Florida’s environment through education and outreach. DEP’s overall high compliance rate demonstrates that its proactive approach to protecting Florida’s environment is working. The department’s first goal is to prevent environmental harm from occurring by using outreach to ensure facilities understand how to maintain compliance.

Compliance means that regulated businesses and facilities are following the law and adhering to permit conditions, which helps to prevent environmental harm. When non-compliance does occur, the department provides compliance assistance to help bring a facility back into compliance as quickly as possible, preventing and reducing any harm to the environmental or public health. However, when enforcement is necessary, action is taken to hold violators accountable.

The Southwest District's Compliance Assurance program's responsibilities include:

  • Oversee compliance with environmental laws in multiple areas (air, waste, water and state lands).
  • Conduct inspections to determine the compliance status of regulated facilities.
  • Provide the regulated community with compliance assistance.
  • Promote high compliance rates through outreach activities.
  • Respond to complaints and citizen inquiries both timely and effectively.
  • Enforce environmental laws fairly and consistently to protect human health and the environment.
  • Provide Florida's residents, businesses and visitors with the highest customer service.

 

Citizen Concerns or Complaints

If you would like to submit an environmental concern to the Southwest District, please fill out this form or call the district office at 813-470-5700.

 

District Compliance Assurance
Program Areas		Contact NameContact Information

Air Resources

Regulates stationary sources of air pollution; fugitive emissions; odors; open burning; asbestos; excessive dust.

Michael "Brandon" Miller

813-470-5742

SWD_Air@FloridaDEP.gov

SWD_Asbestos@FloridaDEP.gov

Michael.B.Miller@FloridaDEP.gov

Beaches and Coastal Systems

Regulates beach construction; management of coastal sediments to reduce erosion stress; restoration and maintenance of critically eroding beaches.

Erin Luaces

813-957-7381

Erin.Luaces@FloridaDEP.gov

Emergency Response

Responds to incidents ranging from petroleum spills to chemical plant explosions to coastal oil spills. Provides on-site technical assistance and coordinates with local public safety officials and emergency response contractors to ensure threats are quickly and effectively addressed.

Jonathan Belcher

813-470-5908

Jonathan.Belcher@FloridaDEP.gov

 

 

*Report a spill or other environmental emergency to the State Watch Office at 1-800-320-0519.

Environmental Resources Program

Regulates activities in wetlands, surface waters or state lands; dredge & fill; stormwater ponds; docks/piers; boat ramps; shoreline stabilization.

Hannah Westervelt

813-470-5752

Hannah.Westervelt@FloridaDEP.gov

Hazardous Waste

Regulates the management (storage, treatment, transport) of hazardous waste (ignitable, reactive, corrosive, toxic).

Michael "Brandon" Miller

813-470-5742

SWD_HW@FloridaDEP.gov

Michael.B.Miller@FloridaDEP.gov

NPDES Stormwater

Regulates compliance associated with stormwater discharges from industrial activities.

Steve Tafuni

813-470-5792

Steven.Tafuni@FloridaDEP.gov

Storage Tanks

Regulates underground or above-ground storage tanks and piping.

(For Petroleum Clean-Up, contact Philip Wilkerson at 813-470-5753 or Philip.Wilkerson@FloridaDEP.gov) 

James Brock

813-470-5737

SWD_Tanks@FloridaDEP.gov

James.Brock@FloridaDEP.gov

Potable Water

Regulates drinking water facilities and distribution systems to ensure compliance with state and federal drinking water standards.

James Brock

813-470-5737

James.Brock@FloridaDEP.gov

Solid Waste

Regulates solid waste disposal and processing sites (landfills; waste transfer stations, dumping; waste tires; storm debris).

Steve Tafuni

813-470-5752

Steven.Tafuni@FloridaDEP.gov

 

Underground Injection Control

Manages regulatory compliance associated with wells used for disposal of treated fluids.

Emily Larson

813-470-5955

SWD_UIC@FloridaDEP.gov

Emily.Larson@FloridaDEP.gov

Wastewater (Domestic)

Regulates systems and facilities associated with domestic (sanitary sewage from residents, businesses, etc.) wastewater.

Emily Larson

813-470-5955

Emily.Larson@FloridaDEP.gov

Wastewater (Industrial)

Regulates systems and facilities associated with industrial (derived from an industrial activity) wastewater.

Emily Larson

813-470-5955

Emily.Larson@FloridaDEP.gov

Southwest District Program Information

Air
Drinking Water
Environmental Resources
Industrial Wastewater
Solid Waste
Underground Injection Control
Domestic Wastewater
Emergency Response
Hazardous Waste
NPDES Storm Water
Tanks
Waste Clean Up/Brownfields

 

 

Southwest District Site Specific Information

Investigation Report - City of St. Petersburg's Sanitary Sewer Overflows