# What permits do I need for dewatering in South Florida?

- Link: https://moran.rocks/what-permits-do-i-need-for-dewatering-in-south-florida/
- Published: 2024-02-15T17:47:36-05:00
- Author: Nicholas Moran

Dewatering regulations can vary somewhat by county and municipality in South Florida,
but generally if you are proposing construction dewatering, there are a few common
permits and approvals you’ll need:

 1. Stormwater Construction Dewatering Permit – Obtained from the Florida Department
    of Environmental Protection or South Florida Water Management District. This regulates
    discharge of groundwater from active construction sites into surface waters.
 2. Dewatering Permit from Local County or City – For example, permits issued by Miami-
    Dade Water and Sewer Department for discharges to their facilities. May include
    connection permits and inspections.
 3. Drainage/Dewatering Plans Reviewed by Local Authorities – As part of the construction
    plans, detailed dewatering system designs often must be reviewed and approved before
    getting a stormwater dewatering permit from the state agencies.
 4. Well Construction Permits – If the dewatering system uses active extraction wells,
    permits must be obtained from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection,
    relevant water management districts, and the county health department. This includes
    proper well sealing and closure too.
 5. NPDES Permit – If contaminated groundwater is being treated and discharged under
    the Clean Water Act, you may need a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System(
    NPDES) permit for discharge to surface waters.

It’s important to engage the applicable agencies and permitting authorities early
when planning major dewatering projects in South Florida, as the combination of 
agencies involved can get complex, with strict regulations on contamination, well
design, aquifer protection, and surface water quality.