PALATKA, Fla., Sept. 9, 2008 — The St. Johns River Water Management District has issued an Emergency Order in response to damage caused by Tropical Storm Fay.

The Emergency Order allows District residents in the affected counties to undertake some repair and restoration activities without notifying the District or obtaining a permit, and gives District staff the ability to issue field authorizations for other activities that would normally require a District permit. The order allows governments and residents to begin repairs more quickly than through the regular permitting process and covers the repair or restoration of damaged structures, drainage systems and shorelines. Structures include outfalls, roads, bridges, culverts, docks and piers. The Emergency Order includes time frames associated with the various restoration or repair activities that may be authorized.

The Emergency Order covers Brevard, Volusia, Duval, Nassau, Flagler, St. Johns, Clay, Seminole and Lake counties and will expire on Oct. 15, 2008, unless modified or extended by a further order.

Many of the repair activities require an on-site inspection and written field authorization in advance. For assistance contact the District’s nearest service center — Palatka headquarters, Allen Baggett at (386) 329-4565 (Flagler County); Palm Bay, Jennifer Cope at (321) 676-6613 (Brevard County); Jacksonville, Dale Lovell at (904) 448-7919 (Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties); Altamonte Springs, William Carlie at (407) 659-4833 or David Dewey at (407) 659-4821 (Lake, Seminole and Volusia counties). The Emergency Order is part of the Sept. 9, 2008, Governing Board agenda, which can be viewed at http://floridaswater.com/storm.

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