Get Rid Of Local Wetlands Rules

Published: Aug 15, 2007

On behalf of over 9,000 members, the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors (GTAR) has been monitoring the recent discussions regarding the Environmental Protection Commission Wetlands Division.

The question of its duplicative benefits and vague regulatory standards has been a recurring issue for almost two decades. Where there is smoke there is fire, as is now recognized by EPC Director Dr. Richard Garrity's proposed operational changes.

We must recognize the law of diminishing returns when our local wetlands division follows in the footsteps of federal and state wetlands regulation through the Army Corps of Engineers, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and Southwest Florida Water Management District. Hillsborough County citizens pay for these federal and state protection efforts.

Yet, unlike other counties in the state, we also pay extra for the county's efforts because they cannot secure delegation of responsibilities and funding from these other agencies. This is very different from other EPC divisions where they have attained the delegation authority and funding for other protections such as air quality.

Some argue such extra costs are justified because EPC offers "local access" or a "local point of view" rather than "dealing with Washington or Tallahassee." We find that argument odd given the federal and state agencies have offices and personnel residing here in Hillsborough County. Garrity himself is a former director of the local Florida Department of Environmental Protection office. The newly appointed wetlands division chief is also a former FDEP employee.

Only the recent threat of elimination brings forward Garrity's proposals for change. Only now will they consider reasonable treatment of man-made ponds and ditches or streamlining miscellaneous approvals.

All this sounds great except it strikes us as too little too late, and it still leaves us paying extra for a local agency duplicating federal and state protections. Unfortunately, it has taken a tax revolt to finally bring this issue forward for serious discussion. Consider the many new service cuts to transit, affordable housing, children's services, economic development, libraries and much more. Can we really afford the luxury of local wetland protection exceeding that of any other county in the state?

Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS thinks not and urges the elimination of the Hillsborough County Environmental Protection Commission Wetlands Division.

Carlos Fuentes is president of the Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS Inc.