37th Annual Environmental Permitting Summer School Recap

This year’s event in Marco Island was a resounding success, with participants gaining valuable insights into cutting-edge environmental solutions. 

In particular, we’d like to highlight the remarkable presentations by Mark Thomasson and Jack Fiveash, which delved into the fascinating realms of “Stormwater Nutrient Credit Trading, Smart Ponds and Resilience in Florida.”

 

 

 

Mark Thomasson, P.E.,

Executive Vice President, Director of Engineering and Science – Chief Stormwater Engineer

 

Water Quality Credit Trading

Mark Thomasson served on a panel of experts that examined some recent examples of innovative nutrient trading, evaluated the legislation filed in 2022, and discussed some new approaches to managing nutrients in impaired watersheds. 

Mark took attendees on a journey into the world of “Smart Ponds” and how they are revolutionizing water quality management with the stormwater nutrient credit market in Florida.

He shed light on how the integration of sensors, data analytics, and real-time monitoring can transform these ponds into intelligent systems. These “Smart Ponds” can autonomously adjust water levels, optimize treatment capacity, and their operation to achieve maximum effectiveness.

Mark Thomasson, P.E.

Webinar: A Year in the Life of a Smart Pond

For the first time, the National Stormwater Trust, Inc. live-streamed a webinar directly from Marco Island. A total of 71 attendees joined the presentation led by Mark to gain case study insights from a look back at the first year of a smart stormwater pond.

John “Jack” Fiveash 

CEO and Co-Founder of NST

Does Florida Need a New Resilient Approach to Development?

Jack Fiveash was on a panel that delved into the critical topic of resilience in Florida’s complex environmental landscape. His presentation was focused on “Water Quality and Flood Resiliency: Becoming Fixers.”

Jack discussed the National Stormwater Trust’s work for Babcock Ranch and the Florida Department of Transportation, initiatives aimed at managing and mitigating the impacts of stormwater runoff by investing in ‘Smart Pond’ infrastructure. 

Jack Fiveash

 

Lessons Learned…

The audience came prepared with ideas and ready to participate in what was a lively and thought-provoking discussion! 

As we move forward, we’re excited to see how these concepts will shape the future of stormwater management and sustainable development not only in Florida but across the globe.

Whether in-person or on the live-stream, presentations left attendees inspired by the prospects of merging stormwater technology for a more sustainable future.

Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for being part of our engaged community!

WEBINAR: Smart Ponds 101

Join the National Stormwater Trust, Inc. for a complimentary webinar, “Smart Ponds 101,” featuring Jeff Littlejohn, P.E., and special guest Dayton Marchese, P.E., from OptiRTC.

📅 Date: Thursday, August 24

🕒 Time: 11 AM to 12 PM (EDT)

🔗 Register Now: Click here

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with industry leaders shaping the future of water management!

We’ll share case studies on a traditional pond versus a Smart Pond, plus insights on how you can save money and land, while better protecting people, property, and the environment. 

National Stormwater Trust, Inc. is an approved Florida Board of Professional Engineers Florida Continuing Education Provider.  Registered P.E.s can earn 1 Professional Development Hour (PDH) for attending the live webinar. 

For more information, please contact Erin Klores at eklores@nationalstormwater.com.

“Smart Pond” A.K.A. Continuous Monitoring and Adaptive Control (CMAC) at Babcock Ranch

Aviation and Aerospace

Whether an airport is focused on optimizing its land area to increase tenant revenue, expanding an apron for remain overnight (RON) parking, or reducing wildlife attractants, relocating stormwater ponds away from airports represents an incredible opportunity for airports. NST recognizes this, and has focused its early efforts on assisting our airport partners with efficient, affordable offsite stormwater treatment services.

Ports and Marine Facilities

Within seaports, land is at premium to efficiently manage cargo. Every square foot of seaport property that can’t be devoted to handling, storing and moving cargo from ships to the marketplace is lost revenue. NST can assist seaports by relocating stormwater treatment areas away from premium, industrial waterfront property to off-port locations, recovering property or avoiding loss of property for productive uses.

Developments

Developers know that the highest and best use of property isn’t stormwater treatment, and we agree! Being able to achieve more residential lots per acre, or more parking spaces for a new retail site, or new lease revenue from an outparcel can make or break the proforma on a new development. NST stands ready to assist with new and redevelopment projects by providing a range of solutions, from economically viable offsite treatment options to turn key Design-Build-Operate-Finance options for onsite stormwater management.