​The Florida Department of Environmental Protection gives notice of its preparation of a draft permit to Lee County, 1500 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, Florida 33901, within its jurisdiction and including the following co-permittees: Bay Creek Community Development District (CDD), Bayside CDD, City of Bonita Springs, Brooks of Bonita Springs CDD, City of Cape Coral, Catalina at Winkler Preserve Community, CFM CDD, Colonial Country Club CDD, East Mulloch Water Control District, FDOT District One, City of Fort Myers, Town of Fort Myers Beach, Gateway Services CDD, Heritage Palms CDD, Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District, Lucaya CDD, Miromar Lakes CDD, River Hall CDD, River Ridge CDD, San Carlos Estates Drainage District, and the City of Sanibel for renewal of a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit.

      The permit proposes to authorize all existing or new stormwater point source discharges to waters of the State from the portions of the MS4s owned or operated by the co-applicants.  The permit is being proposed on a system-wide/jurisdiction-wide basis.  Controls implemented under the Stormwater Management Program consist of a combination of best management practices, control techniques, system design and engineering methods, and such other provisions as the permittee and the department determines appropriate.  The various components of the Stormwater Management Program, taken as a whole (rather than individually), are expected to ensure the reduction of the discharge of pollutants from the MS4 to the Maximum Extent Practicable.

      Any interested person may submit written comments on the draft permit of the department or may submit a written request for a public meeting to Mr. Jonathan Turner, MS4 Coordinator, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, NPDES Stormwater Program, 2600 Blair Stone Road, Mail Station 3585, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400, phone number 850-245-8482, in accordance with Rule 62-620.555 of the Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.).  The comments or request for a public meeting must contain the information set forth below and must be received in the above department office within 30 days of publication of this notice.  Failure to submit comments or request a public meeting within this time period shall constitute a waiver of any right such person may have to submit comments or request a public meeting under Rule 62-620.555, F.A.C.

      The comments or request for a public meeting must contain the following information:

      (a) The commenting party name, address and telephone number, the applicant's name and address, the Department Permit Number, and the county/city in which the facility is located;

      (b) A statement of how and when notice of the draft permit was received;

      (c) A description of any changes the commenter proposes for the draft permit;

      (d) A full explanation of the factual and legal reasons for each change to the draft permit proposed by the commenter; and

      (e) If desired, a request that a public meeting be scheduled including a statement of the nature of the issues proposed to be raised at the meeting.  However, the department may not always grant a request for a public meeting.  Therefore, written comments should be submitted within 30 days of publication of this notice, even if a public meeting is requested.

      If a public meeting is scheduled, the public comment period is extended until the close of the public meeting.  If a public meeting is held, any person may submit oral or written statements and data at the meeting on the department's proposed action.  As a result of significant public comment the department's final action may be different from the position taken by it in the draft permit.

      The permit application file and supporting data are available for public inspection during normal business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except legal holidays, by  making arrangements with Mr. Jonathan Turner, MS4 Coordinator, Department of Environmental Protection, NPDES Stormwater Program, 2600 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400, phone number 850-245-8482.