Which agency typically regulates dewatering practices to protect groundwater quality?

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is the agency specifically tasked with the regulation of dewatering practices to protect groundwater quality within the state of Florida. This agency works to ensure that water resource management, including the management of stormwater and groundwater, is conducted in a manner that protects the environment, public health, and natural resources.

Dewatering refers to the process of removing water from a construction site or excavation area, which can potentially affect groundwater levels and quality if not managed properly. The FDEP sets standards and guidelines for how dewatering should be conducted, including monitoring for potential contaminants that might be released into groundwater systems.

Other agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), do have broader oversight regarding environmental protection at the federal level, but they often delegate specific regulatory authority to state agencies like the FDEP, especially in matters concerning local environmental conditions. The USDA focuses on agriculture and thus does not typically engage with groundwater quality regulations related to construction and dewatering activities. OSHA, on the other hand, is primarily concerned with occupational health and safety regulations, rather than environmental protection issues related to groundwater.

Therefore, the FDEP's role is vital in safeguarding groundwater quality specifically through the oversight of dewatering practices.