As part of the Town of Surfside National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit the Public Works Department would like to inform the residents of the program and additional links of information.
The (NPDES) Stormwater Program regulates stormwater discharges from three potential sources: municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s), construction activities, and industrial activities. Most stormwater discharges are considered point sources, and operators of these sources may be required to receive an NPDES permit before they can discharge. This permitting mechanism is designed to prevent stormwater runoff from washing harmful pollutants into local surface waters such as streams, rivers, lakes or coastal waters.
The State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection is authorized by the EPA to administer the program through permits. The permits are issued for (5) five years and the Town of Surfside is a co-permittee with other Miami-Dade County municipalities.
Stormwater management is important to our Town and neighboring communities. The Public Works Department will work hard to keep our system maintained and operating to the maximum potential protecting our waterways.
For more information please visit the links on this page.
Here are some interesting recycling facts: - Recycling a stack of newspapers about 6 feet tall saves the life of one tree 35 feet tall.
- Every ton of recycled paper saves approximately 4 barrels of oil or 4,200 kilowatt hours of energy…which is enough to energy to heat and air condition the average North American home for almost 6 months.
- Recycled paper is made to the same standards as paper from virgin pulp. Moreover, recycled paper has features which make it more desirable than virgin paper—it is more opaque, dense, and flexible.
- Plastic soda bottles can become carpet fiber or park benches.
- A used aluminum can is recycled and back on the grocery shelf as a new can, in as little as 60 days. There is no limit to the amount of time aluminum can be recycled.
- Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV set for three hours, or the equivalent of a half gallon of gasoline.
A TYPICAL FAMILY CONSUMES 182 GALLONS OF SODA, 29 GALLONS OF JUICE, 104 GALLONS OF MILK, AND 26 GALLONS OF BOTTLED WATER A YEAR. THAT’S A LOT OF CONTAINERS; MAKE SURE THE ARE RECYCLED!!!
For additional information about recycling, please check the following Miami-Dade County links:
www.miamidade.gov/dswm/recycling.asp
www.miamidade.gov/dswm/trash_recycling_centers.asp
www.miamidade.gov/dswm/newcurbsiderecycling.asp
Water Quality Report WASD 2009
Common Areas
All of the
Town's streets are swept regularly, and continuous attention is paid to
all public areas including parks, playgrounds, sidewalks, recreation
areas, public facilities, drainage systems, and underground utilities.
Beaches
The Town promotes clean, safe and attractive public beaches.
Environmental, recreational and public health priorities are essential
to the Town's management of all public areas. The State, County and
Town are cooperating on the removal of non-native, intrusive plants
from the beach, improving cross-over paths to the shore, enhancing
views and protection of the beaches’ natural state, and planning
improvements to the walking path.
The Town continues to prevent any commercial activities or businesses
from operating on the beach. The sand is cleaned and maintained by
Miami-Dade County, and the beach areas are monitored and patrolled by
Surfside. Our beaches are amongst the most beautiful and tranquil
beaches in the world. Our public beaches are used by residents and
visitors every day of the year.
Composting
The Town of Surfside encourages composting.
Yard trash (landscape waste and grass clippings) comprises approximately 25% of our residential waste stream.
What is compost?
Composting is the material derived from the aerobic decomposition of organic material such as leaves and grass. The resulting compost is a nutrient-rich soil enhancer that can improve soil quality.
Why should I compost at home?
Composting at home is a great example of environmental stewardship. It can help reduce your waste stream while producing a valuable soil amendment that can be used with house plants and gardens.
How do I make compost?
Making compost can be as simple as mixing leaves (carbon-rich materials and freshly cut grass (nitrogen-rich materials) into a pile. Often a compost bin is used to enhance the compost process.