The Environmental Protection Board has been established as an enforcement body for environmental matters in Duval County. The board works very closely with the Environmental Quality Division of the Environmental Resource Management Department. This division is the operational arm of environmental regulation within the city.
The board oversees enforcement regulations, promulgates local environmental regulations and acts as a hearing platform with regard to environmental matters. In addition, the board may conduct studies, plant surveys, or plant efficiency tests, make periodic reports and recommendations for improvement of environmental quality in the city. Surface areas, air, surface water, underground aquifers, noise, odors and toxic materials are all encompassed in the scope of the responsibilities of the board.
In carrying out its responsibilities, the board cooperates with all federal, state and local agencies, as well as with groups interested in the field of environmental quality control to improve the regulation, administration and enforcement of the environmental quality of the city.
Holding public hearings, arranging programs with speakers who are experts in the field of pollution control, water supply and conservation and studying environmental quality control programs in other areas are also essential for the board to carry out its scope of duties as established by Chapter 73 Ordinance Code.
The nine members of the board are appointed by the Mayor and City Council . Board members consists of 2 professional engineers registered with the state of Florida, 2 members of the medical profession, 2 members of affected industry, 2 discreet citizens and 1 member of a recognized conservation, wildlife, outdoor recreation or sports activity.
The Environmental Protection Board staff consists of a program administrator, secretary, and two part time clerks. The board staff manages the day to day operations for the board, plans and orchestrates all of the board meetings and carries out the community outreach and education programs of the board.
Environmental conferences and training sessions are attended by various members of the board and the program administrator to keep abreast of state and national trends regarding environmental regulation and technical issues relating to environmental control.
Papers outlining the board's authority and unique ability to deal with pollution issues of local concern have been presented at international conferences.
Environmental Protection Board Members
- Michael F. Templeton, Chairman
- Lucille G. Cortese, Vice-Chairman
- Elizabeth K. Ball
- Gary John Bowers
- Barbara Lee Broward
- Patricia I. Hannan
- Daniel W. Haskell
- Michael C. Larmoyeux
- Robert N. Schuster
- Terrel Shaw
- H. William Walton