Verdantas (as Flatwoods Consulting Group Inc.) assisted Tampa Port Services, LLC (TPS) by preparing and submitting an application for Nationwide Permit 7, Outfall Structures and Associated Intake, to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) at the Port Sutton Pump Station in Hillsborough County, Florida. Our team worked with TPS and other members of the project team to develop application materials and strategy for submittal to the USACE. The project site was evaluated for the potential occurrence of Critical Habitat as defined by the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as well as the occurrence of listed species and Essential Fish Habitat. 

A Nationwide Permit (NWP) Number 7 from the USACE was successfully obtained. In addition, we prepared and submitted a request for verification of an exemption from the Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) requirements of Part IV of Chapter 373 F.S. Exemption was granted to the project under Section 373.506, “de minimis” exemption due to the minimal or insignificant adverse impacts on the water resources.