Class V Permit

The Class V Permit is needed for temporary dewatering or whenever water is removed from an excavation, from the ground or existing structure to ensure that sediment, turbidity and contaminants are removed before it is later discharged.

This permit is necessary to ensure that construction or maintenance activities do not cause adverse impacts to adjacent properties, do not impair existing waterways and surface waters, and do not cause contamination to the surrounding areas or water bodies.

Discharge of turbid water (water full of sediment) into storm drains or bodies of water will cause clogging of existing drainage facilities, which causes flooding during storm events. When turbid water is discharged into water bodies, it can kill marine life and can pollute the water. This leads to the degradation of the water body, and increased flooding conditions.

Some areas of Miami-Dade County also have contamination of the existing groundwater. Unregulated dewatering of contaminated groundwater will spread more contamination into adjacent properties.

Before starting work, 

• Depending on the features of each project, a Class I or IV permit may needed, as well as approval from the Department of Transportation and Public Works (if you are dewatering to a roadway with drainage), and municipalities (if dewatering to their streets).
• A Water Use Permit for dewatering may also be required from the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) if a Project does not qualify for a General Permit by Rule. See Rule 40E-2.061, Florida Administrative Code to determine if the Project qualifies for a General Permit by Rule.
• If dewatering is within areas of groundwater contamination, approval from the Pollution Remediation Section is required.

Depending on your situation, you may need one or more of the above-mentioned permits. Additionally, there may be instances when a permit that is not listed here is required. We encourage you to call 305-372-6681 to discuss your particular case or to receive additional information.

• It takes about one week to process the Class V Permit.
• Class V Permit fees are listed in the Fee Schedule.
• The Class V Permit is valid for six to 90 days.
• Those requiring a time extension for a Class V (or Class II, Class III, Class VI permit need to submit the following Time Extension Application 30 days before the permit expires.

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