Class V Environmental 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.

There are two application types for temporary dewatering:

• Class V Permit for temporary dewatering for construction activities
• Class V Permit for operations associated with cleaning and maintenance of stormwater infrastructure and flood protection

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 Class 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 contact the Water Control Section to discuss your particular case or to receive additional information.

• Class V Permit fees are listed in the Fee Schedule
• The Class V Permit is valid for up to 365 days
• View the Class V Permit Applicability for Dewatering Operations Webinar

Request time extension for permit

Those requiring a time extension for a Class V permit need to submit the time extension application seven days before the permit expires.

Permit transfer to new property owner

You may submit a Permit Transfer Form when a property is sold to another person or entity.

It must be submitted prior to 120 days after the date of transfer of ownership, or 90 days before the permit expires, whichever comes first. Permits are voided if no transfer is completed within the 120 days of the date of change in ownership or 90 days of permit expiration.

For more information, call 305-372-6681.