Stormwater Program
Statewide Airport Stormwater Management Program
The Florida Department of Transportation supports a longstanding initiative to standardize the manner in which airports address stormwater and its effect on airport infrastructure. This initiative, known as the Statewide Airport Stormwater Management Program, includes a multi-year study of airport stormwater quality, quantity and compatible Best Management Practices. The objective of this initiative is to improve airport safety by reducing wildlife attractants, while still meeting all state and federal water quality and quantity management requirements. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), the State’s Water Management Districts (WMDs) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provide review and guidance of the work. The FAA also assists with project funding.
Florida Statewide Airport Stormwater Study:
Research from the study resulted in the development of a series of reports which summarize the data collected and modeling results. The Technical Report for the Florida Statewide Airport Stormwater Study documents the methodology used in collecting stormwater runoff samples from study airports and the various compounds found in those samples. Individual reports support several revisions to the Statewide Airport Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual (BMP Manual). The revisions are made as additional data and studies are completed and reviewed with regulatory agencies. They describe how to apply the data to water management analysis, design, and permitting for airport airside projects.
The 2013 revision of the BMP Manual is directly referenced in 62-330.449 FAC general permit, and the 2016 revision is directly referenced in Section 9.5.4 of the Applicant’s Handbook Volume I, effective June 28, 2024, under Rule 62-330 FAC. The 2023 revision is not directly referenced in Rule but is usable with Water Management District (WMD) concurrence and includes the latest information and guidance. WMD concurrence can often be obtained by referencing alternative or flexible design criteria in Applicant’s Handbook Volume II when using the 2023 revision. All three referenced revisions of the BMP Manual contain the same basic information on nutrient concentrations on airport airsides. They also contain the same reference information to model airport stormwater quantity and quality.
As part of the Florida Statewide Airport Stormwater Study, a 2012 project was initiated to construct and test a full-scale FAA Pond at the Naples Airport. Completed in 2016, the project demonstrated a 60% reduction in water and wading bird use compared to standard ponds with littoral shelves and shallow side slopes. Additionally, it showed water quality improvements nearly double those of standard ponds five to ten times larger. These results informed the 2016 BMP Manual and were incorporated into Section 9.5.4 of the Applicant’s Handbook Volume I. The 2023 BMP Manual update, along with two supplemental documents, provides updated guidance based on additional study of the tested pond, which can also be used for design and permitting with WMD concurrence.
The three most recent versions of documents providing relevant FAA Pond design and performance information are:
Program Summary of the FAA Pond Post-Construction Monitoring at the Naples Municipal Airport
Technical Report on the Water Management Performance of the FAA Pond at Naples Municipal Airport
Best Management Practices Manual (March 2023 Revision)
The two previous BMPs referenced above and by Rule are available at the following links:
Statewide Airport Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual (2016)
Statewide Airport Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual (2013)
For additional information or questions concerning the FDOT Stormwater Management Program, contact the Airport Engineering Manager.
Useful links for Environmental Resource Permits:
Applicant’s Handbook Volume I
Stormwater Training:
Since the subject matter of the various reports and the analyses recommended in the BMP Manual may be unfamiliar to airport staff, engineers, environmental scientists, consultants and regulators, FDOT developed a training program which is available using the links below. The program is also available for download by following the instructions provided.
Engineering continuing education credit is available to those who review the training program and successfully complete the knowledge test. Since the knowledge test includes detailed questions, the recommended procedure is to download the test and complete it while viewing the video. Forward the completed test to the Airport Engineering Manager by mail, email, or FAX. Tests submitted will be graded, and upon successful completion with a score of 70 or higher, participants will receive a certificate documenting completion of the coursework for Professional Development Hours.
Test for Using the Statewide Airport Stormwater Study:
2025 Airport Stormwater Training Webinar
- Florida Statewide Airport Stormwater Virtual Training: Day 1
- Florida Statewide Airport Stormwater Virtual Training: Day 2
CBT Video
For those seeking a concise introduction rather than a full webinar or PDH credit, the CBT overview video provides a brief, high-level summary of the Statewide Airport Stormwater Study and its key findings. It is intended as a streamlined alternative to help viewers quickly understand the purpose of the program, its major components, and how the BMP guidance is applied in practice.
For additional Information or questions concerning the FDOT Stormwater Management Training Program, contact the Airport Engineering Manager.