Role of the Environmental Protection Department

Environmental protection emerged in Broward County in the 1970’s. During the initial decades, programs and organizations were created to address a specific environmental pollution issue or because of federal or state government mandates.

In 1991, the focus of the agency underwent a radical change, as did its organizational structure. It was recognized that the County’s natural resource systems are fundamental to our economy, communities, and quality of life, and the structure of agency changed to address these goals; creating separate divisions for water resources, air quality, pollution prevention, and biological resources.

As we move forward, the rebirth that began in 1991 continues to evolve. Today we face even more complex environmental issues with population growth and redevelopment. By the year 2030 we will increase our population based with an additional one million people. The population increase will be accommodated through redevelopment within urban areas, which will present new and even greater challenges in balancing the stringent demands of society, the environment, and the economy. The presence of an independent Environmental Protection Department is fundamental to ensure that the County’s environmental resources are protected, enhanced, and restored as growth and redevelopment occur.

The Environmental Protection Department leads essential county programs to meet both immediate and long term environmental protection and restoration goals. The organization purpose of the Department is maintained under the same premise upon which it was created-to prevent pollution, protect, restore, and enhance Broward County’s Natural resources and environmental quality of life through environmental planning, management, and regulation.

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