The Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) of Hillsborough County regulates pollution activities through inspections, monitoring and permitting in the Air Management Division, the Waste Management Division, the Water Management Division and the Wetlands Management Division.  The EPC also encourages sustainable activities for the County through its Office of Sustainability.  Visit the EPC website for more information at www.epchc.org.

• Manages the federal "Pollution Prevention (P2)" program locally, which provides free audits to local businesses to identify ways to reduce or eliminate pollutants.
• Manages the "Green Yards" program, started in 2004, that assists automotive recycling yards in the County with becoming more environmentally-friendly through implementing best management practices and pollution prevention strategies.  Certified yards display “Green Yard” flags and are listed on the EPC’s website.
• Implements the "Green Star" program, started in 2005, which encourages automotive repair facilities to undertake similar best management practices and pollution strategies, and helps them become certified as a "Green Star" facility. Certified facilities display a “Green Star” decal in their store and are listed on
  the EPC’s website.  Currently, 16 facilities have received “Green
  Star” designations.
• Manages the Pollution Recovery Fund, which provides grant funding opportunities for environmental projects that help clean up polluted areas and pays for the administration of the Artificial Reef program. The fund was established to specifically address restoration and clean-up efforts in Hillsborough County.
• Held first environmental summit in 2006, which brought together environmental groups, consultants, political leaders and the public to discuss environmental concerns.
• Annually hosts "Clean Air Month" events and activities during May to increase the public’s awareness of air quality issues.
  
  
• Helps to develop innovative approaches for reducing nutrient input into the Bay by participating in Tampa Bay Estuary Program's Nitrogen Management Consortium.
• Developed a Seagrass Management Plan that was approved in 2007 that defines a course of action for seagrass restoration and management in Tampa Bay.
• Works with local governments and other stakeholders through an interlocal agreement to develop and implement Basin Management Action Plans (BMAP) intended to meet Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) goals that will result in improving water quality in identified impaired water bodies. Website: http://maps.wateratlas.usf.edu/bmap
• Monitors and posts air quality index and water quality testing results on its website for public to review. Website: www.epchc.org
• Protects groundwater and surface water quality through monitoring and inspecting underground and aboveground storage tank systems, wastewater facilities, solid waste management facilities and businesses that create hazardous waste. Also oversees closing and clean-up of storage tanks and petroleum-contaminated sites.
  
  
• Implements and enforces wetland protection and mitigation rules, including the review of development requests authorizing the impact to wetlands and requiring mitigation to compensate for those impacts.
• The Wetlands Management Division offers permitting aids for the regulated public including an Applicant's Handbook, a Basis of Review. These aids are found on the EPC website. Website: www.epchc.org.
• Developed and implemented the Fertilizer Use and Landscape Management Rule to take proactive measures in educating the landscape industry and homeowners on proper use and application of fertilizers that can be potentially harmful to our lakes, rivers and bays.
• In 2009, EPC created the Office of Sustainability to foster collaborative efforts towards energy efficiency and sustainability for the county. Visit  http://www.epchc.org/officeofsustainability.htm.
• Established a "Green Team" in 2009 to expand the agency recycling program and encourage energy efficiency and other sustainability habits among EPC staff. The �Green Team� also researches physical improvements for the EPC building to bring the facility more in line with LEED standards.
• Utilizes alternative fuel vehicles such as hybrids, compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicles for pilot studies.
• Administers the Artificial Reef Program since 1986, which seeks to increase habitat diversity and sport fishing opportunities in Tampa Bay by providing hard-bottom substrates and communities. This program is funded by the EPC's Pollution Recovery Fund, as well as occasional support from the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Program grants and donations from local marine construction contractors.