Environmental Management
What's New
- ReGrow Volusia
- Septic Systems Rule
Effective June 27, 2025, DEP implemented the Final Order for Basin Management Action Plans requiring remediation policies for existing and new systems in the Volusia Blue, DeLeon and Gemini Springs:- New Systems –
- Sections 373.811 and 403.067, F.S., prohibit any new conventional OSTDS serving a lot of one acre or less where central sewer is available within the entirety of the BMAP boundary. Within these BMAP areas, if central sewer is unavailable on lots of one acre or less, then the owner must install a DEP-approved enhanced nutrient-reducing (ENR) OSTDS that achieves at least 65% nitrogen reduction, or other wastewater system that achieves at least 65% reduction.
- There are currently no prohibitions for the installation of conventional OSTDS within the BMAP boundaries in lots greater than one acre.
- Existing Systems –
- Upon the need for any construction permit under chapter 62-6, F.A.C. to repair, modify, or replace an existing OSTDS within the PFAs on lots one acre or less, a DEP-approved enhanced nutrient reducing system meeting 65% nitrogen reduction must be installed unless the OSTDS permit applicant provides documentation that sewer connection to the property is planned and funded, and structures on the lot will be connected.
- There are currently no requirements to replace an existing conventional OSTDS with an ENR in lots greater than an acre within the PFAs or anywhere outside of the PFAs within the BMAP boundaries.
- New Systems –
- ENRAC Meetings (Environment and Natural Resources Advisory Committee) Page
- Volusia Forward
- Low Impact Development
- Water Quality and Protecting Our Springs
- Derelict Vessel Removal from the St. Johns River
Our mission:
To preserve, protect and restore the region's unique environmental natural resources and improve and enhance the enjoyment and health of a growing population; to achieve a balance between the quality of the environment and economic interests of our citizens.
Our goal:
Ensure that development proceeds without compromising our environment. To accomplish this goal each of the various program areas issue permits and conduct routine inspections for compliance with both the county adopted minimum standards and ordinances for environmental protection. Through intergovernmental agency agreements, Environmental Management also represents and assists with enforcement of selected state and federal regulations.
Another facet of environmental protection is pollution prevention and clean up. Appropriate program staff investigate citizen complaints and violations. Emergency situations such as hazardous substance spills,fish kills, air pollution episodes, etc., are reported to Environmental Management for assessment and action.
Connect Live permits (Online Permitting)
Connect Live is designed to help you easily find the information you want. We've taken a customer friendly approach to the way our data is shown.
Educational opportunities
Volusia County has many programs that offer opportunities for youth, adults, seniors and groups to get involved in making a difference in the community while learning about the environment.
Education materials
These educational materials provide residents and visitors with information on coastal wildlife and the county's Lighting Ordinance. Order FREE brochures, newsletters, posters, table top tents and more.
Environmental Permitting
Environmental Permitting is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the county's environmental ordinances, which include trees, wetlands, gopher tortoises, and Class II Overlay.
Environmental Interactive Map Tracker
Get Involved
Learn about recycling programs, waterway cleanups and other environmental initiatives.
Green Volusia
Green Volusia is Volusia County Goverment's initiative to promote the sustainable use of county resources. Find out how you and your family can GO GREEN! Our website is full of helpful tips and tools for going green.
Lyonia Environmental Center
The Lyonia Environmental Center (LEC) provides visitors with a unique insight into Volusia County’s fragile ecosystems. The center promotes an understanding of the county’s natural environment, the heritage it sustains, and the challenges it faces. The Lyonia Environmental Center occupies 4,000 square feet of the Deltona Regional Library complex.
Marine Science Center
The Marine Science Center offers a wide variety of programs and activities for children and adults throughout the year. Students young and old can discover the many wonders of bird and marine life in environmentally rich Volusia County.
Pollution Control
Pollution Control is responsible for protecting our water resources by water quality and quantity monitoring, ensuring the proper disposal of solid waste, waste water, hazardous waste and encouraging water conservation.
Protected species
Volusia County is home to many protected species. Maintaining ecosystems is essential to conserving and protecting these and other species of animals in the county.
Sustainability and Resilience
Employees in this division protect and conserve regional ecosystems and animal and plant species through habitat conservation, restoration, education, and enhancement initiatives.
Upcoming events
LEC: Connect With Nature Hike
November 1 @10:30 am to 11:30 am
10:30-11:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1
Participants can welcome the changing seasons by enjoying the autumn air and fall foliage on a guided hike through Lyonia Preserve. The program encourages participants to connect with nature as they adjust to the end of daylight saving time. The hike is recomm...
LEC: Wildlife Wednesday Walk
November 4 @9:00 am to 10:00 am
9-10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4
Wildlife Wednesday Walks returns with an exploratory hike through Lyonia Preserve. Participants should bring water, wear closed-toe shoes and be prepared to hike on unpaved sugar-sand trails. The program is recommended for ages 10 and older.
Lyonia Environmental Cen...
LEC: Birding With Babies and Toddlers
November 7 @10:00 am to 11:00 am
10-11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7
Children ages 1-5 can discover common birds found in Florida scrub habitat during this introductory birding experience. Following a short educational session in the preserve pavilion,
participants will receive recyclable practice binoculars and embark on a short hike ...
LEC: Every Bird Counts: Exploring FeederWatch and the Christmas Bird Count
November 7 @2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
2-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7
Participants ages 12 and older can transform recycled and repurposed materials into colorful, holiday-themed centerpieces to take home. This hands-on workshop encourages creativity while giving everyday items a new purpose.
Lyonia Environmental Center will offer a var...
LEC: Nature Craft Saturday: Upcycled Thanksgiving Centerpieces
November 7 @2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
2-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7
Participants ages 12 and older can transform recycled and repurposed materials into colorful, holiday-themed centerpieces to take home. This hands-on workshop encourages creativity while giving everyday items a new purpose.
Lyonia Environmental Center will offer a var...
LEC: Creating a Pollinator Habitat
November 12 @2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
2-3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12
A master gardener will present information on attracting pollinators and creating suitable habitats in residential yards. Participants will learn how pollinators contribute to the health of flowers and fruit-producing plants. The presentation will take place at Deltona ...
LEC: Nature at Night: Marvelous Manatees
November 12 @6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12
Participants can learn about Florida’s manatees, springs and conservation photography during this evening presentation. Cora Berchem of Save the Manatee Club will discuss manatee behavior, habitat and the organization’s conservation efforts at Blue Spring. Con...
LEC: Foster a Seedling Program
November 13 @11:00 am to 12:00 pm
11 a.m.-noon Friday, Nov. 13
Participants ages 10 and older can learn how to grow native plants from seed at home. Supplies and instruction will be provided to help participants get started. As part of the recurring program, participants will return half of the plants they grow to help expand nat...
LEC: Pause, Breathe & Belong: A Forest Bathing Experience at Gemini Springs Park
November 14 @7:30 am to 8:30 am
7:30-8:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14
Participants can slow down and reconnect with nature during a guided forest bathing experience at Gemini Springs Park in DeBary. Surrounded by wooded trails and spring-fed waters, participants will be encouraged to engage their senses and enjoy the sights and soun...
LEC: Beginner’s Photography: Learn and Hike
November 14 @9:00 am to 10:00 am
9-10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14
Beginning photographers can learn how to use their cameras and develop outdoor photography techniques during a hike through Lyonia Preserve. Participants of all ages and skill levels are welcome.
Lyonia Environmental Center will offer a variety of educational and fa...
LEC: Under the Canopy: A Nature Sound Bath
November 14 @9:00 am to 10:00 am
9-10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14
Participants can relax beneath the trees at Gemini Springs Park during a nature-inspired sound bath. Soothing sounds, gentle vibrations, rustling leaves and birdsong will provide a calming experience designed to quiet the mind and restore the senses. Participants shoul...
LEC: Lyonia Photography Club
November 14 @10:00 am to 11:00 am
10-11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14
Lyonia Preserve offers opportunities to photograph birds, reptiles and plants. Volunteers from the West Volusia Audubon Society lead this monthly program, which combines instruction with field opportunities to help participants improve their photography skills. Photog...
LEC: Nature Neighbors: Stories and Science
November 14 @11:00 am to 12:00 pm
11 a.m.-noon Saturday, Nov. 14
Preschoolers and early elementary-aged children can explore nature through stories, hands-on activities and interactive learning. Each monthly session features a different theme designed to build early literacy skills while introducing children to the natural world....
LEC: Let’s Get Growing: Children’s Garden Club
November 15 @1:00 pm to 1:45 pm
1-1:45 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15
Young gardeners ages 6-12 and their families can participate in an indoor gardening program led by master gardeners. This session will explore herbs and their uses through hands-on learning. The quarterly program offers families opportunities to learn about gardening t...
LEC: Autumn Stroll
November 20 @9:00 am to 10:00 am
9-10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 20
Participants can enjoy the fall season while exploring the plants and animals that inhabit Florida’s scrub habitat. Lyonia Environmental Center staff will lead the hike through Lyonia Preserve. Participants should dress for the weather, bring water, wear closed-toe sho...
LEC: Photography Club Hike
November 21 @9:00 am to 10:00 am
9-10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21
Photographers can explore Lyonia Preserve’s opportunities to capture images of birds, reptiles and plants during this monthly hike led by volunteers from the West Volusia Audubon Society. The program provides field opportunities to practice and improve photography sk...
LEC: Invasive Air Potato Removal
November 21 @10:00 am to 11:00 am
10-11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21
Participants ages 12 and older can help Lyonia Environmental Center staff and volunteers remove invasive air potato vines from the property. The fast-growing vine can displace native vegetation and threaten local habitats. Trash bags, trowels and gloves will be provid...
LEC: Thankful for Nature: An Upcycled Fall Creation
November 21 @1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
1-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21
Guest artist Bonnie Dahl will lead participants in creating a Thanksgiving-inspired fall craft using repurposed, upcycled and natural materials. The workshop will demonstrate how everyday items can be transformed into decorative creations while celebrating the season...
LEC: Edible Science: Cranberry Chemistry
November 22 @2:00 pm to 2:30 pm
2-2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22
Young science enthusiasts can explore the properties of cranberries through hands-on experiments involving mixing, testing and observing chemical reactions. The interactive program offers a fun introduction to science using the familiar seasonal fruit. Materials will b...
LEC: Thanksgiving Break Camp (Day 1)
November 23 @8:30 am to 3:30 pm
8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, Nov. 23-25
Children ages 7-12 can participate in a three-day camp featuring guided hikes, outdoor exploration, Thanksgiving-themed nature crafts, games and team-building activities. Campers will learn about Florida’s scrub habitat and its connection...
LEC: Thanksgiving Break Camp (Day 2)
November 24 @8:30 am to 3:30 pm
8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, Nov. 23-25
Children ages 7-12 can participate in a three-day camp featuring guided hikes, outdoor exploration, Thanksgiving-themed nature crafts, games and team-building activities. Campers will learn about Florida’s scrub habitat and its connection...
LEC: Thanksgiving Break Camp (Day 3)
November 25 @8:30 am to 3:30 pm
8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, Nov. 23-25
Children ages 7-12 can participate in a three-day camp featuring guided hikes, outdoor exploration, Thanksgiving-themed nature crafts, games and team-building activities. Campers will learn about Florida’s scrub habitat and its connection...
LEC: Gratitude in Nature: A Meditative Hike in Lyonia Preserve
November 28 @8:00 am to 9:30 am
8-9:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 28
Participants can step away from the holiday bustle during a guided meditative hike featuring mindful breathing, quiet reflection and gratitude. The program encourages participants to listen to the natural world and appreciate the benefits of being present outdoors. P...
LEC: Rain Barrels
November 28 @10:00 am to 11:00 am
10-11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 28
Participants can learn how to collect rainwater and conserve water using rain barrels. The program will cover the benefits of rainwater collection and best practices for making a rain barrel. A limited number of rain barrels will be available for purchase.
Lyonia E...
LEC: A “Greener” Tree: Upcycled Holiday Birds
November 28 @2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
2-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28
Participants ages 12 and older can learn decoupage techniques while transforming toilet paper rolls into bird ornaments for holiday trees. This Earth-friendly craft will highlight creative ways to reuse everyday materials while celebrating birds and wildlife. All mat...
