Fla. Admin. Code R. 62-160.210 (2026)
Approved Field Procedures
(1) All persons that conduct or support field activities and field measurements shall follow the applicable procedures and requirements described in the DEP SOP collections titled Standard Operating Procedures for Field Activities, DEP-SOP-001/01, and Standard Operating Procedures for Selected Bioassessment Activities, DEP-SOP-003/11, incorporated by reference in paragraphs 62-160.800(1)(a) and 62-160.800(1)(c), F.A.C., respectively.
(2) Additionally, all persons performing sampling for the Stream Condition Index (SCI), the Lake Vegetation Index or a Rapid Bioassessment (BioRecon) determination shall follow the procedures and satisfy the data quality objectives discussed in the following documents, which are incorporated by reference in paragraphs 62-160.800(2)(e) and 62-160.800(2)(f), F.A.C.
(a) Department of Environmental Protection, Sampling and Use of the Stream Condition Index (SCI) for Assessing Flowing Waters: A Primer (DEP-SAS-001/11); and,
(b) Department of Environmental Protection, Sampling and Use of the Lake Vegetation Index (LVI) for Assessing Lake Plant Communities in Florida: A Primer (DEP-SAS-002/11).
(3) All persons that conduct or support activities for the determination of flow (discharge) in surface waters, including for purposes of computing water quantity, shall follow the applicable procedures and requirements in Field Measurement of Stage, Surface Water Velocity, and Discharge (Flow) and Computations of Streamflow, DEP SOP FT 1800, incorporated by reference in subparagraph 62-160.800(1)(a)27., F.A.C. The requirements of this subsection shall apply to those waters meeting the definition of “surface waters” in Rule 62-302.200, F.A.C., and the definition of “waters” in Section 403.031, F.S.
(4) Any person that wishes to apply for approval of alternative or modified field procedures in place of the approved procedures specified in Standard Operating Procedures for Field Activities, DEP-SOP-001/01, incorporated by reference in paragraph 62-160.800(1)(a), F.A.C.; in place of field procedures specified or required in Department rules, contracts, orders, or permits; or in place of a laboratory procedure, shall follow the requirements provided in Rule 62-160.220, F.A.C.
(5) If field procedures for an activity are not specified in the DEP SOP collections titled Standard Operating Procedures for Field Activities, DEP-SOP-001/01, or Standard Operating Procedures for Selected Bioassessment Activities, DEP-SOP-003/11, incorporated by reference in paragraphs 62-160.800(1)(a) and (c), F.A.C., procedures specified or required in Department rules, permits, contracts, or orders shall be used, if applicable. If field procedures for an activity are not specified or required in Department rules, permits, contracts, or orders, and field procedures for an activity are not included in the DEP SOP collections, any method that satisfies data quality objectives established for the Department project may be used.
Rulemaking Authority 403.061, 403.0623 FS. Law Implemented 373.026, 373.309, 373.409, 373.413, 373.414, 373.416, 373.4592, 376.303, 376.305, 376.3071, 403.0623, 403.0625, 403.087, 403.088, 403.0881, 403.504, 403.704, 403.707, 403.722, 403.853 FS. History–New 1-1-91, Amended 2-4-93, 2-27-94, Formerly 17-160.210, Amended 3-24-96, 10-15-96, 4-9-02, 6-8-04, 12-3-08, 7-30-14, 4-16-18, 5-20-26.
Effective: 5/20/2026.