Case study

45-Acre Industrial Outdoor Storage & Fueling Site

RSP Engineers supported the full site design and environmental permitting, a 45-acre Industrial Outdoor Storage site with a private gas station, including stormwater plans, utility design, wetland mitigation, and ERP coordination in Polk County.

The successful development of large-scale Industrial Outdoor Storage (IOS) facilities requires more than just civil design—it takes environmental foresight, regulatory coordination, and local permitting expertise. For a 45-acre IOS site with a private gas station in Polk County, RSP Engineers led both the technical design and the complex permitting process to keep the project moving toward construction.

Project Overview

Location: Polk County, Florida
Size: 45 Acres
Use: Industrial Outdoor Storage (IOS) + Private Fueling Station
Scope: Full site civil plans, environmental permitting, and wetland mitigation strategy

What We Delivered

RSP Engineers managed an integrated scope that included detailed civil plans, agency meetings, and environmental coordination:

Civil Engineering Plan Set

Environmental and Regulatory Coordination

Wetland Impact Review: Confirmed the site contained jurisdictional wetlands, requiring mitigation
Mitigation Bank Credits: Identified and secured appropriate credits from an approved mitigation bank to offset impacts
SFWMD Environmental Resource Permit (ERP): Submitted a comprehensive ERP application with hydrologic modeling, wetland delineation maps, and stormwater treatment design
Polk County Pre-Application Meeting: Represented the project team in coordination with County staff to address zoning, access, utilities, and wetland impact concerns early in the process

Permitting Strategy

Our team ensured that the project followed a streamlined permitting path by:

Pre-coordinating with SFWMD and mitigation bank representatives
Addressing Polk County Comprehensive Plan consistency for IOS and fueling station uses
Designing stormwater infrastructure that complies with both local and regional criteria
Supporting the project owner with guidance on next steps for site plan approval and construction authorization

Project Challenges

Wetland Presence: Required coordination of mitigation credits without delaying schedule
Fuel Infrastructure: Added complexity due to utility needs and environmental sensitivity
Permitting Timeline: Tight turnaround necessitated well-prepared submissions and responsive agency coordination

Project Value

Our work allowed the project to:

Meet regulatory thresholds for drainage, wetlands, and utilities
Secure environmental clearance through ERP and mitigation credits
Maintain the project schedule with proactive pre-application strategy
Move confidently toward site development and vertical construction

Why It Matters

From wetland mitigation to stormwater drainage layouts, IOS developments come with layers of complexity. RSP Engineers proved that having the right engineering partner—one who understands environmental permitting and local regulations—makes all the difference in keeping industrial developments on time and on track.

About RSP Engineers

RSP Engineers is a civil engineering firm serving clients throughout Florida, specializing in industrial site design, stormwater and utility engineering, and wetland permitting coordination. Whether you’re building on 5 acres or 50, we help you plan, permit, and build with confidence.

Planning a complex IOS or gas station project?
Contact RSP Engineers to streamline your path to approval.

FAQ’s

Do wetland mitigation credits delay a project?

Not when coordinated early. Our team secures mitigation bank credits in parallel with ERP submittals to avoid delays.

What is an ERP?

An Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) is required by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) for projects that impact surface water, wetlands, or stormwater systems.

Can you help with pre-application meetings?

Yes, we often lead pre-application coordination with local jurisdictions to identify permitting issues before they impact your timeline.

Plan	Purpose
Site Plan	Layout of IOS yards, private gas station, truck circulation, and access control
Paving Plan	Surface design for heavy-duty truck movement and long-term durability
Stormwater Drainage Plan	Conveyance and treatment systems to manage runoff and meet regulatory standards
Stormwater Drainage Details	Sections, structures, and pond design sheets
Water Utility Plan	Water supply infrastructure for fueling, site needs, and fire protection
Drainage Notes and Specifications	Construction documentation to ensure installation meets design intent

civil

Engineering Land Development

RSP Engineers provides engineering land development services to transform properties effectively.

Explore service