For the past year EPA has continuously ignored a serious violation of the Clean Water Act and its implementation in Florida. Specifically, EPA has been asked by way of a previous petition filed on February 23, 2011, by the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) and the Florida Clean Water Network (FCWN) to investigate allegations that Herschel T. Vinyard, Secretary of the Florida, Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has a conflict of interest in matters concerning the administration of the Clean Water Act in Florida. This conflict of interest arises because of Secretary Vinyard’s prior employment at BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards, a regulated entity under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. The Clean Water Act (and internal legal opinions of EPA’s lawyers agree) is clear that conflicts of interest such as this are not allowed. Yet, Secretary Vinyard continues to serve as the head of the FDEP all the while being involved with (1) the development of a narrative nutrient criteria rule (2) the development of Total Maximum Daily Loads throughout Florida and (3) permitting and enforcement decisions pertaining to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. Secretary Vinyard’s continued involvement in Clean Water Act issues compromises the integrity of the program in Florida, yet EPA continues to look the other way.