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Discussion Regarding Regulation of Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
Onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems (OSTDS), commonly referred to as septic systems, are a safe and effective means of wastewater disposal for 30 percent of Florida’s population. The OSTDS program ensures that the OSTDS is properly designed, constructed, and maintained through permitting and inspection and contributes to safe ground water, which provides 90 percent of Florida’s drinking water. During the 2023 legislative session, the Florida Legislature passed House Bill (HB) 1379, Laws of Florida, Chapter No 2023-169. This statute specifies areas (impacted areas) in the state where Enhanced Nutrient-Reducing Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (ENR-OSTDS) are required instead of conventional septic systems.
In 2016, the state legislature passed the Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act. Subsequently, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection implemented the Weeki Wachee Basin Management Action Plan in 2018, which created an OSTDS remediation plan for the Weeki Wachee Spring Shed. This remediation plan also contains requirements for installing Enhanced Nutrient-Reducing Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems in this area.
The Florida Department of Health is the agency that reviews and permits new or modified OSTDS within the County. During this agenda item, they will be discussing any upcoming changing regulations for OSTDS based on the above legislation.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
None.
LEGAL NOTE
The Board has the authority to review and discuss this matter pursuant to Chapter 125, Florida Statutes.
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RECOMMENDATION
This is an educational discussion from the Florida Department of Health to discuss the changes related to modifying/repairing existing Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems; no recommendation is required.