Septic Systems
State of
Florida regulations refer to a septic system as an Onsite Sewage
Treatment and Disposal System or OSTDS. The septic tank is only one
component of a properly designed OSTDS. By definition, an OSTDS can
contain any one or more of the following components: septic tank;
subsurface drainfield; aerobic treatment unit (ATU); graywater tank;
laundry wastewater tank; grease interceptor; pump tank; waterless,
incinerating or organic waste-composing toilet; and sanitary pit privy.
An OSTDS is not a “package plant.” The system must provide for
subsurface effluent disposal and must not have any open tanks or open
treatment units. In 1997, the US Environmental Protection Agency
publicly recognized “onsite systems…as potentially viable, low-cost,
long-term, decentralized approaches to wastewater treatment if they are
planned, designed, installed, operated, and maintained properly.”
In Florida, the
Bureau
of Onsite Sewage Programs in the Florida Department of Health (FDOH)
and the environmental health section of the County Health Departments
regulate the use of OSTDSs. However, FDOH does not permit the use of an
OSTDS where the estimated domestic sewage flow (as calculated in Table 1
of 64E-6.008, FAC) from the establishment is over 10,000 gpd or the
commercial sewage flow is over 5,000 gpd; or where there is a likelihood
that the system will receive toxic, hazardous or industrial wastes; or
where a sewer system is available; or if any system or flow from the
establishment is currently regulated by FDEP, unless a variance from
these prohibitions has been granted by FDOH.
FDEP and FDOH Coordination
In 1983, the Department of Environmental Protection entered into an
Interagency Agreement with the Department of Health to coordinate the
regulation of onsite sewage systems, septage and residuals, and marina
pumpout facilities. This agreement sets up procedures for addressing
interagency issues including jurisdiction. For purposes of the
Agreement, “Domestic Wastewater” includes waste from homes, portable
toilets, holding tanks, boats and marinas and even wastewater from
certain commercial and industrial establishments. “Commercial
Wastewater” is similar to domestic, only stronger, such as wastewater
from food service operations (e.g., restaurants, school cafeterias,
etc.), commercial laundries with no more than four washing machines,
animal holding facilities (e.g., commercial kennels, veterinary
hospitals, and animal grooming facilities), and beauty salons. Please
note that “Commercial Wastewater” is not necessarily synonymous with
wastewater from commercial businesses. All other wastewater, including
those that are toxic and/or hazardous, is considered “Industrial
Wastewater,” including wastewater from dairies, food processing plants,
slaughterhouses, funeral homes, car washes, and commercial laundries
with more than four washing machines.
Applicants for an OSTDS permit may request waiver of jurisdiction
from FDEP to FDOH in cases where the estimated sewage flow is above the
FDOH jurisdictional flow specified above or where there is a likelihood
for toxic, hazardous or industrial wastewater. First an applicant must
obtain a letter from FDEP stating whether or not there is an objection
to transferring jurisdiction to FDOH for the particular establishment.
Then, the applicant must apply for an OSTDS permit from the Local County
Health Department (CHD) and file for a variance through the local CHD. A
Variance Review and Advisory Committee normally meets on the first
non-holiday Thursday of every month in various locations around the
state and makes a recommendation to FDOH’s State Health Officer, who in
turn makes the final decision on whether FDOH will accept jurisdiction
of the establishment’s wastewater for purposes of permitting an OSTDS.
- For more information on the Interagency Agreement, you may wish
to contact the FDEP OSTDS Coordinator at 850-245-8605.
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