Statewide Septic Tank Evaluation Program

     On June 4, 2010, Governor Charlie Christ approved SB 550 which directs the Department of Health to create and administer a statewide 5-year cycle septic tank evaluation program.
     The evaluation program was created to ensure all onsite sewage treatment systems in the State are assessed to determine their fundamental operational condition and to identify any failures within the systems.  Like your car, home, air conditioner, or water heater, your onsite systems do require routine maintenance - pump-outs to remove solids and scum that  accumulate in the tank.  Excess solid and scum can cause your plumbing to back up or your drainfield to fail, leading to costly cleanups and repairs.  The dollars you invest in having your system maintained will save you thousands in repair cost. 

  ● The evaluation program is mandated to begin January 1, 2011 and be implemented statewide January 1, 2016.
  ● Evaluation procedures must be documented and include tank and drainfield evaluation, assessment of system condition and disclosure statements.
  ● Evaluations may be performed by registered septic tank contractors, professional engineers, and certified environmental health professionals.
  ● DOH must provide 60 days notice to system owners that the evaluation is required.  The implementation schedule - who gets noticed when - is under development.
  ● Owners are responsible for the costs of the pump-out, repairs or replacements and owner may not request partial evaluations.  The cost of the pump-out will vary according to the size and number of tanks to be pumped-out on a given property.
  ● Any system installed or serviced in the previous 5 years, where capacity and condition of the tank is documented as satisfactory, may omit the pump-out requirement from the evaluation.
  ● The evaluator is responsible for submitting the report to the local CHD with the reporting fee.

Follow and participate on the development of this program by accessing the Technical Review and Advisory Panel link on our web page:  http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/ostds/trap/index.htm

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Am I required to have my tanks pumped out every five years? 
    The bill does not mandate pump-outs but requires DOH to "establish requirements for pump-outs".

2. I had my tank pumped out last year.  Will I be exempt from the evaluation program?
    The law does not exempt you from the evaluation but tanks that have been pumped AND CERTIFIED within the  previous five years do not have to be pumped.

3. Will the evaluator be digging up my yard and drainfield?
    The evaluator will have to uncover your tank manholes for access to determine if a pump out is necessary and check
that your tank is watertight.  They will not be digging up your drainfield but will need to auger a small (4 inch) hole to determine the separation of your drainfield from the wettest season water table.

4. Why the concern about separation from the wet season water table?
    Onsite systems rely on unsaturated soil to provide treatment.  Research in Florida has found that 24 inches of unsaturated soil is needed to remove pathogens and effectively treat your sewage to protect both your and your neighbors health.

5. Will I have to upgrade my system to one of the new performance based treatment systems?
    No, the evaluation language does not require upgrades to performance based treatment systems.

6. What will it cost?
    The most significant cost will be if your tanks require pump out.  These costs vary around the state due primarily to disposal costs but can range from $150 - $450.  Cost also depends on the size and number of tanks to be pumped.  The evaluation cost will be set by individual evaluators.  There is also a reporting fee that the department estimated at $30 per system.