Guest Viewpoint - Oct. 2, 2010

There has been a lot in the news about the Septic Tank law, but little about the facts and the concerns. I have studied this law and researched its paper trail for weeks now and have come up with some things that may help the 80,000 people in Santa Rosa County who will be forced to comply with this law. Please join the Santa Rosa Tea Party Patriots on October 11, 2010, 6:00 pm, Milton Community Center, 5629 Byrom Street – Milton. County Commissioner Don Salter will address this issue, and give an update on what is happening.

Summary:

Mandatory Septic Tank Inspection, signed into law by Governor Charlie Crist June, 2010

To be implemented January, 2011. SB 550 was based on concern for springs in Central and South Florida. A bill such as this has been before the legislative branch several times before, it was called The Springs bill and was virtually ignored by the legislature. Originally it was only three counties all centered around a particular spring in Central Florida. One early version of SB550 stated that inspections were supposed to apply only to tanks in close proximity to springs. SB550, when presented in 2010 was entrenched in the middle of a bill, which was more than 198 pages and mandated all 67 counties to comply. Several legislators state that they were unable to read the full bill as it came up for a vote in hours. This is unacceptable as this bill was in process since early 2008. No legislator can honestly say they knew nothing about it. Many legislators did not make the county leaders in their districts aware of what was going on, thus they were blindside by the mandatory law, which is also unacceptable.

What will this law potentially mean to residents of Florida?

Facts and concerns:

• Fact: There are 2.5 million septic tanks in the State of Florida; all are mandated to be evaluated with a requirement to pump all tanks.

Concern: Pumping a perfectly operating tank removes all good bacteria that have built up over the years; an older tank is subject to damage. With this many homes being pumped, where will all of this sewage be deposited? Is our local infrastructure prepared for this or will we see dumping in the many wooded areas surrounding Santa Rosa County? 1.5 million Septic tanks installed prior to 1983 could be subjected to a full tank replacement which could cost as much as $15,000, if not more.

• Fact: Over a period of five years all septic tanks must be evaluated and pumped out, drainfields must be evaluated also. This will be an on-going law and will take place every 5 years.

Concern: The minimum cost per septic tank evaluation is around $500 and if drainfields do not meet standards there will be extra cost. If a septic tank needs repairs that is also an added expense; all paid for by the homeowner.

• Fact: Evaluations will be performed by private septic tank company owners.

Concern:  It is believed that many of these companies lobbied for this bill prior to the law passing. There is documentation that the company who has been selected to train evaluators has a full time lobbyist in Tallahassee and has donated money to certain legislators and to The Republican Party. A couple of statements in their company newsletter say, “Every time Florida Onsite Wastewater Association asks for a contribution to a political campaign we are building relationships.” The documentation also states, that” FOWA donated $12,500 to 16 political campaigns and committees for the 2010 general elections.”

• Fact: If a homeowner does not comply with this law and does not allow the evaluation, they can be fined $500 per day, per violation and are subject to being charged with a misdemeanor. If they still do not comply, homes are subject to liens for the fines.

Concern: There are many elderly, retired residents throughout our state who could not afford to meet the requirements of this law especially if they live in homes prior to 1983.

• Fact: A grant will be available to those who cannot afford evaluation or repairs and who meet the poverty level required to get this assistance, this grant will be collected from every evaluation and will be part of fees charged by the Health Dept.

Concern: The grant money is not available until the fee charged for evaluations is collected and grant money is built up. It is believed that the evaluations will start with septic tanks records that are on file so this fund can be built up before evaluating prior 1983 systems. Is it possible that the powers that be already know the large amount of tanks that will fail? How many will actually meet the poverty level and how many are just on fixed incomes (seniors/retirees) and will not meet poverty requirement and cannot afford to make repairs or replacement? Will they lose their homes due to fines which could lead to liens?

How can you get involved?

You can contact the Governor and all House and Senate members in the State of Florida. 

1. Governor: http://www.flgov.com/contact_governor  

Senate: http://www.flsenate.gov/legislators/

1. House: http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/representatives.aspx  

Especially talk to your districts elected officials, ask them if they have received any funds from any business or agency that has connections with the Septic Tank industry, especially the one who will be doing the training for all evaluators. Ask them if they will sign on to repeal this law, if they won’t ask them why.

Call Governor Crist office every week in October: Governor's Executive Switchboard, 1-850-488-7146, or Fax 1-850-487-0801, for those with a hearing loss or speech disability call 1-850-922-7795 (TTY) or 711. Ask for a Special Session to repeal this law before the General Elections. This is very important!

Sharon Glass is a public awareness volunteer with the Santa Rosa Tea Party Patriots