0903_Sen_Evers_Fighting_Septic_Tank

News Articles

Senator Greg Evers Fighting Florida's Septic Tank Law

Pensacola News Journal - September 3, 2011

State Sen. Greg Evers has filed legislation that would repeal the controversial septic tank inspection law passed in 2010.

Environmental concerns led the Florida Legislature last year to require mandatory Department of Health septic system inspections every five years at the homeowner's expense.

Evers' Senate Bill 114 seeks to eliminate this provision "thereby lessening the unnecessary and expensive burden placed on residents, particularly in rural areas of the state, who would be held responsible for financing the inspections and repairs," he said.

Local health department officials have said the law's goal is to reduce water pollution from millions of septic systems, many of which are decades old and poorly maintained.

But when residents found out the inspections could cost $500 — and potentially thousands of dollars if major problems are uncovered — legislators were flooded with calls and emails from those opposing the bill.

"Economic times are as hard as they come right now, and there is no scientific need for inspections every five years that will only put additional hardship on our residents who are struggling enough as it is," said Evers, R-Baker.

Evers' bill also would eliminate provisions allowing the health department to collect evaluation report fees.

Malfunctioning or outdated septic systems can be overwhelmed by sewage and rainfall and contaminate groundwater or force sewage to the surface, where it can pool or wash into surface water.

Hilda Fox is a 20-year Warrington resident who lives on Poppy Avenue, where homes are hooked up to septic tanks.

She, and many other residents there, would like to have their systems converted to public sewer, which the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority is gradually doing throughout the county.

In the meantime, Fox has concerns about the demands the law puts on her.

"I keep my septic tank clean, and it still costs a fortune. The additional cost was not necessary," Fox said.

"I say a big fat 'no' to that. They shouldn't be asking any more of us in this time," she said. "There might be a few septic tanks (that leak into the waterways), but mine don't. Every time I have it cleaned, it has to be inspected."

David W. Peaden II, executive director of the Home Builders Association of West Florida, believes the septic tank legislation should be repealed, but says some form of local requirements — based on statewide regulations — need to be in place.

"We are looking for a common-sense approach to a noninvasive septic tank inspection program that's good for the environment and works with the private sector and homeowners," Peaden said.

"The legislature should repeal the expensive mandate and establish a local option septic tank law with established statewide requirements that make it more efficient and save the homeowner high costs."

Evers and other local legislators, including Rep. Doug Broxson and Sen. Don Gaetz, have said since November they'll support appealing the law.

Support was lacking in the Senate to repeal the law during the 2011 Legislative Session.

"I am optimistic that my colleagues in the Senate will see the importance of this effort. As one of my top priorities this coming session, I will focus all of my resources and efforts on accomplishing a full repeal."