Florida Chapter 64E-6

Key State Regulations: Florida Chapter 64E-6 – Septic System Rules

Florida’s Chapter 64E-6 of the Florida Administrative Code governs the installation, modification, and abandonment of septic systems. These regulations are designed to protect public health and the environment by ensuring that septic systems are properly installed, maintained, and, when necessary, safely decommissioned.

Here’s a breakdown of the key rules under Chapter 64E-6 that every homeowner and contractor should be aware of.


1. Septic System Installation Requirements

The rules for installing a new septic system in Florida focus on proper site evaluation, system design, and compliance with environmental protections.

Site Evaluation

  • Soil Testing: Before installation, a licensed professional must conduct a soil test to determine the soil’s ability to absorb wastewater. This includes checking the permeability and the depth of the water table.
  • Water Table Considerations: Systems must be designed to keep wastewater at least 24 inches above the seasonal high water table to prevent contamination of groundwater.

Setback Distances

  • Minimum Setbacks: Chapter 64E-6 requires specific setbacks for septic systems to protect water bodies, property lines, and buildings:
    • Water Bodies: Septic systems must be located at least 75 feet away from surface waters such as lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
    • Wells: Systems must be set back at least 100 feet from private drinking water wells.
    • Property Lines: A minimum setback of 5 feet from property boundaries is required.

System Sizing and Design

  • System Size: The size of the septic system must be based on the anticipated water usage of the home or building. Typically, this is determined by the number of bedrooms in a house.
  • Alternative Systems: In areas with poor soil conditions, high water tables, or environmental concerns, alternative systems such as mound systems or aerobic treatment units (ATUs) may be required.

2. Septic System Modification Rules

Modifications to an existing septic system—whether due to renovations, property expansions, or system upgrades—are also governed by Chapter 64E-6.

When a Modification is Required

  • Home Additions: If you are adding new rooms or increasing the number of bedrooms, the septic system may need to be upgraded to handle the increased wastewater load.
  • System Upgrades: In environmentally sensitive areas, property owners may be required to upgrade their systems to nitrogen-reducing technologies or more advanced filtration systems to reduce nutrient pollution.

Permit Requirements for Modifications

  • New Permit: A new permit is required for any significant modifications to an existing septic system. This includes expansions, repairs, and upgrades. A professional site evaluation is typically necessary to determine the need for a larger or more advanced system.
  • Inspections: Modified systems must undergo inspections to ensure they meet current standards and are functioning properly after the upgrade or repair.

3. Abandonment of Septic Systems

Abandoning a septic system, typically when a property is connected to a municipal sewer system or when a system has reached the end of its useful life, must be done in accordance with strict rules to prevent environmental hazards.

Proper Abandonment Procedures

  • Permit for Abandonment: Property owners must obtain a permit from the county health department to legally abandon a septic system.
  • System Decommissioning: The septic tank must be properly decommissioned, which typically involves:
    • Pumping: The septic tank must be completely pumped out to remove all solid and liquid waste.
    • Filling or Removal: The tank must either be crushed and filled with clean soil or sand, or it must be completely removed from the property.
    • Disconnecting: All pipes connecting the septic system to the building must be disconnected to prevent future use.

Environmental Considerations

  • Soil and Water Protection: Abandoning a septic system improperly can lead to contamination of the soil and groundwater. Following proper procedures is critical to ensure that the decommissioned system does not pose any future risks.

4. Key Environmental Protections

Florida’s environmental conditions, including its high water table, wetlands, and sensitive ecosystems, play a large role in shaping Chapter 64E-6 regulations.

Nutrient Pollution Controls

  • Nitrogen-Reducing Systems: In areas where nitrogen pollution is a concern, property owners may be required to install nitrogen-reducing septic systems or upgrade existing systems. This is common in regions covered by Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs).
  • Setbacks and Protection Zones: Strict setback distances are enforced in environmentally sensitive areas to protect Florida’s water bodies from nutrient pollution caused by septic systems.

5. Enforcement and Penalties

Failure to comply with the regulations under Chapter 64E-6 can result in fines, penalties, or legal action.

Common Violations

  • Improper Installation: Installing a septic system without the required permits or in violation of setback rules can lead to fines and mandated system removal or relocation.
  • Failure to Maintain: Systems that are not maintained regularly, including not pumping the septic tank every 3-5 years, can be considered non-compliant.
  • Illegal Abandonment: Abandoning a septic system without following the proper decommissioning procedures can result in penalties and environmental fines.

Conclusion

Florida’s Chapter 64E-6 sets out comprehensive rules for the installation, modification, and abandonment of septic systems, emphasizing environmental protection and public health.

Homeowners and contractors must ensure they are compliant with these regulations to avoid fines and safeguard Florida’s fragile ecosystems.

From proper system sizing and setback distances to nutrient pollution controls and decommissioning rules, Chapter 64E-6 is a critical guide for anyone involved in the management of septic systems in the state.

Key Rules from Florida Chapter 64E-6 for Septic Systems

Category Key Rules Details
1. Septic System Installation – Site Evaluation: Soil testing and water table assessment required before installation. – Soil permeability must be checked.
– Systems must be installed at least 24 inches above the water table.
– Setback Distances: Required to protect water bodies and structures. – 75 feet from surface water bodies.
– 100 feet from private wells.
– 5 feet from property lines.
– System Sizing: Based on water usage (e.g., number of bedrooms in a house). – Larger systems may be required based on property size and usage.
– Alternative systems may be needed in poor soils.
2. Septic System Modification – When Required: Any changes to the property affecting wastewater load (e.g., home additions). – A new permit is required.
– Site evaluation and design adjustments may be necessary.
– System Upgrades: In sensitive areas, upgrades to nitrogen-reducing systems may be required. – Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) regions may mandate nitrogen-reducing systems.
3. Septic System Abandonment – Permit for Abandonment: Required before decommissioning a septic system. – Obtain from local county health department.
– System must be pumped out and filled or removed.
– Proper Decommissioning: Septic tanks must be pumped and either filled or removed. – All connecting pipes must be disconnected.
4. Environmental Protections – Setbacks and Protection Zones: Strict setbacks to prevent water contamination. – Special attention to wetlands, springs, and other sensitive areas.
– Nutrient Pollution Controls: Systems in sensitive areas must reduce nitrogen pollution. – Nitrogen-reducing technologies required in BMAP regions.
– Alternative systems may be necessary.
5. Enforcement and Penalties – Non-Compliance: Fines and legal action for violations, such as improper installation. – Fines for improper installation, failure to maintain, or illegal abandonment.

 

This table summarizes the key rules under Chapter 64E-6, providing a quick reference for septic system installation, modification, abandonment, and environmental protections in Florida.

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