Performance Based Treatment System (PBTS) in Monroe County and the Florida Keys

Septic Tank

How Does a Performance-Based Treatment System Benefit the Florida Keys and Monroe County?

There’s no doubt that the Florida Keys are special. They’re full of gorgeous sights, home to distinctive plants and animals, and have a unique culture that celebrates individuality. However, the close relationship most locals have with nature, and the area’s heavy dependence on tourism tend to foster an understanding of the importance of protecting the environment. A performance-based treatment system, or PBTS, is a type of advanced septic system. When designed correctly, these systems can ensure wastewater is cleaner when it’s released. DKK Consulting Incorporated is proud to have secured approval for several residential PBTSs for the Florida Keys and Monroe County. 

Why Should Property Owners Take Note?

Why is this fantastic news for property owners in the Keys? Wastewater is a fact of life. It’s the result of basic household tasks like laundry, cooking, and using the bathroom. If you aren’t within reach of a community sewer system, you’ll need an effective septic system. That’s tricky in a delicate ecosystem like the Keys, but DKK Consulting Incorporated is committed to bringing solutions to the marketplace.   

Large sections of Monroe County and the Florida Keys lack infrastructure for sanitary sewer collection. Since traditional septic systems cannot provide the cleaning power necessary, they have been impossible to build in many places. Performance-based treatment systems open new areas for residential development while still protecting the environment.   

What Is a Performance-Based Treatment System?

Performance-based treatment systems are advanced septic systems capable of cleaning more efficiently than standard systems. According to the Florida Department of Health, these systems have three defining qualities:

  • A PBTS is a kind of onsite sewage and disposal system.
  • An engineer with training in wastewater design designs and certifies a PBTS.
  • A PBTS will meet measurable performance standards. The list of standards typically includes total nitrogen, total phosphorus, carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand, fecal coliforms, and total suspended solids.

What Are the Requirements for Performance-Based Treatment Systems?

Using a PBTS offers awesome advantages, but it does come with a few responsibilities for owners. They must hold an operating permit for the system throughout its lifetime. In addition, they have to secure a maintenance contract for the system with an approved company. Finally, they’ll need to confirm that the company sends the health department an inspection report and samples every six months. 

What Are the Advantages of Performance-Based Treatment Systems?

Homeowners throughout the Sunshine State opt for performance-based treatment systems because these systems offer real advantages:

  • Sensitivity: Because PBTSs are so effective and so efficient, they can work in places that others can’t. They’re a perfect choice for environmentally sensitive places and smaller lots.
  • Savings: For homeowners outside urban settings, connecting to a distant community sewer system can be difficult, lengthy, and expensive. PBTSs are generally more affordable.
  • Aesthetics: Some septic systems require ugly raised mounds that render areas of your yard useless. A PBTS is virtually invisible and often thrives with a much smaller drainfield. It won’t interfere with the look or use of your property.
  • Naturalness: A PBTS is a natural solution. When it’s properly engineered, there will be no harsh chemicals or foul odors to cause concern.
  • Customization: By definition, a PBTS in Florida must be designed and certified by an engineer who has expertise in wastewater design. There are various types of PBTSs and countless ways the components can be combined. When you choose a reputable civil engineering firm, they’ll evaluate your household and property to deliver the best system for your needs.

The Florida Keys are a beautiful place that deserves appreciation and protection, and the people who call it home are often on the lookout for solutions that can deliver both. Are you interested in exploring the possibilities a performance-based treatment system could offer for your Monroe County property? Reach out to DKK Consulting Incorporated today to discuss your project.