Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (OSTDS) in Florida With HB 1379

Septic Tank

What Do You Need to Know About Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (OSTDS) if You’re Impacted by Florida House Bill 1379?

Why are so many Floridians thinking about septic tanks? Recent legislation changes the rules for property owners in certain areas of the state. Florida House Bill 1379 requires commercial and residential property owners in specific areas who wish to install onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems to move to enhanced systems. The new law also impacts any property owner in these areas who already has an existing OSTDS. What do you need to know? 

What Is House Bill 1379?

House Bill 1379, passed during the 2023 legislative session, is environmental protection legislation. Under this law, property owners in certain areas of the state who cannot connect to a sewer system must install enhanced nutrient-reducing onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems.

If you live in an area where an ENR-OSTDS is now mandated, a conventional OSTDS will no longer be acceptable. Therefore, you need to discover if your property is impacted. If it is, you’ll want to learn how long you have to take action.

How Can You Determine If House Bill 1379 Affects a Property?

How can you find out if your property falls within the limits of House Bill 1379? You can use this online tool from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. You can also contact your local county health department for information.

When Does House Bill 1379 Take Effect?

The deadlines for House Bill 1379 are somewhat staggered. Some portions of the law are already in effect. Others have a few years before coming into full bloom. Notable deadlines in House Bill 1379 include:

  • July 1, 2023: Permit applicants for septic systems on lots of less than an acre in specific areas must install an enhanced nutrient-reducing system.
  • January 1, 2024: Permit applicants for septic systems on lots of any size in specific areas must install an enhanced nutrient-reducing system.
  • January 1, 2030: Any commercial or residential property with an existing OSTDS within the specified areas must either connect to a sewer system, if available, or upgrade to an enhanced nutrient-reducing system. If they upgrade, their new system must achieve at least 65% nitrogen reduction.

What Nitrogen-reducing Systems Are Available?

If your property will need an enhanced nutrient-reducing onsite sewage treatment and disposal system, it’s only natural to wonder about what is available. There are a few different types:

  • In-ground nitrogen-reducing biofilters: INRBs have a nitrate-reducing filter layer. Located below the drain field, it reduces nitrogen levels in sewage by roughly 65%.
  • Nitrogen-reducing (NSF-245 certified) aerobic treatment units: NSF-245 certified ATUs have proven they can provide 50% or more nitrogen reduction before releasing wastewater to the drain field. Properties with 24″ or more of separation between the bottom of the drain field and the top of the wet season water table can use any Florida-approved NSF-245 ATU. Properties with less than 24″ of separation between the bottom of the drain field. The top of the wet season water table must opt for an ATU that is capable of 65% nitrogen reduction before releasing wastewater to the drain field.
  • Nitrogen-reducing performance-based treatment systems: PBTSs are designed by engineers to meet the needs of the property. These customized systems can vary widely. Properties with 24″ or more of separation between the bottom of the drain field and the top of the wet season water table can use any Florida-approved PBTS. Properties with less than 24″ of separation between the bottom of the drain field. The top of the wet season water table must opt for a PBTS that is capable of 65% nitrogen reduction before releasing wastewater to the drain field.

How do you know which ENR-OSTDS is best for your property? Working with a civil engineer is the best way to find the right answer.

DKK Consulting Incorporated pays attention to the constant changes in regulations and the advances in technology. We know this information is vital in providing the solutions our clients are seeking. If you’re concerned about Florida HB 1379’s impact or have questions about onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems, we can help. Our team excels at handling all aspects of commercial and residential drainage, including the design and modification of septic tanks and drainfields. To learn more about our OSTDS design services, contact DKK Consulting Incorporated today.