OSTDS Management: OSTDS Management: An overview of EPA An overview of EPA management models, case management models, case studies, and financing options studies, and financing options

Catherine Corbett & Jaime BoswellCatherine Corbett & Jaime BoswellCharlotte Harbor National Estuary Charlotte Harbor National Estuary

ProgramProgram

1)1) Water quality concerns in Charlotte Water quality concerns in Charlotte Harbor NEP study areaHarbor NEP study area

2)2) SFWMD, CHNEP Hendry Creek Pilot SFWMD, CHNEP Hendry Creek Pilot ProjectProject

3)3) Centralized versus decentralized Centralized versus decentralized comparisoncomparison

4)4) Instill concept of OSTDS managementInstill concept of OSTDS management5)5) What does OSTDS management entail?What does OSTDS management entail?6)6) Has this worked in other areas?Has this worked in other areas?7)7) How do we pay for it?How do we pay for it?8)8) RecommendationsRecommendations

Presentation OutlinePresentation Outline

What is an OSTDS (OnWhat is an OSTDS (On--site site Sewage Treatment and Disposal Sewage Treatment and Disposal

System)?System)?

Conventional Septic SystemsConventional Septic SystemsAerobic Treatment UnitsAerobic Treatment UnitsAdvanced SystemsAdvanced SystemsCluster SystemsCluster Systems

Water Quality Impairments (Charlotte Harbor)Water Quality Impairments (Charlotte Harbor)

TMDLsTMDLs expected:expected:

Charlotte Harbor, Pine Charlotte Harbor, Pine Island Sound, Island Sound, Matlacha PassMatlacha Pass

Bacteria (shellfish)Bacteria (shellfish)

Sanibel RiverSanibel RiverNutrientsNutrients

Expected 2008Expected 2008

Water Quality Impairments (Lemon Bay)Water Quality Impairments (Lemon Bay)

TMDLsTMDLs expected:expected:

Upper Lemon BayUpper Lemon BayNutrients (Nutrients (chlchl aa))bacteriabacteria

Alligator Creek & Rock Alligator Creek & Rock CreekCreek

Dissolved OxygenDissolved OxygenFecal coliform (in Fecal coliform (in Alligator Creek)Alligator Creek)

Expected 2008Expected 2008

Lee County Water Quality ImpairmentsLee County Water Quality Impairments

BacteriaBacteria——Fecal and Fecal and total total coliformscoliformsCaloosahatchee River Caloosahatchee River & Hendry Creek& Hendry CreekBacteria in shellfish in Bacteria in shellfish in harborharbor

Lee County Water Quality ImpairmentsLee County Water Quality Impairments

Dissolved OxygenDissolved OxygenCaloosahatchee River Caloosahatchee River & several Estero Bay & several Estero Bay tributariestributaries

Lee County Water Quality ImpairmentsLee County Water Quality Impairments

Nutrients (Nutrients (chlchl aa & TSI)& TSI)Caloosahatchee River Caloosahatchee River & several Estero Bay & several Estero Bay tributariestributariesTMDLsTMDLs projected:projected:

2008 in Estero Bay 2008 in Estero Bay 2008/9 in 2008/9 in CaloosaCaloosa--hatcheehatchee RiverRiver

Basin Management Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) by Action Plan (BMAP) by local entitylocal entity

Water Quality Trends (southern CH)Water Quality Trends (southern CH)Nutrients increasing through Nutrients increasing through 2005 widespread2005 widespreadFecal coliform in some Fecal coliform in some areas increasing through areas increasing through 20052005

Nutrient PollutionNutrient PollutionAlgae BloomsAlgae Blooms

Some are harmful to Some are harmful to people, pets & wildlife people, pets & wildlife Can kill large numbers of fishCan kill large numbers of fishCan block light to seagrassesCan block light to seagrassesReduce water clarityReduce water clarityReduce aesthetics & quality Reduce aesthetics & quality of life in SW Floridaof life in SW FloridaNot good for tourismNot good for tourism

Nitrates harmful to babies & Nitrates harmful to babies & pregnant womenpregnant women

Harmful BacteriaHarmful Bacteria

No swimmingNo swimmingNo Shellfish harvestingNo Shellfish harvestingPotential health concerns Potential health concerns

InfectionsInfectionsStomach IllnessesStomach IllnessesHepatitisHepatitis

Where is it coming from?Where is it coming from?

Failing Septic System Failing Septic System Nutrients and BacteriaNutrients and Bacteria

Leaking Sewer LinesLeaking Sewer LinesNutrients and BacteriaNutrients and Bacteria

FertilizersFertilizersNutrientsNutrients

Dogs, Cattle & WildlifeDogs, Cattle & WildlifeBacteriaBacteria

Image credit: Chad Edmisten, University of South Florida at St. Petersburg

Are Septic Systems a Problem? Are Septic Systems a Problem? Sources of Fecal Coliform and NutrientsSources of Fecal Coliform and Nutrients

Sewer leaks, septic systems, animals, fertilizersSewer leaks, septic systems, animals, fertilizersexpensive and difficult to trace specific sources through expensive and difficult to trace specific sources through monitoring.monitoring.

Septic systems require maintenanceSeptic systems require maintenanceHomeowners are not generally aware of proper system careHomeowners are not generally aware of proper system careManufacturers and service providers recommend pumping every Manufacturers and service providers recommend pumping every 22--3 years3 yearsEPA EPA -- Onsite systems are a viable, environmentally friendly, Onsite systems are a viable, environmentally friendly, costcost--effective, longeffective, long--term solution term solution if designed, sited, and if designed, sited, and maintained properlymaintained properly

Current local practices for Current local practices for sitingsiting septic systems has septic systems has significantly improved since 1983significantly improved since 1983

older systems may have high (undetected) failure rate. older systems may have high (undetected) failure rate.

Operational FailureOperational Failure: where the system does not : where the system does not remove wastewater from the home.remove wastewater from the home.

•• Can affect families health and quality of life Can affect families health and quality of life –– generally generally taken care of right awaytaken care of right away

Functional FailureFunctional Failure: where the system continues to : where the system continues to remove wastewater but does not properly treat the remove wastewater but does not properly treat the water prior to discharge into the environment. water prior to discharge into the environment.

•• Can affect communities health and water quality Can affect communities health and water quality ––generally goes unnoticed by homeownergenerally goes unnoticed by homeowner

Hard to document functional failure:Hard to document functional failure: waste from waste from septics do not glow in the dark septics do not glow in the dark

•• Currently onus on agencies to document failuresCurrently onus on agencies to document failures•• Monitoring and analyses are expensiveMonitoring and analyses are expensive

OnOn--site systems can experience site systems can experience two types of failure:two types of failure:

Project in Hendry Creek WatershedProject in Hendry Creek Watershed

Funding from Funding from South Florida WaterSouth Florida WaterManagement Management DistrictDistrictWhere is Where is Hendry Creek?Hendry Creek?Why is it a priority?Why is it a priority?

Fecal Coliform ImpairmentFecal Coliform Impairment

Monthly average greater Monthly average greater than 200than 200

Based on 10 samples over Based on 10 samples over 30 days30 days

10% of the samples 10% of the samples exceeding 400exceeding 400

Any one sample Any one sample exceeding 800exceeding 800

All >800 at least one dayAll >800 at least one day

Hendry11, Hendry30, Ispark01Hendry11, Hendry30, Ispark01>400 in >10% of samples>400 in >10% of samples

Ispark01 Ispark01 -- package plantpackage plantSince 2005 Since 2005 –– 55% >40055% >400

Hendry30 Hendry30 -- septic/ sewerseptic/ sewerSince 2005 Since 2005 –– 22% >40022% >400

Hendry11 Hendry11 –– sewer/package sewer/package plantsplants

Since 2005 Since 2005 –– 14% >40014% >400

HENDGR30

0400

8001200

16002000

2400

3/12

/96

3/12

/97

3/12

/98

3/12

/99

3/12

/00

3/12

/01

3/12

/02

3/12

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3/12

/04

3/12

/05

3/12

/06

3/12

/07

DATE

Feca

l Col

iform

C

olon

ies/

100m

L

HENDGR30

0

400

800

1200

1600

2000

2400

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Month

Feca

l Col

iform

C

olon

ies/

100m

L

•• HENDGR30 HENDGR30 consistently consistently shows elevated shows elevated coliformscoliforms

••Lakes Park control Lakes Park control structure that does structure that does NOT show elevated NOT show elevated coliformscoliforms

•• Sites downstream Sites downstream of this site do not of this site do not show elevated show elevated coliformscoliforms

•• Source of fecal Source of fecal coliform is coliform is somewhere somewhere between the Lakes between the Lakes Park structure and Park structure and HendGr30HendGr30

Homeowner Education Pilot Study: Homeowner Education Pilot Study: Incentive Incentive FREEFREE pumppump--out and inspectionout and inspection

Targeted Cypress Lake Tracts & County Club Targeted Cypress Lake Tracts & County Club Estates U.2A communitiesEstates U.2A communities~ 60 homes targeted with initial survey ~ 60 homes targeted with initial survey

20% response rate20% response rate

DoorDoor--toto--door flyer distribution ~ 40 homesdoor flyer distribution ~ 40 homes2 attendees at educational meeting2 attendees at educational meeting

Reminder mailer for second meetingReminder mailer for second meeting2 attendees2 attendees

Final mailer of educational materials & survey Final mailer of educational materials & survey

What did we learn?What did we learn?Homeowner education is a challengeHomeowner education is a challenge

Too busy to attend workshopsToo busy to attend workshopsThey are concerned about the consequencesThey are concerned about the consequences•• Agency trying to find proof septics are failing to Agency trying to find proof septics are failing to

force us to sewer.force us to sewer.•• How can septics possibly be working if the water How can septics possibly be working if the water

table is so high?table is so high?•• If the system is not working how will we pay for it to If the system is not working how will we pay for it to

be fixed?be fixed?•• Eventually we will have to go on sewer so why fix Eventually we will have to go on sewer so why fix

it? Doubleit? Double--whammywhammy•• If it is not backing up, it is working right?If it is not backing up, it is working right?

Are the current state/county standards for Are the current state/county standards for septic system septic system sitingsiting, design and maintenance , design and maintenance adequate for protecting public health and adequate for protecting public health and environmental health? If not what could be environmental health? If not what could be done locally to improve these standards?done locally to improve these standards?

Participants generally agreed that a comprehensive Participants generally agreed that a comprehensive mandatory maintenance program would be beneficial, mandatory maintenance program would be beneficial, keeping in mind the following critical aspects;keeping in mind the following critical aspects;

FundingFundingIncreased disposal of Increased disposal of septageseptage/use of a commodity/use of a commodityEnforcement and EducationEnforcement and EducationMechanism of intergovernmental coordinationMechanism of intergovernmental coordinationContinued research to ensure proper Continued research to ensure proper sitingsiting –– especially in regards especially in regards to wetlands and sea level riseto wetlands and sea level rise

Are septic systems installed prior to Are septic systems installed prior to todaytoday’’s standards able to perform s standards able to perform adequately for protecting public and adequately for protecting public and environmental health? What can be done environmental health? What can be done to enable upgrades to current standards?to enable upgrades to current standards?In general preIn general pre--1983 systems are not meeting 1983 systems are not meeting todaytoday’’s standards, and generally these older s standards, and generally these older systems should be upgraded.systems should be upgraded.

Point of Sale Inspection Point of Sale Inspection Part of comprehensive, integrated management programPart of comprehensive, integrated management programIn some cases central sewer may be most costIn some cases central sewer may be most cost--effective such effective such as San Carlos Parkas San Carlos ParkNeed political will resultant of community interest; education Need political will resultant of community interest; education and community involvement is keyand community involvement is keyShould include this as part of BMAP for Should include this as part of BMAP for TMDLsTMDLs. Monitoring . Monitoring can be part of BMAPcan be part of BMAP

How do Septic systems How do Septic systems measure up to Sewer?measure up to Sewer?

Philippi Creek Septic System Philippi Creek Septic System Replacement ProgramReplacement Program

Sarasota County, FLSarasota County, FLIn late 1990s FDEP found the creek impaired for In late 1990s FDEP found the creek impaired for nutrients and bacterianutrients and bacteriaOlder, established community built in 1950sOlder, established community built in 1950s--1980s 1980s (before DOH)(before DOH)density averaging 0.25 acre lots density averaging 0.25 acre lots Program retrofitting ~Program retrofitting ~15,000 septics15,000 septics16 areas 16 areas Started construction of project in 2001Started construction of project in 2001

Expect to finish Expect to finish no earlierno earlier thanthan 20152015

Philippi Creek Septic System Philippi Creek Septic System Replacement ProgramReplacement Program

County subsidizing cost to homeowners County subsidizing cost to homeowners by obtaining grants and using surtaxby obtaining grants and using surtaxCosts: $8,000Costs: $8,000--$13,000 per connection$13,000 per connection

Actual cost to homeowners: $5,000Actual cost to homeowners: $5,000--$6,000$6,000Total Cost of program: Total Cost of program: $150 million!!!$150 million!!!

Not including transmission and treatment Not including transmission and treatment plant costsplant costsPumps to bring some individual houses to Pumps to bring some individual houses to grade estimated lifespan 5 yearsgrade estimated lifespan 5 years

>60,000 additional septics in the County>60,000 additional septics in the County

Other ExamplesOther ExamplesEnglewood Water District:Englewood Water District:

Cost/benefit analysisCost/benefit analysisLower density (.5 acre lots)Lower density (.5 acre lots)Less established neighborhood/new Less established neighborhood/new constructionconstructionAverage cost: $5,000Average cost: $5,000--$8,000$8,000

Charlotte CountyCharlotte CountyHomeowner assessed cost of connection, Homeowner assessed cost of connection, transmissiontransmission——avg. cost >$10,000avg. cost >$10,000

Which is better financially?Which is better financially?

Sewer Sewer Assessment and connection fees~ $10,000Assessment and connection fees~ $10,000•• in some cases + interestin some cases + interestMonthly utility $13.35 Monthly utility $13.35 •• Fixed rate with regular increasesFixed rate with regular increases

Annually $160Annually $160Septic Septic

New System ~ $8,000 and upNew System ~ $8,000 and upTriTri--annual service ~ $300annual service ~ $300

Human Health & Environmental Human Health & Environmental ConcernsConcerns

SewerSewerLarge accumulation of wasteLarge accumulation of wastePoint source pollutionPoint source pollution•• Where does it discharge? Where to dispose of residuals? Where does it discharge? Where to dispose of residuals? Underground Seepage (unknown) Underground Seepage (unknown) •• (Pinkham et al. 2004 cites water level in Charlotte County, FL s(Pinkham et al. 2004 cites water level in Charlotte County, FL sewers ewers

in some instances rise and fall with tide)in some instances rise and fall with tide)Harm from malfunction can be Large!Harm from malfunction can be Large!•• EPA estimates 40,000 sanitary sewer overflows (EPA estimates 40,000 sanitary sewer overflows (SSOsSSOs) every year) every year

High rainfall, power failures, failing pumps, faulty connectionsHigh rainfall, power failures, failing pumps, faulty connections•• >4,024,000 L from >4,024,000 L from WWTPsWWTPs in Peace River after hurricanes Charley, in Peace River after hurricanes Charley,

Frances and Jeanne (Mallin and Corbett 2006)Frances and Jeanne (Mallin and Corbett 2006)•• Biscayne Bay after Hurricane Andrew Biscayne Bay after Hurricane Andrew ((TilmantTilmant et al. 1994)et al. 1994)•• Typical septic tank 1,000 gallonsTypical septic tank 1,000 gallons

Human Health & Environmental Human Health & Environmental ConcernsConcerns

SepticSepticIn Florida, 74% of soils have In Florida, 74% of soils have severe or very severe severe or very severe limitations for conventional limitations for conventional system designs, based on system designs, based on USDA NRCS criteria (Florida USDA NRCS criteria (Florida HRS 1993)HRS 1993)Example: USDA NRCS rates Example: USDA NRCS rates most of Charlotte County soils most of Charlotte County soils as as ““severesevere”” for septic tank for septic tank usages due to usages due to pondingponding, , percspercsslowly and high water table; slowly and high water table; soils typical for this area (CHEC soils typical for this area (CHEC 20032003--study funded by CHNEP study funded by CHNEP to look at OSTDS impacts in to look at OSTDS impacts in Peace & Myakka Rivers)Peace & Myakka Rivers)

Other issuesOther issuesSewerSewer

Centralized systems are unaffordable for many small or Centralized systems are unaffordable for many small or poorer communitiespoorer communities

•• conventional wastewater treatment facilityconventional wastewater treatment facility--not counting sewersnot counting sewers--cost to community:cost to community:

<1,000 people approx. $15<1,000 people approx. $15--$20k per connection$20k per connection>10,000 people approx. $6,000 per connection (English et al. 199>10,000 people approx. $6,000 per connection (English et al. 1999)9)

•• Tax base could be used for other programs, infrastructure needs Tax base could be used for other programs, infrastructure needs or investmentsor investments

Systems can be overbuilt via development projections Systems can be overbuilt via development projections resulting in debt to community (e.g., Hillsborough, FL) resulting in debt to community (e.g., Hillsborough, FL) Alter hydrology (wet weather sewer overflows in some Alter hydrology (wet weather sewer overflows in some areas; water drained away in others)areas; water drained away in others)Backlog of deferred maintenance and upgradesBacklog of deferred maintenance and upgrades

The Pros & ConsThe Pros & Cons……Septic ProsSeptic Pros

Less CostlyLess CostlyLess InfrastructureLess InfrastructureLocalized small failuresLocalized small failuresLong lasting Long lasting when when

maintainedmaintainedGroundwater rechargeGroundwater recharge

Traditional Septic ConsTraditional Septic ConsUnmanaged Unmanaged Requires spaceRequires spaceRequires proper Requires proper sitingsitingFailures may go Failures may go

unrecognizedunrecognizedHomeowners often are not Homeowners often are not familiar with proper carefamiliar with proper care

Sewer ProsSewer ProsManaged treatmentManaged treatmentHigher Density DevelopmentHigher Density DevelopmentProblems are easier to track Problems are easier to track -- Point SourcePoint SourceRelies less on homeowner careRelies less on homeowner care

Sewer ConsSewer ConsCostly initial; prohibitive to Costly initial; prohibitive to smaller/poorer communitiessmaller/poorer communitiesUse Use govtgovt tax base that could be used tax base that could be used elsewhereelsewhereLots of infrastructure Lots of infrastructure –– requires easementsrequires easementsMaintenance & replacement requires Maintenance & replacement requires

disruption to communitydisruption to communityFailures can be hugeFailures can be huge

WWTP WWTP sitingsiting can be controversial can be controversial (NIMBY) (NIMBY) Where do residuals go?Where do residuals go?

The Alternative OptionThe Alternative OptionManaged OSTDS SystemsManaged OSTDS Systems

Failures are detected and remedied through regular Failures are detected and remedied through regular inspections and service, or as a result of inspections and service, or as a result of homeowner education.homeowner education.

•• Human health risks are greatly reducedHuman health risks are greatly reduced•• Water Quality and environment are protectedWater Quality and environment are protected•• Costs Costs

Dependent on management strategy and equipmentDependent on management strategy and equipmentMaintenance is cheaper than replacementMaintenance is cheaper than replacement

Poor Poor managementmanagement of onsite, cluster and of onsite, cluster and small treatment plants has been a driver small treatment plants has been a driver for centralizing or regionalizing physical for centralizing or regionalizing physical

wastewater infrastructure for yearswastewater infrastructure for years

““The problems with decentralized and small The problems with decentralized and small treatment plants are not intrinsic to their treatment plants are not intrinsic to their physical scale, rather they reflect physical scale, rather they reflect inadequate technical, financial and inadequate technical, financial and managerial capabilities of their owners or managerial capabilities of their owners or managers, problems that can be addressed managers, problems that can be addressed with appropriate institutional mechanismswith appropriate institutional mechanisms””

Do we need management of Do we need management of OSTDS?OSTDS?

Estimated 114,800 septic systems in Lee CountyEstimated 114,800 septic systems in Lee County8,675 new systems in 20068,675 new systems in 2006

75,000 in Sarasota County 75,000 in Sarasota County 50,000 in Charlotte County50,000 in Charlotte CountyPrePre--1983 systems are not properly sited1983 systems are not properly sitedHomeowners with little understanding of proper Homeowners with little understanding of proper maintenancemaintenanceSensitive EnvironmentSensitive EnvironmentIncreasing NutrientsIncreasing Nutrients--demonstrated by algae demonstrated by algae blooms and DO crashesblooms and DO crashesElevated Fecal ColiformElevated Fecal Coliform--demonstrated by demonstrated by shellfish and beach closuresshellfish and beach closures

OSTDS Management OSTDS Management Incorporates plans for futureIncorporates plans for futureProtects public health & water resources by ensuring Protects public health & water resources by ensuring pollutants are adequately treated pollutants are adequately treated Protection of homeownerProtection of homeowner’’s investment in property and ability s investment in property and ability to build home equityto build home equityProtection of a communityProtection of a community’’s images imageHelps with groundwater rechargeHelps with groundwater rechargeCost savings over the life of a system, alleviating the need forCost savings over the life of a system, alleviating the need forpremature system replacementpremature system replacementElimination of need to use communityElimination of need to use community’’s tax base to finance s tax base to finance communitycommunity--wide wastewater infrastructurewide wastewater infrastructureCan play a part in watershed management and nutrient Can play a part in watershed management and nutrient reductions (e.g., BMAP) reductions (e.g., BMAP)

EPA on OSTDS Management to EPA on OSTDS Management to Congress in 1997Congress in 1997

““adequately managed decentralized adequately managed decentralized wastewater treatment systems can be a costwastewater treatment systems can be a cost--effective and longeffective and long--term option for meeting term option for meeting public health and water quality goals, public health and water quality goals, particularly for small towns and rural areasparticularly for small towns and rural areas””

Successful programs have site evaluation, Successful programs have site evaluation, inspection and monitoring processes to ensure inspection and monitoring processes to ensure regulations are followedregulations are followed

EPA Voluntary National Guidelines EPA Voluntary National Guidelines for Management of Onsite & for Management of Onsite &

Clustered Wastewater Treatment Clustered Wastewater Treatment Systems Systems

Prescriptive versus presumptive criteriaPrescriptive versus presumptive criteria5 Management Models 5 Management Models Variable levels of involvement by homeowners, Variable levels of involvement by homeowners, maintenance providers, and regulatory agenciesmaintenance providers, and regulatory agenciesLevel of environment and public health Level of environment and public health protection increases with each level protection increases with each level Communities pick and choose components of Communities pick and choose components of each model to suit individual needs each model to suit individual needs

Model 1: Homeowner Model 1: Homeowner AwarenessAwareness

ObjectivesObjectivesEnsure that conventional onsite systems are Ensure that conventional onsite systems are sited and constructed properly.sited and constructed properly.Ensure that systems are periodically inspected Ensure that systems are periodically inspected and repaired when necessary by the owner.and repaired when necessary by the owner.Maintain records of location of all systems.Maintain records of location of all systems.Provide Owner/User with notices regarding Provide Owner/User with notices regarding operation and preventative maintenance. operation and preventative maintenance.

Prescribed Criteria for Systems Prescribed Criteria for Systems Homeowner EducationHomeowner EducationInventory of SystemsInventory of SystemsReminders of Maintenance NeedsReminders of Maintenance NeedsNO Compliance requiredNO Compliance required

Model 1: Homeowner Model 1: Homeowner AwarenessAwareness

Model 2: Maintenance Model 2: Maintenance ContractsContracts

ObjectivesObjectivesAllow use of more complex mechanical Allow use of more complex mechanical treatment options or small clusterstreatment options or small clustersRequire maintenance contracts between owner Require maintenance contracts between owner and maintenance providerand maintenance providerEnsures appropriate onEnsures appropriate on--time maintenance by time maintenance by qualified professionalsqualified professionals

Inventory of SystemsInventory of SystemsService ContractsService ContractsService Contract Tracking SystemService Contract Tracking SystemNO built in compliance enforcement NO built in compliance enforcement mechanismmechanism

Model 2: Maintenance Model 2: Maintenance ContractsContracts

Model 3: Operating PermitsModel 3: Operating Permits

ObjectivesObjectivesRenewable/revocable operating permits issued Renewable/revocable operating permits issued to system owners.to system owners.Require performance measures, maintenance Require performance measures, maintenance and submittal of reportsand submittal of reportsPerformance criteria are set based upon Performance criteria are set based upon environmental and health considerations.environmental and health considerations.Allow variable designs of cluster and onAllow variable designs of cluster and on--site site systemssystems

Inventory of SystemsInventory of SystemsTracking SystemTracking SystemPerformance and Monitoring CriteriaPerformance and Monitoring CriteriaRevocable/Renewable PermitRevocable/Renewable PermitCompliance is EnforceableCompliance is Enforceable

In effect for commercial and advanced treatment In effect for commercial and advanced treatment systems in Floridasystems in Florida

Minimum model recommended by EPA for Minimum model recommended by EPA for environmentally sensitive areas (e.g. sites with poor environmentally sensitive areas (e.g. sites with poor soils, high seasonal water tables, high densities of soils, high seasonal water tables, high densities of existing systems, near surface waters or in existing systems, near surface waters or in floodplains)floodplains)

Model 3: Operating PermitsModel 3: Operating Permits

Model 4: RME Operation & Model 4: RME Operation & MaintenanceMaintenance

ObjectiveObjectiveMaintenance and Operations are performed by Maintenance and Operations are performed by a Responsible Management Entity (RME)a Responsible Management Entity (RME)•• Must be bonded, but can be public or private Must be bonded, but can be public or private

Ensures consistent performance and Ensures consistent performance and maintenance of onmaintenance of on--site systemssite systems

Model 5: RME OwnershipModel 5: RME Ownership

ObjectiveObjectiveResponsible Management Entities own, operate Responsible Management Entities own, operate and maintain individual and cluster systems and maintain individual and cluster systems within specified service area.within specified service area.

Provides greatest level of protection to the Provides greatest level of protection to the homeowner and to the environmenthomeowner and to the environment

Similar to central sewer managementSimilar to central sewer management

Case StudiesCase Studies

8 Case Studies8 Case StudiesEconomic analysis of Economic analysis of a hypothetical a hypothetical communitycommunity

Mobile, Alabama Mobile, Alabama (Mobile County pop. 400,000)(Mobile County pop. 400,000)

ProblemProblem--suburban growth, sewer capacity, suburban growth, sewer capacity, aging sewer linesaging sewer linesSolutionsSolutions

Cluster systems Cluster systems –– largest planned serves over 1,000 largest planned serves over 1,000 homes (240,000 GPD)homes (240,000 GPD)Mobile Area Water and Sewer System operates and Mobile Area Water and Sewer System operates and maintains onsite systemsmaintains onsite systemsOperation and Maintenance contract with Operation and Maintenance contract with homeownershomeownersHomeowners pay monthly feeHomeowners pay monthly fee

Mobile, AlabamaMobile, Alabama

ResultsResultsCostCost--effective for developing areas effective for developing areas No new impacts to aging sewer systemNo new impacts to aging sewer systemEnvironmentally protective with higher Environmentally protective with higher

treatment levels than conventional systemstreatment levels than conventional systemsViewed positively by developers and Viewed positively by developers and

homeownershomeowners

Charlotte County, FLCharlotte County, FL(pop. 140,000 in 2000)(pop. 140,000 in 2000)

Problem Problem –– abundance of relatively small abundance of relatively small lots in areas with high water table and lots in areas with high water table and poor soil conditionspoor soil conditions

1988 State rejected county1988 State rejected county’’s comprehensive s comprehensive plan plan --> water and sewer study > water and sewer study Proposed sewer expansion to all service Proposed sewer expansion to all service areas met extreme opposition due to cost and areas met extreme opposition due to cost and unsubstantiated need unsubstantiated need

Charlotte County, FLCharlotte County, FLSolutionsSolutions

Revised Comprehensive Plan in 1997Revised Comprehensive Plan in 1997MiniMini--expansions of sewer serviceexpansions of sewer serviceRequire aerobic systems on small lots and lots Require aerobic systems on small lots and lots near surface water, or density reduction through near surface water, or density reduction through purchase of double lots with conservation purchase of double lots with conservation easement easement –– taxed for single lottaxed for single lotPlanned to develop septic system management Planned to develop septic system management planplanPlanned to develop water quality monitoring Planned to develop water quality monitoring programprogramCounty Ordinance approved Oct 6, 1998.County Ordinance approved Oct 6, 1998.

Charlotte County, FLCharlotte County, FL

ResultsResultsSmall scale sewer expansion targets areas Small scale sewer expansion targets areas where it is cost effectivewhere it is cost effectiveOrdinance originally met opposition, but is Ordinance originally met opposition, but is now more accepted by builders and realtors.now more accepted by builders and realtors.County Health Department is beginning a County Health Department is beginning a targeted water quality monitoring program targeted water quality monitoring program Septic systems have been mapped and Septic systems have been mapped and details cataloged in a GIS database. details cataloged in a GIS database.

Lake Elmo, MN Lake Elmo, MN (rural ~ 2.5 acres/DU)(rural ~ 2.5 acres/DU)

Problem Problem -- Large lot size with onsite systems did Large lot size with onsite systems did not allow for community feelnot allow for community feelSolutionsSolutions

Rejected idea of sewer Rejected idea of sewer –– did not want increased did not want increased developmentdevelopmentallow cluster systems to serve communities with allow cluster systems to serve communities with 50% of 50% of buildablebuildable space in permanent preservationspace in permanent preservationRequire operation, maintenance, and monitoring Require operation, maintenance, and monitoring plan from HOAplan from HOAMandatory 2yr pumpMandatory 2yr pump--out for all onsite systemsout for all onsite systemsSends reminders and tracks complianceSends reminders and tracks compliance

Lake Elmo, MNLake Elmo, MN

ResultsResultsDevelopers feel clustering offers design Developers feel clustering offers design advantagesadvantagesClusters relieve homeowners of maintenance Clusters relieve homeowners of maintenance responsibilityresponsibilityMetropolitan Council rejected Lake ElmoMetropolitan Council rejected Lake Elmo’’s s plan to keep growth minimized through plan to keep growth minimized through rejection of sewer plan rejection of sewer plan litigationlitigation

Point of Sale InspectionsPoint of Sale InspectionsMassachusettsMassachusettsNew MexicoNew MexicoMinnesotaMinnesotaArizonaArizonaSedgwick County, KSSedgwick County, KSWashtenaw County, MIWashtenaw County, MIJefferson County, COJefferson County, COBoulder County, CO Boulder County, CO –– proposedproposed

Boulder County, COBoulder County, CO““Tackling an issue before it becomes a serious Tackling an issue before it becomes a serious

health problem is smarthealth problem is smart…”…”

Proposed StrategiesProposed Strategiesproperty transfer regulation property transfer regulation outreach to properties without final permit outreach to properties without final permit approval and to highapproval and to high--risk areas risk areas deadline under which all systems must be deadline under which all systems must be approvedapproved

Public Input PhasePublic Input PhaseWebsite Launched Website Launched www.septicsmart.orgwww.septicsmart.org

““Insights into Community Onsite Insights into Community Onsite Management Systems: A National Management Systems: A National

OverviewOverview””Survey results of 60 communities with Survey results of 60 communities with onsite management systemsonsite management systems““Years ago, before we started a Years ago, before we started a management program, we had a 30 management program, we had a 30 percent failure rate. Since we started the percent failure rate. Since we started the management program, wemanagement program, we’’ve had a 1 ve had a 1 percent failure rate.percent failure rate.””

•• Ralph Ralph HollowellHollowell, Regional Health Services, Regional Health ServicesAlbemarle, NCAlbemarle, NC

Greatest Challenge: Greatest Challenge: Obtaining Adequate FundingObtaining Adequate Funding

72% rated funding as #1 obstacle72% rated funding as #1 obstacle

Sources of fundingSources of funding•• 40% User and Other Fees40% User and Other Fees•• 24% Property and Other Taxes24% Property and Other Taxes•• 17% Operational Fees17% Operational Fees•• 12% Other funding (includes federal grants)12% Other funding (includes federal grants)•• 6% State Grants6% State Grants

Estimated costsEstimated costsProgram of 1 inspection per every 3 years of Program of 1 inspection per every 3 years of conventional systems plus record keeping and conventional systems plus record keeping and reporting annual cost ~$30 per systemreporting annual cost ~$30 per systemA robustly staffed, comprehensive program in 1 A robustly staffed, comprehensive program in 1 community (27,000 people) cost $25 per system community (27,000 people) cost $25 per system per year plus ~ $65 every 2per year plus ~ $65 every 2--12 years for system 12 years for system evaluation, depending on site conditions and evaluation, depending on site conditions and previous evaluation resultsprevious evaluation results

From From ““Valuing Decentralized Wastewater Valuing Decentralized Wastewater TechnologiesTechnologies”” by Rocky Mountain Institute for U.S. by Rocky Mountain Institute for U.S. EPA 2004EPA 2004

““Financing Your CommunityFinancing Your Community’’s s Onsite Management SystemOnsite Management System””

-- CD available from NOPD to assist CD available from NOPD to assist communities in identifying resources.communities in identifying resources.

Clean Water State Revolving FundClean Water State Revolving FundU.S. Environmental Protection U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency and State GovernmentsAgency and State Governments

State sets own policies and proceduresState sets own policies and proceduresFlorida 2007 Intended Use PlanFlorida 2007 Intended Use Plan

NonNon--point source pollution managementpoint source pollution management$300 million$300 million

ContactsContactsDon.berryhill@dep.state.fl.usDon.berryhill@dep.state.fl.usMichael.murphree@dep.state.fl.usMichael.murphree@dep.state.fl.us

Section 319 NonSection 319 Non--point Source point Source Management ProgramManagement Program

U.S. Environmental Protection U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyAgency

Must be consistent with the state NPS Must be consistent with the state NPS management planmanagement plan

Reduce nonReduce non--point source pollution in SWIM point source pollution in SWIM waterbodieswaterbodiesEmphasis on public education about pointless Emphasis on public education about pointless personal pollutionpersonal pollution

ContactContactJohn.abendroth@dep.state.fl.usJohn.abendroth@dep.state.fl.us

Community Development Block Community Development Block Grant "Small Cities" ProgramGrant "Small Cities" Program

U.S. Department of Housing and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban DevelopmentUrban Development

Facilitated through stateFacilitated through stateCan be used to Can be used to ““address urgent needs that address urgent needs that involve a serious threat to public healthinvolve a serious threat to public health””Cities <50,000Cities <50,000Counties <100,000Counties <100,000Other HUD grants may also be applicableOther HUD grants may also be applicable

Contact Contact South Florida South Florida -- Maria R. Ortiz, Director,Maria R. Ortiz, Director,Community Planning & Development Division,Community Planning & Development Division,Miami, (305) 536Miami, (305) 536--4431, ext 2223 4431, ext 2223

Solutions from other StatesSolutions from other StatesPA PA –– uses state funds to provide low interest uses state funds to provide low interest loans to homeowners for repairsloans to homeowners for repairsTX TX –– fines from pollution violations go towards fines from pollution violations go towards funding reduction programsfunding reduction programsMA MA

Tax credit for homeowners that upgrade systems to Tax credit for homeowners that upgrade systems to meet state standardsmeet state standardsCWSRF scoring procedures allows for OSTDS CWSRF scoring procedures allows for OSTDS management plans to be competitivemanagement plans to be competitive

WA WA –– allows CWSRF to fund counties with low allows CWSRF to fund counties with low interest loans that in turn provide low interest interest loans that in turn provide low interest loans to individual homeowners for repairsloans to individual homeowners for repairs

ResourcesResourcesNational Onsite Demonstration ProgramNational Onsite Demonstration Program

www.nodp.wvu.eduwww.nodp.wvu.eduNational Environmental Services SystemNational Environmental Services System

www.nesc.wvu.eduwww.nesc.wvu.eduNational Small Flows Clearing HouseNational Small Flows Clearing House

www.nsfc.wvu.eduwww.nsfc.wvu.eduU.S. Environmental Protection AgencyU.S. Environmental Protection Agency

www.epa.gov.owmwww.epa.gov.owm/septic//septic/Florida Onsite Wastewater AssociationFlorida Onsite Wastewater Association

www.fowaonsite.comwww.fowaonsite.com

RecommendationsRecommendations::Integrated, Comprehensive Management PlanIntegrated, Comprehensive Management Plan

Inventory existing treatment systems, then decide:Inventory existing treatment systems, then decide:•• Where will OSTDS be considered a permanent solution for Where will OSTDS be considered a permanent solution for

wastewater treatment? wastewater treatment? •• Where will centralized systems be constructed? Sensitive areas? Where will centralized systems be constructed? Sensitive areas? •• Regular updates as neededRegular updates as needed

ManagementManagement——How will communities with permanent How will communities with permanent decentralized systems be managed?decentralized systems be managed?

•• HomeownersHomeowners•• Community Associations, cooperativesCommunity Associations, cooperatives•• Regional Management Entity (RME)Regional Management Entity (RME)•• Local &/or State Government Local &/or State Government

How will management be funded?How will management be funded?

Prescriptive Prescriptive vsvs presumptive criteria for OSTDS presumptive criteria for OSTDS sitingsiting & design regulations& design regulations