You have to be suspicious when groups such as Associated Industries of Florida, the Florida Onsite Wastewater Association, the Florida Home Builders Association, Florida Realtors and the Coalition for Property Rights vote for a Bill that would eliminate a statewide requirement for septic tank inspections.
In 2010, SB 550 was passed requiring septic tanks to be inspected every 5 years.
HB 999 was just passed in the Economic Affairs Committee on a 14/1 vote to repeal SB 550. Instead it says that 19 counties with the 33 largest "first-magnitude" springs would be required to conduct inspections unless county commissions vote not to.
One environmental group, Audubon of Florida, approved the Bill if the requirement for inspections is expanded to include counties within the basins of first magnitude springs. Red flags were raised with other groups with reservations such as The Sierra Club, The Nature Conservancy and even The League of Cities.
The State Affairs Committee Bill, HB 115, terminates future imposition of prohibition of land application of septage from onsite sewage treatment & disposal systems. It maintains a ban starting by 2016 on the land application of septic tank waste that was included in 2010's SB 550. Audubon opposes HB 115, which would repeal the ban.
On a 14/2 vote, this Committee passed HB 115 forward because they "think" it protects the environment; they "think" it has a positive affect. Jeff Clemens, once again, and looking out for Florida's environment, voted against it. This is a typical political situation that pits the rights of property owners against the protection of our environment.
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