64E-6.026. Applications for Innovative System Permits and System Construction Permits

(1) Applications for innovative system permits – Applications for innovative system permits shall be made using form DH 3143. The application and all supporting information shall be signed, dated and sealed by an engineer, licensed in the State of Florida. Except as provided for in subsection 64E-6.028(3), F.A.C., alternative drainfield materials and designs shall not be approved which would result in a reduction in drainfield size using the mineral aggregate drainfield system as described in Rule 64E-6.014, F.A.C., and the total surface area of soil at the bottom of the drainfield as the criteria for drainfield sizing comparisons. Applications shall include:

(a) A monitoring protocol designed to validate that the system will perform to the engineer’s design specifications.

(b) Compelling evidence that the system will function properly and reliably to meet the requirements of this chapter and Section 381.0065, F.S. Such compelling evidence shall include one or more of the following from a third-party testing organization approved through the NSF Environmental Technology Verification Program:

1. Side stream testing, where effluent is discharged into a system regulated pursuant to Chapter 403, F.S.

2. Testing of systems in other states with similar soils and climates.

3. Laboratory testing.

(2) Applications for system construction permits – All information required in part I for an application for system construction permit shall be included as part of the application for a performance-based treatment system. Two copies of all information shall be dated, signed and sealed by the registered engineer who designed the system, and provided to the department. Upon any change to the design, two copies of any revisions shall be provided to the department. Additional information shall include the following:

(a) System design criteria, to include performance levels for the performance-based system and monitoring requirements and monitoring locations, and method of monitoring flow through the system. Performance levels shall be indicated in the design as secondary treatment standards, advanced secondary treatment standards, or advanced wastewater treatment standards, or baseline treatment.

(b) System design calculations for the performance-based system.

(c) System design plans and drawings for the performance-based treatment system, to include all components and method of installation to be used in construction. A detailed installation drawing shall be included. The site plan required in paragraph 64E-6.004(3)(a), F.A.C., shall be drawn to scale.

(d) Where soil is used as part of the treatment system, a site plan showing the direction of groundwater movement, the locations of all effluent plume monitoring wells or devices, and the anticipated extent of the effluent plume.

(e) Contingency plan for effluent to be collected and disposed of, or treated, in the event of system failure.

(f) Certification of design. The design engineer shall certify the design of the system to meet all applicable performance standards. The certification shall be as follows: “I certify that the engineering features of this performance-based treatment system have been designed or specified by me and conform to engineering principles applicable to such projects. In my professional judgment, this system, when properly constructed, operated and maintained, will achieve the established performance standard and comply with all applicable statutes of the State of Florida and rules of the Department”.

(g) An operation and maintenance manual shall be prepared by the design engineer and provided as part of the original design.

(h) All changes to the engineering specifications shall be approved and certified by the design engineer. A copy of any changes shall be provided to the county health department for review for compliance with performance-based system standards and approval or disapproval.

(i) All changes to the operation and maintenance manual shall be approved and certified by the design engineer. A copy of any changes shall be provided to the county health department for review and approval or disapproval.

(j) A cover letter addressed to the county health department stating that the applicant wishes to apply for a performance-based treatment system.

(3) All materials incorporated herein may be obtained from the Bureau of Onsite Sewage Programs at www.MyFloridaEH.com or 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin A08, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1713.

Rulemaking Authority 381.0011(4), (13), 381.0065(3)(a) FS. Law Implemented 381.0065, 381.0067, Part I 386 FS. History–New 2-3-98, Amended 6-18-03, 11-26-06, 4-28-10.