The proposed changes to Chapter 64E-6, Florida Administrative Code, incorporate changes in chapter 381.0065 from the 2010 and 2012 legislative session. The changes also incorporate recommendations from the septic tank industry. The proposed ...

 

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Division of Environmental Health

RULE NOS.:RULE TITLES:
64E-6.001General
64E-6.002Definitions
64E-6.003Permits
64E-6.008System Size Determinations
64E-6.010Septage and Food Establishment Sludge
64E-6.011Abandonment of Systems
64E-6.014Construction Standards for Drainfield Systems
64E-6.0181Cesspit and Undocumented System Replacement and Interim System Use
64E-6.028Location and Installation
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The proposed changes to Chapter 64E-6, Florida Administrative Code, incorporate changes in chapter 381.0065 from the 2010 and 2012 legislative session. The changes also incorporate recommendations from the septic tank industry. The proposed changes have been reviewed by the Technical Review and Advisory Panel.
SUMMARY: The proposed rules implement changes to chapter 381.0065, Florida Statutes, and incorporate other cost-saving measures recommended by the industry. The proposed changes have been reviewed and recommended by the Technical Review and Advisory Panel for onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems. The proposals address existing system reuse, definitions, system abandonment, permit expiration, performance-based treatment systems, estimated sewage flow, and septage storage facilities statewide. The proposed rules also address system repair in the Florida Keys.
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:
The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the agency.
The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: Discussions and recommendations by the Technical Review and Advisory Panel as well as industry representatives. The proposed changes result in a relaxation of previous standards or provide alternatives to the requirements in the previous standard.
Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 381.011, 381.0065, 381.0066, 489.553, 489.557 FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 381.0065, 381.00655, 381.066, 381.0067, 386.041, 489.553, 489.557 FS.
A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:
DATE AND TIME: March 7, 2013, 1:00 p.m.
PLACE: Bureau of Environmental Health, Conference Room 130L, Capital Circle Office Center, 4025 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee, Florida
Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 7 days before the workshop/meeting by contacting: Gerald Briggs, Environmental Administrator, Water and Onsite Sewage Programs, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #A08, Tallahassee, Florida, 32399-1710. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800)955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800)955-8770 (Voice).
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Gerald Briggs, Environmental Administrator, Water and Onsite Sewage Programs, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #A08, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1710

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

64E-6.001 General.

(1) through (3) No change.

(4) Except as provided for in Section 381.00655, F.S., any existing and prior approved system which has been placed into use and which remains in satisfactory operating condition shall remain valid for use under the terms of the rule and permit under which it was approved. Alterations that change the conditions under which the system was permitted and approved, sewage characteristics or increase sewage flow will require that the owner, or their authorized representative, apply for and receive reapproval of the system by the DOH county health department, prior to any alteration of the structure, or system. If an applicant requests that the department consider the previous structure’s or establishment’s most recent approved occupancy, the applicant must provide written documentation that the onsite sewage treatment and disposal system was approved by the department for that previous occupancy.

(a) An applicant will be required to complete Form DH 4015, 08/09, Application for Construction Permit, herein incorporated by reference, and provide a site plan in accordance with paragraph 64E-6.004(3)(a), F.A.C., to provide information of the site conditions under which the system is currently in use and conditions under which it will be used.

(b)The applicant shall have all system tanks pumped by a permitted septage disposal service. A registered septic tank contractor, state-licensed plumber, person certified under Section 381.0101, F.S., or master septic tank contractor shall determine the tank volume and shall perform a visual inspection of the tank when the tank is empty to detect any observable defects or leaks in the tank. The tank volume shall be obtained from the tank legend or shall be calculated from measured internal tank dimensions for length, width and depth to the liquid level line or from the measured outside dimensions for length and width minus the wall thickness and depth to the liquid level line. For odd shaped tanks and tanks without a legend, metered water flows from the refilling of the tank may be used in lieu of measured inside or outside tank dimensions. The person performing the inspection shall submit the results to the DOH county health department as part of the application using page 4 of Form DH 4015.

(c) If a prior approved existing system has been approved by the DOH county health department within the preceding five three years, and the system was determined to be in satisfactory operating condition at that time, a new inspection is not required unless there is a record of failure of the system. If it is determined that a new inspection is not required, only the application fee shall be charged for this application and approval. A commercial system out of service for more than one year shall be brought into full compliance with current requirements of this chapter prior to the system being placed into service.

(d) If the use of a building is changed or if additions or alterations to a building are made which will increase domestic sewage flow, change sewage characteristics, or compromise the integrity or function of the system, the onsite sewage treatment and disposal system serving such building shall be brought into full compliance with the provisions and requirements of these rules.

1. Proper well setbacks shall be maintained.

2. Prior to any modification of the system, the owner shall apply for and obtain a permit for modification of the system from the county health department in accordance with Rule 64E-6.004, F.A.C. The permit shall be valid for 18 months from the date of issue. Where building construction has commenced, it shall be valid for an additional 90 days.

3. Necessary site investigations and tests shall be performed at the expense of the owner by either an engineer with soils training who is licensed in the state of Florida pursuant to Chapter 471, F.S., registered septic tank contractors, master septic tank contractors, or persons certified under Section 381.0101, F.S., or department personnel for the appropriate fee specified in Section 381.0066, F.S.

(e)(a) For residences, flows shall be calculated using new system criteria for bedrooms and building area, including existing structures and any proposed additions. Table I and footnotes shall apply. For example, a current three bedroom, 1300 square foot home would be able to add building area to have a total of 2250 square feet of building area with no change in their approved system, provided no additional bedrooms are added. No part of the existing structure, or the addition to the structure shall be allowed to cover any part of the system. Non-load bearing structures, such as a concrete patio floor, are allowed to cover the septic tank, provided that access to the tank is provided for maintenance. The structure above the septic tank shall have a minimum opening of 225 square inches at each end of the septic tank for access into the tank. The structure shall not be in direct contact with the tank. A barrier of soil or plastic shall be used between the tank and non-load bearing structure. A modification, replacement, or upgrade of an onsite sewage treatment and disposal system is not required for a remodeling addition if a bedroom is not added. For those residences that add sewage flow, the system shall be required to be altered to meet the following criteria:

1. The septic tank need not be replaced if it is structurally sound and is within one tank size of the required specifications found in Table II, for the proposed structure. An approved outlet filter shall be installed if one is currently not in place. If existing tanks are not within one tank size of the required specifications found in Table II, for the proposed structure, they shall be replaced or supplemented to meet current sizing requirements.  If a new tank is installed in series, the resulting configuration must meet the sizing requirements for tanks-in-series in 64E-6.013.

2. through 3. No change.

4. Any system where the tank needs to be replaced or is replaced as part of a system upgrade shall be brought into full compliance with all new system specifications.

(f)(b) For commercial establishments, the system shall not be required to be altered if domestic sewage flow is not expected to increase by more than 20% of original design flow or require more than one tank size adjustment. A department approved outlet filter device shall be installed. Any commercial system where the tank needs to be replaced shall be brought into full compliance with all new system specifications.   Any system which is used to treat and dispose of commercial wastewater shall be brought into full compliance with the provisions and requirements of current rules when there is any increase in sewage flow or increase in waste strength.

(g)(c) These requirements do not authorize a residence or establishment to exceed the lot flow allowances authorized under paragraph 64E-6.005(7)(c), F.A.C. Establishments that currently exceed lot flow allowances shall not be allowed to increase sewage flow.

(d) Any system which is used to treat and dispose of commercial wastewater shall be brought into full compliance with the provisions and requirements of current rules when any change in sewage flow or characteristics is made.

(e) Repair of the system to repair system standards shall not alter the standards found in this subsection for existing system use or modification.

(h)(f) The installation of a laundry system, a gray water system, a grease interceptor, or additional drainfield as a precautionary measure to prolong system functioning of an existing system is considered a modification to the system. Such installation is not a modification if it is associated with an increase in estimated sewage flow or change in sewage characteristics, if the system is in failure or if the existing system is in non-compliance with the terms of the original permit, in which case it will be considered a new system.

(g) Where the current structure exceeds the design capacity of the existing system, the system shall not be allowed for use with any addition.

(i) If an existing system is disconnected from a structure that was made unusable or destroyed following a disaster, the system may be reconnected to a rebuilt structure per the provisions of s. 381.0065(4)(y).

(5) through (6) No change

(7) All materials incorporated herein may be obtained from the Bureau of Environmental Health Onsite Sewage Programs at www.MyFloridaEH.com or 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin A08, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1710.

Rulemaking Authority 381.0065(3)(a), 489.553(3), 489.557(1) FS. Law Implemented 381.0065, 381.0067, 386.041, 489.553 FS. History–New 12-22-82, Amended 2-5-85, Formerly 10D-6.41, Amended 3-17-92, 1-3-95, 5-14-96, 2-13-97, Formerly 10D-6.041, Amended 11-19-97, 2-3-98, 3-22-00, 9-5-00, 5-24-04, 11-26-06, 6-25-09, 4-28-10,              _________.

 

64E-6.002 Definitions.

For the purposes of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings indicated:

(1) through (10) No change.

(11) Bedroom – as defined by Section 381.0065(2), F.S. a room designed primarily for sleeping or a room which is expected to routinely provide sleeping accommodations for occupants.

(12) through (23) No change.

(24) Filled System – a drainfield system where a portion, but not all, of the drainfield sidewalls are located at an elevation above the elevations of undisturbed native soil on the site (see Figure 1).

FILLED TRENCH DRAINFIELD SYSTEM

 

12” MIN.

 

 

UNDISTURBED

12”NATIVE SOILS

 

 

UP TO 36”

24”

 

42”

======================

WET SEASON WATER TABLE

###################

UNSUITABLE SOILS

 

FIGURE 1

(25) through (36) No change.

(37) Mound system – a drainfield constructed at a prescribed elevation in a prepared area of fill material. All drainfields where any part of the bottom surface of the drainfield is located at or above the elevation of undisturbed native soil in the drainfield area is a mound system (see Figure 2).

 

MOUND TRENCH DRAINFIELD SYSTEM

 

12” MIN.

 

 

 

12”

 

UNDISTURBED

UP TO 36”NATIVE SOILS

24”

 

42”

======================

WET SEASON WATER TABLE

 

##################

UNSUITABLE SOILS

FIGURE 2

(38) through (50) No change.

(51) Standard subsurface drainfield system – an onsite sewage treatment and disposal system drainfield consisting of a distribution box or header pipe and a drain trench or absorption bed with all portions of the drainfield sidewalls installed below the elevation of undisturbed native soil (see Figure 3).

STANDARD TRENCH DRAINFIELD SYSTEM

 

12” MIN.UNDISTURBED

NATIVE SOIL

 

 

12”

 

 

UP TO 36”

24”

 

 

======================

WET SEASON WATER TABLE

 

##################

UNSUITABLE SOILS

 

FIGURE 3

(52) through (59) No change.

Rulemaking Authority 381.0011(4), (13), 381.0065(3)(a) FS. Law Implemented 381.0065, 381.00655 FS. History–New 12-22-82, Amended 2-5-85, Formerly 10D-6.42, Amended 3-17-92, 1-3-95, Formerly 10D-6.042, Amended 11-19-97, 3-22-00, 11-26-06,_________.

 

64E-6.003 Permits.

(1) through (5) No change.

(6) Expired Permits - Any new construction, repair, or modification permit issued by the department with an expiration date of September 1, 2008, through December 31, 2009, that has received construction approval within the previous five years but has not received final approval may be approved provided all of the following conditions are met:

(a) The applicant or agent provides a written statement that there have been no changes in application or site conditions from the original permit.  The statement must specifically address any changes on adjacent lots.  If there are any changes a site re-evaluation is required.

(b) A site re-evaluation confirms that site conditions have not changed sufficiently to place the system in violation of the rules under which it was permitted and received construction approval.

(c)(b) Fees for a new construction permit and the research/training surcharge are paid.  A site re-evaluation fee is paid, if applicable.  A new permit shall be issued under the rules under which the original permit was issued.

(d) (c) A final system inspection is performed showing compliance with all rules under which the construction approval was granted.  If applicable, a system re-inspection fee is paid. 

(7) No change.

Rulemaking Authority 381.0065(3)(a), 489.553(3), 489.557(1) FS. Law Implemented 381.0065, 381.0067, 386.041 FS. History–New 12-22-82, Amended 2-5-85, Formerly 10D-6.43, Amended 3-17-92, 1-3-95, 5-14-96, 2-13-97, Formerly 10D-6.043, Amended 3-22-00, 4-21-02, 5-24-04, 11-26-06, 6-25-09, 4-1-10, 4-28-10,__________.

 

64E-6.008 System Size Determinations.

(1) Minimum design flows for systems serving any structure, building or group of buildings shall be based on the estimated daily sewage flow as determined from Table I or the following:

(a) through (b) No change.

TABLE I For System Design ESTIMATED SEWAGE FLOWS
TYPE OF	GALLONS
ESTABLISHMENT	PER DAY
RESIDENTIAL:
Residences
(a) Single or multiple family per dwelling
Unit
1 Bedroom with 750 sq. ft. or less of building area……………………………………………………….	100
2 Bedrooms with 751-1200 sq. ft. of building area……………………………………………………….	200
3 Bedrooms with 1201-2250 sq. ft. of building area……………………………………………………...	300
4 Bedrooms with 2251-3300 sq. ft. of building area……………………………………………………...	400
For each additional bedroom or each additional 750 square feet of building area or fraction thereof in a dwelling unit, system sizing shall be increased by 60 100 gallons per dwelling unit.
(b) Other per occupant…………………………………………………………………………………….	50

Footnotes to Table I:

1. through 6. No change.

(2) through (6) No change.

Rulemaking Authority 381.0065(3)(a) FS. Law Implemented 381.0065 FS. History–New 12-22-82, Amended 2-5-85, Formerly 10D-6.48, Amended 3-17-92, 1-3-95, Formerly 10D-6.048, Amended 11-19-97, 3-22-00, 9-5-00, 11-26-06, 6-25-09,________.

 

64E-6.010 Septage and Food Establishment Sludge.

(1) No change.

(2) Application for a service permit shall be made to the DOH county health department on Form DH 4012, 01/92, “Application for Septage Disposal Service Permit, Temporary System Service Permit, Septage Treatment and Disposal Facility, Septic Tank Manufacturing Approval” herein incorporated by reference. The following must be provided for the evaluation prior to issuance of a service permit:

(a) Evidence that the applicant possesses adequate equipment such as a tank truck with a liquid capacity of at least 1500 gallons, pumps, off truck stabilization tanks and pH testing equipment where lime stabilization and land application are proposed, as well as other appurtenances and tools necessary to perform the work intended. Equipment may be placed into service only after it has been inspected and approved by the DOH county health department. Tanks used for the stabilization and storage of septage and food service sludges shall be constructed, sized, and operated in accordance with the following provisions:

1. Stabilization tanks and septage storage tanks shall be constructed of concrete, fiberglass, corrosion-resistant steel, or other equally durable material. Tanks shall be watertight and shall be water tested for leaks prior to placing into service. The stabilization tank shall have a liquid capacity of at least 3000 gallons.

2. Construction of concrete tanks shall be at a minimum equal to that required of concrete septic tanks in Rule 64E-6.013. Fiberglass tanks and tanks of similar materials shall be constructed in accordance with standards found in Rule 64E-6.013.

3. Stabilization tanks shall contain aeration or mixing devices which will ensure thorough agitation or mixing of lime with the waste as specified in Chapter 6, EPA 625/1-79-011, Process Design Manual for Septage Treatment and Disposal, herein incorporated by reference.

(b) through (c) No change.

(3) through (9) No change.

(10) All materials incorporated herein may be obtained from the Bureau of Environmental Health Onsite Sewage Programs at www.MyFloridaEH.com or 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin A08, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1710.

Rulemaking Authority 381.0065(3)(a), 489.553(3) FS. Law Implemented 381.0065, 386.041, 373.4595 FS. History–New 12-22-82, Amended 2-5-85, Formerly 10D-6.52, Amended 3-17-92, 1-3-95, 5-14-96, Formerly 10D-6.052, Amended 3-22-00, 5-24-04, 11-26-06, 6-25-09, 4-28-10,_______.

 

64E-6.011 Abandonment of Systems.

(1) Whenever the use of an onsite sewage treatment and disposal system is discontinued following connection to a sanitary sewer, following condemnation or demolition or removal or destruction, of a building or property, or discontinuing the use of a septic tank and replacement with another septic tank, the system shall be abandoned within 90 days and any further use of the system for any purpose shall be prohibited. However, if the Department of Environmental Protection or its designee approves the use of the retention tank where the tank is to become an integral part of a sanitary sewer system or stormwater management system, the septic tank need not be abandoned.

(2) The following actions shall be taken, in the order listed, to abandon an onsite sewage treatment and disposal system:

(a) Property owner or agent shall apply for a permit from the department to abandon the existing onsite sewage system and submit the required fee. Upon receiving a permit:

(b) The tank shall be pumped out by a permitted septage disposal company who shall provide a receipt or a written certification to the department. Alternatively, if the tank is empty and dry at the commencement of the abandonment, a written statement to that effect by the septage disposal company or the contractor performing the abandonment shall be provided to the department.

(c) The bottom of the tank shall be opened or ruptured, or the entire tank collapsed so as to prevent the tank from retaining water, and

(d) The tank shall be filled with clean sand or other suitable material, and completely covered with soil.

(e) An inspection of the system abandonment shall be conducted by the department or by the local utility or plumbing authority performing the system abandonment.

(3) through (4) No change.

Rulemaking Authority 381.0065, 489.553, 489.557 FS. Law Implemented 381.0065, 381.00655, 381.0066, Part I 386 FS. History–New 12-22-82, Amended 2-5-85, Formerly 10D-6.53, Amended 3-17-92, 1-3-95, Formerly 10D-6.053, Amended 6-18-03, 6-25-09,________.

 

64E-6.014 Construction Standards for Drainfield Systems.

(1) through (2) No change.

(3) Low-Pressure dosing - where the total required area of drainfield is greater than 1000 square feet or where the applicant proposes to use low-pressure dosing, an automatic dosing device discharging into a low pressure distribution network consisting of 2 inch or smaller diameter schedule 40 PVC or equal pipe with ½ inch or smaller diameter drilled holes shall be used All piping shall use solvent welded connections or equal throughout to prevent dislocation of connections under pressure. The network shall be designed for equal distribution of effluent. For the purposes of this section, equal distribution shall mean that the flow from the least effective hole in the network shall deliver no less than 75% of the flow from the most effective hole. The selected pump capacity (as measured in Gallons Per Minute) versus total dynamic head shall be indicated on a pump curve and shall be shown by calculation to achieve an effluent velocity through the network of at least 2 ft per second to the first exit hole on each lateral. Each line of the pressure network shall individually connect to a pressure manifold and be sealed on their distal ends and shall not be looped with other lines regardless of whether the drainfield is a bed or a trench or whether it is in a mound, filled subsurface installation. Plans and equipment specifications for low-pressure dosing systems shall be approved by the department prior to construction or installation.

(a) Where the total drainfield area is greater than 1000 square feet but not more than 2000 square feet, the applicant may, in lieu of low-pressure dosing, choose to split the drainfield into two drainfields, equal in size, each having no more than 1000 square feet, with each drainfield being lift-dosed.

(a) through (f) renumbered (b) through (g) No change.

(4) through (6) No change.

Rulemaking Authority 381.0065(3)(a), FS. Law Implemented 381.0065, FS. History—New 12-22-82, Amended 2-5-85, Formerly 10D-6.56, Amended 3-17-92, 1-3-95, Formerly 10D-6.056, Amended 2-3-98, 3-22-00, 05-24-04, 11-26-06, 06-25-09,        ________.

 

64E-6.0181 System Repair and Cesspit and Undocumented System Replacement and Interim System Use

(1) Where a property is determined to have a cesspit or an undocumented system, the cesspit or undocumented system shall be required to be replaced with an onsite sewage treatment and disposal system complying with Rule 64E-6.018, F.A.C., except as provided for in subsection (2).

(2) In areas that are scheduled to be served by a central sewer by December 31, 2015, where there is documentation from the sewer utility that the property is scheduled to be served by December 31, 2015 and there is documentation from the sewer utility or from the county tax collector’s office that the property owner has paid or has signed an agreement to pay for connection to the central sewer system, an onsite sewage treatment and disposal system requiring repair shall be repaired to the standards in 64E-6.0181(3), F.A.C. sewage facility before July 1, 2010, interim construction standards specified in subsection 64E-6.0181(3), F.A.C., for new, modified, expanded or existing onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems or to replace cesspits or undocumented systems shall be allowed.

(a) Interim system requirements shall be allowed through July 1, 2004, for onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems in areas that are scheduled to be served, according to an adopted local comprehensive plan determined to be in compliance by the Department of Community Affairs, by a central sewage facility before July 1, 2010.

(b) After July 1, 2004, interim system requirements shall be allowed in an area scheduled to be served by a central sewage facility only when all of the following conditions are met:

1. An enforceable contract to provide the central sewage and collection system has been signed;

2. The contract contains a binding schedule for connection of the onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems to the central sewage facility; and

3. There is an enforceable requirement for abandonment of the onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems.

(c) Onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems that are not scheduled to be served in accordance with this section shall provide the level of treatment required in Rule 64E-6.018, F.A.C.

(d) All onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems in operation on July 1, 2010, shall provide the level of treatment required in Rule 64E-6.018, F.A.C.

(3) Interim systems standards shall be:

(3) Systems shall be repaired to the following standards provided no system shall be repaired to meet a lower standard of treatment than the treatment standard permitted or required to be met prior to the repair.

(a) No change

(b) The following general requirements apply for the repair of a septic tank system:

1. The existing tanks shall meet the requirements of 64E-6.015(6)(f), F.A.C., or, if the tanks need to be replaced as part of the repair, they shall be replaced with tanks meeting the requirements of Table II and 64E-6.013, F.A.C.

2. Effluent from the septic tank shall discharge to a drainfield over a sand liner meeting the standards in 64E-6.0181(3)(a)1.a., F.A.C.

3. No part of a septic tank and sand-lined drainfield system shall be located within 50 feet of the mean high water line of tidally influenced surface water bodies or within 50 feet of the mean annual flood line of permanent non-tidal surface water bodies.

4. The drainfield component of the system must be located a minimum distance of 50 feet from salt marsh and Buttonwood Association habitat areas where the dominant vegetation species are those typical of salt marsh communities.

5. The bottom of the drainfield shall be at least 24 inches above the wet season water table.

6. The maximum sewage loading rate to the drainfield shall be 0.9 gallons per square foot per day.

(c) (b) A performance-based treatment system designed and certified by a professional engineer, licensed in the state, as producing an effluent meeting at a minimum the treatment standards for a system designed in accordance with 64E-6.017(4) paragraph 64E-6.0181(3)(a), F.A.C., and permitted, constructed and monitored in accordance with Part IV.

Rulemaking Authority 381.0011(4), (13), 381.0065(3)(a), (4)(l) FS. , Ch. 99-395, LOF. Law Implemented 381.0065, 381.00655 FS. , Chs. 99-395, 2001-337, LOF. History–New 3-3-98, Amended 3-22-00, 4-21-02, 5-24-04, 11-26-06,___________.

 

64E-6.028 Location and Installation.

Performance-based treatment systems shall be installed in compliance with the following.

(1) through (2) No change.

(3) Drainfield designs: The following alterations to drainfield requirements shall be allowed for pressure dosed systems only.

(a) Long Term Acceptance Rate, also known as LTAR – LTAR’s for sidewall infiltrative surfaces shall not exceed 1.25 times the bottom infiltrative surface LTAR for the same soil classification. Where the soil classification varies within the drainfield soil profile, the sidewall LTAR shall be adjusted accordingly. Sidewall infiltrative surfaces may be utilized only when a system is dosed a maximum of two times per day and the trench width is no greater than 18 inches.

(b) For septic tank effluent, maximum LTAR values shall not exceed the equivalent to the baseline standard for the soil classification in question. (see Table IX)

TABLE IX

Bottom/Sidewall Infiltrative Surface Maximum Equivalent LTAR’s

Side LTAR: Bottom LTAR ratio =              1.25              1.25              1.25              1.25

Current trench bottom LTAR (gal/sq. ft/day) =              1.20              0.90              0.65              0.35

Trench width (inches) =              36.00              36.00              36.00              36.00

Effective sidewall height (inches) =              8.00              8.00              8.00              8.00

Total sidewall height (inches) =              12.00              12.00              12.00              12.00

Revised bottom LTAR (gal/sq. ft/day) =              0.77              0.58              0.42              0.23

New sidewall LTAR (gal/sq. ft/day) =              0.96              0.72              0.52              0.28

Footnotes to Table IX.

Footnote 1. Designs that utilize onsite open trench horizontal and vertical hydraulic conductivity testing to adjust the bottom and sidewall LTAR’s shall be acceptable. The LTAR can be modified; however, the side LTAR: bottom LTAR ratio cannot exceed 1.25 for like soils.

Footnote 2. Designs that utilize established modeling techniques to determine the maximum effective capacity (design daily flow) of a designed drainfield system shall be acceptable.

Footnote 3. The horizontal and vertical projections of inclined surfaces cannot be considered for both sidewall and bottom credit in the same cross section. The designer must select one or the other.

Footnote 4. The current trench bottom LTAR’s are from Part I, Table III, and are referred to as maximum sewage loading rates in Table III.

Footnote 5. Absorption beds shall be allowed providing the LTAR’s are adjusted accordingly.

(c) through (e) No change.

(4) through (5) enumbered as (3) through (4) No change.

Rulemaking Authority 381.0065(3)(a) FS. Law Implemented 381.0065, 386.041 FS. History–New 2-3-98, Amended 3-22-00, 6-25-09,________.

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Gerald Briggs, Environmental Administrator, Water and Onsite Sewage Programs
NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: John H. Armstrong, MD, FACS, Surgeon General and Secretary of Health
DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: February 22, 2013
DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: November 1, 2012