Summary


Proposed revisions to Rules 62-6.004, 62-6.005, 62-6.009, 62-6.010, 62-6.0101, 62-6.012, 62-6.013, 62-6.014 and 62-6.025 F.A.C., incorporate statutory changes, update referenced standards, provide additional options for nutrient-reducing systems and clarify requirements. The 2020 Clean Waterways Act (2020-150, Laws of Florida) transferred the Onsite Sewage Program from the Department of Health (DOH) to the Department of Environmental Protection (Department). Pursuant to Section 381.0065(4)(e), F.S., the act mandates the Department to “adopt rules relating to the location of onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems . . . .” The Onsite Sewage Program, while at DOH, also had drafted rule revisions to modernize existing regulations, incorporate statutory changes and provide additional options for nutrient-reducing systems. The Clean Waterways Act established a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), which provided recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature on December 30, 2021. The Department of Environmental Protection proposes to amend Chapter 62-6, F.A.C., Standards for Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems, to comply with the requirements of the Clean Waterways Act, Chapter 2020-150, Laws of Florida, requiring the Department of Environmental Protection to adopt rules to reflect legislative changes and include the most recent information available for onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems to protect public health and prevent contamination of groundwater and surface water.