Ongoing Septic Fight:
The ongoing septic debate and how it should be resolved is indeed a sensitive topic among Markham Woods area homeowners and ultimately throughout the state. The average onsite septic system homeowner is quite understandably concerned about being potentially forced under new proposed rules to change out their properly working conventional septic system for a more expensive advanced septic system . . . or what’s called a performance based treatment system (PBTS). These PBTS systems in theory are supposed to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus levels above and beyond what conventional systems discharge at the drainfield. However, the amount of reduction these new systems provide has been shown in various field trials in Florida to be in fact quite small . . . and therein lies the rub. Should septic system homeowners be forced to fork out anywhere from $9,000 to as much as $30,000 for a new system when these new systems only provide slightly improved results?
Actually, what nitrogen and phosphorus amounts that are currently discharged from conventional septic systems are then broken down by natural aerobic processes in the layer of soil that is just below the drainfield and just above the top of the groundwater level. Why is that, you ask? Well, Central Florida just happens to be blessed with a sand-based soil which independent soil experts agree is one of the best natural filtering soils for nitrogen and phosphorus contaminants. So if the bulk of these pollutants are broken down before they ever reach the groundwater . . . which by the way, means they never even reach the surrounding streams, rivers, lakes, and springsheds – not to mention the Florida aquifer below that . . . then why should septic system homeowners be forced to change out their existing systems?
Plus, as if the above points were not enough to dissuade one from considering performance based treatment systems, these new advanced systems are also extremely sensitive to certain pharmaceutical chemicals found in prescription medicines and are also sensitive to certain types of tissue paper products . . . both of which can potentially clog and disrupt operation. Further still, these new systems require one or more electrical pumps to be on 24/7. During power outages the homeowner cannot use any appliance in the house involving the disposal of water . . . such as toilets, shower stalls, bath tubs, dishwashers, garbage disposals, kitchen & bathroom sinks without potentially causing septic system effluent to back up into the house. During extended power outages, such as we have here in Florida during hurricane season, the homeowner and family are literally forced to leave their home and seek temporary shelter elsewhere.
Now, after having said all of that . . . is there really still a problem with nitrogen and phosphorus pollution? Well, yes there certainly can be. For starters, who knows how many conventional septic systems are out there that are not properly maintained or are otherwise defective and therefore leaking significant pollutants into the soil? Enough pollutants that even our sand-based soil cannot totally filter and subsequently reach the groundwater . . . and later on . . . the surrounding streams, rivers, lakes, and springsheds.
The Markham Woods Association supports some form of onsite septic system inspection plan as the most effective means in reducing the nitrogen and phosphorus impact to our ground water, aquifers, and surrounding bodies of water, but only if such inspection standards are formulated by a third party, non-partial panel composed of scientists, industry experts, and informed consumers. Furthermore such formulated standards should be judicious, cost effective, and consumer friendly.
The creation of these kinds of standards are where we are now at the legislative level in Tallahassee. The Markham Woods Association will continue to monitor this process and keep you informed of the ongoing status.
We thank all of you who have contributed to the fight.