Tow And Go Program

Here is some information on this years Tow and Go Program, if you need it please use it..... Dave

Holiday Celebration Safety

Tow To Go
Here is some great information from AAA. They are again offering the Tow to Go program, which offers intoxicated people a free tow, taking both the driver and the vehicle safely home. Anyone who needs this service can call 1-800-AAA-HELP (which is also their 24-hour emergency road service number.) The caller does not have to be AAA member and there is no charge. This service runs through and including 1/2/10.
If you ever need this on other holidays, there is a list of the ones the service covers on their website at
Tow To Go
Those dates are for 2009; you can check back in 2010 for a revised list.

Tow To Go


2009 Holiday Schedule & Fact Sheet
A Partnership Between AAA Auto Club South & Budweiser
A program offering Members and Nonmembers, a confidential free-ride home and tow of their vehicle in order to avoid a potential drunk-driving situation.
Since its inception in 1998, "Tow to Go" has safely removed more than 8,600 potentially drunk drivers from the roads and is celebrating it's 10th anniversary.
Call 1-800-AAA-HELP -- the call will be directed to a ERS Call Center, depending on where the call originates
The AAA call taker knows to dispatch a contractor participating in the program (contractors have already agreed to be a part of the program)
The AAA contractor arrives at the vehicle and takes the vehicle and the driver safely home, free of charge to the motorist

Also please remember to use a designated driver. Even a small amount of intoxicants can cause impairment before you even realize it. Many of the local cab companies have also offered similar programs in the past. Drink responsibly and have a safe and happy holiday season!!.

A Note from our President

Hi Everybody, here is a note from Gwen, President of our BOHA.... Dave

"In case you’ve been wondering what’s going on in our entrances, all three are getting a much-needed face lift. After years of hitting roadblocks with the County, we are finally getting irrigation for the Votaw and Lake Pleasant entrances which allows us to plant a much wider variety of plants in those entrances. Once that work is complete, all three of the entrances and the corner will be given a similar look that will tie the neighborhood together and enhance our face to the community. This will help Bent Oak maintain our reputation as a desirable community and help us to maintain our property values.

Gwen

Watering Days

Here is some info on the days we can water.... Dave
Homes with odd numbered or no addresses...... Saturday

Homes with even numbered addresses...... Sunday

Daylight saving time:Second Sunday in March until the first Sunday in November
Eastern Standard Time:First Sunday in November until the second Sunday in March
An odd numbered address is one that ends in 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9.
An even numbered address is one that ends in 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8.
Water only when needed and not between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Water for no more than one hour per zone.
Restrictions apply to private wells and pumps, ground or surface water and water from public and private utilities.
Some exceptions apply.

E-Mail scam

I am putting this on both blogs because it is pretty important, it is about an E-Mail Scam..... Dave
Email Scam Asks for H1N1 Profile at CDC.gov
CDC, Minnesota health dept. warn of phishing scam
Published : Friday, 04 Dec 2009, 11:33 AM EST

ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Minnesota Department of Health is warning of a fraudulent emails about a CDC sponsored state vaccination program.

The CDC has received reports of email phishing scams referencing state sponsored vaccination programs, but the agency says no such program has been implemented requiring registration on CDC.gov.

The email tells users they must create a personal H1N1 (swine flu) vaccination profile on the CDC.gov website. The message then says anyone age 18 or older must have his/her personal vaccination profile on CDC.gov.

Image: Example email

Users that click on the email risk having malicious code installed on their computer.
How to prevent a phisihing attack on your computer:


Do not follow unsolicited links and do not open or respond to unsolicited email messages.
Use caution when visiting un-trusted websites.
Use caution when entering personal information online

More information from the CDC, including an example email, can be found at www.cdc.gov/hoaxes_rumors.html

Gardenia information

Found this in the Orlando paper..... Dave

Gardenia is already thinking of spring

Q: My gardenia plant has grown quite tall and is too wide for the walkway. Can I cut it back this fall? Also what should I do about the yellow leaves?

A: Gardenias have started to form their flower buds for spring. If you give them a trimming now, you might lose the attractive flowers for a year. Also, a fall pruning is going to encourage new growths that could be affected by cold winter weather. Perhaps you can trim off a few limbs so you can use the path and delay major pruning until after the spring bloom.

Try a fall feeding to regreen your gardenia foliage. The plants are heavy feeders and need three to four fertilizer applications a year. Sometimes, soils are missing adequate magnesium for plant growth. If a regular fertilizer does not help, give the plants an application of magnesium sulfate. This is often sold as Epsom salts and can be applied under the plants following label instructions.

Wekiwa Springs State Park

Hi, upcoming event at Wekiwa Springs State Park..... Dave

Friday, November 13- Sunday, November15. Rockin' in the Pasture, a three day rock concert with overnight camping at Rock Springs State Reserve. Nine great local bands, open mic sessions, food concession. Forget Woodstock - come and be part of history at the very first "Rockstock". Tickets in advance - $15 per person for three days includes camping - available from Wekiwa Springs State Park Ranger Station.

Saturday, February 27, 2010- the 23rd Annual Real Florida 5K Cross Country Run and Fun Walk. Click here for the registration form

A NOTE FROM ANDREA

Hi Everybody, here is a note that I got from Andrea, she is doing a great job on the Septic Tank issue...... Dave
Dear Neighbors,
Next Monday, the Orange County Legislative Delegation will meet at the Orange County Building on Rosalind, downtown. This meeting is held every year as legislators prepare for the upcoming legislative session that convenes after the first of the year. This is where they hear the concerns of the people they represent. I have made arrangements to be on the speakers’ list. I have exactly three minutes to represent the concerns of our neighborhood and growing coalition of homeowners. I can also prepare a hand-out for them to take with them.

Remember that Senator Constantine will re-introduce a new bill, a new SB 274 that was defeated last spring. Also the Department of Health, Bureau of On-site Sewage is simply waiting in the wings for the study to be completed on new technologies, but they have not yet rescinded their rule-making, only delayed it.

So that I accurately represent your concerns to them, will you please take a few moments and send to me a short explanation or list of the two or three most important concerns you have and what you want the legislature to do about this whole issue. As always, I firmly believe a communication of this sort should contain factual statements of real consequences this issue has caused us and a “call to action,” and not just gripes.

Needless to say, it will be a busy weekend for me to pull all this together, but it’s well worth the effort. Senator Constantine and friends need to know we have not gone away and will not go away. If you want to respond to this, please make sure I have your BRIEF summary by Friday, so I have time to prepare the hand-out and gel down the substance of what you have to say. Thanks!

Andrea

Oh no, what are those spots

Bugs are out of control Tom MacCubbin IN THE GARDEN

Question: My lawn and those of my neighbors have looked pretty good until this year, when they filled with enlarging brown spots. Most likely this is chinch-bug damage, and nothing seems to stop them. Can you help?

Answer: Out-of-control chinch bugs are ravaging local lawns. Just drive through any neighborhood, and you can spot the strawlike areas that occupy much of the home turf by the time the bugs are brought under control.

Many feel the chinch bugs are becoming resistant to common pesticides and repeat applications are not stopping these pests. The synthetic pyrethroids are what most homeowners and spray companies are applying. These are found in the common brands at garden centers for lawn insect control. Some spray companies are using combination products not found at garden centers in an attempt to control these pests.

If you have done a good job of treating your lawn and the chinch bugs are winning, switch to a Dylox- or Sevin-containing turf insecticide. Each is a different type of insecticide that the chinch bugs should not be resistant to at this time. One new St. Augustine named Captiva is resistant to pests, and other grass types including bahia, bermuda and zoysia are not attacked by the chinch bugs found in local lawns. So, changing lawn grasses would also be a form of control.

It's that time of the year

Some information on the storms and are you ready?Preparing for the storms
Updated: Saturday, 15 Aug 2009, 9:47 PM EDT
Published : Saturday, 15 Aug 2009, 9:47 PM EDT

Trinnette Bowers, FOX 35 News
ORLANDO. Fla (WOFL FOX 35, Orlando) - As two tropical storms circle the Atlantic, ask yourself this, are you prepared? If you don't already have an emergency plan in place, now would be a good time to get ready.

Just in case these storms bear down on Florida, the first thing you need to know is where you'll go if you need to evacuate. Make sure you have phone numbers, a map and a disaster kit ready to go.

Stock up on supplies like tarps, flashlights, a weather radio and batteries. You also need to buy extra food and water that can be used all season.

You may also want to make sure your home is ready. Remove any loose debris from around your property.

Trim any rotten tree limbs and remember to check your windows and shutters. Remember if you live in Orange County, you can sign up to receive text messages with disaster or emergency information.

It's called the "OC Alert" and you can sign up by going to www.ocalert.net

A state park that is real close

Here is some information on Wekiwa Springs State Park

Welcome to Wekiwa Springs State Park
Located at the headwaters of the Wekiva River, the beautiful vistas within this park offer a glimpse of what Central Florida looked like when Timucuan Indians fished and hunted these lands. Just one hour from most central Florida attractions, Wekiwa Springs offers visitors the opportunity to relax in a natural setting, enjoy a picnic, or take a swim in the cool spring. Canoeists and kayakers can paddle along the Wekiva River and Rock Springs Run. Thirteen miles of trails provide opportunities for hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding. Options for camping include a full facility campground and primitive camping areas. Canoe and kayak rentals are available. For information about rentals, call (407) 884 4311

Park Fees
Admission Fee:
$6.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.
$4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle.
$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
Camping Fee:
$24.00 per night, plus tax. Includes water and electricity.
Primitive Camping Fees:
$5.00 per person, per night, plys tax.
Organized Youth and Adult Group Camping:
$1.00 per youth, per night, plus tax.
$5.00 per adult chaperon per night, plus tax.

Information

Hi Everybody,
If you have something you would like me to place in this Blog, just drop me an e-mail and let me know...... mountainman98@gmail.com

I hope everybody is having a great summer, it is going fast, pretty soon school will be back at it, ya'll take care..... Dave

UPDATE ON THE SEPTIC TANK ISSUE

Here is some information.... Thank You..... Dave

Latest Development on the Septic Issue..
The Battle is not Over!

Dear Andrea,

As you know I have worked to keep the public informed on the rule making proposed by the Floridda Department of Health that would require the replacement of septic systems with in performance based ground wastewater treatment systems.

Here is the latest information on this issue of so much concern to septic owners in the Wekiva Study Area. The legislature inserted in its budget document language that would prevent the Department of Health from imposing the dreadful new rule before the completion of the study that will determine the best way to protect the Wekiva River. The State of Florida budget for FY09-10 allows for the completion of the study, and is specified in appropriation line item 471. This study MUST BE COMPLETED to ensure the protection of the Wekiva as well as its contributing springs, and potentially all environmental areas of concern throughout the State.

The Good News!

The Governor has approved the budget with item 471 included. It would be appropriate for us to contact the Governor to express our appreciation for his thoughful approach to the matter.

The Bad News.

Though the Legislative language directs postponement of a rule until after the study is completed, the Department of Health may restart rule making as early as July 1, 2010.

The Good News!

It is also important that you know that there are alternatives being investigated and tested that will improve the quality of the water flowing into the Wekiva River. Compared to what is being proposed by the Department of Health, these are less costly options with a potentially greater benefit to the River.

I appreciate your interest and continued support to insure that homeowner's do not bear the cost of arbritray decisions without adequate study. We need to find better means of reducing the flow of harmful nitrogen into our ground water.

Sincerely,

Fred Brummer
Orange County Commissioner
District 2

Geranium information

Here is some information on Geraniums, hope it helps.... Dave
Geraniums need miracle
Tom MacCubbin | IN THE GARDEN
June 28, 2009
Question: My geraniums were beautiful this spring but now the leaves are turning yellow to brown, and it appears entire plants are dying. What can I do to make them look better?

Answer: Summer heat and rain are not very kind to geraniums, which are generally considered cool-season plants. Many gardeners dig the plants up, toss them and then add new warm-season color to the garden spots.

If the geraniums are in the ground it's about impossible to get them through the summer. You might try digging a few plants and placing them in containers. Saving plants in containers means keeping them in high light levels but out of the daily rains, which encourage rots. Still expect the plants to decline, but you may get them through the summer. When cooler, drier weather returns, hopefully, you can grow them back to be the geraniums you remember.

Great info on the Septic Tanks

Hi Everybody, here is some info on the septic tanks, please go to the web site and take a look, it is looking better, but we cannot let our guard down.... Dave

http://www.ocins.com/

WAY TO GO EVERYBODY

I just got this from Andrea, is this good news or what.... Thank you everybody especially Andrea..... Dave
THANK YOU ALL! This message from John Byrd, Fred Brummer’s legislative aide, confirms that Governor Crist did not veto Line Item 471 and the DOH cannot move forward on their rule making – for now. This is such good news! Take a breath!!!! As long as we are in an e-mailing habit, please send a personal note of thanks to any or all of those listed in our last Sludge Report who worked so long and hard over this. Perhaps one to Gov. Crist is in order as well. Maybe it will encourage him to keep his eye on the Department of Health over the next year.

We will still need to keep an eye on things, and our continue our relationships with so many good people involved in this battle. Representatives of the existing network of HOA’s will also continue to contact other homeowner associations and try to solidify those relationships so that when the next legislative session convenes, we are fully prepared to address any re-introduction of this issue by Senator Constantine or the DOH.

That’s all for now, except to tell you again, thank you for being so incredibly involved.
Andrea

From: John.Byrd@ocfl.net [mailto:John.Byrd@ocfl.net]
Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2009 1:07 PM
To: andrea@lostpine.com;
Subject: Governor Crist Signs Budget: Line Item 471 Remains in Budget


27 May 2009

Greetings:

It is with great pleasure and gratitude that we have learned that line item 471 remains in the State Budget for Fiscal Year 2009-2010. Commissioner Brummer and I want to thank everyone who has been involved in this effort to keep line item 471 in the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

This should ensure that no administrative rulemaking for nitrogen reduction by a state executive branch agency will occur until no sooner than 1 July 2010.

Sincerely,

John Byrd, Aide,
Orange County Commissioner Frederick C. Brummer

Sludge Report

Third Edition, May 17, 2009
Update on Department of Health and your septic tank. Welcome to the third edition of the SLUDGE REPORT, brought to you by your friendly neighborhood coalition of Homeowner's Associations and friends whose common bond is common sense and common cause. The cause is stopping the Department of Health from making a rule mandating that all septic systems in the Wekiva Study Area (WSA)
be replaced with electrically operated Performance Based Treatment Systems (PBTS). DOH states the purpose of the rule is to reduce nitrogen levels in the Wekiva Study Area - which encompasses 250+ square miles of land beginning in the north from an eastern point in Seminole County (west of Interstate 4), across
(west) to portions of Lake County, then stretching south to Ocoee and Winter Garden pulling in all Orange County communities directly below the northernmost points. (We can send you a map if you are unsure
about whether or not you are affected).
471 requires the Dept. of Health to complete a funded 2008 legislative mandate to 0study passive alternatives to PBTS. It prevents a state agency from adopting or implementing rules or policies regarding nitrogen-reduction limits for conventional septic systems until the Department of Health
completes the authorized study. The study shall include recommendations on passive strategies for nitrogen reduction that complement use of conventional onsite wastewater treatment systems.
The final report shall be submitted by May 1, 2010 to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives prior to proceeding with any nitrogen reduction activities. Google "OCINS" (Orange Co. News Information Service) for info.
We are told that letters are better than e-mails. However, in favor of saving trees, we would like to ask the Governor's office to review incoming e-mails with the same consideration as hand stamped letters. For many citizens, e-mail is the preferred and "green" method of communication for them to voice their opinions.

Mailing address:
Office of Governor Charlie Crist
State of Florida
400 S. Monroe St.
Tallahassee, Florida 32399

E-Mail sddress
charliecrist@eog.myflorida.com

Septic Tanks

Here is more info on the septic tanks.... Dave
Dear Neighbors,

Your immediate attention and action is needed. The House and Senate voted to support us in our efforts to stop the DOH from passing rules about PBTS until other more affordable options to nitrogen reduction have been properly tested. Money was appropriated last year to do that, but not pursued by the Dept. of Health. Line Item 471 in the Budget ask for that study. This is what the House and Senate have asked for and what we are asking for. PLEASE E-MAIL GOVERNOR CRIST TODAY. ASK HIM TO APPROVE LINE ITEM 471. Charlie.Crist@eog.myflorida.com

Governor Crist has the budget now and is receiving communication from opponents of Line Item 471. Your e-mail will make the difference. Pass this request along to everyone you know – those affected and even those not affected. Even your friends on municipal sewer systems can help us in the fight to make sure our homes and our life savings are not put in jeopardy, so send this request along to everyone in your e-mail address book and ask them for their help.

A QUICK AND SIMPLE REQUEST TO KEEP LINE ITEM 471 IN THE BUDGET IS ALL THAT’S NEEDED. PLEASE DO THIS RIGHT AWAY. Commissioner Brummer has forwarded a sample letter in the attachment. Please use your own words as much as possible. Another version is below.

SAMPLE LETTER:
Dear Governor Crist:

Please do not veto line item 471 in the 2009-2010 approved budget. Specific appropriation 471 in the budget continues the funding appropriated in 2008 to do studies to determine reasonable strategies for nitrogen reduction in the Wekiva River that complement the continued use of onsite wastewater treatment systems. The study is critically important to the citizens of Central Florida and the State. We must find methods to protect Florida springs and rivers using reasonable, effective, and affordable solutions for the public. Please retain this specific appropriation in the final budget. Thank you.

Hope these suggested letters are helpful to you. If you have any questions, please let me know via e-mail. The Governor needs to know that 55,000 homeowners in the Wekiva Study Area and, and indeed, in the whole state need his support on this. Also, please remember that an e-mail from every voter in your home needs to send one. That’s typically two e-mails per household!

Thank you, Andrea Samson

From: John.Byrd@ocfl.net [mailto:John.Byrd@ocfl.net]
Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2009 11:18 AM
Subject: Line Item 471 Needs to Stay in Budget



Greetings:

The attached “information” document from Commissioner Brummer explains our current situation with onsite systems in the Wekiva Study Area. Please send an e-mail to Governor Crist imploring him to keep Line Item 471 in the Budget. Thank you.

Sincerely,

John Byrd

Town Hall Meeting

Here is some info on a town hall meeting... DaveDistrict 38 Inivitation
2009 Post-Session Town Hall Meetings


Dear Friend,

With the 2009 Legislative Session concluding today with final votes on the 2009-2010 state budget, I'd like to take this opportunity to invite you to a series of post-session town hall meetings that will take place across House District 38 over the next few weeks. I am extremely excited about providing this opportunity for my district. After serving in Tallahassee for the past sixty days, it is important that my constituents know and understand what the impact will be from the Legislative Session. It's equally important that I hear about your concerns and issues in order to better serve our community.

I will discuss, and answer questions about the 2009 Legislative Session. Topics include education, health and human services, safety and security, and agriculture and environmental issues, and the proposed septic rule issue, among other district issues. The first group of town hall meetings will take place in the Apopka area and include the following times, dates, and locations:


Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at 8 AM
Red Caps at Zellwood Station
Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at 6:30 PM
Apopka City Hall
Thursday, May 14, 2009 at 6 PM
Apopka Library
Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 12 PM
Rotary Club of Apopka Meeting
Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 6:30 PM
VFW Apopka Community Center

Additional dates, times, and locations are being confirmed for other parts of the district and I will provide those to you as soon as they become available. If you would like more information or need additional details, please do not hesitate to contact my district office at (407) 880-4414. As always it is an honor to serve District 38 and I look forward to seeing you soon.



As always, it is an honor and privilege to serve you. If I can ever be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me in the district office at (407) 880-4414.



Sincerely,




State Representative Bryan Nelson
District 38

WOW, GREAT NEWS!!!!!!!!

I just got this, wow, is this good news or what, thanks to everybody..... Dave

Andrea Samson
show details 8:26 PM (3 minutes ago) Reply


VICTORY!!!!!

New issue of the “sludge report” due out tomorrow with all the details – but for now CELEBRATE! Your steadfast and faithful e-mail campaigns and spreading the word turned the tide. And WE WON. Constantine’s SB274 and the DOH rule making are stopped in their tracks. Read below for information from John Higgins from the Markham Woods Association. If anyone cares to join me I am outside my house DANCIN’ IN THE STREET!!!!!

Andrea



Friends,

We have won! Celebrate! While the Budget does not become official until the Legislature vote on Friday, we appear to be home free on both the DOH rules and SB 274. See below for details on the printed budget wording.

I am sure we will need to remain vigilant but we all can relax now. This issue may likely resurface down the road, but for now we can all jump up and down and cheer for all the good guys who fought on our side in this battle.

BTW, if any of you don’t know who tcf@fofslaw.com is, it is Tom Feeney, our attorney and hero at Markham Woods Association. Thanks Tom. Indeed there were many, many, hero’s in this battle, but we all owe Tom a big thank you for his very important contribution.

John Higgins

From: tcf@fofslaw.com [mailto:tcf@fofslaw.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 4:39 PM
To: Jack F. Hannahs; Kenny R. Jones; John Higgins; Albert D. Capouano
Subject: Fw: DOH Wekiva rule proviso

We won big time. Congratulations!

Septic tank stuff, wahooooo

FW: MORE ON SEPTIC SYSTEM ISSUE
InboxX


Wahoo! Click on ocins.com below and scroll down to read the notice on today’s legislative events. Senator Constantine’s attempt to attach a piece of SB274 failed. This means that DOH Dept. of Onsite Sewage will not be transferred to the Dept. of Environmental Protection. Especially important, the Bureau will not be transferred with septic mandates written into the bill. We are, however still going to have to fight the DOH on its determination to proceed with its rule making. At least we are no longer fighting on two fronts, only one. Budget Committee meets next. Stay tuned.

Andrea Samson

From: ocins [mailto:bprendergast1@cfl.rr.com]
Sent: Friday, May 01, 2009 5:53 PM
To: webmaster@ocins.com
Subject: MORE ON SEPTIC SYSTEM ISSUE

Breaking news on septic system issue.

Please click on: http://ocins.com

Thanks,
Bethany
webmaster@ocins.com
(Orange County Internet News Service)
http://ocins.com
Bethany Prendergast

Flu information

Here is some info from OIrange County, please be careful..... DaveSwine Influenza
Orange County Update

Recent news reports on a swine flu epidemic might have many Orange County residents wondering how serious is the situation in Central Florida and “Am I at-risk?” No need to panic! Currently, no cases have been identified in Florida. However, some cases of swine flu have been confirmed in the U.S., according to the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food and a person cannot get swine influenza from eating pork products.
The Florida Department of Health and Orange County Government have contingency response plans in place for threats of this nature and these plans have been activated as a precaution.

Some Key Points to Consider:
This is an influenza virus (flu virus) that can live for several hours on surfaces, like door knobs, if touched by someone with the virus.
In general flu virus’ are transmitted by uncovered coughs or sneezes and with close or prolonged contact with someone who has the virus.
People with a respiratory illness should stay home from work or school to avoid spreading infections, including influenza, to others in the community and limit contact within the household to avoid infecting family members.
Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Wash hands frequently to lessen the spread of respiratory illness. Use of alcohol based hand sanitizers is effective.
Do not share drinking glasses or eating utensils
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Eat well and get enough rest to stay healthy and keep your immune system strong.
People experiencing cough, fever and fatigue, possibly along with diarrhea and vomiting, should contact their physician.

What to do if you have any symptoms:
If you think you have influenza, please call your health care provider and discuss whether you need to be seen in their office or emergency department or stay home.
Urgent Care centers and your physician’s office may have the "Influenza Test". It is a simple nasal swab test that takes just a few minutes to determine whether you have the Influenza virus causing your symptoms.

Treatment:
Important - you need to be treated within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms for the medicine to work!
If you do have the Swine Flu – Your health care provider will treat you with an Anti-Viral medication which will help reduce the number of days you're sick and reduce the severity of illness.
The medications Tamiflu or Relenza can be used in the treatment of the Swine Flu, but only if you are diagnosed with the disease.
According to Dr. Marc Siegel, from the University of Langone and author of “Bird flu: Everything you need to know About the Next Pandemic,” there is no recommendation for use of antiviral drugs if you are not sick. Overuse can help germs become resistant to them.

Orange County is receiving frequent updates from the CDC, and is working with the local health department to monitor the situation and immediately follow up on any suspected cases. Also, posted to the county’s website under “Citizen’s Safety” is more detailed information on influenza: www.orangecountyfl.net/cms/SAFETY/avianflu
Information is also accessible from the CDC’s website: www.cdc.gov/swineflu

#END#

A NOTE FROM ANDREA

To all my neighbors in Bent Oak and our friends from all the other neighborhoods who were able and willing to come to the BMAP meeting today, a GIANT THANK YOU. I know it seemed as though we did not have a perfect fit with that group and the agenda, I can tell you that your presence at that meeting was very important. Also in the crowd was Mr. E. Roeder, who works directly under Gerald Briggs at the Department of Health. He no doubt has a lot to tell Mr. Briggs about the interest level in this community. I think the moderator was a little taken back by the number of people who showed up but in the informed questions that were coming her way. That would not happen unless there was an intense interest from all of you. Also in attendance at the meeting were John Byrd, Fred Brummer’s assistant, Ocoee Mayor Scott Vandergrift, and many others who are well known to both the Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Protection.

For me, one very important thing that came out of that meeting today. That is an understanding that in Tallahassee, the right hand does not communicate with the left hand. As a result, the citizens are a birdie in badminton game. There is little coordination or information sharing going on between all these entities who have authority to pass any number of rules that impact our lives. This may well become the focus of our attention, as both DOH and DEP have been given the authority by the legislature to study, make recommendations, and PASS RULES on nitrogen reduction. Since they are both looking at OSWTS (onsite waste water treatment systems), the question is, are they both going to pass rules affecting us? What I heard today, is that BMAP has representatives from counties and cities. If their project focus and recommended solution to nitrogen reduction is sewering, those county and city officials on BMAP may end up committing to that (especially if there is stimulus money involved), while the DOH is hitting us from the other side with an immediate mandate to install expensive PBTS.

The most important thing is that you made them sit up and take notice, and made them answer important questions.

Again, thank you.
Andrea

Sluge report

Sludge Report: April 14, 2009
Update on Department of Health and your septic tank.
Welcome to the second edition of the SLUDGE REPORT, brought to you by your friendly
neighborhood coalition of Homeowner's Associations and friends whose common bond is
common sense and common cause. The cause is stopping the Department of Health from
making a rule mandating that all septic systems in the Wekiva Study Area be replaced with
electrically operated Performance Based Treatment Systems (PBTS). DOH states the purpose of
the rule is to reduce nitrogen levels in the Wekiva Study Area - which encompasses 250+ square
miles of land beginning in the north from an eastern point in Seminole County (west of Interstate
4), across (west) to portions of Lake County, then stretching south to Ocoee and Winter Garden
pulling in all Orange County communities directly below the northernmost points. (we can send
you a map if you are unsure about whether or not you are affected).
An Open Letter to Legislators:
Please put aside statistics, justifications, and agenda's for a moment. This is about the overwhelming
human toll of the PBTS mandate. This is about real people, average people, people on the receiving end.
This is what I learned as a result of our neighborhood petition drive organized to oppose the DOH rule about
Performance Based Treatment Systems. 99.9% of the 260 homes contacted in our neighborhood signed
the petition. Beyond logic, statistics, justifications, and agendas, this is what I learned.
I knocked on a door where it seemed no one was home it was so dark inside. The elderly gentleman who
eventually answered the door listened to information about costs and the impact selling his home would
have. His eyes closed and his head sagged to rest on the door jam. He signed and quietly thanked me for
trying to help.
Make no mistake, with the costs of this rule, the elderly in this county on a fixed income will have to make
choices between needed dental work, medical co-pays and paying for their PBTS maintenance costs. What
savings are left after the economy decimated their nest eggs - savings set aside for hurricane deductibles,
replacing a roof, or long term health needs will be gobbled up by the installation costs.
A mom with four children looked at me in total disbelief, then asked me if I could help her choose which one
will not go to college. The monthly maintenance costs will make it impossible for her to continue making
payments on pre-paid college plans.
A very young mom with babies said, "There is no way we can come up with that kind of money to install
one." All their savings went into buying the home, their equity line has been cancelled, and she knows there
is not a bank anywhere that will help with the financing.
And, that's only three neighbors. There were more, but these stories tell enough. What do I see as future
consequences across the county? I see homes and whole neighborhoods falling into a state of disrepair. I
see code violations, fines and liens against homeowners who have not the means to comply and outright
fraud potential as citizens avoid normal permitting laws to have septic repairs done. I see more
foreclosures, upside down equity, and abandoned properties.
Going door-to door, I saw the pain and confusion and anger in peoples' eyes as they instantly understood
the economic horror this will cause in their lives and the injustice of it all. I am publishing this because I
promised them I would tell their stories, and I can't forget their eyes.
In a moment of discouragement, one neighbor said, "All we are is homeowners. We have no lobbyist." I
told him, "You are wrong. We have legislators. They are our lobbyists." I would urge every legislator to
hear the reality of the DOH rule and step up to be the peoples' voice. We need you to speak for us and stop
this rule. It doesn't mean we abandon the dream of clean rivers, it simply means we find a way that saves
both the river AND the residents.
Signed: A concerned resident of the Wekiva Study Area

Meeting Location Change

This is a big entry, please forgive me.... Dave
Please note: MEETING LOCATION – is NOT at the Fran Carlton Center. Correct Location is APOPKA VFW HALL. See corrected meeting notice below!!!
Your presence is needed and greatly encouraged!

As you can see there has been a bit of a go-round about the April 15 meeting we announced last week. It’s still a GO, but location has changed. You may read through the long e-mail thread if you want to know the details. I hope you will read it. Of particular interest is the reasoning behind the selection of the “friends” of the Wekiva River who have a seat on the BMAP panel. Mr. Everson, a noted expert on on-site systems was cordially excused as he is not a Friend.

See you there. Andrea
MEETING ALERT!
We need as many people as possible to attend the April 15 meeting of the Wekiva Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP)Group, in our efforts to keep the Department of Health from forcing the new septic systems on Central Florida homeowners. Some of BMAP's findings are listed below. As you can see, those findings are favorable to affected homeowners and run counter to DOH claims.

From Wekiva Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) Reports
· Nitrogen levels in the Wekiva Springshed are actually falling, in spite of the fact that the number of septic tanks installed has dramatically increased since 1996.
· BMAP reports also state that the “relative magnitude of sources is still under question, and existing nitrogen isotope results are not entirely clear.” (Meaning that no one has proven that current septic systems are to blame for the Wekiva's problems.)
· Their recommendations say it is advisable to “continue to examine sources," v. demanding that homeowners without sewer connections be singled out for blame.

We have a LOCAL OPPORTUNITY to let our voices be heard! When residents/voters take the time to show up, it has a huge IMPACT, and legislators do take note. Please mark your calendar, and be there/send others.

APRIL 15, 1:30 P.M.
APOPKA VFW HALL,
519 S. Central Ave.
(St. Rt. 441, turn left one block west of Park Ave.)
PLEASE try to BE THERE!



From: Gihring, Jennifer [mailto:Jennifer.Gihring@dep.state.fl.us]
Sent: Friday, April 10, 2009 3:03 PM
To: John.Byrd@ocfl.net
Subject: RE: Public Comment @ Wekiva Basin Working Group Meetings & FAW Notice (www.flrules.org)

Mr. Byrd,

4/15 Meeting Notification:
The City of Apopka has graciously made arrangements for us to return to the VFW Hall for Wednesday's meeting. A notification of such will be sent to the Wekiva BMAP email distribution list shortly. Thus, the original FAW notice is valid (Notice ID 7003126), and Wednesday’s meeting will be held at 1:30 at the VFW/Community Center in Apopka (519 S Central Ave).

Meeting Structure and Open Discussion Time:
Think of a City/County Commission meeting – all interested parties are welcome to attend and listen to the items being discussed by the Commission, but attendees are not able to ask questions during the meeting as they come to mind. An opportunity for open public comments is provided during a specific time on the agenda. This is analogous to the BWG operating structure that will be used for the Wekiva BMAP. Regarding broader public participation, consistent with the Florida Watershed Restoration Act (F.S. 403.067) and the BMAP program’s commitment to participation and transparency, we will be holding general public meetings at several points during the BMAP process. These public meetings will be more informal to support free-flow discussion among all attendees. Those meetings will be noticed and held as we make progress on key BMAP topics. We will look to the BWG members for guidance in determining when sufficient progress has been made to support an information-rich public meeting. We have had great success with this approach in other BMAPs in support of the Department’s desire for effective public participation and the public’s desire for the same.

Additional Sunshine Law Information:
The FL Atty. General website is an excellent resource for information about the Sunshine Law. Specifically, half-way down this webpage (http://www.myflsunshine.com/sun.nsf/pages/Municipal), you will see a link entitled “Requirements for Public Meetings.” The attached file (summary of Sunshine Law public meeting requirements) is from that link. I encourage you to review this document, as it describes several key points of the Sunshine Law in detail. The Sunshine Law text itself and related information can also be found on the rest of this website. If you have further questions, I would be happy to put you or any other Orange County staff in touch with someone at DEP who can provide additional details.

See you on Wednesday,
Jennifer

From Andrea, on the Septic Tanks

Andrea, thank you for keeping us posted on this!!! Dave

Welcome to politics 101. Thanks to John Byrd for staying on top of the situation. I will pass updates as we know more. In the meantime, I urge you to clear your calendar to attend this meeting. John notes that there are elected representatives on this commission….however, if the elected representatives are not representing you, they need to be reminded what their role is and who they are accountable to. Their role is not that of a parent who tells you when you may speak and what you may respond to. Note that environmentalists are in this group, but no homeowners or businesses.

If the meeting date or time is changed, I will let you know.
Andrea





From: Byrd, John
Sent: Thursday, April 09, 2009 8:21 AM
To: 'Gihring, Jennifer'



9 April 2009

Ms. Gihring:

Upon review of the attached agenda for next Wednesday’s Wekiva BMAP Working Group meeting I must confess I do not understand why public comment is only allowed prior to the beginning of the actual substance of the meeting.

In the Lake Jessup BMAP process public comment was allowed through-out the entire meetings and I believe that has been a positive experience for all concerned. By allowing public comment during the meeting ideas & suggestions are permitted to flow and questions are answered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) that assist everyone in understanding how FDEP intends to determine the required financial commitment of local governments and individual homeowners and businesses. Why change the process for this BMAP?

I know that there are representatives of local government who are members of the Wekiva Basin Working Group but there are zero representatives of homeowners associations or businesses that are members of the Wekiva Basin Working Group as was suggested even though environmental groups are represented on this panel.

Why not allow a free flow of information at these meetings? Please re-consider this otherwise I fear this process will be fundamentally flawed from the beginning.

Additionally, since the location of the meeting has been changed from the original published Florida Administrative Weekly notice is this still a legally permissible meeting on 15 April 2009? I have copied the Orange County Attorney’s Office as well concerning these matters.

Sincerely,

John Byrd

STILL NEED YOUR HELP ON SEPTIC TANKS

Here is some info on the septic tanks, two different letters..... Dave

To all our HOA’s, e-mail friends and neighbors:

Please pass along an important message that reached me from a very involved Orange County resident. The original e-mail has been cropped to afford privacy to the sender/receiver. The body of the message is extremely important and should be responded to. Please e-mail or call Senator Gardiner (gardiner.andy.web@flsenate.gov) and Senator Baker (baker.carey.web@flsenate.gov) urging them to support our opposition to the DOH Rule and ask them to sponsor legislation to stop the rule from being implemented. Phone numbers are listed below. I attended this meeting in Tallahassee and can verify that this information on what transpired between the DOH and the House Representatives is accurate. If you feel so moved, you can send an e-mail to Senator Constantine (Constantine.lee.web@flsenate.gov) or phone him as well expressing your firm opposition to his unconscionable power plays in the Senate and House of Representatives. Contact me via e-mail if you have any questions.

I am told over and over by legislators that these contacts from you mean everything, and overwhelming contact can turn the tide. Thanks for your immediate action on this.

Andrea

Dear ********,

Monday evening we had a neighborhood meeting and Mr. Brummer spoke to us. Here is the latest he could give us on the Septic thing. He attended several meetings last week, and on Friday he was at one with the DOH, EPA and some legislators. It boils down to the DOH stated that “the ONLY THING that would keep them from implementing the proposed rule was for the Florida Legislature to pass legislation to stop them.”

So now, because time is of the essence, we are trying to get everyone we know to call Senator Gardner and ask him to support legislation to STOP the DOH from implementing the Proposed Rule for the Wekiva Study Area. The house isn’t the problem, he said, and Senator Gardner is on our side but he needs our calls because Senator Constantine is such strong influence and a “bully” that Gardner needs to know he has our support. Senator Baker (Lake County) is on the side of the DOH, so we should call him also and ask him to do the same thing, hoping we might change his mind if he gets enough calls.

Senator Gardner’s # (407) 428-5800 Senator Baker’s # (352) 742-6490

With the legislature session ending May 1, we don’t have much time. Hope you can help

INFO ON CONFLICKER WORM

Information on the New Cyber Worm ConflickerPersonal computers and laptops already infected with Conficker could automatically be linked to the servers operated by the hackers.
By Mc Nelly Torres | South Florida Sun-sentinel
9:35 PM EDT, March 30, 2009
Cyber security experts are warning that a new variation of Conficker, a fast-spreading computer worm also known as Downadup, could attack millions of computers on Wednesday -- April Fool's Day.

Personal computers and laptops already infected with Conficker could automatically be linked to the servers operated by the hackers.

Esteban O. Farao, a consultant with Enterprise Risk Management, a Miami security consulting company, said the worm is not destroying files or stealing data, but it has the capability to do so.

"The main concern about this worm is that it is capable of downloading additional code from the hacker's Web site or through a peer-to-peer connection," Farao said. "Consequently it can bring more functionalities or receive instructions."
Experts say it's unknown whether the worm will cause havoc or merely turn out to be an April's Fool prank. But people can protect their computers by using security software.

Howard Schmidt, a former White House cyber security adviser, said computer users need to download an application of Microsoft software to detect and disable the worm. http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=AD724AE0-E72D-4F54-9AB3-75B8EB148356&displaylang=en
Experts also advise keeping your security applications and operating systems updated.

"The most interesting thing about this worm is that every time someone finds out a way to get rid of the worm, it reinvents itself with more rigor and better technology," Schmidt said.

Authorities have not identified the culprits behind the worm or their intentions. Microsoft has offered a $250,000 reward to bring the Conficker creator to justice.

The Conficker worm, which has infected 10 million computers outside the United States, is a program that exploits weaknesses in Microsoft's Windows operating system including Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2003 and Windows Server 2008.

The worm surfaced last November in computers on weak networks such as those in coffee shops, airport or offices. The second variation can spread via shared networks, including removable drives such as USB devices.

This worm also blocks infected systems from downloading new security software or receiving updates for security software. After attacking, it connects to a server where it receives instructions to propagate and gather personal information. Conficker creates a back door in the system where the worm can download and install additional programs.

Albert Whale, owner of ABS Computer Technology Inc., a Pittsburgh company that offers computer consulting services, said experts think the hackers are making money by getting information to send spam or attack people they don't like.

"Hackers spend 24 hours a day perfecting their craft," Whale said. "People don't even spend an hour a week securing their computers."

Staff researcher Barbara Hijek contributed to this report.

A letter on cost!!!!!

So many misleading pieces of information on cost prompted me to call for an estimate based on my home. I just received a call with the estimate.

Equipment/Labor depending on which brand I select $12,000 to $18,000

Servicing from $800 - $1200 per year

Removal of current septic if required $2000 - $3000

Additional expenses that may like be incurred

Mound (fill) to keep lines 2’ above wet season water table. (I assume this is a distinct possibility as we are in the Wekiva Study area which coincides with the flood plain map and wetlands)

With or without the mound I need 54” of sand is required under the system. Determined before installation and would require excavation and fill.

I do know I will have to then use 1one ply toilet paper, stay very health as antibiotics are treacherous to the delicate systems, plan my showering, dishwashing and laundry carefully, pray the electric does not go out and lightening does not strike my pump, etc. I do know I do not have St. Augustine grass, do not water 2 X a week, plant trees to maintain my mature tree canopy to reduce evaporation and increase the cleansing of the air and I do not fertilize. The subdivision across from my house on sewer does all of this. I venture to say my nitrogen input is no where near the input from their lots. I resent the fact that I will be hand picked and penalized as an environmental threat more so than another taxpayer across the street.

I have read the final 2007 study and the other documents. I find them inconclusive as to the impact of these systems. The factual information they do generate points a much larger finger at fertilizers input of nitrogen than septic systems. I guess if I sold these systems I might be a proponent…even with the unrealistic cost of $7700 x 57,000 it is close to ½ a billion dollars. And yea! I get to hold the whole bag.







Thank you,



Deborah Wetter

Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Lots of support coming our way. Check out the OCINS web site below. Thanks to all of you who are writing to legislators, contributing to blogs, and in general putting muscle into this campaign to stop the DOH rule. Also, check out the attachment – a real world quotation on a PBTS system installation one of our neighbors obtained. Also includes a rebuttal from a septic system contractor. Slams DOH claims about the cost of installation. Deborah, you rock! Thanks Dominique!

Mike Thomas has received lots of feedback about his column, quite a bit of it from credible and authoritative sources that totally disagree with his “facts.” Don’t know if it will make a difference, but he is certainly aware there is another side different from that espoused by the Orlando Sentinel. Journalism rule 1, do not filter out opposing facts so your opinion is supported, or present personal conclusions as anything other than opinion.

John Byrd, Fred Brummer’s assistant continues to monitor the progress of the DOH activity on rule-making and is keeping everyone posted on this. I will pass information along as I get it.

Note to all – Outreach to other HOA’s. Jim Kohlmann (Bent Oak) has put some time into identifying the zip codes that are impacted. We have obtained from Orange County Neighborhood Services a listing of all HOA’s in the county. I need a couple of volunteers to meet with me and pull together a call list. Jim has volunteered to make the calls once we have identified the targets. Please e-mail me asap if you can help with this Saturday (after 2:00 p.m.), Sunday (after 2:00 p.m), or Monday (after 11:00 a.m.).

Information I received and passed to you about Lake County passing a resolution of protest needs correction – I found out yesterday the commissioners voted to TABLE the resolution. If any of you have contacts in Lake County, please reach out to them and urge them to contact those commissioners and ask them to pass the resolution of protest against implementing the DOH rule.

Please pass along to your e-mail circles. Andrea

Septic Tank Letters

Two letters that are very interesting, thank you Andrea.... Dave

26 March 2009

Greetings:

In today’s Central Florida Daily Newspaper Mike Thomas has a “column” on the bottom of the front page with his opinion on the issue of potentially new onsite systems that may be required by the Florida Department of Health for the Wekiva Study Area.

In Mr. Thomas column he states, “So a $5,000 system could cost about $8,000.” Below is the Charlotte County Florida Department of Health Environmental Administrator’s stating, “These systems can cost from $15,000 to $30,000 Dollars.”

The studies have shown that onsite systems have a nitrate input of 6% to the Wekiva River & it’s Contributing Springs while Commercial & Residential Synthetic Fertilizer are 75% of the nitrate input to the Wekiva River & it’s Contributing Springs. This was reported to the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners by the Onsite Systems Bureau Chief for the State of Florida on 24 March 2009. It has been stated that if the same methodology was used for onsite systems that was used for other sources onsite systems would have a ZERO percent nitrate input.

Clearly the source that is the overwhelming cause of pollutant is synthetic fertilizer. Orange County will be addressing this issue with a fertilizer ordinance in the very near future.

Sincerely,

John Byrd, Aide,
Orange County Commissioner Frederick C. Brummer

Dear Ms. Erb,

Here in Charlotte County we have over 42,000 septic systems installed. This has been a nightmare, since some of the same concerns that pertain to Wekiva are present here. In 1993 due to pressure from the Department of Community Affairs, the County passed an ordinance requiring Aerobic Treatment Units for most plotted lots in the County.

That became the biggest nightmare, and an unjust burden on the homeowners. These systems can cost from $15,000 to $ 30,000 Dollars. Along with the higher price comes the mandatory permits and maintenance contracts that can cost up to $ 800.00 per year, not including repairs that are performed. If the systems are not maintained according to the manufacturers specifications, failures are very frequent.


Sincerely,


Herman Velasco
Environmental Health Administrator
Charlotte County Florida Department of Health
Phone: 941-743-1501
Fax: 941-743-1533

Mike Thomas Article

This is not good, we need everybodys help. You may have to sign up in the Topix section to leave a comment, its free. But please do vote on this. His article is missing a lot.Here is the web site for the article. http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/columnists/orl-asecmiket26032609mar26,0,5315513.column

Today, Mike Thomas published an article in the Orlando Sentinel that hurts our cause. You can go to the on-line article under columnists and read what starts out to be a fairly rational explanation of the septic tank issue. It then dissolves into an irrational opinion that no matter what the cost, destroying Orange county residents and their home values is worth it. He even made a huge leap into the pit of unprofessional reporting saying the septic system contribution was equal to the fertilizer problem – He knows better, he published it anyway. He is apparently of the opinion that a bad solution is better than waiting for or working at finding good solution.

Go to http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/columnists/orl-mikethomas-septicpoll,0,3348741,post.poll and cast your vote. If we are as strong in numbers as I think we are, #4 – which is the only “no” option - will soar in numbers. As it is this a.m., 41% think it’s okay no matter what the human or economic toll (Question #1. Never mind the questions are all pretty skewed, just vote #4.

Please vote. We cannot let this stand without a challenge.

Seminole County Vote

This came out of the newspaper today..... Dave

Seminole wants to hold off on septic-tank decision in Wekiva area
March 25, 2009Seminole County commissioners passed a resolution Tuesday that asks state leaders to hold off on a proposal that eventually would require pricey new septic systems in the sensitive Wekiva River area. The state Health Department is working on a rule that would require more sophisticated septic tanks to reduce nitrogen loads. Opponents say the tanks are expensive and unproven.

RACHAEL JACKSON

UPDATE ON SEPTIC TANKS

We cannot let our guard down, keep up the good work, this is from Andrea..... Dave

Dear neighbors.
Good news today! The Lake County Commissioners and the Seminole County Commissioners both voted to pass resolutions of protest against the DOH proposed rule. Other endorsements of our position are in the works and hopefully those will come through as well. I’ll let you know. But this combined with the Orange County Commissioners’ Resolution is an enormous endorsement of our position.

It’s time to fuel the fire a little. I am asking you to begin a second round of e-mails to the usual list of legislators and to Governor Crist. Go ahead and copy the Department of Health as well, so they get it from you and from Governor Crist. I would like to suggest that your second round of e-mails be in the form of questions that require answers. Such as:

1)When power conservation is the hot topic and citizens are facing a 25-30% increase in their power bills from Progress Energy, why is the Department of Health asking us to increase our power usage by 50% to run a PBTS system?

2) What possible benefit is it to the Wekiva River to reduce nitrogen from septic systems when as a result of installing a PBTS , Progress Energy will dump more nitrogen into the air by a factor of 3-5 times producing the energy needed to run these systems, than we generate with our conventional septic systems?

3) Why have you not tested, examined and documented the effectiveness of alternative methods of reducing nitrogen in conventional septic systems?

4) Why will you not consider setting standards for septic system inspection and mandatory pumping frequency, and see if proper maintenance of a standard system might produce desirable nitrogen reduction results without the economic impact of PBTS?

5) Where are the field tests that prove the use of PBTS will absolutely achieve the results you want in the WSA area? Are you asking us to spend this money without that assurance?

6) Why is the Department of Health willing to further devastate the economic condition and normal family functioning of so many families. Is the Dept. of Health going to contact our family members and explain why Thanksgiving dinner will not be at our house, because the PBTS cannot accommodate a sudden increase of input?

7) Can we voluntarily reduce our fertilizer usage by one bag, thereby achieving the same percentage of nitrogen reduction as the PBTS will achieve?
8) Is the Department of Health of the opinion that the scarce resources of Florida’s citizens are better directed at 6% nitrogen reduction than adequately funding our children’s education?
Just some suggestions….Copy them, change them….feel free to add your own, and send letters out as soon as you can.
Thanks!
Andrea

E-mail: Charlie.Crist@eog.MyFlorida.com.
Copy to: Bryan.Nelson@myfloridahouse.gov;
Jeff.Cottkamp@MyFlorida.com; Gardiner.andy.web@flsenate.gov;
Fred Brummer: District2@ocfl.net;
State Surgeon General, Ana Viamonte Ros - Secretary@DOH.State.

"Warnings" on the new septic tank system

This is interesting, some of you on Monday evening had a power failue and it was out for about an hour. Well guess what, we would not have had a septic tank!!!!!!

We have been telling you a lot about the cost of a PBTS system that the Department of Health is about to mandate for all homeowners with septic systems in the Wekiva Study Area. That $10K-20K cost per homeowner is enough to bring more than half the population impacted by this to their collective economic knees. But, there is more. The following information is taken directly from the “homeowner’s manual” available on the Hoot Systems website(Google Hoot Systems). Hoot is an DOH approved provider for the PBTS systems that are part of the DOH rule. Is the DOH supposed to endanger us and subject the citizens of Florida to health hazards as serious as infection and death? Is realistic to expect the average Florida citizen to deal with this? The industry experts have said this type of system is not suitable for residential use. This tells you in no uncertain terms why. Will Hoot Systems or the State of Florida, or the DOH be legally responsible for the injury, illness, and deaths of citizens who are unable to follow the instruction manual to the letter, or who will be unable to afford the required maintenance?
The HOOT Aerobic Treatment System
Declaration of Warnings

WARNING! TO PREVENT MALFUNCTION OF YOUR SEWAGE SYSTEM, DO NOT DISCHARGE THE FOLLOWING MATERIALS INTO THE SYSTEM: Plastic Materials ! Cloth ! Cigarette Stubs ! Paper towels ! Large quantities of acids or caustics, soaps or cleaning materials which have a high or low pH factor (Use low suds detergents) ! Throw-away Diapers ! Rubber products ! Kleenex, some toilet tissues which do not decompose readily in water ! Rainwater from Gutters ! Excess grease or fatty materials (Use garbage disposal sparingly) ! Oily materials, motor oils, grease, kerosene, gasoline, Paints, etc. !Backwash water from any type of Water Softner ! Other materials which do not disintegrate in water !A/C Discharge ! Sump pump discharge ! Automatic Toilet Disinfection Products

WARNING! TO FUNCTION PROPERLY, THE HOOT SYSTEM MUST BE MAINTAINED BY A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL AT LEAST EVERY SIX (6) MONTHS FOR THE LIFE OF THE SYSTEM. FAILURE TO MAINTAIN THE HOOT SYSTEM VOIDS THE LIMITED WARRANTY AND MAY CAUSE SERIOUS BODILY INJURY OR ILLNESS TO PEOPLE AND PETS AND MAY CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE HOOT SYSTEM OR OTHER PROPERTY.

DANGER! ONLY A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL SHOULD ATTEMPT TO REPAIR OR FIX THE HOOT SYSTEM. ATTEMPTED REPAIR BY ANYONE OTHER THAN A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL MAY CAUSE SERIOUS BODILY INJURY OR DEATH TO THE HOMEOWNER OR OTHER PERSONS AND MAY CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE HOOT SYSTEM AND OTHER PROPERTY.

DANGER! DO NOT DISCONNECT THE POWER TO THE HOOT SYSTEM. DISCONNECTION OF THE POWER FROM THE SYSTEM MAY CAUSE SERIOUS ILLNESS OR DEATH TO THE HOMEOWNER AND OTHER PERSONS AND MAY CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE HOOT SYSTEM AND OTHER PROPERTY.

WARNING! IN CASE OF IMMINENT FLOOD, IMMEDIATELY TURN OFF THE ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE HOOT SYSTEM AT THE INDEPENDENT BREAKER LOCATED ON THE HOUSE. FAILURE TO TURN OFF THE ELECTRICAL POWER MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO THE HOMEOWNER AND OTHER PERSONS AND MAY CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE HOOT SYSTEM AND OTHER PROPERTY.

WARNING! IF THE UNIT FAILS TO FUNCTION PROPERLY, DO NOT USE THE BATHROOM FACILITIES UNTIL QUALIFIED PERSONNEL FIX THE PROBLEM. USE OF THE BATHROOM FACILITIES DURING A SYSTEM FAILURE MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY, ILLNESS, OR DEATH TO PERSONS AND MAY CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE HOOT SYSTEM AND OTHER PROPERTY.

WARNING! DO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN TO PLAY ON OR AROUND THE AEROBIC TREATMENT SYSTEM, THE SPRINKLER SYSTEM, OR OTHER OVER-LAND DISCHARGE AREA. ALLOWING CHILDREN TO PLAY IN THESE AREAS MAY CAUSE SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, ILLNESS, OR DEATH TO THE CHILDREN AND OTHER PERSONS AND MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE HOOT SYSTEM AND OTHER PROPERTY.

DANGER! DO NOT OPEN CONTROL PANEL WITHOUT ELECTRICITY DISCONTENTED AND LOCKED OUT ON THE SYSTEM. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD CAUSE SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH

Septic Tanks

Feel free to use this letter. E-mail Andy Gardiner today, please. Copy the document and paste it into your own e-mail using your own name.

Many thanks! Andrea

Attached is an email I sent to District 9 Sen. Andy Gardiner, asking him to amend the Wekiva Parkway and Protection Act to eliminate the need to change Wekiva area septic tanks to the proposed wastewater treatment systems about which I have sent information to you. If you like, you may use any part(s) or all of it to email the 3 addresses listed below.

Everyone needs to email Sen. Gardiner with the same request regarding an amendment. (The Act itself will not be struck down, but the wording regarding these treatment systems can be changed.) Even if you have already emailed Gov. Crist, please do so again. And you should also email the Florida Dept. of Health.

It now appears that we have only until April 1 to stop this ridiculous rule from being enforced.

gardiner.andy.web@flsenate.gov

charlie.crist@eog.myflorida.com

environmentalhealthonsitesewageprogram@doh.st.fl.us

The Seminole County Commission will address this issue in downtown Sanford on Tuesday morning, at 9:30 a.m. Lake County citizens are holding meetings to determine how to fight it. In Tallahassee last night, the Leon County Commission voted to table their resolution supporting the new systems, because so many angry homeowners showed up at the meeting, along with representatives from the Home Builders Assoc., which opposes the change.

Derry Sampey, Member
Deer Lake Run HOA BOD

Dear Senator Gardiner:

If the Wekiva Parkway and Protection Act becomes law in its current form, those of us living in the affected areas will be forced to install an electrically operated septic system based on totally unproven technology. It is our understanding that installation cost is estimated to be $10,000 to $20,000 per home, annual maintenance is projected at $1,200 to $2,500 per year, and additional operating costs will add approximately $50 per month to our electric bills.
If we try to sell, refinance or make any improvement to our homes (including adding a utility shed in the back yard), we will be forced to install the new system, even if our current one is fully operational. And the chances of ever finding buyers for our homes who are willing to pay for and live with this system will likely be zero, resulting in the devaluation of our homes and a sharp drop in the tax base of the cities and counties in which our homes are located.
When our power goes out or a brownout occurs, both of which occur frequently in Florida, we will have no bathroom facilities and raw sewage will back up into our homes. Even after power is restored, these systems will have to be individually restarted by the installer, which could take weeks to complete. Talk about a serious health problem!

Finally, the Wekiva Parkway and Protection Act itself lays 71% of the blame for the Wekiva area's problems squarely upon the use of nitrogen fertilizers, and 6% of the blame on septic tanks currently in the area. So, why are some homeowners (and not golf courses, resorts, tourist attractions, et al) going to be forced to pay the price for a so-called solution that will, at best, merely scratch the surface of the problem?

It is imperative that the Department of Health be prevented from allowing this travesty to continue. Please know that large numbers of your constituents want to see this Act amended and are ready to do whatever it takes to support you in your efforts.

Thank you.

New Info On The Septic Tanks

I got this from Andrea, Thank you Andrea on keeping us posted.... Dave
Just in case you thought it was over, it’s not. Please read the entire thread of e-mails. Cursor down to the bottom of this message which is the beginning of the thread. John Byrd’s response to Mr. Higgins which shows here is the last message. (Start at the bottom)

Andrea





From: Byrd, John
Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 8:08 AM
To: 'John J Higgins'; bkcarey@cfl.rr.com; scott@scottplakon.com
Cc: jackhannahs@bellsouth.net; 'Quentin (Bob) Beitel'; fredbrummer@embarqmail.com; Boyd, S. Scott (Commissioner); 'Keith Hetrick'
Subject: RE: Proposed New Septic Rules

Mr. Higgins:

Thanks for sending. It is hard to even respond to the comments below from Mr. Briggs they are so incredibly skewed. The 2007 report Mr. Briggs refers to below found onsite systems contributed 6% of the nitrate inputs to the Wekiva River & it’s Contributing Springs while Commercial & Residential Fertilizer was 75% of the inputs. The loading numbers for onsite systems went from a 6% input to a 22% loading which became and still is point of great debate.

I don’t know if you remember this but back in the day a consultant said at a RRAC meeting that if the same methodology had been used for onsite systems that was used for other sources the nitrate input from onsite systems would be ZERO percent. Of course later that consultant vociferously denied making that statement.

The RRAC membership would not agree that onsite systems were a “significant contributor” of nitrogen to the Wekiva River & it’s Contributing Springs because the RRAC membership did not agree with the methodology used to obtain the 22% loading number.

This was in the original “draft” executive summary of the 2007 report. It was later deleted by FDOH in order for the 2007 report to fit FDOH’s conclusions.

I would also add that by the time a “public hearing” is held in May the rule will already be in effect making that a moot public hearing. Once they file the notice for Rule Adoption in April there is 21 days to act before the rule becomes final.

Sincerely,

John Byrd




From: John J Higgins [mailto:jhiggins1@cfl.rr.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 4:11 PM
To: Byrd, John; bkcarey@cfl.rr.com; scott@scottplakon.com
Cc: jackhannahs@bellsouth.net; 'Quentin (Bob) Beitel'
Subject: FW: Proposed New Septic Rules

For your information.
John Higgins

From: Gerald_Briggs@doh.state.fl.us [mailto:Gerald_Briggs@doh.state.fl.us]
Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 1:43 PM
To: jhiggins1@cfl.rr.com
Cc: jackhannahs@bellsouth.net; k.r.jones@earthlink.net
Subject: RE: Proposed New Septic Rules

Mr. Higgins:

As has been stated numerous times publicly and in our Wekiva research reports, the department has a legislative mandate to impose nitrogen reduction standards on onsite system within the Wekiva Study Area. Our 2005 report documented the potential nitrogen impact of onsite systems in the WSA and recommended moving to performance based treatment systems. Our 2007 report confirmed those results. At no time has the Legislature acted to change the mandate in the 2004 Wekiva Parkway and Protection Act. As such, our executive staff has made the decision that we should move forward with rule making. Your comments on the draft rule are welcome at any point in the process. We still, at this time, intend to file a notice of rulemaking in the April timeframe with a public hearing or hearings in the Wekiva area in May.

Gerald R. Briggs, Chief
Bureau of Onsite Sewage Programs
Florida Department of Health
Environmental Health is Core Public Health at your service!
Please tell us how we are doing http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/ostds/survey.htm
Please note: Florida has a very broad public records law. Most written communications to or from state officials regarding state business are public records available to the public and media upon request. Therefore, your e-mail communications may be subject to public disclosure.
Please consider our environment before printing this e-mail.





From: John J Higgins [mailto:jhiggins1@cfl.rr.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 1:14 PM
To: Briggs, Gerald R
Cc: jackhannahs@bellsouth.net; 'Kenny R. Jones'
Subject: Proposed New Septic Rules
Mr. Briggs:

As you know the Markham Woods Association believes the DOH’s new proposed rules regarding onsite septic systems appear unfair and unwarranted. Your decision to move forward now despite advice from TRAP to the contrary is disheartening to us. Also, Sen. Lee Constantine assured those attending the last Wekiva Parkway and Protection Commission meeting that no new rules would move forward at least until the next of their meetings.

As part of the public whom you serve, we would very much appreciate a logical explanation of your current actions besides your agency being the only Department that still has not met your perceived obligation under the Wekiva Act. The Act clearly says you need only institute new rules “if appropriate.” You, the DEP, the Audubon Society, and the advanced systems manufacturers appear to be the only groups believing your proposed rules are appropriate. Is there some other explanation with which we can work with you on this important question? We would like to do that if possible.

If you do form a Rule Development Workshop on these new rules, please consider appointing myself or one of my associates a member of it. I am a retired SunTrust executive and have time to devote to this effort. We believe whatever actions are finally taken on this question are extremely important to us and the 2,800 residents we represent. Currently we are at a loss to explain any reasonable logic for these new rules. We would like very much to be able to understand your position better.

In any event, please inform us in detail of the procedures available to us as part of your civil process. Thank you, sir.

Regards,
John J. Higgins

Septic Tanks

I just got this from Andrea, the time is running out..... Dave

This is the kind of information we are getting as a result of our meeting Tuesday. This is an immediate mess for the entire state. I have a petition form available for our neighborhood. Can some of you volunteer to take a street and get these signed this weekend. I would like to take signed petitions to the County Commission meeting on Tuesday. Ultimate destination for the originals is Crist’s desk. Thanks to Jim Kohlman and Bill Thompson who have agreed to attend that meeting with me. If there are others who will be going, e-mail me and we will get car pools going. Call me at 407.886.1011 and let me know if you can help with the petitions. Every voter in the home should sign.

Andrea

Please Read on Septic Tanks

Hi Everybody, this is very important, please read, thank you, Dave

Dear Neighbors,

As I promised, I am sending to you the list of legislative contacts. In addition, you will find a map of the entire Wekiva Study Area impacted by the Department of Health proposed rule to force replacements of passive systems such as we have with “performance-based systems.” I have also included a copy of the flyer that was delivered to your home about two weeks ago. Feel free to reproduce it and pass it to others you may know outside the Bent Oak subdivision that may be impacted by this DOH action.

We only have about two to three weeks to stop this rule before it crashes down on us, so please use this information to quickly send off your letters, make your phone calls, etc. Be aware, that most of the e-mails sent to Gov. Crist are being forwarded to the Department of Health for a response (very insulting!). However, send them anyhow! Numbers matter. Call if you can. Make sure you contact all the legislators listed and the Surgeon General.

If you have friends in other subdivisions, please contact them and ask for the name of the President of their associations so we can contact them and increase our representation and influence. Pass along any contact information to me and I will make sure they get plugged in.

We will be working with the Orlando Area Realtors Association, the Markham Woods Homeowners Assoc., Coalition for Property Rights, and several other civic, homeowner, and professional assoc. opposed to this rule. On Tuesday, I will be attending the Orange County Commission Meeting (1:30 p.m. County Commission Chambers, Orange Ave.) and providing testimonial input about the serious economic and quality of life ramifications of this rule to the Bent Oak homeowners. You are welcome to attend. Fred Brummer is proposing the Orange County Government send a letter of concern and protest to the Gov. The citizen input is to move them to do so. If you need more information on this, let me know.

One of our neighbor’s has described this rule’s impact as an “economic black hole.” And, that it is.

I have much more information that has been forwarded to me. I am going to try to get a summary statement together and will get it to you asap.
Thank you all for your involvement! Remember, if there are two or more voters in your home, get e-mails out from each one. Every voice counts and the more the better!

Andrea
407.886.1011

Addresses to use for septic tanks

Bryan Nelson

407-880-4414 (District Office)

850-488-2023 (Tallahassee Office)

Bryan.nelson@myfloridahouse.gov

Andy Gardiner

407-897-2064 (District Office)

850-487-5047 (Tallahassee Office)

Gardiner.andy.web@flsenate..gov

State Surgeon General Secretary, Dept. of Health-Ana M. Viamonte Ros, M.D., M.P.H.

Office of the Secretary
2585 Merchants Row Boulevard
Tallahassee , FL
Phone: 850 -245-4321
Fax: 850 - 922-9453

Telephone: Govenor Charlie Crist

Citizen Services Hotline: (850) 488-4441
Executive Office of the Governor Switchboard: (850) 488-7146
[Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time]
Charlie.Crist@MyFlorida.com

Contact the Governor or Lt. Governor
Jeff.Kottkamp@MyFlorida.com
Telephone:
Citizen Services Hotline: * (850) 488-4441*
Executive Office of the Governor Switchboard: * (850) 488-7146* [Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time]


Dept. of Health website http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/ostds/index.html


The following standards shall apply in the Wekiva Study Area as defined in 369.316, F.S.
(a) In areas not scheduled, by an adopted local wastewater facility plan, to be served by a central sewer system by July 1, 2012, performance based treatment systems with a total nitrogen discharge limit of 10 milligrams per liter at the outlet of the treatment receptacle shall be required for new systems, modifications, and repairs. No increase in the authorized sewage flow allowances of 381.0065(4)(a), (b), and (g) shall allowed for use of these systems.

(b) In areas not scheduled, by an adopted local wastewater facility plan, to be served by a central sewer system by July 1, 2012, prior to completion of any real estate transaction for property with an onsite sewage treatment and disposal system that does not meet the above referenced standard, the seller must apply for and receive a construction permit to upgrade the system to a performance based treatment system with a total nitrogen discharge limit of 10 milligrams per liter at the outlet of the treatment receptacle. The system must be installed and receive final approval from the department within 18 months of the issue date of the permit.

(c) Land application of septage shall not be allowed.

E-MAIL TO GOV. CRIST

E-MAIL GOVERNOR CRIST TODAY!!!!!


The value of your home is at stake. Florida Department of Health is forcing a new rule regarding septic systems. If this rule is passed, you will be forced to install a new type of electrically-operated septic system.


Cost to install $10-20 thousand dollars

Cost to maintain $1200-1500 per year

Cost to operate add up to $50/month to your electric bill


If you try to sell your home, you will be forced to install the new system before closing….even if your current system is fully operational…that's if you can even find a buyer willing to live with this insane system.


If you try to add onto your home, you will be forced to install this new system.


If you lose power, you will have NO SEWAGE SYSTEM and raw sewage will back up into your house! When power is restored, you will have to pay the system installer to re-start your sewage treatment system.


Governor Crist is the only one who can stop this insanity. E-mail him today ! Charlie.Crist@myflorida.com. Do not wait. Tell him he must stop the Department of Health from passing this rule.


For more information on this urgent issue, go to OCINS on the web. (Orange County Information News Service). You may also contact Fred Brummer, Orange County Commissioner. He is asking everyone to contact Governor Crist about the DOH rule change. DO NOT WAIT.

MARK YOUR CALENDER MARCH 10

Important Date March 10Th. Don't forget to attend the annual Bent Oak Home Owners Meeting at Clay Springs School! It is very important that you either attend or send in your proxy so we have a quorum so we won't have to reschedule the meeting again.

Freeze information

Plant doctor: Cloth coverings shouldn't damage plants after freeze
Tom MacCubbin | IN THE GARDEN
February 21, 2009
Question: After a night with freezing temperatures is it all right to leave cloth coverings over the plants during the day if a freeze is expected the second or third nights?

Answer: Leaving cloth coverings over plants for several days during a period of cold weather should not affect the plants if the temperatures do not go above the 60- or 70-degree range. Still, removing them would be best when the temperatures rise into the 40s as it allows the ground and surroundings to become warm again. Cold protection usually involves trapping this heat for the night when the covers are reapplied. Plastic covers should always be removed or vented when the sun is shining as plants can be heated to damaging levels if the plastic is left in place even on cool days.

Wekiwa Springs State Park

If you are looking for something to do this month, here is some activities at Wekiwa Springs State Park..... Dave

Music in The Park
Enjoy live music under the stars. Admission $5 per person.
Tickets are available in advance at the Ranger Station

Saturday February 28, 6-9pm
Ken Skeens and Voices of Truth
Saturday March 21, 6-9pm
Acoustic Flair and Midlife Crisis and The Hot Flashes

February 28, 2009.
The 22nd Annual Wekiva 5K Race and Fun Walk.
To register go to www.J7Sports.net
To download a registration form that can be mailed in or dropped off at the Ranger Station click here
March 7, 2009.
RiverFest in conjunction with Friends of the Wekiva River.

For more information email: info@wwt-cso.com

Orange County EPD meeting

I just recieved this 1/13/09...... Dave

Subject: JANUARY 9, 2009 - ORANGE COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DIVISION NEEDS YOUR INPUT ON PROPOSED FERTILIZER REGULATIONS
This public service notice is being sent to the registrants of the Orange County Neighborhood Organization Directory. Please share the following information with your neighbors and organization members. We want you to know that we respect the privacy of your email address – this email is sent per individual email addressees listed in our Directory. Only other members in your organization, if listed below, are seeing your email address. However, if you do not wish to receive emailed information from Orange County Government, please reply to sender and request that your email address be removed from our database.
Connecting Neighbors & Neighborhoods!
Your friends at Orange County Neighborhood Services...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TO: OCSO: Community Preparedness Unit ~ Sector 1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
INFORMACIÓN IMPORTANTE. PARA MÁS INFORMACIÓN EN ESPAÑOL
FAVOR DE LLAMAR A NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES AL 407-836-5606

January 9, 2009 - Orange County Environmental Protection Division needs your input on proposed fertilizer regulations
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Special Notice to Homeowners!
************
Orange County Environmental Protection Division (EPD) needs your input on proposed regulations regarding fertilizer applied to turf! Protecting water quality is a common goal that we all share as citizens of the County and partners in the central Florida region. Proposed regulations involving fertilizer applied to turf, as well as other specific best management practices can have a positive impact on water quality. Obviously, there is no singular culprit in the water quality problems we face, and no singular fix. The fertilizer management ordinance is only one step towards minimizing unnecessary nutrient inputs to the surface and groundwater system. Several county waters have been identified as impaired by phosphorus and nitrogen. Many other bodies of water in Orange County are likely to decline as well. Regulations, such as the fertilizer management is one method of mitigating problems before very costly water treatment alternatives become necessary.
A workshop will be held at the EPD office on January 21, 2009 from 1-2 p.m., to discuss the proposed ordinance. RSVP via the following email, or by regular mail. Visit EPD’s website to read the draft of the ordinance. Submit comments via email to Alan.Marshall@ocfl.net , or via mail addressed to Orange County EPD, 800 Mercy Drive, Orlando Florida 32808.
We appreciate your input, as these proposed regulations are important to many homeowners in the county.
~~~~~~~~~~
For more information about Environmental Protection Division programs & services contact:
Orange County Environmental Protection Division
Telephone: (407) 836-1400
Website: http://www.ocepd.org/

CEPTIC TANKS, VERY IMPORTANT

Hi Everybody, please read this letter from one of our residences, it is very important and it may affect everyone of us..... Dave

Dear Senator Constantine,
It has come to my attention that you have introduced yet another bill (SB 274) that, if passed, severely and negatively impacts the 70,000+ residents of the Wekiva River Basin area with no particular, or measurable benefit to the environment or the water quality.

I am very aware of your concern and dedication to the environmental quality of life along and in the Wekiva River. I am also very aware that, although the change in DOH rules and/or EPA standards will force homeowners to install a certain type of replacement system, there is no system replacement available that guarantees it will produce the nitrogen reduction results you seek. Further, your efforts are aimed at a group and a circumstance that DOH studies prove is responsible for less than 6% of the nitrogen going into the Wekiva Basin area. Can you tell me what people are supposed to do for sewage treatment when hurricanes hit and there is no power to run these high tech septic “solutions”? Are we supposed to live in hotels for weeks, or live with backed up sewage into our homes? I think that represents a far greater threat to the environment – and to our health - than our current low tech, low impact solution.

In fact, your bill will financially destroy further the value of homes in this area already hit by a 30% reduction in marketable value. The enormous cost to install and maintain the “preferred” systems is beyond the means of most homeowners. For my family, this relentless pursuit of a standard that cannot be achieved by any available means, puts us in a situation where we will not be able to afford to live in our home, nor will we be able to sell it. Your bill effectively destroys forty years of building equity in our home, saving for retirement, and being able to control our monthly expenses into retirement. That is unconscionable!

It is beyond my comprehension that you would allow this situation to continue as a threat over the heads of the citizens of this area. I ask that you withdraw your bill, and understand that your continual push for these unachievable standards is creating economic chaos in our lives. I think there is currently enough of that and you should not be adding to the burdens of your fellow citizens and constituents. I think your energy would be better spent finding ways to eliminate wasteful and unproductive bureaucratic spending so we can adequately fund our schools.

Sincerely,
Andrea Samson