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