Resources are documents from various sources that will provide in depth discussions of the issues and actions surrounding the septic system controversy. These documents have been selected and, will be continuously updated, so that the reader can search for a more complete history and understanding of the following topics: science, the search for solutions, legislative history, bureaucratic actions, position papers, presentations, helpful hints and more. Please contact andrea@thesludgereport.org if you do not find what you are searching for – we will try to help.
If you are evaluating solutions for your home or subdivision with regard to replacing conventional septic systems with an alternative such as sewers, you will find the information in this section helpful. Here you can find:
Fact Sheets
A letter written on October 1, 2019 to Dr. Thomas Frazer, Chief Science Officer, State of Florida by Andrea Samson, Editor
Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection has a mapping database. You can enter your address into this map and see how you are affected by this regulation
The draft plans, State Order, final plans and other comments have been moved here to their own section.
Basin Management Action Plans are tasked with developing remediation plans for impaired springs and waterways. Groups are geographically focused and allow both citizen, industry and governmental participation.
A short list of things you can do to extend the life of your septic system and avoid premature failure.
Five simple modules on what is nitrogen, the errors made in determining the impact from septic systems, how the principle Florida agencies governing water quality are affecting you and “important questions” you should be asking local, State and vendors about proposed solutions.
A summary of the inspection requirements added to House Bill 1263 in 2012. This bill replaced SB 550 (2010) which mandated state-wide inspections. FDOH rules governing inspections were rejected by homeowners and the TRAP advisory committee. The new bill put into statute the pass/fail criteria for septic system inspections. This summary spells out those rules which protect the property rights of a homeowner and assure that the inspection requirements do not exceed reasonable standards.
Here is a November, 2017 article on septic to sewer conversions. This is an excellent companion piece to the “important questions” noted above.
The Bert Harris Act of 1995 is a little used protection afforded to homeowners when government regulations reduce the value of their property. With the upcoming threats associated with Florida’s Clean Water Acts, this document explains how these protections would work. It is provided here as a reference.
A requirement to have a BMAP (Basin Management Action Plan) for water quality restoration is required by Florida Law Section 403.067(7) to be effective July 2018 with a 20-year implementation plan. This is a nice printable two page summary of the issues.
This is a printable petition requesting the selection of NON-ELECTRIC solutions for the BMAP Plans.
Connected devices as diverse as septic systems have joined the “Internet of Things” (“IoT”). Unfortunately, IoT devices have also become an increasingly attractive target for cyber criminals to probe the devices for security vulnerabilities and then install malicious software (“malware”) to surreptitiously control the device, damage the device, gain unauthorized access to the data on the device, and/or otherwise affect the device’s operation without permission. Even home networks can be vulnerable without proper protections.
Describes the original mission and purpose of Tri-County Association, a group of homeowner associations and individuals in the Wekiva Study Area formed as a lobbying group to protect homeowner property rights. Tri-County Association was merged into Coalition for Property Rights February 12, 2013.
