Requirements for Existing Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems

Requirements for Existing Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (OSTDS)

Section 373.807, F.S., specifies that if, during the development of a BMAP for an OFS, DEP identifies onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems (OSTDS) as contributors of at least 20% of nonpoint source nitrogen pollution in a Priority Focus Area (PFA) or if DEP determines that remediation is necessary to achieve the TMDL, the BMAP must include an OSTDS remediation plan. Ten BMAPs include an OSTDS remediation plan to address nitrogen loading from existing OSTDS that are impacting the water quality within the BMAP area.  

The plan requires that upon the need for repair or replacement, an existing OSTDS must be upgraded to an enhanced nutrient-reducing OSTDS, unless the OSTDS permit applicant demonstrates that sewer connection will be available within five years for connection by the applicant. This requirement applies to all existing OSTDS within the PFA on lots less than one acre. 

Before the requirement to upgrade could become effective, certain conditions had to be met, including:  

• Completion of the master wastewater treatment feasibility analyses for DeLeon Spring;  
• Completion of DEP onsite sewage rulemaking;   
• Establishment of a funding program to help offset the costs to homeowners; and  
• Coordination between DEP and Volusia County.

Deleon Spring in Volusia County - With these conditions having been met and extensive public outreach conducted by Volusia County over the last couple of years, the requirement for existing OSTDS to upgrade to enhanced nutrient-reducing OSTDS in the DeLeon Spring BMAP went into effect on Jan. 31, 2024.  

Upper Wakulla River and Wakulla Springs in Leon and Wakulla Counties - With these conditions having been met and extensive public outreach conducted by Leon County and Wakulla County over the last couple of years, the requirement for existing OSTDS to upgrade to enhanced nutrient-reducing OSTDS in the Upper Wakulla River and Wakulla Springs BMAP will tentatively go into effect on May 1, 2024.  

DEP is working with local governments in the remaining BMAPs with OSTDS remediation plans to identify target dates for implementation of the plans in those basins. Please check back regularly for updates. See Springs BMAP Upgrade Requirements for Repairs or Modifications of Existing OSTDS (Septic Systems)  for an interactive map that shows existing system requirements.

For additional information, please visit Springs Protection and Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs) | Florida Department of Environmental Protection