Springs Protection and Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs)

The “Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act,” passed during Florida's 2016 legislative session, directed the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to develop restoration plans known as Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs). Under these plans, new septic systems on lots of less than one acre permitted in some sensitive springs areas (priority focus areas, or PFAs) are required to be nitrogen-reducing in nature. New conventional (non-nitrogen-reducing) systems are no longer permitted in these areas except when a sewer to which the facility can connect will be available within five years.

For more information about BMAPs, please visit Meeting the Requirements of the Springs and Aquifer Protection Act.

What nitrogen-reducing onsite sewage systems exist that are approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)?

Nitrogen-reducing options include in-ground nitrogen-reducing biofilters (INRBs), nitrogen-reducing (NSF 245-certified) aerobic treatment units and nitrogen-reducing performance-based treatment systems. See an overview of nitrogen-reducing systems that can used for springs protection and links to Florida-approved systems.