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Septic Tanks & Sewage 

 

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Escambia County Health Department

Trusted Professionals Protecting You Since 1821 

 
   

Septic Tanks and Sewage

Two sections operate within this program:  OSTDS (Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems) and Property Sale Inspections (Environmental Analysis Program).  Permitting hours are from 8:00am until 4:15pm.

OSTDS

In the OSTDS program, the Escambia County Health Department issues over 1000 septic permits every year. The governing authority for this program is Florida Administrative Code 64E-6This link open into a new window(594kb; pdf) and Florida Statute 386This link open into a new window.

 Download the Septic Tank Application PackageThis link open into a new window(121kb; pdf) here. 

New Septic Systems

Inspection and permitting is required to ensure that the system is:

  • Adequately sized

  • Made of approved construction materials

  • Installed at the proper elevation

  • Installed at the proper depth and distance to the seasonal high water table, drinking water table and surface water

Existing Septic Systems

Inspection and permitting is required for a modification to a home or business to assure that the system is:

  • Not deteriorated or obstructed

  • Is functioning properly

  • Has the proper setback to drinking water and irrigation wells, groundwater, surface water, foundations, additions, property lines, ditches or swales

Repairs

Inspection and permitting is required for a repair to assure that the system repair design is:

  • Adequately sized

  • Made of approved construction materials

  • Installed at the proper elevation

  • Installed at the proper depth and distance to the seasonal high water table, drinking water table and surface water

If you have a complaint regarding a septic tank or sewage overflow please call us at 850-595-6700.

Property Sale Inspections

The governing authority for this program is Florida Administrative Code 64E-6This link open into a new window(PDF;594K)and Florida Statute 386This link open into a new window regarding septic tanks and sanitary nuisances.

Property Sale Inspections are mandated by Escambia County Ordinance Chapter 98 Article IIIThis link open into a new window(34kb; pdf)

Download an application for inspection Property Sale ApplicationThis link open into a new window(56kb; pdf)

This inspection program:

  • Is required any time a deed is transferred on a property with a septic tank

  • Services Escambia County south of “Well Line” Road and Becks Lake Road in Cantonment.

  • Is designed to inform Buyer and Seller of any problems with septic system prior to the sale so that corrections can be made.

  • Enforces correction of sanitary nuisances such as:

  • Sewage on the ground

  • Open Septic Tank

  • Laundry discharge (greywater)

  • Kitchen discharge

  • Improper distance to public drinking water lines

  • Enforces public sewer connection when sewer line is available to property.  Definition of available means:

  • Sewer line is gravity fed

  • Sewer line is within 50 feet of property line in public easement or right
                of way

  • Sewer line is available for connection per ECUA (Emerald Coast Utility
                Authority)

  • Monitors water quality in local bayous, bays and beaches through research and the Healthy Beaches Program.  Water Quality Research

Exemptions

There are 10 exemptions that apply to this inspection.  If your property meets one of the definitions listed in Escambia County Ordinance Chapter 98 Article IIIThis link open into a new window(PDF;34K) you will not be required to have the inspection. 

Timeframe

  • The site will be visited on the 3rd day after the application date per Florida Law (Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act, of Florida Statutes).

  • Our goal is to provide the Inspection letter within 5 business days from application.  However, in some instances the letter may be delayed due to violations.

Contact us with any questions, complaints or comments at 850-595-6700.

 

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