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-6
(594kb;
pdf) and
Florida Statute 386.
Download
the
Septic Tank Application Package(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-6(PDF;594K)and
Florida Statute 386
regarding septic tanks and sanitary nuisances.
Property Sale Inspections are mandated by
Escambia County Ordinance Chapter 98 Article III(34kb;
pdf)
Download an application for inspection
Property Sale Application(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 III(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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