When access to a public sanitary sewer system is not available in an area, the property owner may choose to install a septic system for onsite wastewater disposal. Even when these systems are properly cared for, they naturally discharge nutrients into surrounding water resources.
To improve the water quality here in Miami and throughout Florida, a significant reduction in the level of pollutants in the watershed must occur. The excess nutrients coming from septic tanks and other sources can result in an algae-based ecosystem, which can affect the habitats of fish, birds, and other marine species.
Through the Septic to Sewer Commercial Corridors program, Miami-Dade County is making an effort to extend sanitary sewer service to those with a septic system in order to protect the health of the area’s delicate water ecosystem. Under current groundwater conditions, thousands of existing septic systems are vulnerable to failure or compromise.
Through the Septic to Sewer Commercial Corridors program, the county is prioritizing the conversion of septic systems to connections to the sewer system on parcels that have the largest likelihood of failure while also considering other social, economic, and environmental ranking criteria. The initial focus of this program is to connect properties that already have access to existing sewer infrastructure. From there, the work will shift to expanding the county’s sanitary sewer system and connect properties with septic systems based on their level of risk.
The county also has many requirements in place to protect natural water resources when a new septic system is installed. For example, the OSTDS must be placed at least 75 feet away from any bay, lake, or surface water and 10 feet away from any storm water pipes.
We are extremely familiar with these requirements at Southern Water and Soil, and we can make sure you comply during the installation of your new septic system. For more information about the Septic to Sewer Commercial Corridors program or septic installation requirements, reach out to us today.