Anyone own a septic tank?

[wrobert]

One of the few things I wish our government to do is look out for public health and safety. The only way some folks are going to get off septic is by force - meaning a state or federal agency who is not dependent on local votes.

Gulf Trace is not the only place with septic tanks on the beach but it is the worst I know of.

Little Redfish Lake polluted by septic tanks and drain fields on the beach in Gulf Trace:
Photos - Beaches of South Walton - 08/03/05

How Little Redfish Lake is supposed to look:
Photos - Beaches of South Walton - 02/18/07

I want off septic, what is my other choice?

 

[wrobert]

Not many people know we also have septic tanks and drain fields right on the beach in some places. It seems owners are not willing to take on the expense of connecting to sewer, even when offered a break on the price. It looks like it would need to be forced on them and/or paid for by taxpayers - both are problematic.

Then again, so are lawsuits for septic-related illness.

I wonder if someone published a map of septic tank locations in SoWal if that might have an effect on rentals of certain properties and neighborhoods?

After Hurricane Opal there were a bunch of them, I would have figured that had changed by now.

 

[idlewind]

One of the few things I wish our government to do is look out for public health and safety. The only way some folks are going to get off septic is by force - meaning a state or federal agency who is not dependent on local votes.

Gulf Trace is not the only place with septic tanks on the beach but it is the worst I know of.

Little Redfish Lake polluted by septic tanks and drain fields on the beach in Gulf Trace:
Photos - Beaches of South Walton - 08/03/05

How Little Redfish Lake is supposed to look:
Photos - Beaches of South Walton - 02/18/07

These are local problems that should properly be solved via zoning or a local ordinance. If sewer is available then existing property owners should be afforded a free hookup or pay a fee each year for their septic system equal to the average sewage bill. Just one suggested fix off the top of my head. What is not needed or proper is a statewide one fix cures all approach that will hurt many lower income individuals who have never heard of Redfish lake or Gulf Trace.

 

[Kurt]

These are local problems that should properly be solved via zoning or a local ordinance. If sewer is available then existing property owners should be afforded a free hookup or pay a fee each year for their septic system equal to the average sewage bill. Just one suggested fix off the top of my head. What is not needed or proper is a statewide one fix cures all approach that will hurt many lower income individuals who have never heard of Redfish lake or Gulf Trace.

Agree - unless part of fees and fines actually went toward getting people off septic where needed. Still sounds like unneeded regulation. I know of one old guy on a tank that is a problem but no one wants to report him because he can't afford to fix it. Seems like it would be a good use of tax dollars.

 

[30A Skunkape]

Courtesy of a creative SOWALer

 

[lms47]

I really hope this law is repealled. I have an above-ground septic tank, which I hate; but, I do not have sewage available in my area of Portland. I understand the reason for this law because I have neighbors who have been here forever and their sewage goes directly into Alaqua Bay, which I hate. My system is just over 9 years old and works properly. Each system should be evaluated on it's own merit and NOT at the expense of the homeowner. AND if septic companies are going to do the inspections, this seems to be a conflict of interest, IMHO.

 

[futurebeachbum]

Its interesting that these regs and laws have always got to be done in absolutes.

Why not focus septic inspections and remediation in areas where faulty septic performance has the most impact. Someone sitting on 400 acres in the country outside of Alachua with a poorly performing tank worries me a lot less than someone near a coastal lake or water source.

An approach like this would allow the State/County/City to help homeowners who can't manage the repairs.

I had septic tanks at my 2 previous homes and I much preferred using some RidX and having it pumped and back washed every 5-7 years to paying a monthly sewage fee (as I do now.)

 

[Beach Runner]

We had an underground septic tank in an upscale neighborhood within the city limits of Spartanburg, SC. We couldn't do laundry on rainy days because it would back up. What a PITA!

 

[sunspotbaby]

When we moved onto our lot, there was an existing septic and well on the property. We looked into connecting to the county water and sewage and we just didn't have the money to do that. So my husband got the sewer done and inspected and we've never had any problems with it. That was 2004. We don't live near any coastal dune lakes, but i do understand the concern in those areas. I feel like every 5 years is a bit much, especially if it passes inspection the first time. I also see a conflict having sewage companies do the inspections. That's the fox guarding the hen house. Not a good idea IMO.

 

[30A Skunkape]

Umm, if the sewer companies don't do the inspection, who should? Could the people who tout personal responsibility please explain why it is OK to let your leaky system spread filth into the communities? If you want to enjoy indoor plumbing, it may cost you some money. Otherwise, seal you tank and go take care of your business at the library. Seriously.