ECAR Fact Sheet for Florida
Septic
Tanks and Disposal Wells
Regulations
Self-Audit Checklist
Best Management Practices
Contacts
Related ECAR Fact Sheets
Other Relevant Resources
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The
following fact sheet was prepared by the ECAR Center staff. Once
prepared, each ECAR Center fact sheet undergoes a review process
with the applicable state environmental agency(ies). You can check
on the status of the review process here.
Please read the disclaimer on the status page. While we have tried
to present a summary of the essential information on this topic,
you should be aware that other items, such as local regulations,
may apply to you.
What You Need to Know
There
is a simple rule for determining when it is OK to put industrial
wastewater into a septic system -- never. You can dispose
of "sanitary wastes" from ordinary lavatory use or hand
washing in a septic field only if the wastewater has not
been contaminated with any water from an industrial operation.
Some
yards may have shallow wells or cesspools that have been used for
disposal of industrial wastewater. It is now illegal to create
such systems, and existing systems need to have special permits
to continue their operation. This fact sheet will help you
check whether your existing wastewater disposal practices are in
compliance with current rules.
Regulations
This
fact sheet explains the regulations applicable to septic tanks or
other forms of disposal wells used at auto recycling facilities
for disposal of vehicle fluids or industrial wastewater. These methods
of disposal are referred to as "motor vehicle waste disposal
wells." They are regulated under federal and state Underground
Injection Control (UIC) regulations that protect drinking water
supplies.
Motor
vehicle waste disposal wells are floor drains or sinks in service
bays that are tied into a shallow disposal system. Most commonly,
these shallow disposal systems are septic systems or drywells, but
any underground system that receives motor vehicle waste would be
considered a motor vehicle waste disposal well. A variety of names
are used to describe shallow disposal systems including: cesspools,
catch basins, sink holes, underground vaults, or drain tanks to
name a few.
Here
are the federal rules for motor vehicle waste disposal wells:
- New
motor vehicle waste disposal wells are banned nationwide as of
April 5, 2000.
- Existing
motor vehicle waste disposal wells are banned in ground water
protection areas and other sensitive ground water areas. States
have until January 1, 2004, to delineate other sensitive ground
water areas, unless they apply and receive an extension of up
to one year to complete this task (by January 1, 2005). States
or EPA may waive the ban and allow owners and operators to obtain
a permit. However, their use will eventually be phased out (no
later than Jan. 1, 2008).
Florida
rules for motor vehicle waste disposal wells have not been finalized.
However, Florida does have general regulations in place covering
underground injection control. Under these state rules, a motor
vehicle waste disposal well would be classified as a Class V, Group
4 well. These rules cover various aspects of Class V well operation:
- All
Class V wells, which began operation after April 1, 1982, must
be permitted (permit requirements may also be applied to older
wells at the discretion of DEP).
- The
discharge of fluid containing any contaminant into underground
sources of drinking water is prohibited.
- Owners
are required to monitor and report results to DEP.
- Owners
are required to develop a closure plan.
In
essence, it is virtually impossible to legally discharge any industrial
wastes or wastewater to a septic tank or similar underground device.
Links
to the Regulations and Forms. Use
the following links to view the regulations and permit forms pertaining
to wastewater.
Florida
Underground Injection Control Rules
Federal
Rules for Class V Wells
Federal
Rules for Motor Vehicle Waste Disposal Wells
Class
V Well Pre-Closure Notification Form
Self-Audit
Checklist
When
an inspector comes to your facility, there are certain things they
check to see if you are in compliance with environmental regulations.
It makes good sense for you to perform a "self-audit"
and catch and correct problems before they result in penalties.
Also, there are some compliance incentives associated with self-audits
(see Audit
Policy Page).
Use
the following list to audit your septic tank or underground well.
- Does
your facility discharge vehicle fluids or related industrial wastewater
to a septic tank or similar system? Does a permit authorize the
discharges?
Check all uses of water and steam within the industrial areas
of your facility. Determine where wastewater is generated and
discharged. You must have a permit or written authorization for
all industrial wastewater discharges. Use of a septic tank or
similar system is not a viable option.
Best
Management Practices (BMPs)
Most
regulations tell you what you have to do to be in compliance, but
they don't explain how to do it. That's where "best management
practices" come into play. BMPs are proven methods that
help you to get into compliance and stay there. The following BMPs
are recommended for septic tank management.
- Check
your sinks and floor drains in the shop to make certain you know
where they discharge.
- Cap
or plug any floor drains connected to a septic tank.
- Train
employees on the importance of preventing any vehicle fluids or
other industrial wastes from entering a septic tank or well.
- Post
signs at sinks connected to your septic tank system to remind
employees not to discard any wastes into the sink.
Contacts
- DEP's
Underground Injection Control Program
- Industrial
Wastewater Contacts at DEP.
Related
ECAR Fact Sheets
- Floor Drains
- Wastewater
Other
Relevant Resources
- DEP
Pretreatment Program
- DEP
Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program
- What
Should I Know About Motor Vehicle Waste Disposal Wells?
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