Senators Want Another Crack at Septic Tank Law

Deriding a law that requires septic tank inspections once every five years that was passed last year as "one-size-fits-all," Sen. Charlie Dean, R-Inverness, who chairs the Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee, said he wants to rework the law to allow for greater local control. He has filed a bill that would repeal the law, which requires the Department of Health to conduct inspections on septic tanks. The inspection program was supposed to be in place at the beginning of the year but was moved back to July after legislators moved the start date back during a special session in November 2010.

"It allows local governments to tailor laws that fit them," Dean said of his bill.

Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, echoed those sentiments.

"My suggestion would be to, instead of requiring counties to opt in, allow counties to opt out," Latvala said.

Dean said the key was drawing a balance between forcing an inspection program on land and home owners, and protecting springs and waterways from pollution.

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