RSP Engineers is committed to assisting property owners and developers in navigating the recent updates to Miami-Dade County's septic system regulations. Effective January 1, 2023, the county has implemented stricter standards for the design, installation, and replacement of Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (OSTDS), commonly known as septic systems.
Overview of Updated Septic System Regulations
The Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners adopted Ordinance 22-83, introducing significant changes to Chapter 24 of the County Code. Key updates include:
Creation of Section 24-42.7, outlining requirements for new and replacement OSTDS.
Mandatory prior written approval from the Director for any new or replacement OSTDS installations.
Prohibition of conventional septic systems (Type 1) for new or total replacement projects.
These changes aim to protect groundwater and surface waters from contamination and ensure the long-term sustainability of wastewater management systems.
https://www.miamidade.gov/global/economy/environment/ostds.page?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Classification of OSTDS Types
The updated regulations classify OSTDS into four types based on treatment standards and environmental considerations:
Type 1: Conventional systems (no longer permitted for new or total replacements).
Type 2: Systems meeting secondary treatment standards, suitable for single-family homes or duplexes generating less than 500 gallons per day and located at least 1,000 feet from surface water bodies.
Type 3: Systems meeting advanced secondary treatment standards, applicable to multifamily and other uses not exceeding 1,000 gallons per day and situated at least 1,000 feet from surface water bodies.
Type 4: Systems adhering to Florida Keys Nutrient Reduction Treatment Standards, required for uses not meeting Type 2 or 3 criteria
Each system type has specific design and installation requirements to ensure environmental protection and compliance with county regulations.
General Requirements for New and Replacement OSTDS
All new or completely replaced OSTDS must adhere to the following general requirements:
Setback Distances: Minimum of 100 feet from any surface water body and 50 feet from all property lines where public water is unavailable.
Drainfield Elevation: The bottom of the drainfield must be at least 36 inches above the wet season high water table.
Permitting: Prior written approval from the Director is required before installation or replacement.
These measures are designed to minimize the risk of groundwater contamination and ensure the effectiveness of the wastewater treatment process
Compliance Deadlines and Registration
Property owners and developers must be aware of the following deadlines:
January 1, 2023: All new building applications proposing a new septic system or complete replacement of an existing system require review and approval by the Division of Environmental Resources Management (DERM).
January 1, 2024: All existing OSTDS must be registered with DERM.
Failure to comply with these deadlines may result in delays or penalties.
RSP Engineers' Role in Ensuring Compliance
As a leading civil engineering firm in Florida, RSP Engineers offers comprehensive services to assist clients in meeting the updated septic system standards, including:
Site evaluations and feasibility studies.
Design and engineering of compliant OSTDS.
Preparation and submission of permit applications.
Coordination with DERM and other regulatory agencies.
Our expertise ensures that your project adheres to all county regulations, avoiding potential setbacks and ensuring environmental responsibility.
Contact RSP Engineers for Septic System Compliance Assistance
If you are planning a new development or need to replace an existing septic system in Miami-Dade County, contact RSP Engineers for professional guidance and engineering services to ensure compliance with the latest regulations.
