By Regan McCarthy
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-967808.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – A bill expected to repeal a rule requiring septic tank inspections failed in the Florida legislature. Legislators okayed a bill last year requiring a regular check of septic tanks, but Regan McCarthy reports lawmakers then immediately froze the rule fearing frequent examinations would be too costly.
Lawmakers were expected to repeal the measure this year, but the proposal died. Joseph Cheatham manages Tallahassee Utilities Underground Wastewater Operation. Cheatham says he thinks the tanks deserve a regular once-over. He says failing to check residents' septic tanks could be damaging to the environment.
"As far as the impact on our groundwater, and especially Wakulla Springs for nutrients, septic tanks play a role in part of that pollution that eventually gets into our ground water. It's something that we need to be mindful of and we need to make sure that we're doing the right thing as a community and as a government toward septic tank regulation."
Lawmakers hoping for a repeal have announced they plan continue efforts to protect citizens from a forced septic tank inspection.