The bill amends section 403.814 of the Florida Statutes to introduce regulations regarding distributed wastewater treatment systems (DWTS). It defines key terms such as "distributed wastewater treatment system" and "distributed wastewater treatment unit" (DWTU), and authorizes the Secretary of Environmental Protection to grant general permits for replacing existing onsite sewage treatment systems with DWTS under specific conditions. The bill allows for the installation of DWTUs to proceed without further action from the Department of Environmental Protection, provided that the permittee submits a notification at least 30 days prior to installation, certifying compliance with design and operational standards.
Additionally, the bill outlines requirements for the permittee, including conducting monthly effluent compliance sampling, maintaining legal access for operation and maintenance, and ensuring that the DWTU does not adversely impact public health or the environment. The permittee is also required to perform monthly reporting, annual inspections, and manage biosolids in accordance with established rules. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.