Pinecrest Patriots Group Raises Stink Over Septic Tank Law

Some Bloomingdale area residents are turning their noses up at state law that requires septic tank inspections every five years.

The bill, passed by the Florida Legislature last year, became effective Jan. 1. Inspections would be phased in over the next five years.

There are more than 2.6 million septic tanks in Florida, many more than 30 years old. Supporters of the new law say it will help protect the environment.

Opponents say the inspections costing $100-$150 put an unfair burden on those homeowners using septic tanks. They fear state inspections will mean many homeowners will have to replace their septic tanks at a cost of anywhere from $8,000 to $15,000.

“The intent at first was to inspect septic tanks that are close to springs but it’s expanded to cover all the tanks in the state,” said Shirley Wood.

Many Bloomingdale area residents live in rural areas with now access to county sewer lines and have little option other than septic tanks, Wood said.

Wood was speaking at the May 7 meeting of Lithia branch of Tampa 912. The conservative grassroots activist group meets every Saturday at Country Corner, 7013 Lithia Pinecrest Road. The group’s name recalls the mood of the U.S. the day after the Sept. 11 2001 terrorist attacks.

“People wanted to just get things done (in the days after 9-11),” Wood said. “They didn’t care about politics we just wanted to solve our country’s problems.”

A bill repealing the septic tank law was approved by the Florida House last month by 110 to 3. The Senate version of the bill was still in the rules committee when the legislative session ended May 6.

The Lithia branch draws members from all over eastern Hillsborough and has 50-60 members.

“Our goal is educate the public and keep voters informed so hopefully they can hold our representative’s feet to the fire,” Wood said. “As a result, we invite people from both sides when we hold meetings.”

“We try to be fair to everyone and just push people to get involved,” said Kim Kelley, a longtime member of the Lithia chapter.

For more information, visit the group’s web site.
 

-- Contributor Kevin Brady