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'Legislation is flushing us all down the same bowl' (DOCUMENT, PHOTO GALLERY)
Mandatory inspections will take effect in January
DeFUNIAK SPRINGS — More than 250 people had nothing good to say Thursday about a new law that will require septic tank owners to pay for mandatory inspections every five years.
View a photo gallery of the workshop »
No one at the workshop at the DeFuniak Springs Community Center appeared to support the new regulation. Many visitors held signs that included “Repeal the septic tank law” and “SB 550 stinks — repeal it”
Officials with the Walton County Health Department and the state Department of Environmental Protection explained the law that will take effect in January.
Several people said it isn’t needed.
“I take care of my septic tank,” said Walton County Commissioner Sara Comander, who added that she was speaking as a resident. “I make sure my roof is not leaky, my steps are not squeaky and that my septic tank is in good shape.”
The audience applauded as Comander said the law was targeted at homes in South Florida, but that homeowners in Northwest Florida care about their septic tanks.
The loudest cheers came when she said most septic tank owners are elderly and on fixed incomes.
“Legislation is flushing us all down the same bowl,” Comander said. “Around 80 to 90 percent of folks around here have septic tanks and they are all responsible homeowners. This law is un-conscionable.”
The mandatory inspections were included in a water cleanup package approved at the end of this year’s legislative session.
Under the new law, septic tank owners would be required to pump out, repair or replace their tanks if problems are discovered.
Residents were most concerned with the $500 fine for not complying with the law. The loudest guffaws came when they heard the fine was for a first-time offense.
Ponce De Leon resident Greg Alford quoted Ronald Reagan when he spoke.
“The government is not the solution to the problem. The government is the problem,” said Alford, who is a minister. “I am pastoring an angry congregation right now. You all need to exercise your Christian citizen rights and hold those who made this decision accountable.
“The problem is not going to be solved today,” he added. “It will be resolved in that (voting) booth in November, so make your vote count.”
