Septic tank law controversial

Opponents say a 2010 state law requiring homeowners and businesses to have their septic tanks inspected every five years, that was delayed until the 2012 session, would add another layer of potentially expensive bureaucratic red tape to a housing market that has been swimming in red ink for several years. The law requires inspections every five years without regard to the unit's condition.

Environmental proponents of the bill say it is needed to protect groundwater and the state's residents from diseases associated with sewer contamination.

However the inspections, according to opponents to the legislation, would cost hundreds of dollars and could lead to unneeded repairs and associated costs.

The law was introduced by legislators to prevent treated sewage from leaking into groundwater supplies.

Those opposed to the legislation say the it is an expensive one-size-fits-all solution that would place an unnecessary burden on homeowners, many who are barely hanging on to their homes in a prolonged and relentless housing recession steeped in foreclosures.

The law was so unpopular that its implement was postponed by legislators until Florida's 2012 legislative session after a massive public outcry.

However, now is the time for homeowners and others who are opposed to the mandatory inspections to contact their state representatives. When legislators take up the issue next year, their decisions will be impacted by who they didn't hear from as much as who they did hear from. For example, if legislators receive more phone calls, letters and email from environmental advocates than opponents of the inspections, the law could be implemented next year. However, if local state representatives and senators hear from a united opposition, they may decide to repeal the law and reintroduce it when the housing market doesn't stink as bad, pun intended.

The county commission has already sent a letter to the state advocating repeal of the inspection law. We encourage you to contact them on this issue, whether you are for or against the law. Below is a contact list of state representives for Sumter County.

Rep H. Marlene O'Toole    916 Avenida The Villages 32159-5704 Ph. 352 315-4445

Sen. Paula Dockery     PO Box 2395 Lakeland 33806-2395 Ph. 846 413-2900

Rep Richard B. Nugent    1517 Longworth House Office Building Washington DC 20515  Ph. 202 225-1002

Senator Bill Nelson          716 Hart Senate Office Building Washington DC  Ph. Ph. 202 224-5274

Senator Marco Rubio     B40A Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC  Ph. 202 224-3041

website: http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/districtdetails.aspx?MemberId=4462&SessionId=70&SenateMemberID=4304&CongressionalDistrictID=5&LAT=28.664419&LONG=-82.110123