[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6302885,"mediaKeyId","2475900-e58a0f40771be3e297b46bb5abc6637c","parentId",2475900,"title","Florida committee hears on-site wastewater technologies that can remove up to 85% of nitrogen","audioSeconds",2437,"startMs",57000,"endMs",2494000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2475900-e58a0f40771be3e297b46bb5abc6637c&start=57&end=2494","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2475900-e58a0f40771be3e297b46bb5abc6637c/thumbnail_57000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6302885/Florida/Florida-committee-hears-on-site-wastewater-technologies-that-can-remove-up-to-85-of-nitrogen","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6302885-ea59d9222f6a157d39955778b72db459/orig.mp4?Expires=1776060640&Signature=YIxHbbp6nFDlMDYsYJVlriXzH~eZOK4onGlk-TLotr84xv5dmCUlnPG8-1nTWa1TmidJZfLOG3naHm5WX6Dxf6BZYJyW8jlNIhPCas16hOpfwTGzAUScTaImKOaYC583UU7AKtEt3fX6CsFpa8QSw2YzA0uiwqETaIG4ZOwMuZevaii~uN1i~nfCyoWd4BDKCIP~ftGDjKes1AH0gSmjAWnX9eho26HZH7WWoDppmEL30k4HZyQB7bWm7V-0amG3WeRyySqjOYYnIMhYL32~964yYELwpSgWrAlxNO5u2Khl60c-kAvX7JHrWH-pqMCiu-zQri3HsrXDVwqwVKZw-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Florida State Legislature","date","2025-03-03T00:00:00Z","article","Roxanne Groover, executive director of the Florida On-site Wastewater Association, told the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources on March 5 that advanced on-site wastewater systems can reduce nitrogen in effluent “at a minimum of 50% reduction all the way up to an 85% reduction, at the end of pipe.”

Groover told committee members the presentation focused on advanced-treatment systems rather than conventional septic tanks and outlined three regulatory and technical pathways used in Florida: NSF/ANSI-certified systems (commonly referred to in the presentation as NSF 245 or NSF 350 devices), performance‑based treatment systems allowed through state evaluation or the department's ‘‘innovative’’ process, and the in-ground nitrogen-reducing biofilter (INRB).

Why this matters: On-site systems treat about one‑third of wastewater in Florida, Groover said, but those systems receive “less than 1% of the funding that's available.” Committee members pressed on where advanced systems are required, how they are permitted and maintained, and how grant programs are being used to accelerate upgrades in priority watersheds.

Groover described technology classes and expected nitrogen removal ranges. Suspended‑aeration, submerged fixed‑film, membrane/media filters and sequencing batch reactors were shown as on-site versions of municipal technologies; Groover said those approaches produce roughly 50%–85% total nitrogen reduction in the tank depending on configuration and manufacturer testing. She said NSF/ANSI standards and state testing determine the certified performance level and that Florida requires a licensed professional engineer to certify tank integrity for many products placed in the ground.

Groover explained that some NSF‑certified systems meet only the baseline 50% reduction while other manufacturers add features (recirculation, anoxic zones, proprietary carbon sources or submerged media) and then retest to demonstrate higher removal. She said the state's springs protection requirements impose a 65% effective total nitrogen standard for technologies used in priority springs areas; systems with lower tested end‑of‑pipe removal must rely on additional soil treatment or separation to meet the springs standard.

On permitting and maintenance, Groover said many advanced systems require an operating permit and an identified maintenance entity; residential systems are typically inspected twice a year and commercial systems four times a year. The INRB passive biofilter, she said, was allowed beginning in 2018 as a nonproprietary passive option (initial unlined designs did not require an engineer's design or an operating permit; later lined designs required a PE and registration). Groover said INRBs carry a presumed 65% nitrogen reduction in code and that title notice on the property is required to inform future owners.

Committee members asked about phosphorus and PFAS. Senator Joe Harrell asked, “Do any of these systems work for phosphorus? And how about PFAS?” Groover replied that phosphorus‑removal technologies exist and that PFAS is an emerging issue; she said manufacturers and the NSF joint committee are discussing PFAS testing and that ongoing standard‑setting work will address new contaminants as they arise.

Groover also reviewed grant programs used to fund upgrades in targeted watersheds. She said Volusia County's program for a spring area began with a $10,000 per‑system grant and has sought to increase that to $15,000 to help homeowners pay the incremental cost of an upgrade; Hernando County's program, she said, “offers up to $7,500 per installation” and has completed hundreds of installs (transcript references indicate 436 of 466 installs were completed). Groover highlighted Brevard County's Save Our Lagoon program, noting the program's on‑site upgrade budget was reported as $29,000,000 and that on‑site upgrades there were estimated to reduce about 38,000 pounds of nitrogen per year; she said 287 homeowner upgrades had been completed in that program phase as reported to the association.

Groover closed by reiterating the scale of on‑site treatment in Florida's wastewater portfolio and the limited funding available for upgrades. She encouraged coordinated local efforts, use of performance‑based allowances where appropriate (for example, smaller drain fields or higher allowable flows for higher‑performing systems), and additional incentives or research to better document passive systems' field performance.

Committee context and next steps: Senators and the presenter noted that recent statutory changes and springs‑area remediation plans will drive more local OSTDS remediation plans this year, and that July is an expected timing milestone for new remediation plans entering local permitting programs. Groover encouraged lawmakers and local officials to consider funding mechanisms and incentives to support larger‑scale on‑site upgrade programs rather than relying solely on sewer extensions.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Committee on Environmental and Natural Resources - 3/3/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Roxanne Groover, executive director of the Florida On-site Wastewater Association, told the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources on March 5 that advanced on-site wastewater systems can reduce nitrogen in effluent “at a minimum of 50% reduction all the way up to an 85% reduction, at the end of pipe.”","taxTitle","Environment and Natural Resources, Standing Committees, Senate, Legislative, Florida","taxId",26947,"location","Florida","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6302875,"Committee approves changes letting FWC invest admin trust fund and broaden uses for panther and nongame funds",44,1843000,1887000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2475900-e58a0f40771be3e297b46bb5abc6637c&start=1843&end=1887","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2475900-e58a0f40771be3e297b46bb5abc6637c/thumbnail_1843000.jpg","/articles/6302875/Florida/Committee-approves-changes-letting-FWC-invest-admin-trust-fund-and-broaden-uses-for-panther-and-nongame-funds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6302875-7359999c6132dcebd059f47e167fee25/orig.mp4?Expires=1776060640&Signature=ZeLQjcsItSGfXWHC1cNFut2Ob6oVorwfTmrow~XhVU9fRDm5Fz-u3VzQnCjJAiduwpoEqHCJschGXIGaICy6VS77Bx10YT9B0Q3kY882qOr62ZHObCJbq7hxtYHnp6bzDIFmjW48ahuSuaI6Dee-mICqbUMWEM~G26Fatkgn8JGiK7AaCyCzb6dnH6ScJ8c1FisSpEUS0vUEOBHVmYlveF9mSzDWbqvqCvSfKlHmCEoDjC998LIsgfLYnFCbzn~J-kIfuHcgPHrD0ayTKWOXvY8lZqEJeYgVvKP5Ye3lNemg0EPt-DffsaVFGGOys5~Y88ccQpd~yKRoRcrde0-e-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chair Patricia Rodriguez explained SB 388 to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources as legislation that \"makes clarifying changes to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission trust funds in order to use agency budget more efficiently.\"

The bill, as described by the sponsor, authorizes FWC to invest and reinvest the administrative trust fund and to hold over balances into the following fiscal year. It also authorizes the Florida Panther Research and Management Trust Fund to be used for research and monitoring of feline diseases as well as for acquisition of panther habitat, and it permits the nongame wildlife trust fund to be used for law enforcement purposes and for agreements with related agencies and private landowners to coordinate nongame programs.

The committee received an appearance form from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. There was no extended public debate in committee and the sponsor closed debate by waiving further remarks. The clerk called the roll; senators recorded as voting yes on SB 388 included Senator Arrington, Senator Avila, Senator Broder, Senator Sigley, Senator Harrell, Senator Polsky, Senator Smith, Senator Rodriguez and Chair Angolia (all recorded as voting yes in the transcript). The clerk announced that \"Senate bill 388 is reported favorably.\"

Why this matters: The bill adjusts how FWC may manage and deploy trust fund balances, broadens the research and habitat authorities for the panther fund and allows limited nongame fund use for enforcement and coordination — changes the agency says will permit more flexible administration of conservation programs.

Next steps: With the committee report, SB 388 will proceed through the Senate process as scheduled by leadership.","The committee approved SB 388, which clarifies uses for several Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission trust funds, authorizes certain investments and expands allowable purposes for panther research and nongame wildlife trust funds.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":80,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6302880,"Committee adopts amendment to anchoring bill; advocates clash over limits for live‑aboard and transient boaters",321,1522000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2475900-e58a0f40771be3e297b46bb5abc6637c&start=1522&end=1843","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2475900-e58a0f40771be3e297b46bb5abc6637c/thumbnail_1522000.jpg","/articles/6302880/Florida/Committee-adopts-amendment-to-anchoring-bill-advocates-clash-over-limits-for-liveaboard-and-transient-boaters","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6302880-655bb1d13ea3e17ca1cb01c84d68a640/orig.mp4?Expires=1776060640&Signature=lA71jec7DeBXSV~kKB~HzwTMVEX1-jVJx-G~N0iig8GgaVo65tCQaunFkOFC4RGhthj6DzrNrbn6vIyTndfP4eP71dqtzuhwuxV8O4jss1PUxofXVYPwzLLQFA7K33UXupyIBbcMmbg6evlDDX8bjPoZ4fZqG9A1YaOCMmbPsr83GFHzdccx6KCqBCUbkFLExmT5-Lx32R2Ye~oHPHFhiVqvw2GJUyF4PpfxpZ794NXG4w4FgRHtsENLautZNqBU7vBjmpcKpRaC5CdCsRHgXkaokpIqnrg5VBaIPnPOeFF-R6yTUFjHssoH94ktDExo735oc91Y4TQPDq0YZ6xMmA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chair Patricia Rodriguez told the committee that the draft of SB 164 “amends and creates statutes concerning vessel ownership, nuisance and derelict vessels, and anchoring and mooring practices,” and that the bill would clarify who is responsible when a vessel becomes derelict and make vessel title prima facie evidence of ownership.

The committee adopted amendment barcode 974618, which requires the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to offer an electronic permitting system for long‑term anchoring permits and clarifies that long‑term permits do not supersede other anchoring limits. The committee also approved amendment barcode 446196, described by the sponsor as a technical drafting fix. Both amendments were adopted by unanimous consent.

Public testimony split the room. Wally Moran, representing the Cruisers Rights Network of North America, testified in opposition and said HB 164 (as referenced by the witness) would “unfairly restrict anchoring and . . . harm responsible boaters, both local and transient.” Moran argued the bill's time limits and permit enforcement would create unsafe situations for vessels waiting for slips or suitable weather windows and urged a zoned‑management approach instead.

By contrast, Kingsley Ross, speaking for a coalition of cruising organizations, said proponents support the bill as a tool to prevent vessels from becoming derelict and to provide clarity for enforcement. Robert Reyes of Monroe County waived in support.

After debate was closed, the committee recorded a roll‑call vote on the committee substitute. Senators recorded as voting yes on CS for SB 164 were Senator Harrington, Senator Avila, Senator Broder, Senator DeSigley, Senator Harrell, Senator Polsky, Senator Smith, Senator Rodriguez and Chair Angolia (recorded in the transcript as voting yes). The clerk announced “CS for a senate bill 164 reported favorably.”

What changed: The 974618 amendment makes electronic permitting mandatory for long‑term anchoring permits and reiterates that the long‑term permit requirement will not override other anchoring limitations; 446196 corrected a drafting error in the underlying bill text, according to the sponsor.

Next steps: With the committee reporting the bill favorably, SB 164 will move forward in the legislative process to other committees or chamber consideration as scheduled by the Senate.

","The Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources adopted two amendments to SB 164, which clarifies vessel ownership and establishes a long‑term anchoring permit program. The committee heard public testimony both opposing and supporting the bill before reporting it favorably by roll call.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Florida committee hears on-site wastewater technologies that can remove up to 85% of nitrogen

Committee approves changes letting FWC invest admin trust fund and broaden uses for panther and nongame funds

Committee adopts amendment to anchoring bill; advocates clash over limits for live‑aboard and transient boaters