FLOODPLAIN/FLOODWAY

In Florida there are a variety of statutes, regulations and ordinances related to the permitting process for onsite wastewater treatment systems (aka “septic systems”) which are proposed to be located within a floodplain or floodway. With NoMound® system technology, it is possible to engineer an operating wastewater system which can function properly even when the ground surface above the drainfield is completely under water.

One example is the 1980s legislation which applies to the Suwannee River and Aucilla River watersheds. Pursuant to Rule 40B-43030, the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) cannot approve a permit application which requires that fill be placed above natural grade of the ground in a floodway and/or defined portions of a floodplain. SRWMD has authority over construction within the floodways and floodplains of the Suwannee, Santa Fe, Aucilla, Alapaha, and Withlacoochee Rivers.

Also for two of these watersheds, the Florida Department of Health (FDoH), pursuant to Section 381.0065 (4) (t) Florida Statutes requires in part that “The absorption surface of the drainfield shall not be subject to flooding based on the 10-year flood elevations.” and, “The use of fill or mounding to elevate a drainfield system out of the 10-year floodplain .. shall not be permitted ..”.

An onsite wastewater treatment system incorporating the patented NoMound® technology will meet the requirements of the FDoH in the SRWMD. Also, discussion directly with SRWMD has indicated that a works-of-the-district permit for a project which otherwise meets the SRWMD regulatory criteria would not be denied if the septic system portion of the project used a NoMound® system which required no fill.

While it is certain that the NoMound® system can function within floodplain locations, permit application and issuance are the responsibility of others. Therefore, NoMound Systems of Florida, Inc. cannot and does not guarantee that a permit will be issued. However, AT NO EXTRA COST NoMound Systems offers to review site plans prior to permit application; and will issue a written 100% money-back guarantee based on the results of this property-specific technical review. In any real estate Purchase/Sale agreement, the Purchaser should carefully consider including a provision which makes the sale contingent upon permit issuance.

For information related to the potential use of the NoMound® system as a part of any specific project which might be located within a floodplain and/or floodway in Florida, please contact: Alan (“Chip”) Hassett, P.E. at 1-888-4-NOMOUND (1-888-466-6686).


Special Note: For properties located within the 10-year floodplain in the SRWMD jurisdiction, patent-use licenses are limited in number. Call 1-888-4-NOMOUND for details.