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Comprehensive Plan Sanitary Sewer Sub -Element REGULATORY FRAMEWORK The wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal system is regulated by various agencies at all levels of government. Table 3.A.4 shows the state and local agencies involved in wastewater regulation and the types of activities in which they are involved. 111D7017\11 The Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 (PL 92-500) and its amendments through the Clean Water Acts of 1977 (PL 95-217) and 1981 (PL 97-117) are the basis for pollution control regulation in the nation. The goal of these acts is the restoration and/or maintenance of the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's water. The act established a national policy of implementing areawide wastewater treatment and management programs to ensure adequate control of sources of pollution. Under a provision of PL 92-500, grants are made available to local governments to construct facilities to treat "point sources" of pollution, including effluent from sewage treatment processes. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for implementing the act. STATE The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the agency responsible for ensuring that the State carries out the requirements of PL 92-500. In response to PL 92-500, DEP has adopted Chapters 17-3 and 17-6, FAC. These chapters regulate wastewater facilities which treat flows exceeding 10,000 GPD. Within the State, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) regulates septic tanks and drainfield installations. In each county, the DOH has an office to regulate septic systems. These regulations have been adopted by rule in Chapter 64E-6. While 64E-6 does not set the criteria for septic tank effluent quality, it does require that septic tanks be installed in such a manner that, with reasonable maintenance, they will not create a health hazard or endanger the safety of any domestic water supply. In addition to regulating wastewater facilities, 64E-6 also establishes criteria for mandatory connections to wastewater and potable water systems. According to that regulation, land uses that are within 500 feet of a gravity line or 1000 sq. ft. of low pressure forcemain with accessibility to that line through public rights-of-way must connect to the utilities system. LOCAL In 1984, Indian River County adopted an ordinance that established the utility rate structure and a mandatory hookup policy for both residential and non-residential development. County policy generally states that any development located within 200 feet of a wastewater collection line must connect. In addition to that ordinance, the Utilities Department also has developed and Community Development Department Indian River County 22