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Comprehensive Plan SEPTIC SYSTEMS Sanitary Sewer Sub -Element The third type of sanitary sewer system is an onsite sewage and treatment and disposal system (OSTDS) which may be utilized under certain conditions when a private or publicly owned centralized sewer system is unavailable. Septic systems are designed to serve one or a limited number of facilities and are sized based on estimated water use. Despite major expansion of the wastewater collection network, many developed commercial and residential parcels within the unincorporated portion of the county do not have access to regional wastewater treatment facilities or package treatment plants. For those land uses, wastewater treatment and disposal is provided by septic systems. Based on the Florida Department of Health Waste Water Inventory for 2015, an estimated 45% of the developed commercial and residential parcels in Indian River County are served by public sanitary sewer and an estimated 55% of the remaining developed commercial and residential parcels are served by septic systems. From 2007 through 2016, there were an average of 121 new septic systems constructed annually with steadily increasing numbers from 2013 to 2016. Even so, the average number of new septic systems per year (121) is significantly lower than the 658 new systems per year average for the 1995 — 2006 period. The average number of septic systems repairs per year for the 2007-2016 period was 591. There are commercial and industrial corridors that are served by septic systems such as portions of US Hwy 1, Old Dixie Hwy and Oslo Road. Most of the residential septic systems are concentrated in Roseland, Sebastian, Vero Lake Estates, and south of State Road 60. A septic system consists of two components. One is the septic tank, while the other is the drainfield. The tank receives sewage from the residence or commercial establishment and provides a period of settling, during which time a significant portion of the solids settle out. The treatment process is accomplished by bacteria that gradually decompose the solids which settle to the bottom of the septic tank. The remaining liquid or effluent is discharged through underground drainage pipes into the drainfield where it percolates into the soil. Once in the soil, microorganisms and filtration treat the liquids. As part of routine maintenance, the accumulated solids should be removed from the septic tank every 3 to 5 years by a licensed contractor. The solids, called septage, are generally transported to the residual dewatering facility next to the county landfill. Septic systems provide minimal onsite wastewater treatment for residential and commercial developments. Typically, a 3 -bedroom residential septic system has a 900- gallon septic tank and 375 square feet of trench drainfield. Commercial septic systems vary depending on estimated water use. Since effluent from septic tanks is discharged to a drainfield where it percolates into the soil, soil permeability and depth to the water table are limiting factors for septic system use. To ensure adequate performance and protection of groundwater quality, elevation of septic system drainfields is often required. All OSTDS (septic system) permitting is done by the Florida Department of Health in Indian River County (DOH -Indian River). According to the DOH -Indian River it is challenging to permit septic system installations in the county due to several factors including: Community Development Department Indian River County 19 Attadn%5 ent 4