BMAP Septic Requirements in Florida
Enhanced Nutrient-Reducing Septic Systems • NSF 245 ATUs • Installation & Service
What Is a Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP)?
A Basin Management Action Plan, commonly called a BMAP, is a framework developed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to restore and protect water bodies that are not meeting state water quality standards. BMAPs identify sources of pollution within an affected area and establish strategies for reducing those pollutants over time.
Septic systems are one potential source of nitrogen entering Florida’s groundwater and waterways. Because of this, properties within certain BMAP and other designated areas may be subject to additional septic system requirements designed to reduce nitrogen before wastewater is released into the environment.
Why Are Septic Requirements Different in BMAP Areas?
Traditional septic systems are designed primarily to treat wastewater and dispose of it safely on the property, but they are not specifically designed for advanced nitrogen reduction. In areas where nitrogen from septic systems can contribute to impaired groundwater, springs, rivers, lakes, or other water bodies, Florida may require enhanced treatment for certain new septic systems.
These Enhanced Nutrient-Reducing Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (ENR-OSTDS) are designed to provide greater nitrogen reduction than a conventional septic system. Florida-approved NSF/ANSI 245 aerobic treatment units are one technology that may be used to meet these enhanced treatment requirements.
Does My Property Require an Enhanced Nutrient-Reducing Septic System?
If you are applying for a new septic system construction permit in an impacted BMAP or other designated area, Florida may require an Enhanced Nutrient-Reducing Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal System (ENR-OSTDS).
Under current Florida requirements, new septic systems serving lots of one acre or less within impacted areas generally require an ENR-OSTDS instead of a conventional septic system when central sewer is not available. Some areas have additional requirements, including requirements that apply regardless of lot size.
Requirements for an existing septic system can be different from those for new construction. The property’s location, lot size, type of permit being requested, availability of sewer, and specific BMAP or restoration plan can all affect what is required.
Not Every Property in a BMAP Automatically Requires an ATU
Being located within a BMAP does not automatically mean every existing septic system must be replaced with an ATU. It also does not mean an ATU is the only compliant option. Florida recognizes multiple types of approved enhanced nutrient-reducing systems, including Florida-approved NSF 245-certified ATUs.
What Is an NSF 245 ATU?
NSF/ANSI Standard 245 is a performance standard for advanced wastewater treatment systems designed to reduce nitrogen. An NSF 245-certified Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU) provides additional treatment beyond a conventional septic system and can be used as part of an approved Enhanced Nutrient-Reducing Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal System in Florida.
These systems use an aerobic treatment process to reduce nitrogen in the wastewater before the treated effluent is dispersed into the drain field or another approved dispersal system. Florida maintains a list of approved nitrogen-reducing systems that may be used to meet applicable enhanced treatment requirements.
How Do I Know if My Property Is in an Impacted BMAP Area?
Whether BMAP septic requirements apply to your property depends on its location and the specific requirements for that area. Florida DEP provides an interactive mapping tool to help property owners determine whether their property is within an area affected by enhanced nutrient-reducing septic requirements.
Use the Florida DEP map below to check your property. If you’re unsure what the results mean or what type of septic system your project requires, Lakeland Septic Company can help you determine the next step.
Building a New Home in a BMAP Area?
If you’re planning new construction in an impacted area, determining the septic requirements early can help avoid surprises or delays during permitting. Here’s a simple way to get started.
Check Your Property
Use the Florida DEP mapping resources to determine whether your property is located within an impacted area where enhanced nutrient-reducing septic requirements may apply.
Determine the System Requirements
The requirements can depend on the property’s location, lot size, availability of central sewer, and the specific BMAP or restoration plan. The permitting process will determine what type of septic system is required for the project.
Design & Install the Right System
Once the requirements are established, Lakeland Septic Company can work with you and the professionals involved in your project to install an approved septic system that meets the requirements for the property.
Enhanced Treatment Systems Require Ongoing Maintenance
Installing an enhanced nutrient-reducing septic system is only the beginning. Systems such as NSF 245 ATUs rely on mechanical and electrical components to provide advanced wastewater treatment and require ongoing inspection and maintenance to continue operating properly.
Maintenance may include checking the treatment unit, blower, pumps, floats, alarms, filters, sludge levels, and dispersal components. Lakeland Septic Company provides ongoing ATU maintenance and service after installation, giving property owners one local company for both installation and long-term system care.
Why Choose Lakeland Septic Company for BMAP & Enhanced Septic Systems?
Enhanced nutrient-reducing septic systems require the right equipment, proper installation, and ongoing service. Lakeland Septic Company provides installation and maintenance support for advanced septic systems throughout Florida.
Licensed & Insured
Florida Master Septic Tank Contractor, fully insured for the work we perform.
NSF 245 & Advanced System Experience
Experience working with advanced treatment systems designed to meet enhanced nutrient-reduction requirements.
Installation + Long-Term Service
We can help with system installation and continue servicing and maintaining the system after the project is complete.
Florida BMAP Project Support
We work with property owners, builders, engineers, and other project professionals to help move BMAP-impacted septic projects from planning through installation.
Frequently Asked Questions About BMAP Septic Requirements
What does BMAP mean?
BMAP stands for Basin Management Action Plan. These plans are developed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to address water bodies that do not meet established water-quality standards and identify strategies for reducing pollutants.
Does every property in a BMAP require an NSF 245 ATU?
No. Being located within a BMAP does not automatically mean every property requires an NSF 245 ATU. Requirements can depend on the property’s location, lot size, availability of central sewer, the type of septic permit being requested, and the requirements of the specific impacted area.
What is an enhanced nutrient-reducing septic system?
An Enhanced Nutrient-Reducing Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal System (ENR-OSTDS) provides additional treatment designed to reduce nutrients, particularly nitrogen, beyond what a conventional septic system typically provides. Florida-approved NSF 245 ATUs are one technology that may be used to meet applicable requirements.
Can I check whether my property is in an impacted area?
Yes. Florida DEP provides mapping resources that allow property owners to check whether a property is located within an area affected by enhanced nutrient-reducing septic requirements. If you’re unsure how the requirements apply to your project, you can also contact us for assistance.
Do NSF 245 ATU systems require ongoing maintenance?
Yes. ATUs contain treatment, mechanical, and electrical components that require ongoing inspection and maintenance. Maintenance requirements are established as part of the system’s approval and permitting requirements.
Does Lakeland Septic Company install BMAP-compliant systems outside of Polk County?
Yes. While Lakeland Septic Company is based in Central Florida, we can provide enhanced nutrient-reducing septic system installation for qualifying projects outside of Polk County. Contact us with the property location and project information to discuss whether we can service your area.
Need Septic Service? We’re Ready to Help.
Whether you need your septic tank pumped, have a system problem, or are planning a new installation, Lakeland Septic Company is ready to help. Give us a call or request service online and we’ll help you determine the next step.