New mayor outlines ‘very costly’ plan to get rid of septic tanks

By On Mar 18, 2021

MIAMI – Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has a new septic tank conversion plan in Miami-Dade County as part of her commitment to protecting Biscayne Bay. However, she warns that this is “very costly”.

Levine Cava posted the 111-page Action Plan Report to the Miami-Dade County Commissioner on Thursday.

“We will all move forward together because we don’t waste any time,” said Levine Cava.

There are about 120,000 septic tanks in Miami-Dade. The county estimates the cost of each homeowner at around $ 7,500 to $ 40,000.

Levine Cava plans to implement several programs to aid the transition, including a septic tank registration program and funding opportunities to help homeowners meet costs with taxpayer assistance.

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“We need a way forward that doesn’t burden our homeowners with too high a cost,” said Levine Cava.

Their plan recommends prioritizing connection to the sewer system where there are septic tanks that are most prone to failure, including those in flood prone areas due to sea level rise.

A 2019 report attached to their plan lists about 9,000 septic tanks that could fail by 2020 and 13,500 more that could fail by 2040. These would take precedence in the phased approach that Levine Cava hopes will have state and federal support to help cover costs.

Related Story: Saving Biscayne Bay: Miami-Dade Septic Tanks Must Go, Scientist Says