DeLeon Springs Water Quality
Septic Upgrade Incentive Program
Through a Florida Department of Environmental Protection Grant, Volusia County received $2.2 million to provide rebates to homeowners for septic system upgrades. The rebates are available only in the priority focus area of DeLeon Springs for up to $10,000 per existing conventional septic system upgrade at a single or two-family residence or mobile home. Rebates will be paid directly to certified septic system installers and state-licensed plumbers retained by homeowners to update existing systems. Contractors must be pre‐approved by the county and permitted by the Florida Department of Health before the work begins. Learn more.
DeLeon Spring: A Valuable Water Resource
DeLeon Spring is a second magnitude spring at the base of the DeLand Ridge, approximately 5 miles northwest of the City of DeLand in DeLeon Spring State Park. DeLeon Spring is in northwest Volusia County and is one of more than 1,000 springs throughout Florida, one of 30 Outstanding Florida Springs established in 2016 by the Florida Legislature, and one of 3 Outstanding Florida Springs located in Volusia County. The Legislature notes that, "Outstanding Florida Springs" are a unique part of the state's scenic beauty, provide critical habitat and have immeasurable natural, recreational, economic and inherent value. DeLeon Spring is a federally designated critical habitat for manatees, identified by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission as an important spring used by manatees in the winter. A part of the St. Johns River system, DeLeon Spring is a popular destination for walking, cycling, and ecotourism; thus, maintenance and protection of the spring are high priorities for the surrounding municipalities, Volusia County, the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD), and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).
DeLeon Spring Basin Area Requirements
In 2016, the Florida Legislature identified DeLeon Spring as an impaired second magnitude “Outstanding Florida Spring” that requires additional protections to ensure conservation and restoration for future generations. To achieve the water quality restoration targets established in the TMDL, the DeLeon Spring Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) was developed by the FDEP and contains enforceable sets of projects and management practices to reduce nitrogen pollution that is impacting the Spring. The FDEP has determined that septic tanks are a major source of nitrogen pollution in DeLeon Spring and, as a result, has implemented a septic system remediation plan as part of the DeLeon Spring BMAP. The law requires specific actions regarding both existing and new septic systems located near DeLeon Spring within the area known as the Priority Focus Area (PFA).
- DeLeon Spring Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)
- DeLeon Spring Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP)
- FDEP Interactive Map showing PFA areas
Changes for Septic Tank Owners
Requirements for new homes or businesses installing new septic systems (or adding rooms on) on lots less than one acre within the DeLeon Spring PFA have changed. These new systems are required to include enhanced treatment of nitrogen. The installation of nitrogen-reducing systems will not be required if a central sewer connection project is planned by a local government and the project has been included in the remediation plan.
These requirements will be phased in no later than five years after the adoption of the restoration plans.
Public Information Exchange Meeting
Volusia County and other stakeholders are mandated to implement various strategies to reduce total nitrogen levels. Volusia County is in the process of developing cost-effective and financially feasible alternative scenarios to address the nitrogen loads in the DeLeon Spring area that will meet the state legislative mandates and regulatory requirements and best fit the DeLeon Springs community.
Under the Florida Legislation, Volusia County conducted a Public Information Exchange Meeting on February 24, 2020 beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Christian Church of DeLeon Springs, located at 4481 Mills Road, DeLand, Florida 32724. Information discussed during the meeting is provided below:
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