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Performance Based Treatment Systems (PBTS)
Environmental Public Health - DOH-Charlotte
- Charlotte.EH@FLHealth.gov
- 941-624-7200
-
Fax
941-624-7220 -
1100 Loveland Blvd.
Port Charlotte, FL 33980
MapCharlotte County, Florida, homeowners are responsible for maintaining their Performance Based Treatment Systems (PBTS) in accordance with the Florida Administrative Code.
In addition, homeowners must file a PBTS Deed Notice with the Charlotte County Clerk of the Circuit Court to notify subsequent owners of the use of PBTS on the property.
For the entire life of the PBTS, the Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County (DOH-Charlotte) requires the following:
- A valid operating permit
- A maintenance contract between the homeowner and an approved septic maintenance entitity for their PBTS
The approved septic maintenance entity must submit lab samples along with an inspection report. Sampling requirements are determined by the engineer and the level of treatment needed in order to get setback reductions or increase in authorized sewage flow.
It is important to be aware of what and how much goes down the drain and the PBTS' maintenance requirements for the system to function properly. Increased waste strength could require added treatment and maintenance.
- What is a PBTS?
Performance Based Treatment Systems (PBTS) are “a specialized onsite sewage treatment and disposal system designed by a professional engineer with a background in wastewater engineering, licensed in the state of Florida, using appropriate application of sound engineering principles to achieve specified levels of CBOD5 (carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand),TSS (total suspended solids), TN (total nitrogen), TP (total phosphorus), and fecal coliform found in domestic sewage waste, to a specific and measurable established performance standard," according to the Florida Department of Health.
If a site restricts home construction because of setbacks or authorized sewage flow, a PBTS can be designed by an engineer to meet strict levels of effluent pollutant reductions.
A PBTS can include Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs) or tanks, which percolate effluent down through a medium such as peat moss or synthetic material. Some additions which increase effluent treatment are chlorinator/dechlorinators, ultraviolet lights, and effluent recirculation.
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