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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts.

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Wastewater Systems - Waste Water Control Program

Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County

Environmental Public Health
The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County has been delegated as a local program by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to perform several regulatory functions in the domestic waste program. These responsibilities include:

  • Issuance of construction permits for proposed wastewater collection systems. Forms

  • Issuance of construction and operating permits for small sewage treatment plants with capacity of less than 500,000 gallons per day. Forms

  • Handling of complaints relating to sewage backups and spills.

  • Surveillance of sewage treatment plants to ensure that the facility is being operated in compliance with the conditions required in the operating permit. It includes inspections, sampling, and review of monthly operating reports. State regulations require that the sewage be treated and disinfected before it can be disposed. The level of treatment and disinfection depends on the method of disposal and is specified in the operating permit.

  • Enforcement of State and Palm Beach County regulations.

  • Issuance of health advisories and warnings in case of sewage spills that have the potential to cause harm to the public. For instance, beaches may be closed if sewage is discharged into the intra-coastal waterway or the Lake Worth Lagoon.