Jacksonville is spending more than $1 billion to remediate failing and leaking septic tanks in 35 neighborhoods.
The city’s phase-out plan stems from a commitment made decades ago to remove septic tanks and connect households to the municipal sewage system.
But some people are wondering why septic tanks are being installed in new neighborhoods.
Jacksonville City Council President Tommy Hazouri addressed that on WJCT News' First Coast Connect with Melissa Ross Monday.
“Some developers, where they can't put in city water and sewer, are doing the septic tanks. These septic tanks obviously don't violate the health, safety and welfare of the community. They're brand new. They're done with the most modern approach. I asked our public works department why they still have an opportunity to do that. And he said they have always been able to, and there's no law preventing that.”
There are some 65,000 septic tanks still in use in Jacksonville.
Hazouri also address other topics, including political infighting.
You can hear the entire interview with Hazouri, on Monday’s First Coast Connect with Melissa Ross, which encores Monday at 8 p.m. on WJCT News 89.9.
Michelle Corum can be reached at mcorum@wjct.org, 904-358-6308 or on Twitter at @MCorumonME.
