Top: A rebate for a residential lot is up to $250. Photo courtesy Alachua County, Florida
The Alachua County (Florida) Environmental Protection Department (EPD) is offering 50% rebates for soil amendments in new construction — up to $250 per residential lot, and $8,000 for commercial projects, including common areas of subdivisions (based on the size of the landscape). “Soil amendments reduce storm water runoff, improve soil health, and improve landscape appearance while reducing irrigation and fertilizer demand,” stated the county in a press release. Developers, builders and landscape professionals are the target audiences for the rebate program. To qualify, applicants must comply with the following:
- Amendments must meet the standards of the US Composting Council’s Seal of Testing Assurance (STA) Program.
- Amendments must be incorporated into the top 6 inches of the soil at a rate of 4 cubic yards per 1,000 square feet.
The rebates are possible due to support from the St. Johns and Suwannee River Water Management Districts. “This program demonstrates the County’s commitment to continue working with local builders and developers to promote landscapes that can thrive with little to no additional supplements once established to reduce outdoor water use and protect water quality,” explained the press release.
