Hanning Subdivision Possibilities

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possibility of system use being discontinued if certain parameters, set by the City, are not met. The permit will also contain the frequency of reporting to the City. The City will not be responsible for monitoring performance systems. It will be the responsibility of the homeowner to monitor their system within the boundaries set by the City. The operating permit would be valid in five year increments. The homeowner will need to renew the operating permit every five years. If the operating permit is not renewed, use of the septic system must be discontinued. This operating permit( or something else?) needs to be recorded on the property deed. New homeowners will need to follow the same regulations as the previous homeowner. This will also prevent "surprises" for any new homeowner. Public Education It will also be the responsibility of the LGU to provide consumer information to the public. The information needed will include estimated costs for construction, operation, monitoring, service, component replacement and system management. Information will also need to be provided regarding the anticipated system life. It is also the responsibility of the LGU to make information available to the public regarding hydraulic and organic loading rates to the absorption area in relation to flow amounts. Pro's & Con's of Performance Systems There is going to be a vast change in the way septic systems are going to be designed and used over the next few years. I see merits to using performance systems. One is that now a performance septic system may be able to be used in places where only holding tanks could go before. Also, using a performance system could reduce the number of mound systems being installed in Orono. The only reason I see this being a benefit is that most homeowners don't want the hump" in their yard. In no way am I saying mound systems do not work properly. It would just be a good public relations move. On the other hand, performance systems are probably going to cost more than a standard system. A performance system is going to need constant monitoring. The homeowner will be required to monitor the septic system and keep the City informed on how it is functioning. I foresee a homeowner doing this for a short period of time and basically become tired of doing the constant monitoring. Another problem is going to be the operating permit. The operating permit will need to state that if the septic system does not meet certain criteria set by the City, the use of the system will need to be discontinued. It will be very difficult for a home to just stop using the septic system. It will also be very difficult for the City to force a homeowner to discontinue use of the septic system. I foresee enforcement regarding compliance reports being very difficult. I will be attending classes in November and December regarding these new performance systems. After attending these classes, I will have more definitive information. Council Action Requested Staff recommends that council schedule a work session to discuss the potential merits and pitfalls of adopting state code provisions for the use of performance systems.