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CITY OF ORONO <br />COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT #6 <br />n. Analysis of need <br />A. Existing Septic Systems Inventory and Analysis <br />Overview of the Problem <br />Of approximately 1,1 JO septic systems in Orono, 75% make use of drainfield <br />trenches or beds ranging in depth from 1' to 3' below the natural ground surface. <br />Based on localized testing and review of the soil survey, it is estimated that from <br />one-half to two thirds of these systems do not meet the required 3' separation from <br />seasonal zones of saturation. By defuiition, these systems are nonconforming <br />according to current state and local codes, and must be upgraded. <br />In most cases, upgrading will require replacement of a trench or bed system with <br />a mound system at a cost of approximately $8,000 to $10,000 per unit. This cost <br />of replacing septic systems approaches the cost of installing municipal sewer in <br />Orono. <br />When faced with the prospect of wholesale septic system replacement, the City <br />chose to place a moratorium on system replacement and study whether sewer <br />installation is more appropriate than system upgrades for specific areas or <br />neighborhoods. City staff subsequently Identified ten existing residential <br />neighborhoods of high density or close proximity to lakeshore. These areas were <br />analyzed to determine whether they have the capability of repairing/replacing septic <br />systems. Current system conditions were analyzed, and cost estimates for <br />municipal sewer were developed. <br />None of these ten areas are currently within the MUSA. Six of ten were originally <br />identified in Orono’s 1980 Comprehensive Plan as "Rural Housing Clusters" <br />developed at densities greater than the 1-per 2 acre standard. It was noted in the <br />1980 plan that these neighborhoods were not at that time experiencing septic <br />problems but would be monitored. While the incidence of failure has not increased <br />in these neighborhoods, new definitions of "non-conforming systems" and the <br />requirement to upgrade such systems has become a serious concern.