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■'^1 <br />T-l <br />TO:Michael P. Gaffron, Assistant Planning and Zoning Administrator <br />FROM:Stephen Weckman, On-Site Systems Manager <br />DATE:November 14,1996 <br />SUBJECT: Septic Review for Application U2187, Donald & Robin Helgager - <br />Variances/Conditional Use Permit <br />The applicants propose the addition of a guest apartment to the existing three bedroom residence. <br />The purpose of this review is to determine if the existing septic system is of adequate capacity for <br />the proposed one bedroom addition and evaluate the potential for a future drainfield site when the <br />existing system fails. <br />The existing septic system is a filled trench system which was installed as an "alternative system" <br />in 1988 since no other "standard system" was viable on the property. Due to steep slopes a mound <br />system could not be used, but the seasonal water table was within 36" of the surface and the . andy <br />loam fill was used to gain a separation from the water table. The septic system appears to be <br />functioning properly at this time. The system is sized for a four bedroom residence, but no area is <br />available for future expansion if the system fails. All areas of sufficient size for the installation of <br />a future drainfield are filled or excavated and are unacceptable for constructing a "standard system". <br />The proposed expansion will not destroy any potential drainfield sites, however, expanding a <br />residence with no future septic system options but the use of holding tanks seems short sighted. On <br />one hand, the existing septic system should be adequate for the additional bedroom; on the other <br />hand, should the system fail holding tanks are liie only apparent option. No sewer mains are near <br />the property so municipal sewer could be a long time in coming. Orono's municipal code does not <br />require that a future site be available before such an addition be made, however. <br />In summary, although the addition is allowable per the septic code requirements, the City must <br />carefully consider the ramifications of allowing such an expansion when no alternate site is <br />available.