11-20-1991 Stubbs Bay Sewer Hearing Minutes

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MiNUTBS OF THE STUBBS BAY SEWER HEARING - NOVEMBER 20, 1991 resulted in a feasibility study for the area. Gaffron stated that in 1990 a proposal was sent to affected properties owners that suggested the City would install a trunk and lateral system that would divide the cost of the trunk system up equally by the number of total units and would price out the lateral system to serve each area individually. The Council at the time noted to the residents that those who waive their right to appeal would have the whole amount assessed over 15 years rather than charging lateral costs as a connection charge. He noted plan that did not gain much favor with affected residents. Gaffron explained that in late 1990, a few citizens from the area who were in favor of the sewer project. proposed to the Council establishment of a committee to work towards the installation of sewer in the area. That Committee reported that the residents felt the cost was too much, but that it was also needed. Gaffron went on to explain how both a trench and mound septic system work. He explained that studies show that a 36" separation between the highest seasonal water table from the bottom of the trench system is required for proper functioning. He stated that a mound system will make allowances by forming an artificial system of unsaturated area. Gaffron noted that the Stubbs Bay area has high water tables. He noted that when reviewing the soils map, much of Stubbs Bay would need a mound system or the map indicated no system would function in the soil conditions. Gaffron indicated that Oxford Road does note better soil conditions, unfortunately it has been found that the maps are not always right and man, of these propet Lies would probably still require mound systems. Gaffron pointed out that nutrients in the effluent must be properly treated. Phosphorus, goes into the ground and adsorbs onto soil particles. When all the nearby soil particles have adsorbed as much as they can, the phosphorus moves further away from the system, which may cause phosphorus accumulations reaching the lake eventually. Another concern is nitrates, which start In an ammonia form, which are soluble, and move with the ground water. He stated that they may be a problem with private water supplies. Biological concerns and viruses are other concerns but do not generally affect Orono's lakes or water supplies partially because of the clay soil present in the area. Gaffron noted that th'""® are State and local code requirements for septic systems: 75' from the lake; 10’ from property lines; 10' from buildings and driveways, Orono requires 20’; 50' from wells, Orono requires 75'; and 3' above the seasonal watertable in order to keep the biomat degrading so water continues to move through it. However, he noted that codes have changed and continue to do so, and therefore c'^der systems woula net meet current standards.