11-26-1990 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Septic System Management Program August 24, 1990 Page 10 of 16 These rules underwent a major revision in 1989, for which Mike Gaffron attended and testified at an administrative hearing in St. Paul regarding certain elements of those revisions, specifically on the issue of allowing mounds on steep slopes. This effort was partially successful in that the MPCA revised their rules to require a 25% increase in absorption area for mounds located on slopes exceeding 12%. The research used by the PCA to justify mounds on steep slopes was based on a narrow range of soil types, and it is arguable that the research basis for allowing mounds on stet;p slopes was lacking. Orono's current septic code was last revised in 1979, and underwent no significant changes during the 1984 municipal code recodification. A number of design criteria changes for mound systems have occurred in the last 10 years, and, although staff has in every respect required designers and installers to meet the minimum standards of Chaptr * 7080 as those changes occurred, none of those revisions were ever formally adopted by the City of Orono. The specific design criteria referred to, would mainxy require major amendments to Orono Resolution #894, which is the document known as the City of Orono On-Site Sewage Treatment System Design Manual. Chapter 12 of the Municipal Code contains Orono's septic system ordinances, which generally define the goals and objectives of the septic program, define specific terminologies, provide generally that sewage treatment is required, that where sewer is available it must be used, that standards systems are generally required, provides a procedure for variances, and requires septic system analysis for building permits and subdivision applic^^--*'nns. The ordinance adopts by reference the Design Manual (Resolution #894) and izs .2'^endment (Resolution #983), and goes on to require site evaluations, system designs, and inspection of both new and existing systems. This code provides special consideration for properties on Minnetonka Islands, and contains provisions for administration and ^fcforcement, while also authorizing the annual service charge. ('J