1987-07-08 Memo, Status of Septic System

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To: Mayor Grabek & Orono Council Members City Administrator Bernhardson From: Michael P. Gaffron, Asst Planning & Zoning Administrator Date: July 8, 1987 Subject: Request for Holding Tank Ap,)roval - Linda Freeman, 3415 Eastlake Street List of Exhibits Exhibit A - Site Plan Exhibit B - Code Requirements Exhibit C - Correspondence Regarding Failing System Exhibit D - Tax Book Information Ms. Freeman is the owner of a rental property located at 3415 Eastlake Street. This is a small house, about 350 s.f. with no basement or second floor. The house currently has a well and a small septic tank; we believe that if there is a drainfield attacl-ed to t,-at tank, it is a very small and inadequate drainfield. 'Le lot ' L about 50'x100', elevated only about 2' above the 931.5' flood plain level, and does not have the capability to install any type of replacement system. The existing 300 gallon tank has overflowed on numerous occasions in the past. Fortunately, past renters have been minimal water users or the problem would have become much worse. Freeman would like to install a 1,500 or 2,000 gallon holding tank. Wt. would require regular maintenance of that system. Staff does have some concern that, because this is a rental unit, unless there is a service contract there is a higher potential for overflows to be ignored by inhabitants of the property. A contract for regular pumpouts by a licensed pumper would be required to be filed with the City. Eastlake Street is within the Stubbs Bay Sewer Study Area, the last of 5 areas in Orono delineated in the 1980 Comprehensive Plan as potentially needing municipal sewers. That study is underway, and staff would anticipate that when completed, sew(r will be Lecommended for Eastlake Street. Freeman's installation cost for this holding tank will likely be $1,000-1.,000, and pumpout costs could be expected to be from $100-300 per month depending on actual water use. Given that this area is likely to be sewered in the relatively near future, staff recommends approval of the holding tank subject to the requiremen-s of the City Code. Note that this tank wi 1 1 be less than 50' from applicant's well, but is essentially a sealed system and will be further away from the well than the P.,isting failing system. A service contract and high-water alarm system will be required. Although not specifically required by Code, staff has maintained a policy of re-;uiring council approval for all new holding tank installations. PROPOSED MOTION: Moved seconded to allow the installation and maintenance of a holding tank system at 3415 Eastlake Street to replace the existing failing septic system. Ayes -5-, nays ice. ?. 1 3- S-�