04-22-1985 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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I. INTRODUCTION - Overview of the Problem The Crystal Bay Area of Orono is a historically developed area on the west shore of Smith's Bay, Lake Minnetonka. Much of the study area was platted prior to 1900, with development in the northerly portions occurring in the 1950's and 19(0's. The typical originally platted lots were 50' x 140', although development generally occurred on combinations of 2 or more lots. Of the 79 existing developed properties, 31% are 1/4 ,-acre or less, 45% are 1/4 to 1/2 acre 18t are 1/2 to 1 acre, and 68 are larger than 1 acre. Orly 1 property meets or exceeds the RR-lB Zoning District 2 acre minimum lot size.- In most cases, outward expansion of existing homes or infi l l development of the remaining vacant lots will require lot area, lot width, and set- back .,ari -!y)res. The Crystal Bay area is a neighborhood in transit:or. Approxi- mately 25% of the homes in the area are owned by retirement age residents, and -;s home maintenance chores become overwhe.'.ming, sales to younger families with children are occurring with the Lccompanying increases in water use. The condition of existing sep-Lic systems in the area falls in a wide range, with a number being totally nor -functional, many failing on a seasonal or intermittent basis, a large number for below code standards but still functional, few that nearly meet c urient design specifications, but none that totally conform to current c,)de stan- dards. Currently, one property has no sewer facilities (Sailors World Marina). Two properties regularly pump sealed holding tanks because drai.nfields are n,,t feasible due to small lot sizes, intensity of use of the properties, and high water tables. In addition to these, at least seven properties either had sewage discharges to the surface or experienced severe backup problems during 19e4, all of which were related to inadequate drainfields, and only 2 of which have subse- quently been repaired. At least 4 additional systems have in previous years experienced intermittent problems of backup or surface dis- charge, probably as a result of soil water conditions or over -use of substandard systems, and which have not been repaired and which may be subject to future similar problems. The observed failures of existing systens in the area can generally be attributed to one or more of the follDwinq factors: 1. Poorly maintained systems a. Not pumped out regularly, allowinq solids to clog drain - field lines. 1,. Baffles not reel ar_•d as they decay, with same resu : s above. C. Construction of encroaching hardcover onto or near drainfield, causinq excess runoff into drainfield lines.