04-22-1985 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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A review of the 21 properties which could not: adequately install i -^w system reveals that it - .`d likely be more fruitful to selec- y condemn certain low value houses which do have adequate re- ,ent capability, and devote the resulting vacant land to adjacent hi. value homes which need the vacant land. In essence, it appears that a redevelopment/replatting process would be needed to adequately provide a substantial benefit to the area. Two technical problems become tantamount in this redevelopment process a) it would be unwise to locate new drainfields over abandoned wells; and b) the removal of houses and filling in the basement ex- cavations would tend to create areas of soil unsuitable for use as drainfield. Neither compacted soils or fill soils are suitable for use as drainfield. Hence, the additional land made available in many cases would not have a substantial effect on the capability for repairing neighboring septic systems. Also, while a few specific problem sites might be benefitted by acquisition of a neighboring property, this expenditure does not necessarily solve the entire neighbonccod problem on a long- term basis. OPTION 7. The feasibility and costs of insta l lat-on of a sani- tary sewer serving Crystal Bay have been documented in the "Feasi- bility Report for Crystal Bay Sanitary Sewer Improvements for City of Orono, Minnesota, 1984" prepared by Bonestroo and Associates. Total cost of that project has been set at $10,850 per unit. Costs of connection, including SAC charge, permits and hookup costs could range from $1,000-2,000 additional per unit. Maintenance cost to the home- owner would be in the form of a quarterly sewer usage charge. With no limitations imposed by septic system constraints, homeowners would gain the ability to expand their living space, add garages and generally improve the quality of housing in the neighborhood. C. SUMMARY OF OPTIONS OPTION 1. Alteration of water use habits, relies on the ability to change the long -ingrained water use habits of an entire neighbor- hood. At a cost of $500-2,000 per residence, low water use fixtures could be installed that would reduce the waste load on existing septic systems. OPTION 2. Repairing or replacing existing systems as they fail, cannot be accom- ished on a significant number of properties within the confines of minimum code standards, even under reduced water use conditions. OPTION 3. Use of innovative methods, has limited applicability in Crystal Bay, but again asks the homeowner to accept unusual methods of sewage treatment and disposal. Incinerating or composting toilets are viable methods of eliminating the toilet waste portion of house- hold wastewater, but do not eliminate the need for septic systems. Shared drainfields might have limited application in Crystal Ray but need further study as to actual feasibl ity. 15