08-25-1997 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON AUGUST 25,1997 ( #1S - Appeal of Administrative Decision for Drainfield Location - Continued) h stem is non- conformin • Kelley asked why the system . Weckman informed him that it is due to g the lack of a 3' separation. The residence is within 1000' of the lake, and so it has a two- year time period to replace the system. Properties outside of the 1000' shoreland district have a 10 -year period in which to replace non - conforming systems. Mrs. Eastman noted their property is near the Saga Hill area being considered for sewer. Weckman responded that the property is at least one -half mile away depending on where sewer would come in. Goetten acknowledged that the Eastman property was not within the hot spot areas. Weckman noted that the parcels are also larger in this area. The Eastman property is 1.22 acres. Jabbour asked Weckman if the building permit triggered the need for a new system. Weckman noted that if the system was discharging to the surface, the system would be required to be replaced immediately. The Shoreland Ordinance is a separate entity that triggers the upgrade automatically if not maintained. Jabbour noted that the building permit is what triggered the resulting action. Mrs. Eastman asked where the septic system would be located if the prior owner had complied with the need for a new system. Weckman said they would probably have had to use the experimental area and the system would likely have failed. Weckman said he would not recommend that area for the septic when he cannot say it will work. He indicated the result may be the Eastman might have to have their system pumped out • about twice monthly, which is not prudent. Weckman said he looks for the best site first and an experimental site is the last option. Weckman said he believes the septic system as suggested would work. Mrs. Eastman responded that their contractor felt their experimental site would work with additional sand added. Jabbour clarified with Weckman that the need for the new system was due to the lack of a 3' separation and not because of a failing system. Jabbour noted that the State has considered changing the 3' separation requirement to 21 . He noted that properties outside of the 1000' shoreland area has received a 10 year moratorium on septic system replacement in these cases. Jabbour said he has changed his opinion regarding this issue and believes those within the shoreland area should be allowed the moratorium as well. Weckman responded that the 2' suggestion was a legislative decision and not a scientific one. Kelley said the issue is one of treating the residences in the 0 -1000' shoreland area the same as the 1000+' area and give them the same latitude of a 10 -year period for conforming. Mrs. Eastman informed Kelley that half of her lot is outside of the 1000' shoreland area. Weckman indicated that the house and septic are within the 1000' shoreland area. 24 •