05-13-1996 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MAY 13, 1996 (#9 - On -Site Systems Code Ordinance Amendment - Continued) • Kelley asked Weckman if correlations have been developed regarding the 3' separation. Weckman explained how the separation works noting 1' of good, dry soil is needed to treat the effluent. An annual rainfall is 26 ", but use of the septic system increases the water usage 26 times and will result in the water table mounding up. When 1', it is reduced, allowing an area where the effluent could get into the system, and result in only 1' separation. When the effluent is down 4' below the surface, it has been shown that no treatment is occurring due to an absence of oxygen and bacteria. Callahan remarked that there are alot of systems without the 3' separation working. Weckman said the water is then going away, and the effluent may or may not be treated, resulting in the contamination of the ground water. Callahan asked if the system is tested and the 3' separation is not found, does that mean the system is not working? Weckman said the water is going away and not treating the effluent. Callahan clarified that this would mean the system is not working and should be reported as such. Weckman said septic systems in the non- shoreland area have not been inspected for the 3' separation yet. Jabbour said there is then no way to tell if a system is actually working without sampling the soil. Jabbour added that if the State is aware of any aquifers being affected, they would initiate action immediately. a Hurr said she sees the City of Orono as pacesetters and recommended the 10 year repair requirement. Jabbour responded that this would drive people out of the area. Kelley said he believed the State would take some action within 10 years with pressure to sewer the remaining properties. Kelley asked if a property owner applied for an addition and no alternate site was designated at the City office, in addition to requiring a percolation test, what happens to 2 acre lots with no alternate sites? Jabbour responded that the addition would not be allowed. Weckman answered that if the addition was in the area of the future drainfield site, the addition would have to be moved as the area would have to be set aside for the future. Kelley said he sees the ordinance amendment as a major piece of legislation to the City. He continued that the Council needs to be aware of it, and there may need to be modifications made. Kelley said it was an on -going situation. • 14