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REGULAR MEETIiJG OF THE ORONO COUNCIL, JULY 24 , 1979 Page 20 <br /> Discussion of Problem ON-SITI: SEPTIC <br /> , � INSPECTION REPORT <br /> '�innetonka IIluf�s - The r4innetonka Bluffs Area is (Continued) <br /> a very old plat with 50 ' X 130' lots. In many <br /> cases, two or more lots have been combined to <br /> form building sites, with these various <br /> combinations, the average existing lot size is <br /> 0. 47 acre with a range from 0. 11 acre to 0. 97 <br /> acre. The plat contains one designated wetland <br /> and sor.me addit`�onal very small marshy areas. <br /> With the severe topography of the area, adequate <br /> development with on-site sewage treatment is <br /> quite restricted. <br /> Of 22 separate residences (two with additional <br /> ren.tal homes on the property) , 10 or 45� were <br /> found to be discharging untreated septic tank <br /> effluent to the ground surface. Also, the <br /> home on an adjacent two plus acre lot at 1385 Fox <br /> Street was found to have a surface discharge. <br /> Five homes were found to have marginal systems <br /> with drainfield probably below water table, <br /> within or near wetlands, or not meeting the State <br /> required 50' distance from a well. Virtually <br /> none of the existing systems meet Orono' s <br /> minimur.i construction standards for drainfield <br /> sizing and in many cases do not and cannot <br /> meet setbacks or location standards. It appears <br /> all of these are year-round residences. <br /> Soils in the area are generally of a Kilkenny <br /> Loam type, with an expected percolation rate <br /> which would require alternate systems in many <br /> cases. The steep slopes highly limit the <br /> possibilities for use of mound systems. It is <br /> probable that standard drainfields would fail <br /> in these soils (and many have) even if the <br /> drainfields were of a larger size. <br /> The existing surface discharges are a direct <br /> public health hazard in the neighborhood. The <br /> location of existing wells within 50 ' of existing <br /> drainfields is a possible health problem should <br /> well water contamination occur. In addition, <br /> effluent discharging td the surface is undoubtedly <br /> adding nitrates and other nutrients, as well <br /> as microbial contaminants, to surface waters in <br /> the area. <br /> Shoreline Drive/67est Ferndale/Orono Lane - Each <br /> residence involved here has lakeshore on Minnetonka <br /> or on Ferndale P4arsh. Of 32 existing houses or <br /> buildings, only six have a discernable surface <br /> discharge of effluent. However, 16 or 50o have <br /> drainfields which are either below the water table <br /> or closer than the minimum 3' eievation above it. <br /> (Continued) <br />