07-24-1979 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR P4EETING OF THE ORONO COUtJCIL, JULY 24 , 1979 Page 21 In addition, three have holding tank systems ON-SITE SEPTIC which normally must be pumped out two or three " INSPECTION REPORT times per month. The cost of pur,ipouts may (Continued) be as much as $1,500-$2 ,000 per year. The systems which are under water are undoubtedly adding nutrients and microbial contaninants to the lake or adjacent wetlands. In most cases, these systems are in beach sands which allow free movement of water laterally, or in marsh or peaty soils. Vahile the amount of wor}c� involved in proving a definite pollution hazard exists is extensive, it is generally recognized and required by most local government sanitary codes that septic tank effluent must percolate through 3' of dry soil before it enters the water table. Where a system is in or near the water table, it is not unusual that the system "works" froM a disposal standpoint (i.e. the toilets still flush) , but treatment is inadequate or nonexistent. It is unlikely we could allow new drainfields to replace existing ones should visible failure occur on many of these properties, due to the high water table and proxiMity to the lake or wetlands. 4�hile the problem here is not as visibly extensive as in the Piinnetonka Bluffs Area, there is still a very high potential for nutrient pollution of the lake. Shoreline/Windward PZarine Area - This area includes five hones and two marinas. Two hoMes sit well above the laYe on two plus acre lots. The remaining homes and the marinas are built generally less than 5 ' above lake level. Although dye testing gave no indication of seepage to the lake, it is likely that drainfields are near or within the water table and probably not functioning properly. The VJindward P7arine store building has no sanitation facilities for public use. The riinnetonka Boat Works building has two toilets, one of which is used year round by a caretaker who lives upstairs. I feel it is necessary to include the marina area in this project. t��hile no major discernable problem exists, if any of the existing svstems were to visibly fail, it is unlikely we could allow an�thing but holding tanks as a solution. The two homes above the lake could be included in the project. However, 1410 Shoreline Drive sits back quite a distance from the road and has six plus acres of high and dry land under the same owner. Any system failure could probably be solved �vith on-site repairs. (Continued)