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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRe: septic issues � O� O - O CITY of ORONO Municipal Offices Street Address: Mailing Address: 2150 Kelley Parkway P.O. Box 66 Orono, MN 55356 Crystal Bay, MN 55323-0066 April 16, 1998 Mr. &Mrs. Arne 125 Truffula Trail Long Lake, MN 55356 Dear Mr. &Mrs. Arne: Mr. and Mrs. Arne contacted me on February 23, 1998 to inspect their septic system to get my opinion of problems they had observed at their new residence (a Certificate of Occupancy was issued Oct. 10, 1997). The inspection revealed that the septic tanks leak and the sewage pump has a short circuit which needs to be fixed as soon as possible. The septic tanks leak (mainly the pump tank) at the manhole riser which can be remedied by regrading the area around the tanks and by resealing joints with tar strips. Following my initial inspection, I indicated to the Ame's and Mr. Olson that the electrical problem requires immediate attention to prevent a sewage backup into the residence and to eliminate unsafe electrical connections, but the leaking tanks could be repaired when the soil conditions are right. The ground must be either dry or slightly frozen to assure the ground is firm enough to get grading equipment on site without damaging the yard. I contacted Mr. Olson, on February 24 and described the aforementioned problems on the property. He informed me that he would fix the problems and contact me when the work was done so that I could reinspect the system. The following is a chronology of events regarding the septic system repair since February 23, 1998. CHRONOLOGY • February 23, 1998 Mike Arne called and asked for inspection as soon as possible regarding septic problems. • February 23, 1998 I inspected septic system and discovered tank leak and blown circuit breaker. Telephone (612) 473-7357 • FAX 473-0510 • February 24, 1998 I called Mr. Olson to inform him that the aforementioned problems existed on the property must be repaired and to contact me when they were done so that I could verify that the work has been completed. • March 3 , 1998 Mr. Arne called me to ask why Mr. Olson has not fixed any of the septic problems. • March 3, 1998 I called Mr. Olson who said he hadn't tested the electrical problem, but thought it wasn't a problem and said the soil is too wet to regrade. I informed him that the electrical problem must be repaired soon,but he could wait for dry conditions to regrade. He said he would call when electrical work is done. • March 11, 1998 Mr. Arne called and said electrician has not come yet. • March 11, 1998 I called Mr. Olson to ask why work has not been completed. He told me that his electrician was very busy and is having a hard time getting him out there. Mr. Olson assured me the work would be done soon. • March 18, 1998 I called Mr. Olson to find out whether the electrical repair was completed. He told me that he would repair the electrical problem soon , but his electrical contractor was too busy so he had to find another. • March 23, 1998 I called Mr. Olson again to ask whether the work had been completed. He said he would start looking for another electrical contractor to complete the work if his own would not do the work soon. He will call me when the electrical work is complete. • April 16, 1998 Mr. Arne called to ask why nothing has been done to fix the problems with the septic system. Since Mr. Olson has not made any progress in resolving the septic system problems, this letter is being sent to RKO Builders and to Mr. and Mrs. Arne to document our efforts to correct the problems with the system. On a related topic, Mr. and Mrs. Arne asked me whether it is acceptable to pump the major portion of the pumping station volume into the drainfield at one time once the electrical is reconnected and the pump is functional since electrical failures have plagued the pumping station. Pumping a volume larger than designed,which is never more than one fourth of the designed daily flow is not acceptable and will likely damage or cause discharge from the drainfield. The pumping station must be pumped out by a licensed contractor prior to reconnecting the sewage pump. Please contact me at the City Offices if there are any questions. Since 1 , Stepen Weckman On-Site Systems Manager ,SEPTIC SYSTEM INVENTORY Address: 125 Truffula Tr. PID: 33-118-23 44 0041 Building Type; residence #BRs/GPD 4 Systems/unit 1/1 Permit#: 0348 Date of Permit: 8128/97 Installer: Don's Plbg. anti Htg. System Type: mound Appliances: lndry,dshw SYSTEM CONDITION Conformity: l Tank Condition: 5 DF condition: 11 Failure Pot: low SEPTIC TANKS Material: precast concrete Capacity: 1000, 1000, 1(X)0 Setback.to Bldg: 0�k DRAINFIELD v ` Length of Lines 55 #Lines: 3 Trench Width: 10 Treatment Area: 93'"41 Type of Filter: rock,clean sand Tile Size: 1.5 Under Tile 9 Perc Rate: 39.3 Setback DF-Bldg: DF Ht above Wt: 3 l Soil Type: loam,clay loam Limitations: water table !4}rr Vv1 WELL DATA Setbacks - l-" _ C> S ac.ks Well-Tanks:Tanks. Well llF: Report in File: n `r Pump Type: Depth: Diameter: Method: �-- INSPECTION RECORD PUMPOUT RECO' DATE DESCRIPTION COMPLIANCE DATE GALLONS 10/3/97 installation l it r Ta)gul4l Tr t t 1 /01 T-z T Zh �7; /n4 �3 q33 i io I .— 1b • S-P TESTING, INC. Steven B. Schirmers & Debra M. Schirmers 951 Katydid Lane NE - St. Michael, MN 55376 - (612) 497-3566 FAX (612) 497-5011 State License#394 June 2, 1998 Mike Arne 125 Truffula Trail Orono, Henn. Co., MN This letter is in regard with the existing pressurized mound system located on this property that was constructed on 10-3-1997. The system has surface discharge at the east toe of the mound. Soil borings through the sand at the northeast and southeast comer of the system found ponding in the sand. A boring found the sand 14' from the rockbed to the toe of the absorption area at the center of the mound. At the north end of the rock bed the sand was found 12' to the absorption area. The design on record at the City shows a minimum of 17' & 19' overall The sand must be extended to meet code for an adequate absorption area. Inspecting the tanks, each manhole shows evidence of ground water seepage at the riser. The manhole risers will need to be removed and resealed at the top of the tanks. All of the inlet and outlets must also be checked for possible seepage. An event counter was temporarily installed to monitor water use. A counter must be installed permanently to monitor and to assure that all seepage has been stopped. The surface run-off was diverted around the system, after the problem occured_ .The run-off plus the seepage from the tanks would overload a mound system. The rock bed was not hydraulically overloaded. The system may recover over time after the repairs are made. If the overloading in the sand bed remains, a new mound system may need to be installed. Surface discharging is an imminent health hazard and must be repaired or disconnected within 10 months. Steven B. Schirmers 1 CITY of ORONO Municipal Offices Street Address: Mailing.Address: ' EggOg' 2750 Kelley Parkway P.O. Box 66 Orono, MN 55356 Crystal Bay, MN 55323.0066 June 29, 1998 Mr. &Mrs. Arne 125 Truffula Trail Long Lake, MN 55356 Dear Mr. &Mrs. Arne: A report from S-P Testing, Inc. was submited to the City in early June. The report is an evaluation of the function and the construction of the existing mound system. In summary, the report states that the septic system may have problems in the future because the tanks may be taking on ground water, the drainfield sand is saturated, and the mound does not have sufficient sand on the downslope side. Mr. Schirmers indicates that although the septic system is not discharging to the surface, ponding effluent was found in the downslope absorption area. Ponding effluent can and will occur in the downslope dike in a functioning drainfield. The drainfield could discharge to the surface if the drainfield has excessive ponding. Currently the drainfield is saturated, but not discharging to the surface. This condition does occur on newer septic systems and may dry up once the ground has stopped settling. In the S-P Testing, Inc. report, they found 14 feet of clean sand downslope of the rock bed on the south end and middle, but only 12 feet of sand on the north end. The required absorption width for this mound is 17 feet. On our inspection the south and middle of the downslope dike width was 16 feet and the north end was 13 feet, but rock was encountered for 13 feet wide instead of 10 feet at the north end. Some extra rock was probably pushed beyond the downslope edge of the rock bed which makes it appear that the sand area is too small. If the rock bed width is actually 10 feet wide on both ends as is likely the case,then the sand width is 16 feet. Ultimately the downslope absorption width is 1 to 4 feet short of what was designed. The S-P Testing, Inc. report also indicates that the septic tanks "show evidence of ground water seepage at the riser". As stated in previous letters from the City, the tanks have leaked significantly in the past between the septic tank and the manhole riser. The regrading of the backyard was completed to redirect the drainage away from both the drainfield and the septic tanks. The septic tanks did not leak during our inspection, but the tanks were wet at the manhole/tank seam and Telephone (612) 473-7357 • FAX 473-0510 at 1 leakage is still likely to be occurring intermittently. As we are nearing summer and the snowmelt and the rainy season are gone,the tanks will not leak as much. If the septic tanks are found to be leaking, they must be resealed to become watertight. The goal of the City is to assure that the existing system is functioning properly and if the system is not functioning properly to understand why so we can effectively repair or replace the system. At this time, no vegetation has been established in the drainage swale and mound. A water meter must be installed in the residence to confirm the quantity of water being used within the residence. When the flow from the residence is quantified, we will be able to determine how much water is leaking into the septic tanks. The City has a water meter which we will allow the owner to use for free on a temporary basis, but their plumber must install the unit. Until we know that the septic system will not work properly and that it is being overloaded by excessive quantities of water, the City does not believe additional work to the mound or tanks is justified at this time. After it is determined that the system is not able to work and it is not being overloaded, the City will then recommend repair or replacement of the septic system as is necessary. Please contact me at the City Offices if there are any questions. Sincere , 0-/ Steph n Weckman On-Site Systems Manager I i September 11, 1998 Fax to: Lyle Oman City of Orono Frum: Mike and Lori Arne 125 Truffula Trail 449-8779 Steve Weckman was at our property today and indicated that the letter would be ready today, addressed to our builder regarding the issues at our home. We still oemtend that the mound system was not originally built according to design in three separate categories,of which we have been notified by designers are allnecessary to be rectified- If ectifiedif there is any disagreement at your office with our required e.-gx-ctations, we request a scheduled meeting be set up with City Officials, designers,ourselves, and possibly the builder, 14owcvcr. we do request the letter to the builder to be sent out today requesting action from the lntilder within a specified time period without closing(in writing)any issues that could be in disagreement. Please fax us a copy of the letter that has been sent out. Thank you,onoe again,Lyle,for your concern in this matter. cc: Steve Weckrnan � O� O : O CITY of ORONO Municipal Offices AV Street Address: Mailing Address: ` HO4� 2150 Kelley Parkway P.O. Box 66 Orono, MN 55356 Crystal Bay, MN 55323-0066 April 16, 1998 Roger Olson-RKO Builders 3134 130th Ave. NW Coon Rapids, MN 55448 Dear Mr. Olson: Mr. and Mrs. Arne contacted me on February 23, 1998 to inspect their septic system to get my opinion of problems they had observed at their new residence (a Certificate of Occupancy was issued Oct. 10, 1997). The inspection revealed that the septic tanks leak and the sewage pump has a short circuit which needs to be fixed as soon as possible. The septic tanks leak(mainly the pump tank) at the manhole riser which can be remedied by regrading the area around the tanks and by resealing joints with tar strips. Following my initial inspection, I indicated to the Arne's and Mr. Olson that the electrical problem requires immediate attention to prevent a sewage backup into the residence and to eliminate unsafe electrical connections, but the leaking tanks could be repaired when the soil conditions are right. The ground must be either dry or slightly frozen to assure the ground is firm enough to get grading equipment on site without damaging the yard. I contacted Mr. Olson, on February 24 and described the aforementioned problems on the property. He informed me that he would fix the problems and contact me when the work was done so that I could reinspect the system. The following is a chronology of events regarding the septic system repair since February 23, 1998. CHRONOLOGY • February 23, 1998 Mike Arne called and asked for inspection as soon as possible regarding septic problems. • February 23, 1998 I inspected septic system and discovered tank leak and blown circuit breaker. Telephone (612) 473-7357 0 FAX 4734510 1 r at' t,y •tis. . ... � ♦., lY-`.tS% :1 .�.,_., .{... ' o � 3 Y r ��+ �, ,.. '��, i 'i .� c .. . .. � — t: , Y,. .� + r 1 l � l- � � .. f i . CITY OF July 10, 1998 Pa[�f Q 1/ Mr. Steve Weckman CITY OF ORONO JUL J n� 2750 Kelley Parkway �0 •W7 Orono,MN 55356 (Hand delivered): Dear Mr. Weckman: We received a letter from you and a letter from Lyle Oman on June 29, 1998. We telephoned you on June 30, 1998, requesting that you not send a copy to the builder as there were errors in your letter. We have not heard back from you as of today, so we thought we would write to you. First of all,your letter is dated April 16, 1998, rather than June 29, 1998. Secondly, S-P Testing's letter is not discussing"potential" problems,they are factual and current problems. Furthermore,we have additional letters from reputable testing companies and contractors that contest your measurements. We are requesting that you make an appointment to come out,remeasure,and resolve this situation. Additionally,your letter indicates that several issues need to be resolved. Your letter indicates that no vegetation has been established on the mound. This is not correct. We are requesting that you take another look. We have been mowing this system for months. Also,if you thought that it was necessary for us to install a water meter to determine the amount of water leaking into the septic tanks,why was this not suggested a long time ago when there sould have been troubleshooting done? As of the date of your letter,the tanks were not taking on ground water. On July 7th, Steve Schirmers from S-P Testing was out to our home to pick up his counter. At that time,he witnessed the pump tank,again,taking on ground water. We request that you also indicate in your revised letter the dates you were out here with Lyle Oman to witness the surface discharge, prior to the builder's contractor*plugging up the entire toe of the mound with a great deal of dirt from the swale cut around the tanks. Our witnesses indicate dates between 3-31-98 and 4-22-98 as dates they were here. This should help you in looking up the dates on your calendar. The mound was plugged up on 4-24-98. This was when the real problem(an insufficient absorption width made up of sand)was covered up. The plugging up of the mound also led to wet soil compaction. The bottom line to your statements and the other contractor's statements is that the system does not meet the required absorption width and that this is going to be a problem system for the future. We did not contract for a problem system. Moreover,a system that does not meet requirements. We believe that the City's continued position of"wait and see" (especially after major surface discharge was evident back in March and April,and proven deviations in building the system have been shown)that you are contributing to the voiding of our warranty as time goes on. We could not sell our home tomorrow with the existing circumstances. Therefore,we are requesting that the City"red tag"our system so that we can move the system. We have received letters from reputable testing companies that an attempted repair could lead to more problems in the future. They have also indicated that even if there was an attempted repair there would be no guarantee upon this system as it was not built properly in the first place,and more than likely has other problems. If you have any questions,please give us a call. Thank you. Sincerely, Nee' nd LoriArne *We have recently learned that the original septic contractor that built the mound should be the only one working on the mound. We question whether that has been the case. If it wasn't,this may have also voided our warranty from the original septic contractor. S-P TESTING, INC. Steven B. Schirmers & Debra M. Schirmers 951 Katydid Lane NE • St: Michael, MN 55376 • (612) 497-3566 FAX (612) 497-5011 State License#394 June 2, 1998 Mike Ame 125 Truffula Trail Orono, Henn. Co., MN This letter is in regard with the existing pressurized mound system located on this property that was constructed on 10-3-1997. The system has surface discharge at the east toe of the mound. Soil borings through the sand at the northeast and southeast comer of the system found ponding in the sand. A boring found the sand 14' from the rockbed to the toe of the absorption area at the center of the mound. At the north end of the rock bed the sand was found 12' to the absorption area. The design on record at the City shows a minimum of 17' & 19' overall. The sand must be extended to meet code for an adequate absorption area. Inspecting the tanks, each manhole shows evidence of ground water seepage at the riser. The manhole risers will need to be removed and resealed at the top of the tanks. All of the inlet and outlets must also be checked for possible seepage. An event counter was temporarily installed to monitor water use. A counter must be installed permanently to monitor and to assure that all seepage has been stopped. The surface run-off was diverted around the system, after the problem occured. The run-off plus the seepage from the tanks would overload a mound system. The rock bed was not hydraulically overloaded. The system may recover over time after the repairs are made. If the overloading in the sand bed remains, a new mound system may need to be installed. Surface discharging is an imminent health hazard and must be repaired or disconnected within 10 months. Steven B. Schirmers 1 O O CITY of ORONO Municipal Offices Street Address: Mailing Address: 2750 Kelley Parkway P.O. Box 66 �kBH Orono, MN 55356 Crystal Bay, MN 55323-0066 May 24, 1999 Don's Plumbing and Heating P.O. Box 174 Onamia, MN 56359 Dear Sirs: The Building Official and I performed an inspection of the septic system you completed for RKO Builders at 125 Truffula Trail and found the pump tank to be leaking. You may recall this system as you already replaced the tar around the manhole risers prior to the final inspection in October of 1997. The wet spring has revealed that the first repair did not work. This problem must be remedied as soon as possible to prevent the premature failure of the mound. Please contact me at your earliest convenence to discuss the necessary repairs. Sincerely, Steph Weckman On-Site Systems Manager CC: Mike and Lori Arne Telephone(612)2494600 • Fax(612)2494616 FRO1`1 :CROW W F.F-)EF' BANV. TO 6124730510 1997,08-29 11:08 #218 F.L'c./O- ELMER J. PETERSON COMPANY 5921 DAGUE AVE. S.E. DELANO, MINNESOTA 55328 AL & JIM BRAEGELMANN (61.2) 471-8151 • (612) 972-2420 August 28, 1997 RKO Builders/Roger Olson 3134 130th Avenue N.W. Coon Rapids, MN. 55448 ( 51 2 ) 427--7983 RE: 125 Truffala 'Trai.i Orono, MN. 3/1000 gallon tanks to be pumped as needed per homeonwer. Effective for 1 year or as determined by the City of Orono and RKO Builders. WE PROPOSE to furnish labor and material W— complete in accordance with above specifications, and subject to conditions found on both sides of this agreement, for the sum ot: dollars ($ Payment to be made as follows: ACCEPTED. 'rhe above prices, specifications and conditlons are satlsfac, paspectfully submitteet, tory and are hereby accepted. You are authorized to do the work as specified, payment will be made as outlined above. (Read reverse side). Date of Acceptance EL R J. P R50N COIVlF�t/Y Y By Note:Tllis proposal mey be withdrawn by us if not accepted ithin days.