HomeMy WebLinkAboutRe: foundation boring report TO: Mark E. Bernhardson
FROM: Michael P. Gaffron, Assistant Zoning Administrator
DATE: 10-8-85
SUBJECT: Review of Stebbins' foundation boring report
I have read the above referenced report, which indicates that the
location Stebbins proposes to place his house has a potential for seasonally high
water tables. This is not a unique situation with new construction in Orono.
It is not apparent from the building plans submitted at exactly what
elevation the basement floor is proposed in relation to the pond area. However,
it has been my experience that with the use of a few precautionary waterproofing
measures, septic tanks and pump tanks can be made relatively infiltration-free by
a conscientious contractor. Stebbins also has the option of placing the tanks at
a higher elevation, using a sewage ejector pump for the basement and gravity flow
from the main floor, and if need be install a tile drain around the 1-piece precast
tanks, which would virtually eliminate all seepage of groundwater into the tanks.
Note that the foundation report did not review soils at the actual
drainfield site east of the driveway. The report by Mark Gronberg dated 6-20-84
indicates percolation rates and indicated water table depths which are within the
acceptable parameters for a mound-type drainfield system. Many such systems are
currently being successfully used in Orono under similar soil and site
conditions.
I am convinced based on the information at hand that it is technically
feasible using common practices to provide a relatively trouble-free on-site
sewage treatment system to serve this property.
I
To: Mark E. Bernhardson, City Administrator
From: Michael P. Gaffron, Assistant Zoning Administrator
Date: September 19, 1985
Subject: Stebbin's Request to Connect to Long Lake Sewer
I would like to comment on certain points in Jeff Stebbin's
letter regarding the septic system v.s. sewer options:
Point 1. The concerns are valid. The groundwater
potentially can get into the tanks and is more critical in a
situation such as this when a pump tank is used. However,
it has been demonstrated that with careful attention, the
tanks can be made waterproof to a degree that minimizes
problems.
Point 2. It is, of course, true that the proposed mound
system east of the driveway will require a pump near the
house. Pumps are mechanical and can fail, although again
careful installation and design will eliminate most
problems.
Point 3. It is not clear what sewer easement he is referring
to, but is appears that it will be necessary to cross the
existing driveway regardless of which sewer system is used.
Note that we have not had any documented problems of mound
systems "freezing" when properly constructed and adequate
soil cover over piping.
Point 6. Agreed. However, note many Orono properties are
in a similar situation, i.e. in close proximity to Municpal
sewer lines but not allowed to connect. In fact, in this
immediate vicinity (2340, 2350 Watertown Road) we have
properties which are crossed by sewer lines on easements but
to which the property owners are not allowed to connect.
One of these just this summer installed a new $8,000 mound
system to replace his failing system. He would rather have
connected to sewer.
If Stebbins gets approval, you can expect a flood of similar
requests in virtually every area of the City where sewer lines
border unsewered property. Also, how would. we determine the
dollar amount of the connection fee?
SEP 19
CITY OF ORO
No ,
Mr. Jeffrey Stebbins
1860 Fox Street
Wayzata, Minnesota 55391
September 18, 1985
Orono City Council
City of Orono
P.O. Box 66
Crystal Bay, Minnesota 55323
Dear Menbers of the Council:
I am hereby requesting the permission from the City of Orono, the right to
connect my residence to the Long Lake City sewer system.
I have been in contact with three officials from the City of Long Lake.
They being: Fred Patch, City Planner; Skip McCombs, City Engineer; Mary
Wurzer, head of Sewer and Water Department. The purpose of my contacting
them, was to find out whether the idea was feasible, as well as, acceptable.
All parties agreed that there wouldn't be any problems, and encouraged me to
seek Orono's approval.
There are a number of reasons why this connection would be more favorable to
the installation of the septic system. Please refer to the drawing I have
enclosed for your benefit.
1. I have taken soil borings on the building site. These borings show
the water table higher than was originally anticipated. This problem can be
taken care of for the structure. However, I have concern over the installation
and future performance of the septic system, i.e., flooding and disturbance of
the tank due to fluctuations of seasonal ground water.
2. As you can see, the septic tank will be on the west side of the drive-
way, and the primary and secondary drain field sites are on the east side. This
would require the pumping of the effluent up hill and across the drive, creating
a nuisance to neighbors during construction, as well as creating more opportunity
for eventual problems with continued operation.
3. Please note the location of the sewer easement to the property line
and location of existing manhole. Installing the pipe could be achieved with-
out disturbing the established easement. Also, because the piping is connected
to the sewer system, the chance of freezing becomes greatly reduced.
4. Mary Wuzer has indicated that one SAC unit can be used from the
Orono city council
Septenber 18, 1985
Page 2
Hackberry area, which eliminates the need for bargaining for additional units.
S. Orono is termed "country" with it's two acre building sites. However,
the chose proximity of my lot to higher density Long Lake properties, I feel
that connecting to the sewer' i.s beneficial to all.
6. As you may know, the septic system planned is acceptable, but by
no means without potential problems in years to came. The connection to an
established and proven metro system would help guarantee the smooth operation
in years to cam.
I would hope that with Long Iake•s willingness, you would seriously consider
and apPrcme my petition.
I appreciate your time and consideration regarding this matter, and if you
should have any questions, please call re at work 473-1683, or at home 475-0495.
Thank you again, and I am looking forward to your next council meeting.
Y
.
INS
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