HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter to MN DHS RE Failing septic system !1 .
y CITY of ORONO
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Municipal Offices
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es*10_= 2750 Kelley Parkway P.O. Box 66
Orono, MN 55356 Crystal Bay, MN 55323-0066
May 9, 2007
Kelly Gans
Minnesota Department of Human Services
Division of Licensing
PO Box 64242
St. Paul MN 55164-0242
Dear Ms. Gans:
I am writing in regards to the Orono Montessori School in the City of Orono. I talked to
you several weeks ago about the failing septic system for the school. In June of 2005 the
existing tanks were uncovered and pumped out as part of a requirement for the
addition/remodel permit for the property. It was determined at that time the existing
tanks were simply a cesspool and seepage pit. These are small concrete rings stacked one
on top of the other with an earthen bottom and obviously not watertight. Cesspools and
seepage pits have been classified as illegal in the State of Minnesota Rules Chapter 7080
and prior WPC 40 regs since the early 197Crs.
I put the owner on notice that the septic system must be updated and a reasonable time
period to accomplish it. The first letter was dated June 15, 2005. I wrote again on
November 30, 2005 stating that the update to the system had not been done. I had been
fairly lenient to this point since Mr. Kuruvilla had contracted with a septic designer to
come up with a plan. I gave him a new deadline of June 15, 2006 to update the system. I
do regret not pursuing this at that time, but as you probably have had similar situations,
different priorities arise and things get lost in the shuffle.
I have enclosed copies of my two letters and nothing has changed as to the status of the
system. It seems to be quite obvious that Mr. Kuruvilla has no intention of updating the
failing system until he faces consequences. I appreciate any help you can give on this
matter.
I do not know of any well problems on the property that would cause the posting of
drinking fountains. As I remember the well should meet a 50 foot setback to the existing
septic system but I do not have information on the well depth.
Telephone(952)249-4609 • Fax(952)/49-4616
www.ci.orono.mn.us
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Sincerely,
Willie Gibbs R.S.
Building Inspections