1983-04-23 Memo, Septic System Inspection

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TO: Jeanne A. Mabusth, Zoning Administrator FROM: Michael P. Gaffron, Septic System Inspector DATE: April 23, 1983 SUBJECT: Power Squadron toilet facilities, Big Island Today I inspected the toilet facilities at the Power Squadron facility on Big Island, and wish to make the following comments: 1. The existing system consists of a concrete vault -type structure located 130 feet horizontally from the nearest Lakeshore and with the pit bottom approximately 8 feet above the lake level. It appears to meet all location requirements of the new Island Zoning Ordinance. No water is plumbed into the facility. The superstructure consists of a wood frame building with separate Men's and Women's sections. 2. Tom Rossini of the Power Squadron stated that he believes the floor of the vault is cracked and some seepage is occurring as would occur in a standard outhouse. He also stated, and other Squadron members present confirmed, that the tank is pumped out every two or three years as necessary by bringing a 'ruck out over the ice to pump it. Mr. Rossini stated that the vault systt-9 was installed some years back to meet State standards for a rest are. situatior In my opinion, while the existing system appears to fall into a category somewhere between a "permitted outhouse" and a "non -permitted sealed vault", it is adequately meeting the spirit and intent of the law, if not the letter, and does not appear to constitute a health or pollution hazard as long as it continues to be maintained as it has been in the past. I will reiterate that the intent of the Code in "outlawing" vault outhouses on the island is because maintenance, i.e. pumpouts on a regular basis, is not generally feasible on the island. However, the Power Squadron has apparently been able to provide proper maintenance in the past. Note that septic tank - drainfield systems on the island will also require pumpouts on an occasional basis. 1 recommend that the City inspect the facility yearly, and tha: the Power Squadron be required to notify the City each time the tank is pumped out. As for the requirement that vault outhouses be removed by January 1, 1988 (34.370, section (b)4 ), the City may want to consider allowing existing vault Systems on an individual basis, taking into account the maintenance record and potential of pollution or health hazrds for each specific system and site, before making an across-the-board ruling.