HomeMy WebLinkAbout1983-04-23 Memo, Septic System InspectionTO: 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.