HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-07-08 Memo, Status of Septic SystemTo: Mayor Grabek & Orono Council Members
City Administrator Bernhardson
From: Michael P. Gaffron, Asst Planning & Zoning Administrator
Date: July 8, 1987
Subject: Request for Holding Tank Ap,)roval -
Linda Freeman, 3415 Eastlake Street
List of Exhibits
Exhibit A - Site Plan
Exhibit B - Code Requirements
Exhibit C - Correspondence Regarding Failing System
Exhibit D - Tax Book Information
Ms. Freeman is the owner of a rental property located at 3415 Eastlake
Street. This is a small house, about 350 s.f. with no basement or second
floor. The house currently has a well and a small septic tank; we believe
that if there is a drainfield attacl-ed to t,-at tank, it is a very small and
inadequate drainfield.
'Le lot ' L about 50'x100', elevated only about 2' above the 931.5'
flood plain level, and does not have the capability to install any type of
replacement system.
The existing 300 gallon tank has overflowed on numerous occasions in
the past. Fortunately, past renters have been minimal water users or the
problem would have become much worse.
Freeman would like to install a 1,500 or 2,000 gallon holding tank.
Wt. would require regular maintenance of that system. Staff does have some
concern that, because this is a rental unit, unless there is a service
contract there is a higher potential for overflows to be ignored by
inhabitants of the property. A contract for regular pumpouts by a licensed
pumper would be required to be filed with the City.
Eastlake Street is within the Stubbs Bay Sewer Study Area, the last of
5 areas in Orono delineated in the 1980 Comprehensive Plan as potentially
needing municipal sewers. That study is underway, and staff would
anticipate that when completed, sew(r will be Lecommended for Eastlake
Street.
Freeman's installation cost for this holding tank will likely be
$1,000-1.,000, and pumpout costs could be expected to be from $100-300 per
month depending on actual water use.
Given that this area is likely to be sewered in the relatively near
future, staff recommends approval of the holding tank subject to the
requiremen-s of the City Code. Note that this tank wi 1 1 be less than 50'
from applicant's well, but is essentially a sealed system and will be
further away from the well than the P.,isting failing system. A service
contract and high-water alarm system will be required.
Although not specifically required by Code, staff has maintained a
policy of re-;uiring council approval for all new holding tank
installations.
PROPOSED MOTION: Moved seconded to allow the installation and
maintenance of a holding tank system at 3415 Eastlake Street to replace the
existing failing septic system. Ayes -5-, nays ice.
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