The city council in Ham Lake, Minn., hired a contractor to analyze 143 onsite systems and 36 potential sewer system sites in two lakeside communities, then determine the best long-term solution for the failed systems.
The options were replacement if new systems could fit on the sites, building a decentralized facility, or extending sewers. The inspections would include soil borings and pumping of septic tanks to assess if they are watertight. The council will use the community assessment report to make its decision in fall.
Wisconsin
Two rule packages proposed by the Department of Natural Resources could prevent septage haulers from unloading at municipal wastewater treatment plants and restrict land application of septage.
One rule change would require treatment plants to reduce their phosphorus discharges. According to DNR estimates, as many as 160 treatment plants could be affected, and the total cost of improvements to treatment systems could run to $1.3 billion. Not accepting septage would be one way for plants to reduce phosphorus levels.
The other proposal rule would require more nutrient management planning at nonpoint runoff sources. If it were passed, farmers implementing such plans could refuse land-applied septage.
The 2009-10 legislative session ended with lawmakers passing a two-year delay in requiring counties to conduct inventories of onsite systems maintenance programs.
Nevada
Lyon County received a $75,000 Community Development Block Grant for its Dayton Septic Tank Reduction Program. The grant will fund a preliminary engineering study and design to abandon more than 800 septic tanks and connect the properties to municipal sewers. The conversion anticipates a legislative mandate that would require decommissioning of septic tanks in areas with high nitrate levels in the groundwater and potable wells.
Missouri
An effort by the Springfield City Council to connect all city homes to the municipal sewer is nearly complete. Only about 500 homes, nine churches, and 233 vacant lots remain off the sewers, representing about 2 percent of the system.
Florida
Increased inspection requirements for septic tanks near Florida Springs cleared the Senate Ways and Means Committee. The bill would require inspections every five years for the state’s 2.6 million septic tanks by 2016. Residents would be able to hire any licensed contractor.
Virginia
Emergency Alternative Onsite Sewage System Regulations were approved by Governor McDonnell on April 6 and are now in effect. The rules require licensed contractors to operate and maintain advanced treatment systems under a contract. Homeowners must keep a copy of the operator’s log and O&M manual on the property and make a reasonable effort to transfer the materials to future owners.
