|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
November 14, 2001Leelanau delays septic ordinance adoption- Some not sure how much alternate disposal systems cost, whether public can afford themBy STACEY SMITHRecord-Eagle staff writer LELAND - Leelanau commissioners delayed adoption of a controversial septic ordinance and an amendment to the county health code Tuesday, saying public hearings and informational sessions are necessary before commissioners can act. "This issue never has been advertised. It's like we're trying to get an ordinance on the books and hide it," commissioner Richard Schmuckal said. Schmuckal said he would not support the ordinance without public hearings. The ordinance was drafted after three subcommittees met over five months to address septic inspections, alternate systems and other issues. Leelanau County is one of only two counties in the state that still allows holding tanks for new construction in places where the land fails to meet septic tank requirements. The health code amendment would change that by setting performance standards for systems and approving certain types of alternate on-site disposal systems. Commission chairperson Jean Watkoski said commissioners are not now sure how much alternate systems cost and whether county residents would be able to afford them. Alternate systems can cost two to three times as much as conventional systems, Bill Crawford, director of environmental health for the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department, said. A holding tank can cost between $4,000 and $5,000, Crawford said, but an alternate system could cost between $10,000 and $15,000. That prospect, plus the possibility of a septic ordinance that would require every system in the county to be inspected within the next 25 years, had local residents worried. Planning commission member Frank Hayes told commissioners he is in favor of alternate systems and has been looking for an acceptable one for the past seven years. But Hayes said the county is rushing the new ordinance and amendment. There are new alternate systems developed frequently that will raise the performance standard for other systems, he said. "If I put one of these alternate systems in and meet the new standards, then as these other things become available, I'll be required to meet new standards," Hayes said. The county has seen rapid growth over the last few years and land is disappearing as more and more development occurs. This has created a problem in the amount of septage, or waste pumped from holding tanks and septic tanks, commissioner Robert Hawley said. "I think we all have to agree we have some problems to deal with," Hawley said. "Our immediate problem is holding tanks." In September, the health department, at the request of the board of commissioners, issued a 120-day moratorium on holding tank permits for new construction while the subcommittees worked to develop the ordinance and amendment. The moratorium ends next month. While commissioners decided they would hold public hearings before adopting either the ordinance or the amendment, commissioners also said they don't want to see the moratorium extended. Stacey Smith is the reporter for Leelanau, Manistee and Benzie counties. She can be reached at (231) 933-1408, or at ssmith@record-eagle.com |
|
