Agenda - Council - 01/10/1989 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The first measure used to correct failed septic systems is replacement of individual sewage treatment systems (ISTS). Each replacement ISTS cn the affected property must conform with current code standards. The city is considering mandatory site evaluations and septic system ~esigns for new development to minimize on-site system failures. Seepage pits are allowed by City Code as an alternative to collection systems. However, in practice, the City plumbing inspector has not permitted seepage plus in recent years. Holding tanks are used ~hen it can be shown their use is the most economical alternative. Community Co!lect~on Systems Older built up areas of Ramsay have greater housing density and s~ual!er lot sizes than newer areas and potentially may experience higher rates of septic ss'stem failure, in the event a high rate of lailure e>lists on sites with marginal soils or inadequate space is available for a replacement septic system, the Ramsay Code allows for community collection systems in the 1990 Urban Service Area. The collection system must be designed for future hookup to sanitary sewer. The common drainfield would be maintained by the City and the costs would be assessed to all persons using the system. At present, the City of Ramsay does not have any community collection systems. Sufficient area has been available on individual sites to replace failed septic systems. Private community sewage treatment systems would be allowed in resi- dential and "dry" commercial/industrial areas where public health is threatened by on-site sewage treatment system failures and where it can be shown that insufficient area for replacement septic systems is available on individual lots. Public health is threatened by septic system failures which include backup of sewage into the building, sewage discharge to the ground surface from a failed drainfield, and detrimental effects to surface or ground water caused by failure of septic systems to properly treat septic tank effluent. Insufficient area to install standard, alternative or innovative septic systems or seepage site warrants consideration of co~unity sewage treatment. Holding tanks are proposed only as an interim measure for existing buildings with septic system failure. Package treatment plants would be required in industrial areas where high strength sewage is produced. Every effort will be made to locate such industry in areas se_~ved by public utilities. in the event community septic systems would be re~dired, the City of Ramsey would form and administer sewer districts for individual community septic systems in order to collect fees and manage the operation cf the systems. An ordinance would be developed to deal with issues such as access easements, violation penalties, and manage- ment re~airements. Local government will be responsible for day to day opera~on~ and maintenance cf ~ajo~. comoonents, of the ~ommu~_~v septic sysSem. 25