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5. POLICY BOARD BUSINESS 5.01: Review Preliminary Plat for Northfork Alpine Addition (Project No. 16-02); Case of Double T, LLC Community Development Director Gladhill presented the staff report. He pointed out the complexities of a shared system is too great for only four lots. These lots are already part of the Northfork HOA, which complicates things further. He stated the lots are not right up against Lake Itasca. There should not be water quality issues here. The tank and drain field will be new. Having individual septic systems may be appropriate in this instance. Board Member Lewis asked if there is an economic benefit to having separate sewer systems. Community Development Director Gladhill responded the cost is lower in using a shared system. However, there is a complicated design component to setting up a shared system. Board Member Lewis questioned whether there is an alternative to a conventional drain field, given its proximity to the lake. Community Development Director Gladhill replied he is not an expert, and would have to look into that in detail. He said he has not been asked to look at this yet. Board Member Bentz raised the issue of aerobic vs. anaerobic technology. He asked if the City was going to look at newer technology that would allow aerobic systems. In this system, there is a small electricity addition because it is a pump. There is a bio filter that eats more bacteria. This has to be replaced every couple of years, but the water is supposed to be much cleaner. He said it runs about $1500 per tank to convert an anaerobic system to aerobic. Community Development Director Gladhill noted an individual septic system runs about $15,000 as a point of reference. Board Member Lewis noted there are homes in closer proximity to Lake Itasca than these would be. He asked if there is any environmental concerns with anything that may have gone into the lake. Community Development Director Gladhill noted they are on their own system. There is a method in place to monitor systems and send out notices if a system is in need of maintenance. There is no imminent health threat to the residents that he is aware of. Board Member Bentz inquired how fast the City is notified of outdated or delinquent systems. Community Development Director Gladhill explained as part of the City's requirement with the state, it has to monitor which systems are beyond a 3-year limit for maintenance. A reminder is sent to the homeowner that their system needs maintenance when it nears a 3-year interval. The homeowner then returns information to the City. The number of notifications is going down. These systems can be tracked through the Code Enforcement Division. If the City issued a code violation, and the resident did not respond to it, there would be a county citation. He said no issues Environmental Policy Board / January 25, 2016 Page 2 of 6