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RB CASE SEPTIC INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAM By: Steve Jankowski, City Engineer Background: The improper location, design, installation and maintenance of individual sewage treatment systems (ISTS) adversely affects the public health, safety and general welfare by discharge of inadequately treated sewage to the groundwater surface, surface waters, and groundwaters. Under authority of Minnesota Statutes 103F, 103G, 115, and 116, Chapter 7080 was adopted effective January 1, 1996, and is administered by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). Local governments are required to amend their local ordinances to be in compliance with 7080 by January 1, 1998. The requirements of 7080 will require owners of individual sewage treatment systems (ISTS) to have them pumped a minimum of once every three years. The requirements of 7080 do not require local governments to inspect existing systems, except in cases where bedroom or bathroom additions are being constructed. However, currently, legislation is being considered that would amend the laws to additionally require the inspection of existing systems when properties transfer ownership. In addition to the 7080 requirements of MPCA, the Metropolitan Council has requested that the City update and implement an ISTS inspection program. Current Practices: At the present time, the City has in place Section 8.30 of the City Code, which relates to ISTS and was enacted in 1984. Sections 8.30.05 and 8.30.06 specifically relate to inspection and maintenance of these systems and are included as attachments to this case. Section 8.30.05 of our ordinance requires every system to be inspected every two years by the plumbing inspector, or the homeowner. In practice, the plumbing inspector conducts only a handful of inspections, usually when a complaint is received of a failing system. Section 8.30.06 requires pumping of septic systems whenever inspections warrant, based upon specific levels of sludge and scum. The ordinance also requires the plumbing inspector to advise the entire city semi-annually of the need for routine cleaning and inspections. Notices are published in the Ramsey Resident. The inspector does receive and files notification from septic pumpers of the address, date, and volume of sewage pumped. Additionally, sometimes pumpers will advise the building official and the homeowner of warning signs of failure, however, this is not done formally or in writing. The City has an estimated 3,280 systems. In 1996, the City received notice of 586 pumpings, which would mean that on the average, property owners are pumping once every 5.6 years. There is little follow up on the part of the City inspectors on systems which have repeated multiple pumpings, primarily due to higher priorities associated with new construction and structural additions. Observations: