Agenda - 01-16-1999- 3 - Laserfiche WebLink

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targeting neighborhoods with older systems or those with poor soils. All of the funding options would be feasible for this option. 2. Systems at the Time of Sale of the Home — This option was explored by the group with the funding method being the assessment of an inspection fee at closing and afterwards, the funding for future inspections could come from the variety listed below. With the housing turnover in the State estimated at just over seven years, and the County's likely higher, most homes should be included by the end of the second turnover period or approximately 15 years. At the end of this 15 year period, all non - participating homes would be entered into the program. 3. Systems Radiating from the Designated Watersheds — In this option, the systems in the water quality critical areas of all designated watersheds would fall under inspection in the first 5 years. In the next 5 years, the systems in the rest of the designated watersheds would be brought in and in the next 5 years, the rest of the systems in the County would be inspected. This approach is most effective for watershed quality management. Subdivisions with older homes and poorer soils could also be defined and prioritized for inclusion, also. The group discussed that this method might be best funded with an annual operations permit fee charged to all those affected households. Eventually, all homes in the County with on-site systems would be assessed this annual fee. Frequency— Perhaps the most difficult aspect of this proposal to define is how often the gravity flow systems should be inspected. There are varying opinions on the recommended frequency of pumping, usually based on tank size and population served; but most sources recommend checking an average septic tank every 3 -5 years and pumping if necessary. Additionally, a new State General Statute, effective 1 -1 -99, requires that each new or repaired septic system installed in North Carolina be equipped with an effluent filter on the outlet end of the septic tank. These filters are to `Be designed and constructed so as not to require maintenance more frequently than once in any three -year period under normally anticipated use." (House Bill 1462). These conditions lend considerable argument to establishing the re- inspections frequency at three years. The committee debated extensively whether to set the review frequency at 3 years or 5 years during the meeting. It was finally decided that 5 years would be the more reasonable approach if the standards for effluent filters met certain design and maintenance standards beyond the minimum required in the State rules. The agreement on the best way to approach the visit was to set the re- inspection frequency at 5 years with a notice going to each homeowner in the initial maintenance packet and also in the second year of operation. These documents would state the necessity of checking/pumping the septic tank and the allowance of a 5 year extension if the tank is checked. If the homeowner provides evidence of Page 8 of 12