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

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checking/pumping before the fifth year of operation, the inspection would be postponed until the end of the tenth year and a new cycle starts from that inspection. The extension would be granted only once during each inspection cycle, so the longest period of time a system would go without departmental inspection is 10 years. It may also be prudent to not grant exemptions to systems over a certain age (e.g., 15 -20 years) because aging systems present more problems and are more susceptible to failure. If no response is received by the Health Department, the fifth year visit from the health department would proceed on schedule. Once the expansion began, a sampling of systems could be inspected in 2 -3 years to determine if the filters will be problematic before the fifth year inspections are due. If the sampling indicates high numbers of problems with the filters, then the review frequency could be revised as appropriate by the Board of Health. It is important to keep in consideration that this expansion will require a commitment to significant resources, especially personnel, in the coming years, if re- inspections are part of the framework. There will also be some start up personnel costs involved which may not be subsidized if fees are the payment basis. Some models detailing resource needs will be put together by staff for review on the entry mechanism is established.. Other Issues Water and Sewer Boundary Task Force Document — This agreement will allow water and sewer extensions to many areas of the county only to alleviate declared adverse public health conditions. In some areas, extensions may not be a possibility under any circumstances. Therefore on -site sewage systems must be considered the primary and perpetual method of wastewater treatment and disposal in any unsewered area. With the finalization of this document supposedly imminent, it is imperative that all aspects of on -site sewage disposal, from permitting to installation to long -term management, be given proper consideration to assure system life is maximized, repair areas maintained and users educated as to their responsibilities in helping achieve these goals. Accordingly, the "toolkit" which matches repair /response options for failing systems to all designated areas of the county must be put into place concurrently with the WSBTF document and understood by all governmental/utility agencies with jurisdictional authority in those areas. Space for Housing Personnel — If approved and implemented, this expansion will require additional personnel. Presently, the space to house additional employees in the Environmental Health office is severely limited. Additional office space will be needed for this expansion. Page 9 of 12