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E•) ••; E REPORTS 1 HEALTH DEPARTMENT MONITORING PROGRAM FOR ALTETIVE SYSTEMS A revised proposal approved by the Board of Health to assure protection of the . ground water supply was presented to the Board for information. The proposal is to establish an operation and maintenance program for on-site sewage treatment and disposal systems in Orange County. The report from David M. Griffith analyzes the proposed activities, determines the staffing requirements, the supply and equipment needs, the full cost of the program and recommends methods of funding. Sanitarian Ron Holway followed the table of contents in the proposal and summarized the main components of the program. He stated' that the ultimate goal is to protect the ground and surface water of Orange County and surrounding areas. Dr. Bob Rubin with the Extension Service talked about the importance of the public being educated about the maintenance and management of septic systems. He noted that he has been working with the local health department on a project since 1976 evaluating a number of alternative on site treatment technologies. They found that by utilizing pressure dosing and by utilizing alternate dosing and resting cycles that soil absorption systems function more effectively. These alternatives require mechanical components including pumps, controls and reasonable water tight tanks. The problem is not with the design and installation of these systems but with the long term operation. He feels the proposal presents a good opportunity for the people in Orange County to benefit from the enthusiasm and initiative of the local health department to improve the quality of the environment in the county for everyone. Dan Reimer stated that it is proposed that this operation and maintenance program be phased in over a period of years. It will mainly grow through new systems,':. .;;: the repair of systems and the replacement of systems. No homeowner will be forced int.;,,,? the program unless they choose to participate. Commissioner Marshall stated she feels this is a great step forward to begin to provide the protection as more and more homes and subdivisions are built. Because water and sewer will not be available throughout the entire County, it is the responsibility of the Board to see that all systems function properly. Commissioner Hartwell asked about the rules that will be adopted by the Board of Health for issuing permits. Ron Holway explained that DEM will still permit but that the County can require a second permit for non discharge systems which includes sludge and spray irrigation systems. Discussion ensued on permitting procedures and fees that would be charged for the various services provided by the Department of Health. Ron Holway assured Commissioner Willhoit that for any system they inspect they will review the inspection report from Raleigh first. The fee schedule in the Griffith study was discussed. Ron Holway indicated that the proposal will be explained to the seven Township Advisory Boards prior to a public hearing. A letter has been written to DEM outlining the proposal but no response has been received.