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DRAFT 27 <br />Pete Hallenbeck: There appears to be no problem requiring new construction is connected and the problem is requiring <br />people to have to connect to the sewer even if they have a viable repair field. The repair field must meet all specifications <br />for a repair field and be approved by the County. <br />Kevin Lindley: I did check with the Environmental Health Department, if your system fails even if you have an identified <br />repair area, they test that area according to current state regulations and if doesn't pass it will not be acceptable and they <br />have to find another one. <br />Tony Blake: There are systems in the County that are approved by the state as opposed to approved by the County. How <br />would this affect those? <br />Kevin Lindley: One reason I didn't address them here is I think in general, the economics of those systems will drive <br />people to the sewer system because they are extremely expensive. They typically require ongoing maintenance and <br />oversight that is not part of the standard septic system so you have a continuing bill. It doesn't give the option of using a <br />repair area if you have to use a state approved system. If you wanted to allow repair in any system, you would have to <br />see. <br />Andrea Rohrbacher: If a system fails, is it just abandoned or does it need be filled? <br />Kevin Lindley: Generally, they are talking about the drain field which is the area the water seeps into the ground. If you <br />abandon your system totally and not repair it, you are required to crush in the tank. <br />Lisa Stuckey: Do you guys want to go back and reword this or just take C1 and leave out the part about the gravity sewer <br />system. <br />Brian Crawford: We could always make the motion and allow staff to change language and show it to us before the <br />meeting. If we are okay with it the recommendation goes forward. The motion needs to be made that we accept staffs <br />recommendation with that reservation. <br />Lisa Stuckey: Is it in here that all new construction is required to.... <br />Kevin Lindley: It is required because it is not an exception. Basically, everyone is required to do that unless you have a <br />viable secondary field. <br />Craig Benedict: Environmental Health will see these designated sewer areas so if someone comes in and wants to get a <br />new system in a new house, they would see that. <br />MOTION made by Pete Hallenbeck to ask staff to amend the section 6.20.1 of the UDO to reflect the concern regarding <br />requirements of having to connect to the sewer if you have a valid septic field as pursuant to our discussion. Seconded by <br />Buddy Hartley. <br />VOTE: Unanimous <br />Brian Crawford: If that language is amended, we recommend this to go forward to the BOCC. <br />Pete Hallenbeck: The main points are new construction must connect, an existing sewer system that is failing and has a <br />viable repair area, the homeowner should be able to make the choice to use the repair area or connect to the sewer. <br />3 <br />