Orange County NC Website
6 <br /> 1 Commissioner McKee: In reference to the pump and dump geothermal, could you elaborate a <br /> 2 little bit more on the specifics of that type of system versus what the County is using as a <br /> 3 geothermal system. <br /> 4 Chad Abbott: I'm not an expert at geothermal. We can get some more information on that and <br /> 5 provide it to you. <br /> 6 Commissioner Yuhasz: I'm just wondering, looking at the remote septic system, was any <br /> 7 thought given to a design that would provide that same kind of remote system somewhat less <br /> 8 remotely from the lots being served? It's probably in here and I've missed it, but who is going to <br /> 9 own the property that the septic systems actually are on? <br /> 10 Jeff Akin: My name is Jeff Akin and I'm with Weekley Homes and I have been sworn. Those <br /> 11 will basically be extensions of the individual lots. They will be owned by the individuals. It is not <br /> 12 really a remote system, it is actually just an extension of their lot that is connected at the end of <br /> 13 the easement. They will more than likely be force mains. We have done systems like this <br /> 14 before and we have never had any problems with them. It's just trying to access the available <br /> 15 soils in a different location. It's part of the lot that is owned by the individual, there is no <br /> 16 combination of systems. It's pretty much standard. <br /> 17 Commissioner Yuhasz: I'm familiar with those kinds of systems and I've actually been <br /> 18 involved with one that could pump as much as 6,000 feet, so I know it's possible. But I'm also <br /> 19 aware that part of what is important for a septic system is that there will be regular inspection of <br /> 20 the field by someone to make sure that there is not any obvious signs of failure. I just want to <br /> 21 make sure that in this case, that kind of inspection will occur. With this being owned by <br /> 22 individuals who are several thousand feet away, there is a concern with it being owned <br /> 23 individually that those will not get that kind of inspection. <br /> 24 Jeff Akin: I believe they are required to be inspected periodically. Joe Lyle is our expert in this <br /> 25 area. <br /> 26 Joe Lyle: Joe Lyle and I have been sworn. There will be an operation maintenance agreement <br /> 27 in place by a certified septic system operator for each of the remote systems. And they will be <br /> 28 inspected on a regular basis. <br /> 29 Jeff Akin: And the second item is we intend in the homeowner's documents to add a provision <br /> 30 where that is maintained by the HOAjust so we don't have an issue with someone who doesn't <br /> 31 go down and maintain that area. I think it would be worthwhile to have that included in the <br /> 32 maintenance contract. It won't be unsightly and it will be inspected. <br /> 33 Michael Harvey: I think I can add a little more information to that, if you refer to the <br /> 34 documentation provided to you with respect to Environmental Health comments, they asked us <br /> 35 that we include the off-site wastewater system procedures provision. There are numerous <br /> 36 regulatory requirements associated with the development of off-site septic areas including a <br /> 37 requirement for annual certification and inspection. There are inspection requirements and <br /> 38 certainly you do have the authority, as this is a special use permit, as you've done with a few <br /> 39 projects in the past- most recent memory is Carolina Friends School —you required annual <br /> 40 inspections to ensure the operation of the system. I would encourage you, if you have that <br /> 41 concern to ask the applicant to consider the imposition of such a condition. <br /> 42 Commissioner Gordon: One of the comments made here was a question about the <br /> 43 geothermal well. The person who answered said he wasn't an expert. Is there any expert here <br /> 44 that could speak to that concern? If there is not and there is additional information, then I would <br /> 45 ask the Attorney how one handles that. <br />