Minutes 08-27-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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