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I f 1 it L <br /> 26 <br /> community wells. Willis responded that the State <br /> water supply branch of DHS permits community <br /> wells. Approval has been received from Orange <br /> County Environmental Health Department as well as <br /> from the public water branch for wells to be <br /> drilled in the proposed locations. In order for <br /> the plan to move forward for final approval, the <br /> wells would have to be drilled and samples sent <br /> to the State. There are a number of tests that <br /> must be performed on the wells before the State <br /> will give final approval. The water system must <br /> be installed prior to final approval by Orange <br /> County Staff. Willis continued that she was not <br /> sure of the involvement between Orange County <br /> Health Department and the State. <br /> Brown expressed concern with the possible failure <br /> of the wells and the responsibility and <br /> obligation of the utility for maintenance and <br /> repair. She also asked if the utility companies <br /> are bonded noting concern that a problem such as <br /> the one which occurred in Piney Mountain <br /> Subdivision could happen in this subdivision. <br /> Willis responded that the utility company would <br /> not own the areas of the easements, they will be <br /> owned by the Homeowner's Association. Willis <br /> continued that the County Attorney had indicated <br /> that one of the problems with Piney Mountain was <br /> that the area was owned by the utility rather <br /> than the Homeowners' Association. <br /> Brown asked why a community system is proposed <br /> rather than individual wells. Willis responded <br /> that there would be additional development <br /> constraints due to the separation required <br /> between structures, wells, septic tanks and <br /> adjoining properties. <br /> Katz noted that he had some experience with such <br /> water systems. He noted that the level of <br /> sophistication necessary to properly operate a <br /> private sewer system is much more than that <br /> required to run a water system. The State does <br /> have a reasonable system in place to monitor. <br /> Since it is owned by the Homeowners' Association <br /> the health issue is limited to the owners of the <br /> system. <br /> Willis noted that the State does monitor the <br /> quality of the community wells, which does not <br /> occur with individual systems. <br /> Brown continued expressing concern that she felt <br /> the sustainability of the property is being <br />