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easements not be extended beyond the <br /> University Lake Watershed. There was little <br /> discussion of septic easements at the <br /> Commissioner's meetings after the public <br /> hearing, however, when the watershed <br /> protection standards were adopted on December <br /> 21, 1993, changes to the Zoning Ordinance <br /> included the prohibition of septic easements <br /> in all watersheds. <br /> There was little specific discussion <br /> regarding the use of septic easements. There <br /> was some discussion of the use of alternative <br /> systems, particularly with regard to the Cane <br /> Creek Watershed. There was considerable <br /> discussion of similarities between the <br /> University Lake and Cane Creek Watersheds. <br /> OWASA as well as the Towns of Chapel Hill and <br /> Carrboro advocated the adoption of standards <br /> similar to those which applied in the <br /> University Lake Watershed. However, <br /> regulations related to the use of septic <br /> systems for individual systems was not <br /> specifically discussed. <br /> Given the lack of specific discussion, and <br /> the magnitude and complexity of the amendment <br /> package adopted on December 21, the Planning <br /> Staff is unsure as to whether the restriction <br /> on septic easements was deliberately <br /> incorporated as a part of the response to <br /> concerns with the Cane Creek watershed. <br /> After receiving comments from citizens after <br /> the adoption of the amendments the Chair of <br /> the Board of Commissioners requested that the <br /> Planning Staff present an amendment for <br /> public hearing in February 1994 so that this <br /> specific provision can be revisited. <br /> Effect of Septic Easements on Water Quality <br /> The Orange County Division of Environmental <br /> Health has indicated that the prohibition of <br /> individual off-site septic easements would <br /> not enhance water quality, and that allowing <br /> easements could be beneficial in some cases <br /> due to greater flexibility in locating and <br /> designing septic systems. In terms of <br /> maintenance, it was indicated that it was <br /> likely that system problems or failures would <br /> be reported and corrected more quickly where <br /> there was an off-site easement because the <br /> owner of the property would not own or be <br /> responsible for the septic system. <br />