Agenda - 05-17-1994 - VII-B - Laserfiche WebLink

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systems in Column ( 1) of the attached chart, must currently be inspected by local health departments at frequencies mandated by the state. Treatment systems regulated by the NC Division of Environmental Management (DEM) are not currently required to be inspected at all by local health departments. As outlined in Column (3) of the attached chart, Option I advocates an inspection frequency for DEH regulated systems that follows the guidelines set by state mandate. Option I also advocates an inspection frequency for DEM regulated systems that is essentially similar to the frequencies required for DEH systems of comparable technological complexity. Option I provides for increased inspection frequencies for specific systems or types of systems for which inspections, complaints of operating failures and nuisances or operating records indicate a need for more frequent inspections. The yearly inspection costs for the minimum or initial levels of Option I inspections are shown in Column (4) of the attached chart. Option II inspection frequencies are outlined in Column (5) of the attached charts. The Option II recommended inspection frequencies have been developed on the basis of the experience of local health staff and staff of other county health departments in regulating these types of waste treatment systems and in operating similar inspection programs. Option II advocates significantly more frequent inspections than Option I at correspondingly greater expense - see Column (6) . Discussion by the BOCC has also reflected an element of concern as to how owners of malfunctioning systems could be required to repair their systems regardless of their financial situation. Options I and II incorporate a proposal to ensure the availability of the financial resources necessary to make repairs to types of on-site waste treatment systems included in the monitoring program. The intent of the proposal is to ensure that system owners (and Orange County if necessary) will have immediate access to funds that will be sufficient to repair any failing system. Under the proposal, repair funds would be provided prior to the need for system repair by system owners through letters of credit or escrowed funds. Any funds advanced for system repair by the County would be subject to repayment and would be secured by liens against the property of system owners. RECOIMNDATION: Accept public comment on the proposed inspection frequency options.