Agenda - 06-06-1994-IX-A - Laserfiche WebLink

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1 ORANGE C O U N T Y BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: June 6, 1994 Action Agenda Item # 'rX_A SUBJECT: Monitoring and Maintenance Program for on-site alternative technology waste treatment systems DEPARTMENT: Health Department PUBLIC HEARING: Yes _X—No ATTACHMENT(S) : INFORMATION CONTACT: Health Director ext.. 2400 Chart TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Hillsborough - 732-8181 Durham - 688-7331 Mebane - 227-2031 Chapel Hill - 967-9251/968-4501 PURPOSE: To bring back before the BOCC the Monitoring and Maintenance Program, related inspection frequency options and a revised inspection fee schedule for review and approval BACKGROUND: At the 17 May 1994 public hearing on the Monitoring and Maintenance (MMA) Program, staff presented information on two frequency-of-inspection options which could be utilized to monitor the various types of on-site alternative technology wastewater treatment systems included in the program. The options presented (see the attached chart) differ significantly in terms of monitoring/maintenance inspection theory. The theory behind Option I is that, while some level of system inspection is necessary, there is insufficient cause to embark on a course of frequent - and expensive - inspection without solid evidence that the expense is justified. Specifically, Option I advocates providing inspections for DEB-regulated systems at frequencies which are mandated by state health regulations. This option also advocates that DEM-regulated systems be inspected at frequencies specified for DEB systems of similar treatment process complexity. However, Option I does provide for increased inspection frequencies at specific systems or types of systems where normal inspections, complaints of operating failures and nuisance conditions or operating records indicate a need to provide more frequent inspections. The theory behind Option II is that a) most or all systems will eventually fail to provide adequate waste treatment, due to preventable operator deficiencies or mechanical failures;