Agenda - 03-10-1987 - Laserfiche WebLink

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70 from slow absorption; and, (3) The Raw Hope Creek area, primarily in and to the east of Duke Forest. The area suffers from steep slopes and slow absorption . Severe soils predominate in the Southern Triangle, mostly because of steep slopes and slow absorption . Only along Old Lystra Road,, Madison Womble Road, and in Hunter ' s Ridge are relatively large areas of moderate soils to be found . No particularly large areas of severe soils exist in the University Lake watershed . Even though severe soils cover about one-half the land area, they are scattered fairly uniformly throughout the area . The Health Department does not keep specific data on septic failures or failure rates, either by watershed or county-wide. Several problem areas in the Rural Buffer, however, have been identified . Most problem areas are located to the north of Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill Township. They include the area around the intersection of Sunrise and Oak Hill Roads ( including the Pine Tree Hollow subdivision) , Birchwood MHP, and part of Birchwood Lake Estates . Problems in the latter area have been remedied by the use of alternative systems. Other areas, such as Hills of New Hope subdivision, have lots remaining undeveloped specifically becuase of soils unsuitable for septic tanks . Additionally, one package treatment plant in the Rural Buffer, Carolina Friends School , has not been in compliance with State regulations for at least two quarters during the past year . The Health Department sanitarians did not indicate any problem areas in the Southern Triangle and one, the area around Hatch and Brookfield Roads, in the University Lake watershed . There are reportedly some sand filters still in use in that area. Not all sites of septic tank problems are in areas of severe soils. Much of the area around Oak Hill and Sunrise Roads is rated moderately suitable. Conversely, not all large areas of severe soils have had reported problems. iII . ISSUES/ IMPLICATIONS. At least three issues can be raised by the increasing use of septic tanks in the Rural Buffer and the preponderance of soils presenting severe problems for their use. First and probably foremost is the pace and amount of development . Quite simply, poor soils will prevent development in much of the area unless sewer lines are extended or use of an alternative system is approved . The second issue is groundwater quality . Although well contamination is not a problem in the Rural Buffer, the parallel between density and wastewater pollution could lead