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045 <br /> Synopsis of Comments <br /> Goal 2 - Sewage Disposal <br /> Provide adequate and appropriate sewage disposal facilities for <br /> all current and future residents. <br /> A. General Policies (Draft Policy) <br /> (See Preceding Page) <br /> Town of Carrboro <br /> How is the County planning to "encourage" on-site disposal <br /> in low-density and rural areas where soil conditions are <br /> acceptable (General Policy number 5)? <br /> Town of Chapel Hill <br /> 6. Back-up Drainfield Recruijements <br /> The life and proper functioning of underground wastewater <br /> absorption systems can be limited by wastewater volumes soil <br /> conditions, the quality of operation and maintenance and <br /> other factors. Septic systems are often thought to have a <br /> useful life of about 15 years. <br /> When soil in the drainfield of a septic or clustered under- <br /> ground wastewater absorption system is excessively clogged <br /> with solids from wastewater, the micro-organisms in the soil <br /> are unable to regenerate the system's ability to absorb <br /> wastewater. <br /> To reduce these potential problems, Fairfax County, Virginia <br /> and other jurisdictions have required back-up drainfields <br /> for these systems. Use of the two drainfields alternates so <br /> that each field has periods of non-operation and regenera- <br /> tion of the soil's capacity to absorb wastewater. Owners <br /> receive periodic reminders of when to change drainfields by <br /> turning a valve. <br /> For the above reasons, we recommend Orange County consider <br /> requiring back-up drainfields. <br /> 2-A-3 <br />