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IV . Composting Toilet Pilot Project Marc Marcoplos , a member of the Economic Development Commission , shared an idea for a research project on the use of composting toilets on his property near Haw River where he is constructing a house . He asked the CfE for letter of endorsement for an exemption to the state and county regulations that require a septic system in addition to the composting system / gray water system . Marcoplos explained that North Carolina does not allow gray water systems except for special permits . He spoke with Bill Holman , NC Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources ( DENR) and asked for special designation as a research project to try out the proposed composting system . Mr . Holman suggested contacting the local officials and bringing a detailed proposal to DENR for consideration . Marcoplos said he decided to approach the CfE first . Marcoplos noted his concerns about water and resource conservation , the advantages of an environmentally sound composting system , and the economic advantages of a $ 1200 toilet verses the cost of a septic system . He then described a way of handling gray water ( for shower, bath and laundry) . The gray water is piped from the house into a pit ( 2 - 3 feet deep ) with cinder blocks around sides , six inches of gravel in the bottom . The water seeps out into the soil from the sides or a small type of septic system design could be used . Marcoplos described the toilet system as having chambers that are turned causing the waste to become fertilizer in a few months for use such as fertilizer in gardens . He then asked if CfE members had questions about the system . Questions raised and discussed included use of the compost for vegetable versus flower gardens , the responsible use of the by- product, proximity to adjacent properties , the research methods , data collection , and reporting of findings . Chair Price asked Ron Holdway, Environmental Health Director, for comments on this type of system and what steps Marcoplos would be need to take to pursue this project . Holdway gave a brief synopsis of regulatory structure for waste disposal systems , noting that Orange County operates under State regulations and that this kind of system would not be allowed under that those regulations . Holdway explained there have been a few composting systems in the county , and in some cases the homeowners changed , the new homeowner was not aware of proper maintenance procedures and reverted back to a septic system . Holdway volunteered to assist Marcoplos through the process of applying for a permit for an experimental system . He recommended that a viable area for a septic system be reserved on the site . DRAFT CFE 6/ 12/00 Minutes Page 2 of 7