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:y of <br /> <br />'ver <br /> <br />TO: <br /> <br />FROM: <br /> <br />DATE: <br /> <br />SUBJECT: <br /> <br />Memorandum <br /> <br /> PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> <br /> BUILDING AND ZONING <br /> ADMINISTRATOR, STEPHEN ROHLF <br /> <br /> MAY 26, 1998 ~ <br /> <br /> SEPTIC SYSTEMS IN BARSODY <br /> HILLS <br /> <br />A great deal of the land included in the plat of Barsody Hills has been reclaimed from <br />gravel mining. The previous gravel mining raises concerns regarding on site sewage <br />treatment (septic systems). Typically, land that has been disturbed can not support a <br />standard septic system. <br /> <br />Individual sewage digester systems have been proposed by the developer as one option to <br />address this issue. The tank for the septic system aerobically treats the sewage by <br />introducing oxygen prior to it being discharged to the drainfield. A typical septic tank <br />only eliminates solids from entering the drainfield. <br /> <br />Staff has researched this system with MPCA and it is an acceptable alternative. With the <br />normal amount of drainfield, the sewage treatment described is considered a standard <br />septic system, even on disturbed ground. <br /> <br />To work properly the above system must be maintained properly. Staff is <br />recommending that if the individual sewage digesters described are used, that the <br />home owners must continuously have a maintenance agreement with professionals <br />to service the digesters. In addition, a pump to force oxygen into the digester is <br />required. Staff further recommends that remote monitoring of the pump is required <br />to ensure it is operational. <br /> <br />The state rules on septic systems are likely to change this fall. Staff anticipates the rules <br />for septic systems on disturbed land will be performance based. In other words, the <br />ground will be tested and the system designed appropriately. Standard septic systems not <br />being allowed on disturbed land is somewhat arbitrary. Standard systems most likely <br />could be designed for this plat. <br /> <br />The digester system proposed gives a definite answer to the question of septic systems in <br />the plat of Barsody Hills so this should not be an issue with the plats approval. However, <br />individual digesters should not be the only systems allowed if the rules change in the <br />future and other systems can be approved. <br /> <br />13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 · TDD & Phone: (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425 <br /> <br /> <br />