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Memorandum <br /> of <br /> lk <br /> E <br /> TO: PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> River FROM: <br /> BUILDING AND ZONING <br /> ADMINISTRATOR, STEPHEN ROHLF <br /> DATE: MAY 26, 1998 <br /> SUBJECT: SEPTIC SYSTEMS IN BARSODY <br /> HILLS <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 /> 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 /> • 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 /> 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 /> 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 /> 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 /> 13065 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 490 • Elk River, MN 55330 •TDD & Phone: (612) 441-7420 • Fax: (612) 441-7425 <br />