Title
Draft 2013 Wastewater Management Plan
Body
Issue:
This oral report presents draft policy changes regarding onsite septic systems and other alternative wastewater technologies proposed within the City’s draft 2013 Wastewater Management Plan. The policies may have land use implications.
Commission Deliverable: Provide policy input to City staff.
Staff Contact:
Steve Sperr, P.E., Water Resources Engineer 360.753.8739
Andy Haub, P.E., Planning & Engineering Manager, 360.570.3795
Background and Analysis:
The City’s Wastewater Management Plan guides the Wastewater Utility in operating, maintaining and replacing its existing infrastructure as well as planning for growth. The current Plan was adopted by City Council in 2007 and has been largely implemented.
The Plan is currently being updated, and a draft 2013 Plan is scheduled for adoption by City Council later this year. The draft Plan reflects the current healthy state of the Wastewater Program. In general, the City’s Wastewater Utility is:
· Financially stable.
· Enacting adequate policies and regulations for new development.
· Responding proactively to infrastructure needs.
· Providing one-to-one technical expertise to community members.
· Incorporating wastewater needs with broader water resource issues such as stormwater and drinking water.
Key policy changes in the draft Plan compared to existing policies include: more financial assistance for those seeking to convert onsite systems to the public sewer system, and a shift toward allowing new onsite septic systems under a broader range of circumstances. The use of alternative technologies such as STEP and grinder pump systems would also be allowed under certain limited conditions. These refinements to existing policies and codes could better facilitate infill and small plat development without appreciable public or environmental health implications. The permitting of new onsite septic systems would be consistent with a recent evaluation of ons...
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