Title
Approval of an Ordinance Amending Wastewater Regulations related to Septic to Sewer Program
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Planning Commission recommends approval of the ordinance revising the Septic to Sewer regulations.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the ordinance revising the Septic to Sewer regulations on second reading.
Report
Issue:
Whether to adopt the Ordinance that amends the Olympia Municipal Code 13.08.
Staff Contact:
Diane Utter, P.E., Water Resources Engineer, 360.753.8562
Presenter(s):
Diane Utter, P.E., Water Resources Engineer
Background and Analysis:
Background and analysis has not changed from first to second reading.
Approximately 4,275 properties are served by onsite sewage systems (OSS) within Olympia and its Urban Growth Area. These systems pose a long-term public and environmental health risk.
In 2008, the City Council created the Septic-to-Sewer Program. The program assists property owners converting from OSS to public sewer. The program resulted in an increase in conversions to an average of 13 per year, compared to an average of four per year, prior to the program.
The 2013 Wastewater Management Plan proposed expanding the program based on "Objective 1C. Encourage OSS conversions through the Septic to Sewer Program". This objective is in support of the goal stating, "Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act standards for nitrogen, fecal coliform and other constituents of concern in groundwater and surface water are met."
The 2014 Comprehensive Plan supports expansion of the program. Goal GN5 states, "Ground and surface waters are protected from land uses and activities that harm water quality and quantity." Policy PN5.8 states, "Encourage existing septic systems to connect to sewer, and limit the number of new septic systems."
The proposed changes to the program are as follows:
* Revise the part of the program that constructs small-scale sewer extensions by reducing the reimbu...
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