Why is Olmsted County proposing this ordinance? State Law

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1 Why is Olmsted County proposing this ordinance? State Law Olmsted County is required to comply with Minnesota Rules Change Inspection State changes provide a regulated approach to subsurface sewage treatment systems (septic system) Design Installation Maintenance By complying with state law, we ensure Safe drinking water Fishable and swimmable waters Protection of property values Public health for generations to come

2 Timeline of MN Septic System Regulations Over the Years State 1969-First Voluntary Septic Code First Voluntary Septic Code MN Rules Change MN Rules Change 7080 State 1996-State Requires All Requires All Counties To to Adopt Rules Change 7080 MN Rules Change To Chapter MN Rules Change to Chapter MN Rule 7080 Splits into 4 parts MN Rule 7080 Splits Into 4 Parts Septic Design Standards Midsize Septic Systems Load Program Requirements Licensing, Program and Product Registration Amendment To Existing Rules Adopted In Amendment to existing rules adopted in 2011 Olmsted County Initial Creation Of County s And Amendments Initial Creation of County s and Amendments Current Olmsted County Adopted 1985-Current Olmsted County Adopted TODAY 1972-Implementation Of a 4 4 Feet State TODAY Changes - State Changes Require Vertical Vertical Separation County Require County

3 Olmsted County s Unique Situation Geologic Factors Olmsted County overlies a karst topography, meaning polluted surface water can drain into ground water very quickly 39% of Olmsted County septic systems are clustered in highly dense areas creating dense clusters of septic discharge 82% of County residents (not served by city water) live in areas which are moderatelyhighly sensitive to groundwater pollution Olmsted County s Existing Policies 4 foot vertical separation throughout County since 1972 MN Statute , Subdivision 5a Environmental Commission Proposed Changes Bedrock: 4 foot vertical separation Groundwater: 4 foot vertical separation or 3 foot with a pressurized septic system Septic systems installed prior to April 1, 1996, with at least 2 feet of vertical separation are in compliance unless they are located in a shoreland, wellhead, or floodplain area, for which 3 feet of separation is required.

4 I have an existing septic system that works fine and I don t plan to sell my home or modify my property. A tank & surface inspection is now required by the state. This basic inspection will be required for all septic system owners once every three years This inspection will determine if the tank needs pumping or if sewage is surfacing Costs Estimated cost of inspection: $125 - $225 Estimated cost of pumping: $200 - $225 Estimated Monthly Maintenance Cost $9- $13 *Estimated costs are between you and your licensed inspector or licensed pumper. The estimated monthly maintenance cost assumes you are pumping your septic tank once every three years.

5 What s the difference between a Tank & Surface Inspection, and a Inspection? How much do they cost? Tank & Surface Inspection Pumping The Tank Inspection Estimated Cost: $125 - $225 Estimated Cost: $200 - $225 Estimated Cost: $200 - $325 What? This basic inspection will determine if the tank needs pumping or if sewage is surfacing When? This basic inspection will be required for all septic system owners once every three years Surfacing Sewage If a problem is found, the system will need repair or replacement Pumping your system ensures waste is disposed appropriately Most people pump their septic tank at the time of the Tank & Surface Inspection Unless your septic tank has been pumped in the last three years, plan on pumping at the time of the compliance inspection What? This inspection is a review by a licensed inspector to ensure the septic system is working properly and is suitable for its intended use When? Transfer of property Metes and bounds lot split Installing/replacing a septic system Septic system malfunction ex: sewage backup Any change in property use affecting the septic system Expanding/altering a building that impacts the septic system Conducting major repair, modification, or upgrading a system *Estimated costs are between you and your licensed inspector or licensed pumper.

6 A change in a residential property that impacts the septic system s performance requires a compliance inspection. Inspection? YES Ex 1: Adding a bedroom? The addition of a bedroom would indicate a potential increase in water usage Potential increase in water = potential impact on septic system Inspection? NO Ex 2: Adding a deck to my house? No compliance inspection would be necessary because the intended modification would have no impact on a septic system Inspection? NO YES Ex 3: Building a shed on my property? If your shed will not be connected to a septic system no compliance inspection is needed If your shed will include a bathroom that will be connected to the septic system a compliance inspection is required

7 A change in a business that impacts the septic system s performance requires a compliance inspection. Inspection? YES Ex: 1: What if I want to use my house for a day care? In this example, your house would be generating more waste water so the compliance inspection would check whether the current system could handle the projected increase in water. Inspection? YES Ex: 2: What if I want to hire more employees? In this example, more employees = the potential for more waste water which would directly impact the system. A required compliance inspection will determine how many additional employees your current system could accommodate.

8 How do the rule changes affect me if I want to sell my house? MN Statute (paraphrased) Before a property sale, the seller must disclose information to the buyer (in writing) explaining how sewage generated on the property is managed. Disclosure Includes Septic system description Map of the septic system s location on the property These requirements were commonplace in property transactions long before the state required them. Current County Current Banking Practices* Proposed County SSTS Checklist Inspection NOT Required SSTS Checklist Inspection Required SSTS Checklist Inspection Required *As lender or buyer requires

9 Cost Comparison of New Septic Systems New In-Ground System New Mound System Capital Costs Pumping tank every 3 yrs 3% yearly interest 2% yearly inflation 30 yr lifespan Total Monthly Cost Low High $10,750 $12,300 $13,444 $16,030 $37 - $45 Low High $16,100 $23,000 $17,810 $24,710 $49 - $69 *Estimated capital costs are between you and your licensed designer and licensed installer.

10 Comparison of Olmsted County s Current Septic, New State Rules, and Proposed County Components Current County New State Rules Proposed County Vertical Separation 4 Feet 3 Feet 4 Feet to bedrock 3 Feet to groundwater in pressurized systems Change Septic System Inside And Outside Urban Service Areas Inside: Households will connect to municipal sewer Outside: The county can issue permits for onsite treatment No state rules govern this ordinance component No state rules govern this ordinance component Inside: Households will connect to municipal sewer Outside: The county can issue permits for onsite treatment No Change Drain Fields 2 septic drain field sites are required 2 septic drain field sites are required 2 septic drain field sites are required No Change Transfer of Property No compliance inspection is required Full disclosure of septic system is required inspection is required along with full disclosure of septic system Change Expansion of Septic System Portions of a septic system being expanded must meet ordinance standards but compliant elements do not need replacing Leaves enforcement of ordinance policies to Olmsted County For a complete listing of ordinance changes, please see handout below. Portions of a septic system being expanded must meet ordinance standards but compliant elements do not need replacing No Change