Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 2009-12-23, Page 45Septic plan raises unanswered questions Chary' *loath Clinton news -record Huron County is a step closer to introducing a Mandatory Septic Sys- tem Maintenance Program. While unveiling a draft plan for the program at the county's Dec. 9 committee -of -the -whole session, sev- eral councillors expressed concern about creating a program whose costs would fall on the backs of ratepayers. Bob Worsell, of the Huron County Health Unit, unveiled the program's draft, which included an initial invest- ment of about $1'02,124 by the county and the creation of one staff position to act as the septic -tank inspector. And though the health unit would assist the county's planning depart- ment epartment with the administration of the program, reports Worsell, the cost would have to be picked up elsewhere since the unit doesn't have the funds to cover it. Worsell says though the province is expected to introduce a mandatory septic -tank inspection program under its soon-to-be unveiled new Building Code Act, there is no funding com- mitment. "We're prepared to move ahead with this program, says Worsen, noting the health unit has the author- ity to deal with septic tank concerns under the existing Building Code Act, so the county would not need to pass new legislation to move forward with the programa • If the county chooses to move forward, says Worsell, the inspec- tor would be entrusted to check out 400 of the approximate 14,000 septic tanks in the county. "We'll be targeting the high-risk areas first, and then contacting land- owners andowners and proceeding from there," he says, adding landowners will be expected to pump out tanks prior to inspection. Cour. Bernie MacLellan (Huron East) says while he supports the ,program in principle; he is not in favour of the county picking up the tab. He is also concerned with where the waste will be stored and by the lack of financial as- sistance available for landowners who are deemed to have septic tanks in need of repair or replacement. Coun. Dave John- ston (Bluewater) says the draft program, which will likely take 35 years to complete, leaves a number of unanswered questions, including what will ,be done if a property owner refuses to cooperate and how a person could be hired for the work given the county COW passed a resolution implement- ing a hiring freeze. Meanwhile, Coun. Bill Siemon (Huron East) says it makes more sense to visit properties that are con- ducting a scheduled septic pump out and to encourage homeowners to put their names on a list rather than man- dating pump -outs and inspections. "That is certainly a possibility," says Worsell. Coun. Joseph Seili (Huron East) says he is strongly against any plan that would force the entire county to pick up the tab. "It would be a double tax," he says, suggesting the program should in- stead be a user -pay one and that as- sistance should be available to those who can't afford to repair or replace faulty septic systems. "I am betting the people of Credi- ton wouldn't be impressed it isn't user pay," he says in reference to the fact the village's residents had to pick up the costly tab for a new sewage sys- tent "We can explore that," says Wor- sell, noting there are conditional grants available that perhaps could fund some of the work. Coun. Deb Shewfelt (Goderich) wonders whether there is a way for. the health unit to spearhead the proj- ect and, as such, the province would be picking up half the tab as per its mandate. But, notes Worsell, the money and the necessary staff are not in the unit's budget. • Shewfelt adds that while he agrees with Seili's points, it nonetheless makes sense for the county to move forward with the plan by putting it in its budget for 2010. "I think your citizens out there are ready for it," says Shewfelt. "Cottag- ers are saying, 'bring it on."' County Warden Bert Dykstra (Cen- tral Huron) also spoke in favour of the proposal. Noting the county's Source Water Protection Steering Committee has heard from many landowners that are anxious to see a mandatory septic - inspection program move forward, Dykstra say the county will also ben- efit since there are many benefits to the region and its economy. . "I think this is a good way to start doing our part for river and lake cleanup," says Dykstra. Meanwhile, Seili took he opportu- nity to make a resolution calling for a user -pay program, and to niake ap- plication to the province to assist with the repair and replacement of septic systems. In short, says Seili, the province should be putting its money where its mandates are. Larry Adams, Chief Administrative Officer, says the county must move forward if it has any hope of address- ing the issue in 2010. And, he notes, the odds of the Ministry of Health funding it are slim. County COW ultimately opted to approve the proposal to consider in- cluding the program's budget in the 2010 county budget as well as to consult the Board of Health and move forward with a plan to havetheHuron County Health Unit deliver the program. County coun- cil must ap- prove the reso- lution before it can move forward. In the spirit of the season, We lift our glass and you're the reason; May your holiday lie filled with cheer Plus our best wishes for the coming year. 84 Kingston St. Goderich 524-2323 inemaker (\hp 2''. Goderich Signal -Star, Wednesday, December 23, 2009 - Page 45 During the Holiday Season, there is no more appropriate time to say Offit and to express to our friends, old and new, Warm Season's Greetings and Best Wishes for the coming year. From Rex Johnston and all the Staff at Goderich Electric Ltd. We're proud to serve this fin community and wish aitour nei$hbours peace and contentment during this magical time. thank you most sincerely for • your trust in us. accept our warm wishes for ry merry holiday sermon. BrucuAliot, Rick Palla, e.arnier, Trish Drennan, Morrie Baylor & Staff