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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2009-12-16, Page 15News The Huron Expositor • December 16, 2009 Page 15 Septic system maintenance program causes concern Cheryl Heath Huron County is a step closer to in- troducing a Mandatory Septic System Maintenance Program. While unveiling a draft plan for the program at the county's Dec. 9 commit- tee -of -the -whole session, several coun- cillors expressed concern about creat- ing 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 $102,124 by the county and the creation of one staff position to act as the septic -tank inspector. And though the health unit would as- sist the county's planning department with the administration of the pro- gram, reported Worsell, the cost would have to be picked up elsewhere since the unit doesn't have the funds to cover it. Worsell said though the province is expected to introduce a mandatory sep- tic -tank inspection program under its soon-to-be unveiled new Building Code Act, there is no funding commitment. "We're prepared to move ahead with this program," said Worsell, noting the health unit has the authority to deal with septic tank concerns under the ex- isting Building Code Act, so the county would not need to pass new legislation to move forward with the program. If the county chooses to move for- ward, said Worsell, the inspector would be entrusted to check out 400 of the ap- proximate 14,000 septic tanks in the coun"We'll be targeting high-risk ar- eas the eas first, and then contacting landown- ers and proceeding from there," he said, adding landowners will be expected, to pump out tanks prior to inspection. Coun. Bernie MacLellan (Huron East) said while he supports the pro- gram 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 assistance available for land- owners who are deemed to have sep- tic tanks in need of repair or replace- ment. Coun. Dave Johnston (Bluewater) said the draft program, which will like- ly take 35 years to complete, leaves a number of unanswered questions, in- cluding what will be done if a property owner refuses to cooperate and how a person could be hired for the work giv- en the county COW passed a resolution implementing a hiring freeze. Meanwhile, Coun. Bill Siemon (Hu- ron East) said it makes more sense to visit properties that are conducting a scheduled septic pump out and to encourage homeowners to put their names on a list rather than mandating pumpouts and inspections. "That is certainly a possibility," said Worsell. Coun. Joseph Seili (Huron East) said he is strongly against any plan that would force the entire county to pick up the tab. 'It would be a double tax," he said, suggesting the program should instead be a user -pay one and that assistance 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 said in reference to the fact the FOSTER FAMILIES NEEDED FOR SCHOOL Huron-PerthAGED CHILDREN! Chldests Help. Children from Your Community For Information Cali the Huron -Perth Children's Aid Society Huron County: Deanie Jardine at 519-524-7356 or 1-800-265-5198 Perth County: Vy Waller at 519-271-5290 or 1800-668-5094 J1N DeCorte Massage Therapy Carla L. DeCorte, RMT Registered Massage Therapist NEW HOME OFFICE 132 Sills Street Call for appointment Seaforth 519-600-1011 c.decorte@live.com Gift Certificates available for Christmas village's residents had to pick up the costly tab for a new sewage system. "We can explore that," said Worsell, noting there are conditional grants available that perhaps could fund some of the work. Coun. Deb Shewfelt (Goderich) won- dered whether there is a way for the health unit to spearhead the project and, as such, the province would be picking up half the tab as per its man- date. But, noted Worsell, the money and the necessary staff are not in the unit's budget. Shewfelt added 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," said Shewfelt. "Cottagers 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 -in- spection program move forward, Dyk- stra said the county will also benefit since there are many benefits to the region and its economy. "I think this is a good way to start do- ing our part for river and lake clean- up," said Dykstra, noting the program will help the county in its campaign to promote its commitment to the envi- ronment and good water quality. Meanwhile, Seili took the opportunity to make a resolution calling for a user - pay program, and .to make application to the province to assist with the repair and replacement of septic systems. In short, said Seili, the province should be putting its money where its mandates are. "It's nice to write rules but make sure you have a cheque to go with it," he said. Larry Adams, Chief Administrative Officer, said the county must move for- ward if it has any hope of addressing the issue in 2010. And, he noted, the odds of the Ministry of Health funding it are slim. County COW ultimately opted to ap- prove the proposal to consider includ- ing 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 have the Huron County Health Unit deliver the program. Our office will be open Mon. to Fri. 9am to 5pm with the following exceptions... Please note these deadlines for advertising and editorial departments: FUBLISHIN( DATE DEADLINE WED. DEC. 23 DEC. 18 AT 4:00 P.M. WED. DEC. 30 DEC. 23 AT 12:00 P.M. WED. JAN. 6 DEC. 31 AT 12:00 P.M. From All Of Us To All Of You! We hope you have an extra special holiday, and that you are with those near and dear to you. It's been our pleasure serving you, and we thank you for being such a loyal reader. From all of us at..