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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLakeshore Advance, 2012-05-09, Page 1112 Lakeshore Advance • Wednesday, May 18, 2011 County moves toward septic system inspection program Cheryl Heath QMI Agenc The majority of Huron County's lead- ers will have to support it before a man- datory septic system maintenance pro- gram is given the green light. 'That decision was meted out May l 1, at 1Iuron County Council chambers fol- lowing a presentation by Bob Worsell, project manager with the I luron County I lealth Unit, during a committee -of -the - whole session. The program, which has been long debated in council chambers, is designed to ensure properties that are haeme to septic systems are up to snuff as part of a concerted effort to safeguard drinking water quality and to address the issue of water safety in the Great Lakes. Some councillors are expressing con- cern about what the big picture plan will mean to individual home and cottage owners in special circumstances. "1 tun wondering what happens when a homeowner is facing a 'do not occupy' sign because their bank has been washed away," says Coun. Brian Barnim (Central Iluron) during a question -and - answer session with Worsell, Barnim reports hearing from cottag- ers who are concerned about the possi- bility of having to purchase holding tanks, while others fear the cost of hav- ing to buy a new system given their sys- tems are more than 70 years' old. ii Cottage associations have been asking for this program for quite a few years now, It's all about water quality. If you don't have a lot big enough to hold a tank, that's a problem Court. Ben Van 1)iehenbeek (Ashfield Colborne Wau'anosh) While not denying the possibility that some property owners will be facing costly repairs, Worsell says the onus is on property owners to ensure they know the location of septic beds and to ensure systems are properly maintained. Worsell confirms some cottages that are on banks might need a holding tank or a centralized collection system could he the answer. "There will certainly he some chal- lenges," says Worsell, noting if imple- mented, the program will first focus on high-risk areas, including properties along the lakeshore and in areas where systems are more than 20 years' old. He says property owners will be given plenty of notice so that minor remedial issues can be addressed beforehand. Barnim says while he appreciates the importance of good stewardship and water quality, it seems unfair that there are no dollars attached to the program to help people who will face costly repairs. "I ant looking outside of tht' box, and I know what is coming at us," adds Barnim. In contrast, Coun. Ben Van Diepenbeek (Ashfield Colborne Wawanash) heard a lot of supportive comments about the program while on the campaign trail last fall. "Cottage associations have been ask- ing for this program for quite a few years now," he says. "It's all about water qual- ity. If you don't have a lot big enough to hold a tank, that's a problem" Coun. Deb Shewfelt (Goderich) also endorses the plan, noting it has been at least 10 years in the making. The program, which is budgeted to cost each homeowner $31 a year on their tax bilis for five years, will not VICTORIA DAY LONG WEEKEND DEADLINES: Due to the Victoria Day Holiday on Monday, May 23rd ... the following deadlines will be in place for our May 25th issue. All ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL Deadlines will be... Thursday May 19th @ 2:00 pm "HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND" .•::-"` I . 7/r.AAsi .,�f,� •',tl: r�/V 58 Ontario St., N. Grand Bend NOM 1TO PH: 238-5383 FAX: 238-5131 Email: ladvance@bowesnet.com require septic pump outs at properties that have under- gone one in their recent his- tory. The program will also require a start-up budget of $125,000 from the county, adds Worsell. "The program is intended to be educational," says Worsell, noting participating property owners will receive resources, an inspection report and recommendations for septic system improve- ments and repairs where necessary. "This is not a witch hut," he adds. The committee of the whule passed a motion to move forward with a manda- tory program but only if a tri- ple majority is reached, as per the request of Coun. Bernie MacLellan (Huron East). 'ihat means the major- ity of the lower tiers, and specifically those with the majority of the population, must endorse the program before it moves forward as a mandatory one. Coun. Janus Ginn (Centrals I 'aeon) asked for a recorded vote on the original question of whether to move forward with the program, which saw 16 of 17 councillors support- ing it. As the sole opposing vote, Coun. Art Versteeg (1lowick) says he prefers the idea of such a program being in the hands of the lower tiers. Three councillors, Jim Dietrich (South Huron),1)ave Jewitt (Central Huron) and Paul Dowing (Morris=l'urn- berry), were absent. MacLellan is also asking county officials to speak with haulers before the program rolls out in order to ensure it is properly administered. Body discovered from river OPP report Lakeshore Advance The body of an adult male found in the Ausahle River fri- day afternoon was identified by police Saturday as 64 -year- old Robert Graham of ipperwash. Graham's body was found In the area of Lazy lane, a few kilometres north of where he lived, The investigation commutes. THANK YOU... The Grand Bend Women's institute would like to thank all those who helped make Spring Awakening 111 a great success with their donation of door prizes. Paddingtons Pub The Garden Gate Dot Hendron Baked Buy Noreen Mike & 7erri's No Frills F.i.N.E. A Restaurant Sobeys I'm Starvin Roadhouse GB Home Hardware Hair Cuts by Joycey GB Tim Hortons Dan Gill Construction GB Shoppers Drug Mart F xxlies of Grand Rend Avon - Terri -Lynn Robertson Friends of G.B.W.1. Accents Hair & Gift Studio Serenity Manicures, Pedicures & Waxing Dairy Fanners of Ont. Hay Mutual ins. - Brian Brooks - Agent ilayter's Farm, Dashwood Pizza Delight Colonial / Gables Aunt Gussies Salon 8180 Schoolhouse Restaurant Studs For Your Duds Huron Country Playhouse We would also like to extend a big Thank You to Grand Bend Legion for the use of their hall. Stan l..ovie for the handmade Manitoulin White Cedar Bench he crafted, and Friends & Family for their help in preparing for this event.