Local News
Mayor wants to extend septic-system inspections
del.icio.us
Digg
NewsVine
FarkIn an effort to protect drinking-water supplies from potential contamination, the Pennington County Commission indicated Tuesday it may allow Rapid City to extend its septic-system inspection program farther into the county -- possibly as far west as U.S. Highway 385.
The city adopted an ordinance two years ago requiring all septic systems within a mile of the city limits -- totally about 2,500 systems -- to be inspected every three years. Septic-system operators are required to pay a $125 fee to get a three-year permit from the city.
Mayor Alan Hanks attended Tuesday's commission meeting to gauge the county's interest in either starting its own inspection program or giving Rapid City permission to extend its program beyond a mile "at no cost to the county."
All program costs are paid for through permit fees, he said.
"We're seeing good results," he said. "We need to protect our drinking water, just like all the rest of us in Pennington County. If you don't want to start your own program, the city would be interested in extending our program. That would require your authorization."
Because Rapid City is a regional water supplier, Hanks said it is important to protect the resource. The city is especially interested in protecting infiltration areas of the Madison Aquifer, the city's main source of water.
Louie Arguello, on-site wastewater coordinator for the city, said studies and groundwater testing in areas near Rapid City have indicated nitrate levels are steadily increasing, though they are well within federal drinking-water safe standards.
"With that nitrate level going up, we really need to monitor that," he said.
Improperly functioning septic systems can spread diseases including hepatitis A, cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis, according to information on the city's Web site.
Hanks said the two governmental entities negotiate a joint-powers agreement, including finding a "reasonable" distance to extend the program.
"To make sure we get the biggest bang for our buck, (Highway) 385 is sort of the line we've established because the vast majority of septic systems are basically between Rapid and 385," he said. "I don't want to be critical of septics. When working properly, they function fine. It's when we have ones that are failing that we have a problem."
Commissioners agreed with Hanks about the importance of protecting the water supply and expressed interest in the city extending its program farther into the county.
"We need to make sure we keep our water safe to drink, and I know I, for one, am interested in getting together and talking about options," Commissioner Nancy Trautman said.
The city will return March 18 with a formal proposal and recommendation for the county to consider.
Contact Scott Aust at 394-8415 or scott.aust@rapidcityjournal.com
The opinions above are from readers of rapidcityjournal.com and in no way represent the views of the Rapid City Journal or Lee Enterprises.
Rapidcityjournal.com provides this community forum for readers to exchange ideas and opinions on the news of the day. Passionate views, pointed criticism and critical thinking are welcome. Name-calling, crude language and personal abuse are not welcome. Moderators will monitor comments with an eye toward maintaining a high level of civility in this forum. Our comment policy explains the rules of the road for registered commenters.
If you don't see your comment, perhaps...
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy