• What are the responsibilities of officials in a small communities?

• What can residents do to further water quality?

• Why do residents care?

• Current Water Quality

• What is the history and law that protects our water quality?

• What have other towns and organizations done to assure healthful preservation?

  • How costly is a neighboring town's sewer system?

• What have Dunes City's residents done to support water quality?

  • What costs are associated with prevention / failure? 

  • Protecting Critical Water Resources in Dunes City, Oregon  City Report (pdf) Standards for Septic Systems and their Effluents, including Phosphorus and Nitrogen, and Regulation of Phosphate Containing Products

  • A message from our President

  • Presentation from community leaders

From NESC / Pipeline:

One of the responsibilities of officials in a small communities, is to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of its residents (including reliable drinking water). Some good reasons to protect your source water are: 

• safe drinking water is central to our health, wellbeing, and economic viability, now and in the future,

• while public water systems have primary responsibility for water supply protection, communities are essential players in this effort, • our water supplies are limited, and 

• cleaner source water means lower treatment costs. Source water can be polluted in different ways and each community will need to address unique conditions.

But, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) research shows that one of the biggest causes of pollution is contamination from septic systems that are not working properly, thereby allowing untreated wastewater to be released into the environment. 

Some direct impacts of contamination include: 

• the cost of obtaining a temporary drinking water source, 

• the cost of investigating contamination sources, 

• cleanup and remediation costs, 

• increased monitoring costs, 

• legal and consulting fees, and, 

• if the situation deteriorates, the development of a new water source. 

Indirect costs of contamination include: 

• loss of customer confidence in the local drinking water supply, 

• devalued real estate, and 

• potential lawsuits from consumption of contaminated water.  

  

According to EPA, the cost of dealing with contaminated groundwater ranges from 30 to more than 200 times the cost of protection programs. Similar savings are possible for systems that use surface water as their source. Onsite Systems Work if Maintained Onsite wastewater treatment systems collect, treat, and release about four billion gallons of effluent per day from an estimated 26 million homes nationwide. In predominantly rural states, onsite systems serve up to half of all households. While properly managed onsite systems are a viable long-term solution for wastewater disposal, failing onsite systems can pose a serious threat to public health, drinking water resources, and aquatic life. Failing septic systems are a significant source of groundwater contamination leading to waterborne disease outbreaks and other adverse health effects. The bacteria, protozoa, and viruses found in untreated wastewater can cause various gastrointestinal illnesses as well as hepatitis A.  A conventional gravity based onsite treatment system, which consists of a pipe from the home, a septic tank, a drain field, and the soil is essentially the responsibility of untrained and often uninformed system owners (see the illustration on page 3). Sadly, homeowners rarely consider these underground systems until raw sewage backs up into the house or breaks out of the system and surfaces in the yard. The performance of a wastewater system must not be taken for granted. All property owners that use onsite systems should have them pumped and inspected on a regular basis.
                                                                                                                    ...more from this Pipeline edition 

 

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Water Quality

Septic Tank Maintenance

from Oregon DEQ fact sheet

Background

The most common wastewater treatment system used in rural areas is the septic tank-soil absorption system. The septic tank removes solids from the wastewater, and the soil absorption field (drainfield) filters, treats and disposes of the septic tank effluent. Removing the solids from the wastewater protects the drainfield from clogging and early failure. The septic tank also stores the settled solids and allows biological digestion of some of these solids.

How does a septic tank work?

The septic tank removes solids by holding wastewater in the tank, which allows the solids to settle and scum to rise to the top. Incoming water should be held in the tank for at least 24 hours in order to improve settling. Up to 50 percent of the solids will decompose into liquids and gases. The remaining solids accumulate in the tank. Biological and chemical additives are not needed to aid or accelerate settling or decomposition. As a general rule, no solids other than human wastes and white toilet paper should be flushed.

As the septic system is used, sludge continues to accumulate in the bottom of the septic tank. Properly designed tanks have enough capacity for three to eight years use before needing service. The tank should be checked each year starting with the third year to determine how much sludge is there. It is important to understand that septic tanks always appear full because both the inlet and the outlet are at the top of the tank. The homeowner needs to determine how much of the tankþs volume is being taken up by solids, scum and sludge. When sludge and scum take up more than 35 percent of the tank volume, these solids need to be removed by pumping.

Servicing a septic tank

When too much sludge and scum are allowed to accumulate, the incoming sewage will not have enough time in the septic tank for solids to settle. Solids may flow to the drainfield and clog the drainfield, causing the sewage to overflow to the ground surface, where it exposes humans and animals to the disease-causing organisms in sewage. To prevent this from happening, it is very important to check the tank and have it serviced when needed. The drainfield may not fail immediately when a full tank is not pumped. However, the septic tank is no longer protecting the drainfield from solids. This creates inefficiencies in the drainfield and may allow contamination of the groundwater. Continued neglect will result in failure of the drainfield, and it may need to be replaced. The frequency of pumping depends on the size of the tank and what and how much goes down your drains. Use of a garbage disposal and excessive water use can increase pumping frequency.

In Oregon, a 1,000 gallon septic tank is used for homes with up to four bedrooms. If four people live in a four-bedroom house, a 1,000 gallon tank may need to be pumped approximately every three years. If the same system serves a family of two, the tank would be ready for pumping every six years. Systems installed before the current rules and regulations may have smaller septic tanks and may need to be pumped more often.

Cleaning the tank

A septic tank pumper licensed by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) can pump and clean your tank. It is a good idea to supervise the cleaning to ensure that is done properly. The material pumped out is known as “septage.” To get all of the material from the tank, the scum layer must be broken up and the sludge layers stirred up into the liquid portion of the tank. This is usually done by pumping liquid from the tank and reinjecting it into the bottom of the tank. The septic tank should be pumped out through the large central service hole, not the sanitary tee or baffle inspection ports. Pumping out a tank through the inspection ports can cause damage. Before closing the tank, check the condition of the tees or baffles. If they are missing or deteriorated, replace them with sanitary tees.

Never enter a septic tank. Any work to replace the baffles or repair the tank should be made from the outside. The septic tank produces toxic gases which can kill a person in a matter of minutes. When working on a tank from the outside, make sure the area is well ventilated and someone is standing by. Never go into a septic tank to retrieve someone who was overcome by toxic gases or the lack of oxygen without a self-contained breathing apparatus. In the event someone falls into a septic tank the best thing to do is call for emergency service and put a fan at the top of the tank to blow in fresh air.

To facilitate cleaning and inspection, install a watertight riser and a gasketed cover from the central service hole at least one inch above the surface before burying the tank. Do not bury the riser cover.

How to get further information

Lane County is a delegate county administering the DEQ septic system program . For further information call toll free in Oregon 1-800-452-4011. People with hearing impairments may call DEQ’s TTY at (503) 229-6993.                                                      

DEQ's Septic Do's and Dont's

The above is from Oregon DEQ fact sheet

Frequently Asked Questions: Existing System Evaluation Report Form and Inspections

more Oregon DEQ fact sheets

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What established protections for our future water quality?

[specific parts of]

Dunes City Comprehensive Plan

from dunescity.com

 

CHAPTER I  

GOALS, POLICIES, RECOMMENDATIONS, 

AND PLAN IMPLEMENTATION INTRODUCTION 

1

A. Foreword  (Rev. 09-16-97 )

This Comprehensive Plan is a general plan for the logical and orderly development of Dunes City over the years. There are reasons for writing it beyond the State requirements that each city and county in Oregon have a plan.

Developers should be able to put the proper type of construction in the right place with the least damage to the environment. New citizens may be attracted by having some assurance of what their future surroundings will look like. Residents who are already here should gain confidence that their city will not deteriorate as has been the case in so many unplanned communities.

 

Dunes City is a naturally beautiful city located in western Lane County, Oregon. The purposes of this Comprehensive Plan are to formulate guidelines under which Dunes City will develop in an orderly manner, and to reflect the desire of its people to maintain the City as a predominantly rural residential community. The majority of people recognize that, while growth will occur, it should be limited to that which the land will support without the necessity for expensive public services, such as municipal water and sewage disposal systems. Growth for growth's sake should not be encouraged. Single-family residences are more desirable than multiple­family apartments, high-rise type condominiums, and motel-hotel complexes in order to preserve the rural atmosphere and to keep an attractive, natural setting. Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) could be an asset if the densities are limited.

Vote for a water system on March 18, 1975 , was defeated by a margin of three to one and was defeated again in 1993.

Dunes City provides a different type of living experience that can be classed as semi-rural because of the nature of the land, the presence of two coastal lakes, and the low overall density. This plan has provided a framework on which the city may grow at a reasonable rate and provide this same living style for future residents to the year 2017. With 33.6 percent of its residents in the low/moderate income category the city provides opportunities for citizens of varying incomes to share the beauty of this unique city. When the time comes that the compact urban

growth form characteristic of most cities with their multiple dwellings and high density must be forced on Dunes City , this plan will be history. The fish runs and wildlife and natural vegetation will vanish. In this case, the demand to share this way of life cannot be satisfied but will only destroy the supply.

5 

Policy A4. The city shall coordinate and cooperate with Lane County Planning, Building, and Sanitation Departments for staff assistance.

Policy A5. Before a permit is issued on any lot or parcel of land the applicant must present a development plan to the city. Such plan shall include, but not be limited to, water supply and sewage disposal locations, proposed land drainage system and means of controlling run-off, and a plan and time schedule for re­landscaping land from which vegetation is to be removed. Standards for the above will be set by the City Council.  

Policy A6. All construction on property contiguous to a lake, class F (fish bearing) stream, or wetland shall require a site review.

Lane Countv Boundary Commission

Policy A7. Annexations, special district boundary amendments, extra-territorial extensions of sewer or water services, and Community Sewer and Water Systems are required by law to be approved by the Lane County Boundary Commission.

Policy A9. Dunes City shall provide for the orderly development and preservation of the land, control densities to prevent the need of extensive public services and remain commensurate with the carrying capacity of the land and water resources of the city.  

B. Open Space, Scenic Areas, and Natural Resources

Policy B1. The city shall protect natural resources and encourage their wise management, proper development, and reuse. Areas possessing unique ecological, scenic, aesthetic, scientific, or educational values shall be considered in the planning and zoning process.

Policy B2. The city shall protect the waterways and geologic and wooded integrity of the area so that the community may proudly identify itself with trees, lakes, dunes and rivers.

Lakes

Policy B5.  Elements of the aquatic environment such as the lakes, marshes, mudflats, lagoons, riparian vegetation, and critical wildlife habitat and resources shall be considered in the planning and zoning process.

Policy B6.  Methods of conserving water resources must be considered in all land use and development proposals and decisions. In compliance with the Mid­Coast Basin Program adopted on September 25, 1984 , the City recognizes that Siltcoos and Woahink Lakes are classified only for utilization of water for domestic, livestock, and in-lake uses for recreation, wildlife, and fish life purposes.

Policy B7. Dunes City will coordinate its efforts with governmental agencies and nearby jurisdictions, for implementing and studying possible alternatives for maintaining good water quality.

Policy B8. Dunes City shall strive to maintain the high water quality of Siltcoos and Woahink Lakes through monitoring recreation use, commercial and industrial use, and run-off of septic tank effluent. A Water Quality Control Committee will be formed to examine problems with water quality.

8

Policy B9. Nonpoint pollution sources are a threat to the water quality of the city's lakes and streams. There shall be no direct urban run off into the city's lakes and streams. New construction and site development, including roads, shall provide a storm water management system consistent with sound engineering practice and the requirements of this policy. Owners of existing homes are to be encouraged to contain their run off as well. Site construction procedures shall not contribute to erosion into lakes and streams.

Policy B10. The city will work with Lane County , ODOT and other state agencies to develop a protective barrier where highway 101 runs parallel to Woahink Lake. ODOT needs to protect the lake from spills and road runoff.

Fish and Wildlife

Policy B11. The city shall strive to protect the habitat of wildlife and fish, including lakes, fish-bearing (Class "F") streams, wetlands, riparian areas and forested-lands. These resources shall be protected and conserved to the greatest extent possible, consistent with low-density development of the city.

Wetlands

Policy B16. Dunes City hereby adopts the Dunes City Local Wetlands Inventory and Riparian Inventory, prepared by LCOG/Pacific Habitat Services, Inc., November, 1996, as part of its comprehensive plan.

9

Policy B17. The wetlands in Dunes City serve as the most efficient biofilter known in maintaining a high level of water quality. They provide critical habitat for fish, plants and wildlife. The city shall protect these assets by regulating filling or dredging of the wetlands and by requiring setbacks to protect and maintain these values. Review of development activities within the setback area will be coordinated with the Division of State Lands.

Policy B18. In compliance with the LCDC Administrative Rule on Goal 5, Natural Resources, the City shall classify the Darlingtonia California bogs identified in the Dunes City Local Wetlands Inventory and located on private property as a "1B" resource.

Policy C4. Development will not exceed the level of use that can be accommodated without irreversible damage to or impairment of the natural resources or their quality.

E. Air, Land and Water Quality General Policies

Policy E1. The city shall strive to preserve the quality of the land, air, and water resources in the city.

Policy E2. All development in the city shall comply with DEQ's applicable air and water quality standards and noise control standards.

Policy E3. Waste discharges from future facilities shall not exceed the carrying capacity nor degrade the quality of the land, air, and water resources.

Policy E4. Regulations involving land, air, and water resources of the city shall be based upon long-term capabilities of the available natural resources to both support economic activity and absorb the future, resulting man-made pollutants.

11

Water Supplv Policies

Policy E7. The city shall draft city ordinances regulating nonpoint source polluted runoff into lakes and streams and will work with the Oregon Department of Agriculture to address the use of pesticides and herbicides within the city.

Policy E8. Providing that an application meets Lane County requirements, the city shall permit adjoining lots to share a water system (Note: if more than three residences share a well it is considered a community water system and is subject to the approval by the Lane County Boundary Commission and applicable state law).

Policy E9. In compliance with the Mid-Coast Basin Program, the City recognizes that it should not exceed its water right from Woahink Lake issued by the Water Resource Board.

Policy E10. Future land developments shall demonstrate adequate water supply.

Solid Waste Policies

Policy E11. The City shall coordinate solid waste planning with Lane County . Solid waste disposal must not exceed the carrying capacity of the land nor contaminate water resources.

Policy F13. The city will encourage improvement programs to bring substandard street and drainage systems to minimum standards.

Policy G4. Minor economic activities, such as home occupations, will be permitted if they are not harmful to air, water, or land quality, and if they are not potential nuisances to neighboring uses. Dunes City does not seek industries to locate in the city.

H.  Residential Land Use

Residential Land Use and Housing

Policy H1. Dunes City shall provide housing opportunities responding to the needs of Dunes City residents.

Policy H2. Dunes City shall allow infilling of existing vacant lots to provide for a more compact urban growth form when sanitary conditions are met.

Please see Dunes City's complete Comprehensive Plan  

The process by which residents are part of a low cost water quality solution.

First city to do better than Oregon regulations

Dunes City's Septic Maintenance Ordinance

Included in each citizen's packet was an in-depth educational description of how their participation helps the community at large

from dunescity.com

ORDINANCE NO. 203

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 157 WITHIN THE DUNES CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES ENTITLED "SEPTIC SYSTEM MAINTENANCE" AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 173 

CITY OF DUNES CITY        LANE COUNTY , OREGON

WHEREAS, on March 09, 2006 , the City Council of Dunes City adopted Ordinance No. 173, which established Chapter 157 within the Dunes City Code of Ordinances entitled "Septic System Maintenance" and;  

WHEREAS, the Dunes City Planning Commission and City Council have considered an amendment to Chapter 157 of the Dunes City Code; and  

WHEREAS, the Planning Commission and the City Council wish to ensure that all onsite wastewater disposal systems, also known as sewage disposal systems or septic systems, are operated in a safe, healthful, and environmentally responsible manner; and  

WHEREAS, proper system maintenance prevents the adverse impacts of failing systems that may result in improper discharge of sewage effluent threatening surface water, groundwater and public health, safety and welfare; and  

WHEREAS, on August 19, 2009, as per ORS 197.610 and OAR Chapter 660, Division 18, a notice of the proposed amendment of the Dunes City Code was sent to DLCD; and  

WHEREAS, no exceptions to applicable statewide planning goals numbers 2, 5, and 6 are proposed; and  

WHEREAS, no exceptions to applicable Dunes City Comprehensive Plan policies B8, E1, E2, E3, E5, E6, and I10 are proposed; and  

WHEREAS, in accordance with ORS 227.186 (Ballot Measure 56), notice of the proposed changes to Chapter 157 of the Dunes City Code was mailed to owners of real property in Dunes City on September 09, 2009, 15 days prior to the first evidentiary hearing, which was publicly announced as postponed to October 22, 2009 , 28 days prior to the first evidentiary hearing; and  

WHEREAS, the City Council is ready to consider adoption of amendments to Chapter 157 of the Dunes City Code.  

NOW THE REF ORE, THE CITY OF DUNES CITY ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS:  

Section 1.        Amendment to Chapter 157 within the Dunes City Code of Ordinances entitled                                     "Septic System Maintenance"  

Chapter 15, Title 15, Land Usage, of the Dunes City Code of Ordinances is amended and is attached hereto as Exhibit A to this Ordinance and included by reference herein.  

Section 2.        Administrative Fees  

The City Council may, by resolution, impose fees to cover all or a portion of the expense of implementing and administering this Ordinance.  

Section 3.        Severability Clause  

If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, that portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct, and independent provision and that holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance.  

Section 4.        Effective Date  

This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) calendar days after adoption and publication of a Notice of Adoption in accordance with Dunes City law.  

Section 5.        Repeal  

The repeal of Ordinance 173 shall not affect any action occurring before the repeal takes effect. Ordinance Number 173 is hereby repealed.   

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Passed at the first reading in a regular meeting of the City Council of Dunes City, Oregon on this 10th day of, December, 2009  

Ayes:  4                                 Nays:  0                              Abstain:  0                                Absent:  2                                   

Passed at the second reading and placed on final passage, and adopted by the City Council of Dunes City, Oregon on this 14th day of, January, 2010  

Ayes:  6                                 Nays:  0                              Abstain:  0                                Absent:  0                                    

APPROVED BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DUNES CITY, OREGON , THIS 14th DAY OF, JANUARY, 2010  

[Signed copy available at City Hall]                    

Eric Hauptman, Mayor   

ATTEST:

[Signed copy available at City Hall]

Amy Graham, City Recorder

 

EXHIBIT A  

Title XV: LAND USAGE

Chapter 157

Table of Contents  

 

CHAPTER 157

SEPTIC SYSTEM MAINTENANCE  

Sections:                                   

§157.005         Definitions

§157.010         Intent

§157.020         Purpose

§157.030         General Provisions

§157.040         Owners' Responsibilities

§157.050         Dunes City's Responsibilities

§157.060         Inspections Required

§157.070         System Failure and Use Violations

§157.080         Business License Required

§157.090         Compliance

§157.095         Lien Against Property  

Exhibit B  Changes

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 §157.005         Definitions  

The following terms used in these regulations shall have the meanings set forth below.  

Access port / cleanout port - The opening at the top of the septic tank usually fitted with a tight fitting lid or plug that gives access to the interior of the tank for inspection and cleanout.   

Distribution box - A watertight structure that receives septic tank or other treatment facility effluent and distributes it into one (1) or more header pipes leading to the absorption area.  

Drainfield / absorption field - A system of absorption trenches, a seepage trench, or a system of seepage trenches.  

Effluent - The fluid discharged from the septic tank to the drainfield.  

Inspection - A critical examination to meet the standards of the code.  

Map - A scale drawing of the property to include the entire septic system relative to the lot lines, outbuildings, dwellings, driveways, and parking areas.  A map shall also include riparian areas, shoreland zones, and wetlands when present.  

Olfactory observation - The possible detection of sewage odor whereby the indication of a failing septic system could be ascertained (also referred to as the smell test).  

Septic system - The system that may be composed of piping, septic tank, distribution boxes, filters, pumps and electrical connections, components, including the drainfield, necessary to treat sewage.  

Septic tank - A watertight receptacle that receives sewage from a sanitary drainage system and is designed to separate solids from liquids, digest organic matter during a period of detention, and allow the liquids to discharge to a second treatment unit or to a soil absorption field.  

Sewage - Water-carried human and animal wastes, including kitchen, bath, and laundry wastes from residences, buildings, industrial establishments, or other places, together with any groundwater infiltration, surface waters, or industrial waste that may be present.       

Visual observation - Inspection of the drainfield and surrounding area for soggy soil or unusual plant growth.

(Ord. 203, passed 12/10/09 )                                                                                             (contents)   (top)

§157.010         Intent  

It is the intent of the Dunes City Septic System Maintenance Ordinance to ensure that all onsite wastewater disposal systems, also known as sewage disposal systems or septic systems are operated in a safe, healthful and environmentally responsible manner.  Proper system inspection and maintenance prevents the adverse impacts of failing systems that may result in improper

discharge of sewage effluent threatening surface water, groundwater and public health, safety and welfare. 

(Ord. 173, passed 03/09/06 ; Am. Ord. 203, passed 12/10/09 )                                  (contents)   (top)

§157.020         Purpose   

The purpose of this ordinance is to establish local rules for the periodic inspection and maintenance of onsite wastewater disposal systems to determine compliance with the Lane County adopted standards for septic system evaluation or more rigorous standards adopted by the Dunes City Council.  

(Ord. 173, passed 03/09/06 ; Am. Ord. 203, passed 12/10/09 )                                  (contents)   (top)

§157.030         General Provisions   

Onsite wastewater disposal systems are subject to failure due to lack of maintenance, misuse, water infiltration, seismic activity, and other reasons.  In order to minimize water quality problems from failed systems and extend the useful life of these systems, the following program has been developed to regularly inspect onsite systems, and seek effective maintenance and repair. 

(Ord. 173, passed 03/09/06 ; Am. Ord. 203, passed 12/10/09 )                                  (contents)   (top)

§157.040         Owners' Responsibilities  

Owners of the buildings served by onsite wastewater disposal systems are responsible to have inspections performed at their expense by one of Dunes City's approved inspectors at the time periods specified below in §157.060.  Owners are responsible for maintenance of their systems and shall notify the City in the event the inspector's report indicates a failure of the system or the owner observes a failure of a system. 

(Ord. 173, passed 03/09/06 ; Am. Ord. 203, passed 12/10/09 )                                 (contents)   (top)

§157.050         Dunes City ’s Responsibilities    

A.     Records of individual septic systems shall be established and the City shall maintain such records.   

B.     City shall maintain a register of Dunes City approved inspectors who have personal knowledge of the City’s Septic System Maintenance Ordinance.  The Register shall include the name of the individual inspector and the City will remove an inspector’s name from the register for failure to comply with the provisions of this Ordinance including, but not limited to; 1) failure to provide inspection results to the City within fourteen (14) calendar days, or 2) providing inspection results that are deemed by the City to be incomplete or unacceptable.  

C.     City shall provide forms for all inspection reports. 

(Ord. 173, passed 03/09/06 ; Am. Ord. 203, passed 12/10/09 )                            (      contents)   (top)

§157.060         Inspections Required   

Periodic inspection of all onsite wastewater disposal systems within the city limits is required.  The inspector shall provide an original copy of the completed inspection form and map to the City with a copy to the property owner within fourteen (14) calendar days of completion of the inspection.      

A.     Initial Inspection - The initial inspection shall include pumping of the septic tank and mapping of the septic system.  The map shall include cleanout port, access port, distribution box, and the drainfield.  This initial inspection will not be required if the property owner presents satisfactory evidence that the system has been permitted and installed with a final approved inspection within the previous five years.  Such evidence will become the basis for compliance with §157.060(C).  The date of the final inspection will serve as a basis for a periodic inspection in 5 years.   

B.     Periodic Inspection - Periodic inspections include the condition of the septic tank contents, such as the thickness of the scum layer and percent of solids in the tank, the absorption disposal/drainfield and its capacity to accommodate a test volume of water, pumps, filters, and other important features of the system and the preparation of a report.  If a periodic inspection indicates a fully functioning system, pumping is not required unless the Inspector deems it necessary. 

The Inspector shall use the City's "Septic Maintenance Record and Inspection Report" form to prepare a report of the system's current condition including the reason or reasons the inspector may have used to require pumping and submit it to the City along with a copy of the map of the system.  

C.     Frequency of Inspections - Septic systems shall be inspected at the following frequencies unless it is determined that public health or environmental conditions require more frequent inspections.   

1.      Every system shall be inspected at a minimum of once every five years following the initial inspection.  At the discretion of the City Recorder, extensions may be granted based on individual circumstances for no longer than one year and any requests beyond one year will be at the discretion of the Council.

2.      Prior to the sale or transfer of ownership of any existing property the system shall be inspected, mapped, and pumped unless an inspection, mapping, and pumping has been conducted within 5 years of the date of sale or transfer.

3.      Onsite sewage disposal systems shall be inspected when the quantity or characteristics of the wastewater discharge change because of an addition to the building or a change in the building’s use. 

4.      Commercial and institutional buildings shall have their onsite sewage disposal systems inspected on an annual basis or at other time intervals specified by the City. 

5.      By March of 2012, every owner shall submit to the City an inspection report, mapping, and pumping of all septic systems on their property.                            

(Ord. 173, passed 03/09/06 ; Am. Ord. 203, passed 12/10/09 )                                   (contents)   (top)

§157.070         System Failure and Use Violations    

If an inspection determines that a system has failed, or is being used in violation of the Dunes City Code or Department of Environmental Quality's standards for onsite wastewater treatment systems (OAR Chapter 340, Division 71), a notice shall be sent to the property owner and to the appropriate County and State agencies.  Failed systems or systems being used in violation must

be repaired or decommissioned after obtaining all appropriate permits within ninety (90) calendar days of the notification date.  At the discretion of the City Recorder, extensions may be granted based on individual circumstances.  All systems with effluent above ground shall be declared an emergency public health hazard by the City Recorder and immediate abatement is required.  The person performing the work shall provide a copy of the final inspection report to the City within fourteen (14) calendar days.

(Ord. 173, passed 03/09/06 ; Am. Ord. 203, passed 12/10/09 )                                      (contents)   (top)

§157.080         Business License Required   

Individuals and companies that perform septic system inspections and pumping within the corporate limits of the City shall obtain a business license from the City in accordance to the licensing procedures established by the City.  An annual business license fee shall be established by the City Council.

(Ord. 173, passed 03/09/06 ; Am. Ord. 203, passed 12/10/09 )                                      (contents)   (top)

§157.090         Compliance    

Failure to inspect, pump, map, or repair in accordance with the time frames or the inspection procedures specified by this Chapter constitutes a violation of the Dunes City Code of Ordinances and shall be subject to a penalty of $250 per calendar day by direction of the City Recorder until the property is in compliance with the requirements of this Chapter. 

(Ord. 173, passed 03/09/06 ; Am. Ord. 203, passed 12/10/09 )                                     (contents)   (top)

§157.095         Lien Against Property   

A.     The City Recorder shall forward to the owner and/or owner's representative (if known by the City), by registered or certified mail, a notice stating:  

1.      The amount of the penalty; 

2.      That the penalty will be assessed and turned over to a collection agency and possibly become a lien against the property unless paid within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of the notice; 

3.      That if the owner and/or owner's representative (if known by the City), objects to the penalty he or she may file a written notice of objection with the City Recorder not more than fourteen (14) calendar days from the date of the notice.   

B.     In the event that an objection is received, the Council, in the regular course of business, shall hear and determine the objections to the penalty that is assessed.   

C.     If the penalty is not paid within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of the notice of Council decision, the assessment of the penalty stated or determined by the Council shall be turned over to a collection agency and possibly become a lien against the property.  

D.     An error in the name of the owner and/or owner's representative (if known by the City), or a failure to receive the notice of the proposed assessment will not void the assessment, and it shall remain a valid collection against the property.  

(Ord. 173, passed 03/09/06 ; Am. Ord. 203, passed 12/10/09)                                     (contents)   (top)

EXHIBIT B  

(contents)   (top)  

Dunes City's Archived History     

"Woahink Lake" Woahink Official site of the Woahink Lake Association, Dunes City Oregon Official site of the Woahink Lake Association, Dunes City OR 97439 Neighbor to Honeyman State Park, One water source to Siltcoos Lake, Oregon Dunes, Lane County, Oregon Coast, Oregon Dunes Recreation, Clean Water Act, EPA, Clear Lake, Scenic By Way, phosphorus loading, south of Florence, Woahink Lake Association, erosion, Oregon coastal lake, advocacy, Septic maintenance, stormwater protection.