The
Huron-Kinloss Community Septic Inspection Program has completed its first cycle
of inspections. Over the eight year cycle, 2,940 inspections were completed and
data was collected regarding the conditions and details of these systems. Using
this information the systems were assigned a risk assessment rating.
Approximately 50 properties (1.7%) have not had an inspection completed for
various reasons. Acceptance of the program and cooperation of property owners
was very high with only three owners refusing to participate. This program is
mandatory under a municipal by-law, and non-participating property owners will
be dealt with under the appropriate legislation.
Although
mandatory, the Program was conducted using a voluntary-cooperative approach.
This was successful as property owners had their systems pumped out, made an
appointment, and attended the inspection. This allowed them to gain knowledge
from the inspector about their septic system, its operation, and maintenance
techniques like cleaning effluent filters. Other education opportunities, such
as septic socials, Environmental Days, information pamphlets, and interactions
with the inspector, contributed to the success of the program.
The program
identified 4-5% of the inspected septic systems as being seriously compromised
with a requirement for owners to replace the systems. Systems requiring repairs
(420 systems) were also identified. The repairs were discussed with property
owners and identified in the inspection report. Repairs to these systems will
allow them to function properly and last until a total system replacement is
required. The program instituted a system to follow up on these repairs on a
voluntary basis, which has worked well. These repairs will be subject to follow
up during the second round of inspections.
A significant
number of septic systems in the Township have surpassed the expected life of a system.
Almost fifty percent are older than 25 years. The average of a system given the
medium-age rating is 43 years. One of the reasons that systems have reached
these ages is that the lakeshore area of the Township was, for many years, a
predominately seasonal area. Usage has expanded to multi-seasonal and permanent
and it is expected that many of these older systems are strained under higher
usage. We would expect an increasing trend to problems and failures as the
systems age. Given the soil types and small lots in many areas of the
lakeshore, we also expect a number of the replacement systems will be advanced
treatment units (tertiary systems). These are more complicated, require annual
inspections and sometimes sampling, and it is imperative that they are properly
maintained. If these systems fail to operate as designed, it leads to
environmental issues.
Finally, the
HKCSI program is really an asset management plan. The assets are the septic
systems, and while they are on private property, the Township is responsible
for issuing them a permit and making sure that they operate in the future.
Failure to operate as designed can lead to environmental and public health
issues and even the loss of the ability to inhabit a residence. At an average,
conservative cost of $15,000 per system, there are $45,000,000 in systems
present in the Township. The cost of the HKCSI program, with two pump-outs over
the eight year cycle, equates to an annual cost of about three-quarters of one percent
of the value of the asset. The HKCSI program represents good value for property
owners and good due diligence by the Township.
A full copy of the summary on the first round of inspections can be found here:
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