2016-266-Minutes for Meeting June 11,1979 Recorded 6/22/2016DESCHUTES
NANCY BLANKENSHIP,FRECORDS COUNTY CLERK2016466
COMMISSIONERS' JOURNAL 06/22/2016 02:16:46 PM
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2015-256
For Recording Stamp Only
Deschutes County Board of Commissioners
Bend, Oregon
DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Audio Cassette Recording Titled: LA PINE SEWER PROBLEM
Dated as: June 11, 1979
A Work Session was held on June 11, 1979 to discuss the La Pine sewer problem.
Board of Commissioners present were Robert Paulsen and Albert Young. Also
present were Betty Ahern, Realtor in La Pine; Dick Nichols, DEQ; John Horn,
Salem; Mike Broben, well driller in La Pine; John Glover, County Sanitarian; and
Bob (?), DEQ.
This work session was called to discuss the concerns with the La Pine sewer
problem. The agenda consisted of the following:
1. Review of current rules from the Department of Environmental Quality and
County Sanitation Office in terms of approving or denying septic tank
permits and drain field permits in the La Pine area.
2. Consider the feasibility of requesting from the Oregon Environmental
Quality Commission a rules change or clarification.
3. Discuss the need of grant funds for establishment of a sewer system for the
La Pine area.
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Transcription of Audio Recording of the Work Session of June 11, 1979
Commissioner Paulsen noted the concerns of water quality in La Pine. Mr.
Nichols, DEQ, spoke on issues of water and the need to maintain and lessen the
impact of contamination to the ground water. Discussion held on various
properties and water table levels. The sewer concern is having an economic impact
on the area according to Ms. Ahem. Concern was raised that there is no written
policy. Commissioner Paulsen asked to find the criteria that the Deschutes County
Sanitation Department needs to use to approve or disapprove permits. Something
in writing needs to come from the Department of Environmental Quality.
Consideration of a moratorium vs the Sanitation Department not issuing permits
until a determination is made. Commissioner Paulsen expressed the need to have
criteria in place and noted at this time, going on modeling only until written criteria
is received by the DEQ.
The next item to review is regarding the feasibility of rules change. Commissioner
Paulsen feels a detailed look at the criteria for determining septic tanks and
drainage field permits in the La Pine area. The DEQ should be asked for a review
and appropriate rules change. Deschutes County should propose at least one rules
change and attempt to receive open public testimony for dialogue. Mr. Nichols
presented a DEQ rule making criteria list. Commissioner Paulsen suggested one
option as a combination of criteria that compares known well depths and known
variations in the area, modeling, layers, course areas, lot size, and variations.
Discussion went off -topic and was held on high nitrate counts found in the water.
Commissioner Paulsen will review the process of filing a petition. Once a letter is
received the DEQ will within 30 days either deny the petition or initiate rule
making proceedings.
Commissioner Paulsen reviewed information regarding federal moneys and he will
contact Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council to ask if they would consider
doing research on fundraising for the La Pine area.
There being no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned
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Transcription of Audio Recording of the Work Session of June 11, 1979
1 certify that the above is a true and accurate record of meeting, as reproduced from a
cassette tape identified as La Pine Sewer Problem Work Session for the Deschutes County
Board of Commissioners meeting that was held June 11, 1979. This record was completed
April26, 2016 subsequent to the presiding Deschutes County Board of Commissioners tenure.
Sharon Renee Ross
Administrative Assistant, Board of County Commissioners
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Transcription of Audio Recording of the Work Session of June 11, 1979