HomeMy WebLinkAboutAdmin of On-site SystemsDepartment of Administrative Services
Dave Kanner, County Administrator
1300 NW Wall St, Suite 200, Bend, OR 97701-1960
(541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 385-3202
www.co.deschutes.orus
April 21, 2011
TO: BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
FROM: DAVE KANNER
RE: ADMINISTRATION OF ON-SITE PERMITTING AND INSPECTION
With the repeal of Ordinance 2008-019, which required the use of nitrate -reducing on-
site wastewater systems for new construction, upgrades and replacements in southern
Deschutes County, the County must now apply OAR 340 when reviewing on-site
wastewater disposal applications in the area previously covered by the ordinance. The
County, of course, applies OAR 340 to all such applications county -wide. OAR 340-
071-130(1) states, "An agent may not authorize installation or use of a system that is
likely to pollute public waters or create a public health hazard. If, in the judgment of the
agent, the minimum standards in this division will not adequately protect public waters or
public health on a particular site, the agent must require a system to meet requirements
that are protective. This may include but is not limited to increasing setbacks, increasing
drainfield sizing, or using an alternative system. The agent must provide the applicant
with a written statement of the specific reasons why more stringent requirements are
necessary."
Exactly how this should or will be applied to southern Deschutes County, given the
unique characteristics of the shallow groundwater aquifer, has been a concern for the
Board and for many citizens who have written to the Board since the repeal of the
ordinance. Since the County is an agent of the state, County staff has been in discussions
with DEQ staff and is working toward an agreement as to how DEQ envisions having the
OAR applied.
County and DEQ staff will not have such an agreement to present to you at your work
session of April 27, but will be available to speak generally about the general parameters
of the agreement and how the two agencies will work together as we move forward.
Enhancing the Lives of Citizens by Delivering Quality Services in a Cost -Effective Manner