Health Department Finds Solutions To Septic Tank Issues
(EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the fifth in a series continuing to look at proposed sewers around Tippecanoe Lakes.)
LEESBURG — A resounding question that remains deals with the existing septic systems around the lake. Are there problems?
Kosciusko County Health Department is the local agency that deals with septic systems for new construction, replacing/repairing an existing system. Bob Weaver, administrator for the county health department, is also the county’s chief scientist, noted it is his office that issues the repair permits and even orders repairs of systems. When it comes to new construction, his office reviews the detailed plans, studies the area, provides installation instructions, and even inspects the system before it’s covered.
Noting septic systems are like appliances, there are certain percentages that do fail in time. There are also some locations where septic systems are easier to repair than others, but the health department works with the homeowner on solutions.
Weaver noted there are standards for new homes and standards for repairs, with permits needed for both. The size of a septic system is based on the number of bedrooms. Regarding repairs, the new septic size may be sacrificed due to the space available – some may even have to go with a holding tank, or go to the laundromat instead of doing laundry at home.
There have been denials around Tippecanoe Lake on new construction. This mostly is due to soil type, size of the home, size of the lot and the location. While homes can be built in a flood zone area (if building requirements are met, including special insurance), septic systems are not allowed. He admitted sometimes a lake lot is challenging to repair a septic system. “It has to be 50 feet away from the lake,” he said noting lots that are 75-feet by 100-feet, the location of a septic system takes out a big portion of the property.
“A lot of Tippecanoe, if you drive around the lake, you’re looking down. There are some areas that are low and challenging,” Weaver said. He stated many of the property owners own lots on the other side of the road, allowing the required septic system to be installed.
“There are a number of times I’ve had to tell them they can’t do it and turned them (homeowners) down,” Weaver noted. He explained many wish to tear down an existing home and rebuild a large home, (with more bedrooms) or add on to the existing structure. “A number of people come in with plans but there is no room for a big septic system.” He added if a home is remodeled and no additional bedrooms are added, the size of an existing system is adequate. “The key is the bedrooms,” Weaver said.
Weaver stated his department works with the property owner as best they can when it comes to a new septic system or with repairs to an existing system. “Without fail, it is better than before,” he said.
Putting sewers around a lake, according to Weaver, gives property owners more options to what can be done to a residence. Homes with septic systems would be allowed in flood zone areas, if requirements are met.
“There are good reasons for sewer and some bad could come of it,” Weaver stated. One of the bad aspects is environmentally with the loss of natural filters around the lake due to increased building.
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