Flush out of ideas

The city’s efforts to solve a sewer conundrum do not appear to have been successful, leading the council to consider allowing a variance that would allow for a septic tank on the lot instead.

The issue cropped up late last year, involving a parcel of land that was under development at the east end of town.

City rules don’t allow for a lot within reach of a sewer line to have a septic tank. While it is in reach of a line, this particular lot sits at an elevation that makes it difficult to tap in at the available connection point.

Heith Waddell, who was at the time constructing a garage on the Cleveland St. property, told the council that he had stopped the installation of a planned septic tank upon hearing that it was not allowed.

City Engineers Trihydro were tasked with figuring out the best way to bring sewer to the lot.

The options were limited. The land in question grades three quarters to an inch per foot, so there is a 15-foot gain to get up to the closest sewer line.

There is also sewer on the west side of 11th St. but, according to Public Works Director Mac Erickson, it’s only at a seven-foot depth at best and would require pumping uphill into a gravity main. The next best alternative is the sewer line on Main, he said, but it’s a lot further away and still only at a five-foot depth.

After Trihydro had explored the possibilities, Waddell expressed concern during last week’s council meeting about the potential financial impact.

“Maintaining the cost of what this is going to be is looking to be prohibitive,” he said, telling the council that the cost would be half the worth of the land.

This, he said, does not seem like a worthwhile investment for a toilet that is only used about twice a week.

He requested that the council consider granting a variance that would allow him to put the holding tank back in.

The holding tank meets Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regulations, he said, and is of sufficient size that it would likely only need emptied one or two times per year.

Mayor Pro Tem Joe Wilson stated that he does not see an issue with the variance, but asked Ryan Christensen of Trihydro to assist in clearing the tank with the DEQ to ensure it does meet regulations. Council Member Randy Stevenson asked Waddell to provide the council with his plan in writing, including an assurance that the tank will meet regulations, to smooth the way for the variance.