Hopatcong board discusses proposed septic maintenance ordinance, takes no vote

Members of the Hopatcong Board of Health discussed a proposed septic maintenance ordinance designed to require periodic pumping and a municipal tracking system intended to protect Lake Mohawk and public health. No vote was taken; the board directed further research and review by county public‑health staff, the municipality’s engineer and legal counsel, and discussed steps necessary to move any ordinance before the borough council and the land use board for adoption.

Board members said the draft under discussion would add requirements to the borough’s septic code. The group discussed a common proposal — pumping every three years — and noted that some new systems are allowed longer intervals (up to six years). Several members emphasized that rules must include exemptions or waivers for larger systems or newly installed systems,…