Hamilton County Commission approves resolution directing on‑site wastewater systems to WWTA standards

The Hamilton County Commission voted March 3 to require on‑site wastewater treatment facilities in the county be constructed to standards set by the Hamilton County Water and Wastewater Treatment Authority and transferred to that authority for ownership and operation.

The resolution, filed as 3-25-17, passed on a roll-call vote after several commissioners urged the authority be given operational control, while others urged delay until the authority and state regulators finish drafting new rules.

Supporters argued local, long‑term oversight is needed to prevent design, installation and operational failures. Gary Bowles, a resident and engineer who spoke during public comment, said the county created the authority in 1993 “to protect the environment and the public by regulating the quality of water discharged into wastewater collection systems and treatment works.” Builder and developer Ryan Glasscock described past problems in nearby counties and told commissioners, “We’re confident the WWTA will do a much better and safer job running these systems than a for profit LLC.”

Opponents and some commissioners said…