Commission hears feasibility concerns for on-site septic systems at Mia Largo Reserve; no final approval recorded
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Summary
Commissioners discussed a staff schedule update and requested feasibility information for proposed on-site septic systems at the Mia Largo Reserve development, raising questions about maintenance, permitting, potential effects on nearby canals and the ordinance standard that an on-site plant only be approved if no alternative exists.
The commission received a schedule update on May 6 and discussed proposed variances to allow individual on‑site septic systems for the Mia Largo Reserve development. No final approval of septic systems was recorded; the item was presented as a status and feasibility discussion.
Commissioners and speakers asked whether extending a force main to an on‑site lift station was an economic barrier and whether alternatives to on‑site systems had been fully pursued. Staff described a planned feasibility study that will examine various options (drip, spray, aerobic) and said they typically prototype one or two systems on lots to test performance. One commissioner recounted recent personal experience installing an aerobic system and noted the County Health Department permitting requirements and ongoing maintenance costs, saying, “just to maintain that system is, you gotta have the engineering certificate,” and noting costs for permitting and upkeep.
Other concerns included proximity to a large canal in the area and potential spray or runoff impacts on water that could support fishing; commissioners asked that feasibility analyses include siting relative to the canal and likely runoff pathways. Staff confirmed that inspections and ongoing quality inspections by approved firms would be required for operating systems and that public records should exist for past installations. The commission noted the city ordinance language limiting on‑site plant approvals — “no plant may be approved with an on‑site sewer facility unless no alternative source is available” — and said that standard will shape the variance review.
The commission directed staff to carry out a feasibility study, to present prototype system information and to include inspection and maintenance plans in future submittals. No motion to approve on‑site septic systems was recorded in the transcript excerpt; commissioners noted the need for prototypes and engineering reports before any variance approval.
