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Commission debate centers on requiring on-site wastewater systems built to WWTA standards and transferred to authority
Summary
Commissioner Shipley introduced Resolution 3-25-17 on March 25, proposing that on-site wastewater treatment facilities be constructed to Hamilton County Water and Wastewater Treatment Authority standards and transferred to the authority for ownership and operation.
Commissioner Shipley introduced Resolution 3-25-17 on March 25, proposing that all on-site wastewater treatment facilities in unincorporated Hamilton County be built to the Hamilton County Water and Wastewater Treatment Authority’s standards and transferred to the authority for ownership and operation.
Julian Bell of the Home Builder Association of Greater Chattanooga told commissioners the association was not there to rebut the resolution but urged caution and a measured approach. Bell said decentralized wastewater systems are an important tool for growth in areas that lack centralized sewer and urged further study so the county avoids unintended consequences.
Commissioner Baker and others raised the possibility of convening a multi‑stakeholder meeting — including WWTA, home builders, the Regional Planning Agency, utilities and developers — to study the issue before final action. Baker also flagged two state bills (Senate Bill 564 and House Bill 803) that would permit developers to construct private collection and treatment systems for subdivisions and asked whether the Home Builders Association supported that legislation; he said local utilities opposed those bills.
Commissioner Hilton supported setting standards but asked that engineering professionals be invited to educate the commission about how decentralized systems function and their failure modes. Commissioner Sharp urged restraint before imposing restrictions that could make housing development more expensive; he described decentralized systems as different from conventional septic systems and noted maintenance and component failures are different types of risks than wholesale system collapse.
Shipley said his resolution does not prohibit building but argued the county’s WWTA should operate these decentralized systems rather than out‑of‑area private operators. Several commissioners expressed support for continued discussion. The item was not voted on; the commission indicated it would take the resolution up at the next week’s meeting and recommended a roundtable and technical briefing to inform deliberations.
Public testimony and multiple commissioners emphasized balancing public‑health and environmental protections with the county’s need for housing and infrastructure planning.
