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Council introduces amended ordinance to require triennial inspections of many on‑site sewage systems after lengthy debate
Summary
After extended public comment and several amendments, the council introduced a substitute ordinance that would require triennial inspections and certificates for many on‑site wastewater systems below the parish urban growth boundary; the introduction passed amid debate over testing, enforcement, exemptions and funding.
St. Tammany Parish Council members introduced an amended ordinance Oct. 2 that would require triennial inspections and certificates of inspection for many on‑site wastewater systems (septic tanks and aerobic treatment units) in parts of the parish. The ordinance was the subject of extensive public comment, technical briefing and council amendment before being introduced for further consideration.
The proposed program focuses on areas below the parish urban growth boundary and would exempt larger rural parcels and properties with overland disposal on the owner’s property. Parish staff cited pilot program results showing failure rates in targeted neighborhoods and said regular inspections would reduce untreated discharges to ditches and waterways.
Public concerns and technical issues: more than a dozen residents and stakeholders spoke. Speakers for inspection requirements — including the Pontchartrain…
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