Nogales studies septic-dumping policy, testing costs and county alternative

Nogales — The council reviewed a city staff report July 30 on a proposed septic-dumping station and discussed logistics, regulatory testing and whether the county might accept some wastes instead.

"Next, we go to the septic dumping station review and discussion of site consideration of operational proposal for a septic dumping station," City Manager Kramer introduced the agenda item. Staff shared Pima County protocols and Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) requirements and noted that Pima County’s Walker Road facility charges about $0.14 per gallon and does not perform frequent load testing in the same manner the city would be required to do under permitting.

ADEQ testing requirements could require the city to retain and test samples for suspect loads. Staff told the council a private lab indicated tests could cost roughly $475 per sample and noted samples are viable in refrigeration for roughly a week. "Each load will probably be... If there is a situation... we would have to take every dump, keep it as a sample... the samples are good up to a week in a refrigerator," staff said, adding the city would need storage and chain-of-custody procedures.

Operational costs: Council members asked whether the city would need a new full‑time employee to manage sampling and logistics, and whether refrigerators, supplies and transport to a testing lab (Tucson was cited as an example) would increase the net cost of providing the service. Staff acknowledged additional personnel and equipment likely would be required and suggested increasing the per‑gallon charge from the current rate (cited in materials as about $0.10 per gallon) if the council chose to continue providing the service. Staff suggested a provisional increase to $0.14 per gallon to cover initial testing costs.

Liability concerns and alternatives: Council members raised potential liability and litigation risks when contaminants originate upstream or across the border and mix with city loads. Several members recommended seeking a formal, written commitment from Santa Cruz County (or the appropriate county authority) about whether the county would accept portable-unit waste or open the county landfill for septic dumping as an alternative. "Why are we going to take that responsibility and that liability when everything is against us?" a councilmember asked.

Next steps: Staff agreed to pursue a written response from county officials, bring back clarified cost estimates (including any required new personnel and refrigeration), and present an action item at the next council meeting. "My suggestion is that we bring this back to council for next week because we have to ask... and we'll have all that information," staff said.

Ending: Council did not adopt a new policy at the July 30 session; staff will return with county responses and detailed cost and permit options for council action.