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Lewiston council hears plan to allow upgraded septic systems in water-source "Zone 2"
Summary
Council members reviewed a proposal to permit upgrades to existing septic systems in Zone 2 source-protection areas, favoring improved treatment for existing systems (not new hookups), with quarterly testing and a 2.5 mg/L nitrate benchmark under discussion.
Marcus (first name only), speaking during the council meeting, summarized the outcome of a multi-agency meeting about protecting Lewiston’s wellheads and water sources and described a proposed shift in approach on septic systems in source-protection "Zone 2." He said state and county representatives are now leaning toward allowing upgrades to existing septic systems in Zone 2 rather than permitting new systems there.
Marcus described the advanced treatment being discussed: effluent would be pumped from the septic tank through synthetic media where air is introduced so oxygen-dependent microorganisms further clean the wastewater before it enters the drain field. "This new system that they're proposing actually is pretty much that same process other than once it initially goes through the septic system...they pump it as it comes out the back end...they filter it through some media," Marcus said. He told the council the approach is intended to "replace what they have and and get a better system out there" for properties already within protection zones.
Council members pressed on monitoring and operator requirements. Speakers noted the group is using nitrate as an indicator and cited a target of about 2.5 milligrams per liter as a performance benchmark: "When they get the nitrate down to the 2.5 milligrams per liter...that is an indication that the DOD and everything has been done its job," an attendee said during discussion. Officials said testing is expected to be regular — discussed as quarterly in the meeting — and that the advanced systems would require higher-grade operators (level 3) to manage the treatment units.
Members also discussed cost and practical access. One council member noted that installing these advanced systems can be expensive — an estimate of roughly $50,000 was mentioned in discussion — and said offering an upgrade path is a way to help homeowners or community facilities whose systems fail. Marcus advised residents that the state publishes an interactive map of source-protection zones to check whether a site falls inside a given zone and recommended council follow-up over the coming weeks.
The council did not adopt any ordinance at the meeting. Speakers indicated the matter would return for further consideration and a decision in approximately 90 days.
