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Residents urge action on noncompliant septic, wells and fire access near Butler County lakes
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Summary
Public commenters told the Planning Commission that roughly 345 cabins around local lakes have noncompliant well and septic systems that may be contributing to high nitrate levels and pose access problems for emergency vehicles; surveyor and residents urged better mapping and regulatory tools.
During the March 18 meeting, several residents raised infrastructure and public-health concerns tied to lakeside housing and leased lots.
Bob Kobza of Bellwood said there are about 345 cabins between Gans, Jarecke, Brandenberg and Bellwood Lakes that were built on leased lots and many have been converted into year-round homes with noncompliant well and septic systems. "It is no wonder we have high nitrates when they run septic into a barrel underground," Kobza said, and he urged the commission to better map the corridor to reflect the number of occupied homes.
Butler County Surveyor Brian Foral noted neighboring Seward County has experienced groundwater and well issues and cautioned that selling lots without a platted subdivision complicates road maintenance and lot sales. Resident Aaron Schmid said the water service classification on the south side of Highway 81 to Bellwood dropped from phase three to phase two; newer lake homes meet code but older leased lots do not, and some bluff houses lack firetruck access. Schmid suggested covenants can address some problems.
Commissioners acknowledged the concerns and heard from planners that potential regulatory tools under consideration in the comprehensive plan could help: rural subdivision rules, permit checks and inspections, and targeted programs for housing rehabilitation. No formal enforcement action or new regulations were adopted at the meeting. The Planning Commission will continue work on the comprehensive plan and schedule hearings; public comments will be part of the administrative record that informs potential zoning or programmatic responses.