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Board approves conditional use to replace failing septic at 118 Geel Hill
Summary
After a public hearing, Tinicum supervisors granted conditional use approval to install a health-department‑approved sand‑mound septic within a front-yard setback at 118 Geel Hill, saying the replacement addresses a failing system and is limited to existing household capacity.
The Tinicum Township Board of Supervisors on May 5 granted conditional use approval to replace a failing septic system at 118 Geel Hill (TMP 44-015-076), approving a sand‑mound system sited within the front-yard setback under section 805B of the township zoning ordinance.
Attorney Gavin Labowski, speaking for applicants Jason Stout Sr., Jason Stout Jr., and Jun Danielle Smith Jr., said the steep slopes, floodplain areas, and previously excavated ground leave no compliant side- or rear-yard options. He told the board the existing system (described in the submission as an outhouse with a failing tank and single drain line) posed a public‑health risk because of proximity to a nearby stream and that the health department approved the proposed sand‑mound design after percolation testing.
Owner Jason Stout confirmed under oath that the work would not increase the house’s bedroom count—"three bedrooms," he said—and that the replacement system is intended only to restore the property to current sanitary standards, not to expand capacity.
Richard Swantech, the soil scientist/designer for the system, testified that testing supported the chosen location and that buffering and screening are planned so the sand mound will match existing roadside berm elevations and not protrude visually or create sight‑line hazards.
With no parties seeking standing to oppose the application and no public comment against the proposal, the board moved to approve the conditional use, subject to compliance with the exhibits, the Win Associates review letters, and other township and health‑department requirements cited in the record.
