Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Environment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Nowthen hires consultant to implement septic‑system compliance tracking and reporting
Summary
Council authorized Rum River Consultants to revise the city's septic ordinance and manage the state SDS reporting requirement using baseline software; estimated city cost is roughly $2,900 (one‑time ordinance update plus annual reporting), and permit fees for residents will likely rise modestly.
The Nowthen City Council on June 10 approved engaging Rum River Consultants to revise the city's septic ordinance, implement a compliance tracking system and prepare required SDS reporting to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Staff briefed council that the work includes an estimated one‑time ordinance revision fee (around $900) and an annual reporting fee (about $2,000) to maintain an SDS tracking system; the city will forward records into the baseline system so Rum River can manage compliance lists and submissions. City staff said the current practice of filing permits without completing state reporting left the city out of compliance, and contractors who pump or service systems typically provide inspection information that will feed the tracking system.
Natalie Johnson said using a vendor would relieve staff from compiling the annual report and allow automatic reminders and data management; she said the consultant would not itself perform pump‑outs — contractors would continue to provide on‑site service and reporting. The council voted to authorize the engagement; staff said residents should expect a modest permit fee increase (for example, from $10 to $20 per reporting cycle) reflecting the consultant and tracking costs.
Councilmembers discussed protecting residents from unnecessary inspections and ensuring reminders are evidence‑based (e.g., based on system size and household usage). The consultant engagement is intended to bring the city into compliance with state reporting requirements and to better identify non‑compliant systems needing further attention.
