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Board discusses septic registration and inspection program; fee remains $60 every three years
Summary
Board members raised public concerns about a $60 septic registration/inspection fee charged every three years; staff said the program began in the early 1990s, older systems were grandfathered, and the department reported roughly "over 2,000" properties in the three‑year program.
A board member raised public concern about the township's septic registration fee at the July 10 Board of Health meeting and asked staff for background on how the fee is set and who must participate.
The chair said the registration/inspection fee is $60 and is charged every three years as part of the township’s septic management program. "So, if you once you get a permit for your septic, it will register you as having a septic, and every 3 years, you have to get it inspected, and you have to pay this fee of $60," the chair said.
Staff described the program's history: it began in the early 1990s and originally applied to new septic systems; older systems were grandfathered and are only required to join the program if they undergo repair or replacement. Board members said there has been intermittent discussion about expanding the program beyond post‑installation or sale triggers.
On inspection volume and counts, the health department staff said monthly reports include data and summarized annual numbers in the agency's annual report. The staff stated the township has "roughly over 2,000 in the 3 year program," and said the number of annual renewals involving pump/inspection companies is on the order of "2 to 300." The staff also noted the average lifespan of a septic system is about 25 years, depending on maintenance.
Staff invited members of the public to review the program and said the department will follow up with additional data from monthly and annual reports to provide clearer counts on inspections and reclassification of pre‑1990 systems.
