Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Water Supply topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners remand Mill Creek plat amendment on water and septic questions to planning
Summary
The board declined to act on a Mill Creek proposal to replace central water with individual wells and remanded the matter to planning and zoning after hearing DEQ input, groundwater and septic-density concerns, and legal advice.
Jefferson County commissioners declined to accept or deny a request to amend the Mill Creek plat to change from a central water system to individual wells. After an extended discussion that included DEQ correspondence and engineering input, the board remanded the matter back to planning and zoning for further review.
Staff explained that the developers submitted an updated NP (nitrate/phosphorus?) study and sought DEQ recommendation for individual wells and individual septic systems. Planning and legal staff raised concerns about septic density on 0.6-acre lots, mapping of wells/septics, and future connections to municipal systems; one commissioner said the change would be a "major change" and suggested routing the request through the plan-amendment process and a PNC hearing.
Legal counsel for the developer said the developer has options including purchasing groundwater rights in the future through an environmental water-rights option. Commissioners emphasized the need for more detailed review—particularly on DEQ, Department of Water Resources, and road/access issues—and remanded the amendment so planning staff and county counsel can determine whether the item must return to planning and zoning before further action.
