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Environmental health director proposes GPS mapping purchase to modernize septic records
Summary
Environmental Health Director Elizabeth Townsend proposed buying a Traverse PC GPS platform and equipment (about $1,000/year subscription; ~$3,000 basic equipment) to create accurate GIS maps of septic systems and streamline permitting and inspections.
Elizabeth Townsend, the countys Environmental Health Director, told the board that recent changes to Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 69 and routine inspection needs make improved septic mapping a priority.
Townsend said the county has used an older mapping device for years and described a proposed purchase of a Traverse PC platform with GPS equipment. "So Traverse PC is going around for a long time... it's like 1000 dollars a year," she said, and added the basic equipment the county would purchase would cost in the range of "$2,000 to, like, $5,000," with a likely choice of a roughly $3,000 unit. She said the maps would be suitable for a beacon layer in the county GIS and would help contractors, homeowners and zoning administration with setback measurements and permit reviews.
Townsend said staff will provide additional information on vendors and on other counties that use the system before making any purchase. The board asked for samples and additional documentation to review; Townsend said she would send examples and reach out to other counties.
