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Resident urges board to collect septic inspection data amid nitrate concerns
Summary
At the Nov. 12 Los Olivos CSD meeting, a resident cited county EHS data showing limited septic replacements and inspections over the past decade and urged the board to gather records to address elevated nitrate levels in local groundwater.
Michelle DuBour, a resident who addressed the board during the public‑comment period, urged the district to obtain county inspection and pumping records and said those records show few replacements and limited pumping in recent years. "The septic tank industry maintenance standard recommends pumping septic tanks every 3 to 5 years, more often at special problem areas with a high water table," she said, adding she has EHS data going back 10 years.
DuBour told the board the county EHS records she reviewed show 31 septic tank replacements in Los Olivos over the past decade and a total of 235 septic tank pumpings and inspections in the area during that period. She suggested those limited numbers are relevant to ongoing elevated nitrate readings in the downtown groundwater and asked whether the board had sought county data while enforcing inspection requirements.
A neighbor offered to help locate septic tank inlets for residents who cannot find their tanks, saying the service could be offered at minimal cost to help get more properties inspected. Board members thanked the commenters and agreed follow‑up was warranted; no formal board action was taken during the public‑comment period.
