Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Septic Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Public commenters urge septic maintenance and targeted on-site upgrades as lower-cost alternative to full sewer conversion
Summary
Residents and commenters told the Los Alamos CSD that stricter septic maintenance, inspections and advanced on-site systems for high-risk parcels could address nitrate pollution more cheaply than a centralized sewer pipeline and urged the board to press the county on regulatory options.
Several public commenters told the Los Alamos Community Services District on April 8 that the board should explore regulatory approaches and targeted on-site upgrades rather than immediately pursuing a costly centralized sewer conversion.
"If the fundamental premise is that septic tanks are the primary source of our groundwater contamination, it raises a significant question regarding the district's pursuit of, regulatory remedies," said a commenter who identified herself as Sydney during public comment, urging the board to ask the county to mandate regular inspections and maintenance. Commenters said more targeted enforcement and required advanced on-site treatment on higher-risk parcels might deliver groundwater protection at a fraction of the cost of full-scale sewer conversion and avoid potential development or water-export pressures.
