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Park staff report early results of Lake George septic inspection program
Summary
Staff reported on a five‑year septic inspection program launched in April 2023: about 600–650 inspections completed, initial pass rates rose from 39% to about 54% over two years, with typical failures including missing baffles, cracked distribution boxes and nonworking alarms; owners fund the program via fees.
Park staff presented data from the Lake George septic inspection program and outlined next steps for property owners found to have substandard or failed systems. Dave Haddon, who led the presentation, said the program began in April 2023 and inspects properties within set distances of tributaries on a five‑year cycle. He told commissioners the inspections require significant coordination with homeowners, pump‑out providers and contractors.
"39% passed their initial inspection," Haddon said, reporting aggregated results and noting that quick repairs raised the pass rate in later follow‑up. He described common problems found during inspections: missing baffles, cracked distribution boxes, high‑level alarms that aren't working, undersized tanks and backup in distribution boxes. Haddon said the program had completed roughly 600–650 inspections over two years and identified around 100 properties that use advanced treatment units (ETUs), which have a separate inspection requirement.
Haddon explained the classification framework: a 'failed' system poses direct contamination or backup risks and generally requires an engineer and replacement within the enforcement window; 'substandard' systems function but are not sized or constructed to current standards; repairs are typically smaller fixes with a shorter remediation timeline. He said initial enforcement letters generally give property owners about 60 days to six months to make repairs; owners with failed systems are instructed to obtain engineering designs and municipal permits and may receive extensions given current contractor and engineer backlogs.
The presentation included maps and seasonal scheduling notes: inspections peak in September–October and continue while the ground is frost‑free. Haddon said the program is funded by property‑owner fees, typically $50 per year for residential accounts (reduced for holding tanks and some commercial categories), and that average pump‑outs observed this year cost roughly $350–$500, not including excavation when exposure is required.
Commissioners asked questions about enforcement timelines, the definition of a bedroom for sizing tanks and coordination with local municipalities for permitting. No formal policy change or vote occurred at the meeting.
