Arcola council considers private septic systems as temporary option while sewer is at capacity

Facing a shortage of available sewer taps while the wastewater expansion proceeds, Arcola City Attorney David Olson and staff asked the council on Aug. 12 whether it should develop a temporary regulatory pathway to permit private on-site sewage facilities (OSSF) for property owners seeking to build.

"We don't have an option. I mean, we're at capacity right now," Olson said, explaining council would have to consider heavily regulated OSSF systems as an interim measure. Staff and consultants emphasized those systems are governed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and require a certified design, setbacks and ongoing maintenance contracts. Consultant remarks provided estimated installation ranges: "between, maybe 13 and $26,000," depending on soil, pump needs and setbacks, and noted TCEQ typically requires a minimum lot size (0.5 acre if public water is available; different standards for older plats).

Council members discussed conditions the city could attach, such as requiring a recorded maintenance agreement, periodic inspections, and criteria for when a private system must be decommissioned after municipal connections become available. City staff said TCEQ rules will govern technical design and inspections, and any city ordinance would need to align with those state requirements.

Mayor Vida B. Williams said the proposal was intended as a temporary and pragmatic band-aid for property owners who want to start construction while the city completes sewer expansion. Council asked staff to return with draft rental/regulatory language and cost/eligibility information for homes and small commercial projects, and to include decommissioning and title-recording requirements.