County rethinking centralized sewage treatment
A longtime policy of preferring septic systems over centralized sewage treatment is getting a second look in Dare County.
As part of an update to the land use plan required by the state, the county is considering revisions that would view centralized wastewater treatment as an acceptable alternative to individual septic systems.
While the plan is only a guideline for zoning policies, language more favorable to centralized sewage treatment could have broad implications.
It potentially could lead to higher density development and saddle the county with failing, privately run systems.
At the same time, the abundance of aging septic systems has put water quality at risk, and centralized treatment could be a more environmentally sound alternative if systems are properly operated and maintained.
The new language was presented to the Board of Commissioners on Tuesday by Planning Director Ray Sturza. It grew out of discussions on changes to the land use plan among commissioners and planners.
“This kind of puts all the systems on an equal plane,” Sturza said, adding that it was not intended to specifically encourage central sewer systems.
While the change might be considered a precursor to a countywide central sewage system, no one sees that on the horizon, primarily because of the huge expense it would entail.
But some commissioners were skeptical of the idea that privately built and operated treatment systems were viable alternatives to septic systems, pointing to the problematic Ocean Acres operation in Kill Devil Hills.
Even the county’s own system at Stumpy Point got off to a rocky start with equipment problems. Stumpy Point is the only publicly owned system in unincorporated Dare County, and it was prompted by severe water quality problems that included raw sewage draining into waterways.
One way to protect the county from having to deal with failing private systems, at least partially, Sturza said, would be to require trust funds to pay for any major problems after construction. County Manager Bobby Outten said, however, that such a fund would be finite and could be depleted after one incident. The county could also build in further protections under conditional use permits.
Commissioner Richard Johnson said he was not opposed to the idea of easing the language that now discourages central systems, “I’m just saying be prepared for it.”
Central systems might encourage higher density development because lots could be smaller without septic systems. The preference for septic systems has, in effect, regulated growth throughout the county.
Commissioner Virginia Tillett raised the question of whether higher density development should necessarily be considered a bad thing.
Johnson also warned that the county could inherit problem systems that could no longer be privately maintained. Outten said that Brunswick County had a trust fund requirement but is now in the process of buying up private systems.
Still, aging gravity systems and the abundance of them on the Outer Banks pose risks to water quality. The proposed new language in the land use plan addresses that, saying centralized treatment systems “may be beneficial alternatives in terms of water quality protection.”
Wastewater was one of four changes to the land use plan that were identified for further discussion.
The plan already says beach nourishment is the preferred alternative for shoreline management. A proposed revision adds terminal groins, offshore reefs and “other similar techniques.” It also supports legislation that would allow the structures.
Another revision addresses the county’s opposition to any efforts to prohibit beach driving at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. It says that a National Park Service management plan should recognize the established practice of vehicle and pedestrian access and its implication for the local economy while considering species protection.
Access is now regulated by a court order. The park service’s management plan is due by the end of the year.
A fourth revision calls for a storm-water management study of unincorporated Dare County. Sturza said the extent and location of problems need to be established before a program can be put in place to deal with them. Flooding was a major problem last winter because of the high water table.
The Planning Board will make a recommendation on the revised land use plan, and it will then go before the Board of Commissioners. The Coastal Area Management Act requires a public hearing.
It will probably not go to the Coastal Resources Commission before early next year.
See what people are saying:
Join the discussion:
Loui says:
I agree with the concept of centralized sewer systems and cringe at the thought of all these septic tanks overflowing and poluting our waters. I’ll know many homes that don’t take care of the septic tanks and don’t want to pay just to have them pumped out. What I don’t agree with is the thought of this promoting higher density development. I don’t want high density development. Beach nourishment money should be put towards a central sewer system.
ekim says:
They want a sewage system so thay can keep building!!!!thay wont to go UP UP UP!!!!!!!watch an see
Butch says:
we have lots that are only 50 feet wide with septic tanks
a central system would help stop the bacteria from getting in the wells,the sound and ocean
David Venhuizen says:
Sounds like y’all are a perfect place to consider a “decentralized concept” wastewater management strategy. You’re really focusing on the wrong thing, whether to centralize or not centralize the HARDWARE. All the problems you noted are problems due to management of the hardware, including issues of ownership and type of technology, as well as on-going operations and maintenance. The decentralized concept holds that wastewater is most effectively and efficiently managed by treating it, and beneficially reusing it to the extent feasible, as close to where it is generated as practical. It also entails utilizing what I term “fail-safe” technology — that’s a bit too detailed to try to describe here, but it’s what keeps a number of distributed treatment centers from becoming an untenable O&M problem. Since you are minimizing the transport of wastewater by treating it close to where it is generated, you minimize the investment in pipes that do nothing but move the problem from place to place. The decentralized concept is growth-neutral, as it efficiently manages the wastewater from whatever development occurs, for whatever reason it occurs. This is all very cursory. You can find out much more about the decentralized concept at my web site, http://www.venhuizen-ww.com. Thanks for reading.
bobxnc says:
Funny that David V. would suggest the decentralized model to a county that hosts one of the model programs. There is relatively simple answer to this question and it is to start managing septic tanks at a minimum the way Nags Head does. Promote proper maintenance and operation. Be more agressive in replacing failing systems and even target older existing systems that may fail. It is MUCH cheaper than any size central system and can be done in a manner that promotes personal responsibility rather than big government bailout programs for failed centralized systems.
one vote says:
Ask the citizens of Brunswick Co. how this has worked out for them. Lots of $$ out of pocket and no system in site.
Selena K says:
Just as I thought the moment they brought up easing the height restrictions, and echoing eKim above…here it comes!
The privately-maintained system that treats The Village at Nags Head was working at such poor capacity that it produced a smell that would gag you. Not sure if that has been fixed yet or not.
The Ocean Acres/Bermuda Bay system already has issues, as told to me by a County Health Dept. employee.
So maybe, just MAYBE, the County ought to take control of some of the privately-”maintained” systems just for some oversight. A Charlotte-based company doesn’t give a hoot how bad the smell is behind a small-town fire station or doctor’s office! (although, I cringe writing this because I fear it would let the over-development cat outta the bag, big time!)
But gravity-fed, on-site private residential septic systems for houses DO work IF one is not flushing improperly! Rental Managers ought to make all vacation rental properties have their tanks pumped, which means opened, drained and CHECKED, every season.
The Town of Nags Head has an initiative in place that is a really nice program, IMO.
Lastly, I am dismayed at the quote by Virginia Tillett. Wow.
Ricky T says:
Just what the folks in Dare County need,another bill to pay!
My septic systems works just fine,thank you.
Stan Clough says:
Cost is very important. Just ask someone who lives in Ocean Acres and is “connected”. But, the larger the system it can be more efficient and hopefully cheaper. 50 foot wide lots do just fine with standard conventional septic systems. Pollution in the sounds does not come from septic systems but from animal feces (ducks,dogs, etc). Nags Head does have a good program for septic systems, but Dare County does have the controling authority, and does an excellent job of monitoring the situation county wide.
The only constant in life is change, lets just consider all the changes we make and that happen as life goes on with how our children will have to live with it.
wombat says:
Elizabeth City’s treatment plant just dumped 500,000 gallons of sewage into Knobb’s Creek yesterday. That’s about the fourth major spill I recall them having. There will always, always, always, always be mistakes and accidents with these things. Always.
Shannon says:
Wonder if anyone has ever seen the run off into the ponds in Nags Head Woods that looks like soapy water? I’ve often wondered if it comes from the homes in Ocean Acres and if it’s treated sewage what kind of impact is it having on the preserve.