Community Assessment Report - Onsite Sewage Treatment ...

3.2 INDIVIDUAL SEWAGE TREATMENT SYSTEMS (ALTERNATIVE 1)There are two possible management/ownership options for utilizing ISTS for treatment ofwastewater: community management/ownership and private management/ownership.3.2.1 Community Managed ISTS ProgramA Community Managed ISTS Program utilizing the best available onsite technologies andmanagement can be effective in protecting public health and the environment. The Townshipwould be the financial and operational vehicle to assist property owners with ISTS upgrades. TheTownship would oversee management of the systems through either employees or sub-contractsfor financial and operational services.In this scenario, once property owners upgrade their ISTS to a compliant status, all propertyowners would pay annual sewer treatment fees for ongoing operation, maintenance, pumping,and a repair reserve fund for their ISTS. The amount each pays may be proportional to therequired annual maintenance expense incurred and/or requirements of the lender. All systemtypes would require some level of annual maintenance expense; however, fees may vary basedon the system type.There are a few noted advantages to a community managed ISTS program. Individual propertyowners have fewer worries about management, as the community oversees maintenance, such astank pumping. The community has the assurance that all systems are being properly managed.Finally, because the ISTS are owned and operated by a public entity, public funding isaccessible.Disadvantages to a community managed ISTS program may include coordination and executionof property access agreements and easements for required system maintenance.T:\2797-01 Chisago County\CAR\ROLLINGS SHORES CAR 090712.docx3-2