Community Assessment Report - Onsite Sewage Treatment ...

3.2.2 Private ISTS ProgramIn a private ISTS scenario, operation and management of ISTS would fall on the shoulders ofindividual system owners. Individual property owners would be responsible for the installation,management, and operation and maintenance of their ISTS. Upgrade and operation andmaintenance costs would be paid by the ISTS owner to the appropriate party with no Townshipinvolvement. Management decisions regarding ISTS in this scenario are made by the propertyowner, not the community. A county-issued ISTS permit would be required for each ISTS.Typical life expectancy for a properly installed and maintained ISTS is 20-30 years, but varies bysystem depending on use patterns, construction, materials, and maintenance. Costs estimated inSection 4.0 for Alternative 1 assume a private ownership structure. If funding for systemreplacement is obtained from the Board of Soil and Water Resources (BWSR); the funding cango directly to homeowners in the form of grant and does not require central ownership of theISTS. County funding may be available for these systems as well (according to UMN OSTPstaff).A disadvantage of private ISTS ownership may include management by individuals rather thanthe community, which can lead to poor decision making and potential environmental concernssuch as those already being experienced in the Community of Rolling Shores.3.2.3 ISTS UpgradesAll properties are estimated to be in non-compliance. This accounts for some type of imminentSSTS upgrade at 14 evaluated properties. ISTS type needed at upgrade is significant as itdirectly influences the capital costs for the upgrade as well as long term operation andmaintenance costs.Appendix B shows each property’s most likely future ISTS option. The type of future ISTSvaries based on the lot size, soils at the site, and current land use. Soil was evaluated andT:\2797-01 Chisago County\CAR\ROLLINGS SHORES CAR 090712.docx3-3