Update on our POWTS Inspection Program

Five years ago the Linn Sanitary District initiated a District –wide Private On-Site Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS) inspection program. The findings of that program have shed some new light on the future of sanitary wastewater management in the District.

SOUTH SHORE

The Linn Sanitary District has been working with the Fontana Walworth Water Pollution Control Commission (FWWPCC) to secure some capacity in the Commission’s Sewage Treatment Plant. The FWWPCC has initiated planning for plant expansion. The Linn Sanitary District has submitted some population and loading projections for some District areas for inclusion in FWWPCC’s Facilities Planning Report.

These areas include some older subdivisions with small lots and poor soils. Homes in many of these areas are experiencing more use. Our POWTS inspection program also found that many systems in these areas are old and need repair or replacement. small lot size in many of these areas limit on-site alternatives.

Discussion has taken place on refining the FWWPCC’s sewer service area to include additional areas that are in the Linn Sanitary District. The Linn Sanitary District will also be updating its Facilities Planning report to reflect these changes.

NORTH SHORE

The District has had discussions with the Geneva National Sanitary District and the Walworth County Metropolitan Sanitary District for inclusion in some of their plant and collection system upgrades. As on the south shore, our inspection program found many older systems that need repairs or replacement, are located on small lots with poor soils and have few alternatives. Most of the north shore areas being looked at are already included in the present sewer service areas.

Inclusion in the sewer service or facilities planning area does not necessarily mean that sewers are the next step. The facilities planning process on both the north and south shores will look at the social, physical, environmental and economic cost of alternatives. This information will be used in making the decision for future sanitary waste management.

MAINTENANCE

Repairs and upgrades are being encouraged District-wide where needed. The first list of District parcels has been sent to the Walworth County Sanitation Department for inclusion in their maintenance program. This program, mandated by the State and implemented at the County level, requires the pumping and reporting every three years of the system’s general condition. Many residents have recently received the “orange card” with more information about the project. If you have any questions about this maintenance program feel free to contact the District or the County.

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