In an effort to preserve lakes most in danger of failing, the Becker County Board on Tuesday passed a measure requiring septic inspections for systems more than 10 years old.
It's going to be painful for lakeshore property owners whose septic systems work fine -- they'll have to pay for a private inspection (estimated to cost $100 to $200) same as those whose systems fail -- but the county can't wait any longer to take action.
The lakes to be targeted are those that have been monitored for transparency, chlorophyll-a and total phosphorus and score over 50 on the trophic index.
"Fifty is the (trophic) number where lakes turn, and it's hard to bring them back after that," said County Zoning Administrator Patty Johnson.
There are all too many lakes in Becker County with high trophic numbers.
ADVERTISEMENT
Tulaby is at 52; Sallie is at 52; Middle Cormorant is at 51; Little Cormorant is at 51; Ida is at 50; Howe is at 50; Buffalo is at 50; Brandy is at 62 and Abbey is at 65.
Others include St. Clair at 65; Mud (N. Floyd) at 51; Leif at 56; and Larson at 54.
There are also plenty of lakes in the high 40s, including Upper Cormorant at 49; Muskrat at 49, Melissa at 47, Little Floyd at 47, Cotton at 47 and Straight and Two Inlets, both at 47.
The septic compliance program will be done in stages so as not to overwhelm local septic system contractors, who will largely serve as the inspectors.
Letters will be sent to property owners outlining the requirements, and the county planning and zoning department will provide a list of professionals certified to do septic inspections.
Those who have individual sewage treatment systems on the first riparian tier -- within 267 feet of a qualifying lake -- will be affected by this initial phase of the program, which is expected to start this year.
If watershed officials have concerns about certain beaches or other areas, they can ask the county to include those areas in the program as well.
After a lake is selected for the program, planning and zoning staff will conduct an inventory for valid certificates of compliance within the last five years. Those whose septic systems are more than 10 years old will have 10 months after being notified to get an inspection and submit a valid certificate of compliance.
ADVERTISEMENT
After 10 months, the planning and zoning department will complete a list of nonconforming systems to be upgraded the following construction season. Some financial help may be available to property owners.
The cost may be a bitter pill to swallow, but in the end the upgrades will pay off for lakeshore property owners.
After all, as County Board Chairman Barry Nelson pointed out before the board acted to unanimously approve the program Tuesday -- water clarity is directly related to lakeshore property values.
Cleaning up the water will pay off in more ways than one.
