Benton County eyes septic system ordinance

BENTONVILLE -- Benton County planners got their initial look Wednesday of a proposal to regulate on-site wastewater treatment systems.

The Planning Board discussed the issue during its meeting Wednesday. The proposal would require the location and inspection of septic system before any property is transferred or conveyed. The proposal was developed by members of the Land Use Committee that recently revised planning and development regulations.

James Gately and Larry Kelly, members of the committee, said the need to identify and ensure the proper function of septic systems was clear to the committee during the earlier process but members agreed it needed to be addressed separately.

Gately said the goal is "to protect the citizens' health and safety." He said many property owners don't maintain septic systems at all or fail to maintain them properly, causing problems when the wastewater escapes into the porous karst limestone formations that lie under much of Benton County

"We don't know where the water goes sometimes," Gately said. "What happens here can affect somebody miles away."

Gately presented photos showing examples of failed septic systems and information on how leaks can affect water wells and even larger bodies of water. He showed photos of algae blooms in Table Rock Lake and Grand Lake of the Cherokees caused by high levels of phosphorus and spoke of the need to protect Beaver Lake.

Mark Curtis, planning board member, agreed with the proposal, adding he knew of septic systems in the Prairie Creek area. Curtis said his wife did a survey of homeowners for the property owners association that included questions about the septic system.

"Only about five percent of the surveys were returned but of that five percent 80 percent of the homeowners had no idea where their septic tanks were," Curtis said. "This is a major, major problem. All of the homes in the Prairie Creek area drain into Beaver Lake, which provides the water we drink."

John Sudduth, general services administrator, said the ordinance will go to the Quorum Court's Legislative Committee for consideration. Curtis asked the board members to study the proposal and provide any comments they may have to send on to the Quorum Court.

The Planning Board also heard a report on a proposal to adopt the newest state building codes. Sudduth said that will also be sent on to the Quorum Court for its consideration. Sudduth said the state has adopted the new codes and this will bring Benton County into compliance with the state requirements.

"If you build in Arkansas, these are the codes you will have to follow," he said.

NW News on 08/20/2015

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