August Update:  The Septic Committee met on July 2, July 16 and again on July 30.  Our next meeting is on august 20.

Over the course of the last three meetings, we have adopted a theme for the immediate future.  This theme – Educate, Evaluate then Execute – steers the committee in a logical direction to first get a message out to the citizens about what they can expect from the Septic Committee over the next six months to a year.  We want to better understand the condition of the septic’s in the community and then make informed decisions/recommendations as to the next steps.

Education – There is a lot of material available that we intend to share with the public about what a septic is and how it should be cared for and maintained.  What not to do to your system is key to keeping it healthy.  Literature about how a septic system is constructed and how it works is also important – many users around the lake are used to being hooked to a municipal system in the city and unaware of how these on-site systems are different.

Evaluation – We are working closely with the Health Department to get their database updated so we can better understand the condition of septic’s in the Township.  Once the data is input, we can notify residents of the status of their septic system and if necessary, how they can get it inspected and get the HD records updated.

As a part of the evaluation, we have revisited the list of inspectors that were identified in Lyon Township as a part of their initial septic ordinance – now rescinded.  We will be contacting some of the inspectors that are from out of the area to be sure they want to remain on our list and be sure we have current contact information for them.  We have also prepared an inspection checklist that is being reviewed and will be used for Gerrish inspections to update HD records.

Execution – Armed with training and data from the Health Department, we can begin to make some evaluations and possibly some decision about what steps to take next.  We will begin work on a septic ordinance in the next couple of months, but we will need the data piece completed prior to any final ordinance.

We added four new members to the Septic Committee last month because of the open House the Communications Committee hosted.  All current members have a keen interest in the committee and have committed their time and expertise to moving this issue forward.  The robust discussions resulting from a very diverse committee are essential to developing sound solutions and we feel like we are making good solid progress – however, it was noted at the last meeting that it seems the more we learn, the more we realize how much more we don’t know.  It is a process and steady work toward our current theme is showing through.