By Sandra J. Mangelson
Times-News Correspondent
J.D. McDonald, of the State Water
Quality Board, met with the Town Council to discuss Levan's
waste water planning. About 18 months ago Levan received a
grant in the form of a planning advance to study the waste
water needs of Levan. Potential projects for Levan were
looked at with the premise that septic tanks had to go. The
study was based on providing Levan with a sewer system,
without really going into an analysis of any other type of
system that would provide waste water disposal. McDonald
stated, "Since that time, the EPA has changed their mind and
maybe septic tanks are not so bad. Yes, there are some
problems and the engineer went through and identified the
problems." There were enough problems to justify a
collection system. A gravity collection system was laid out
and a location for lagoons was identified. The cost estimate
for such a system for Levan would be $5 million.
This type of system can be built
if there are recurring septic tank problems. There are no
problems or hazards to the citizens at this time with the
septic system in Levan. McDonald said, "There is no reason
to force a sewer system on you. It is up to Levan to decide
your future and what you will do."
It was suggested if Levan opts to
stay with the continued use of septic systems, they use some
type of management. Three types of management were
mentioned: 1. A permit is issued and the homeowner maintains
the septic system (this is the current management system
used by the Town of Levan) 2. A permit is issued and the
Town inspects the septic systems periodically. 3. A septic
system is owned, maintained and inspected by the
Town.
Mayor Robinson summarized by
stating,"We need to write a letter to the Water Quality
Board saying at this point in time there is not a
preponderance of support for installing a centralized waste
water collection system in the Town of Levan. It has been
determined there is not a necessarily a need for such a
system. Based on the estimated cost of putting a system in,
the cost would exceed the residential value we would like
and the grant monies from the State exceed the amount the
State would like to grant at this time." McDonald added, "If
you are willing and come in with a strong case, we will
entertain it." Robinson continued, "we would ask that the
monies granted to the Town for this study be basically be
placed in a hold pattern until such time the Town does
something with a sewer system. at which time those monies
would be a part of that project."
McDonald stated that with the
growth rate of Levan right now, it would probably be ten
years in the future. With proper maintenance, septic systems
will last beyond that time.
Mayor Robinson said he would like
to pursue educational materials on how we can maintain our
septic systems and grant money to assist citizens to install
septic tanks and drain fields who now currently have cess
pools only.
Other business:
•Two building permits issued
to Dallas Aagard, for a shed and dormer windows on existing
home.
•A question was asked if the
Irrigation Company was going to cover the ditches running
through the Town. Ralph Wilson understood that if the route
of the pipeline went through the park, the Irrigation
Company would cover the ditches. Since the pipeline is not
going through the park, who is going to cover the ditches?
Mayor Robinson said no decision had been reached.
•Craig Worwood said he had
applied for a grant from the SRU to upgrade all of our
drinking water lines. Levan scored 28 points, so no grant
money will be given to Levan.
•The trees in the cemetery
will be moved around and a 20-foot pine tree will be moved
from Enid Worwoods property to the cemetery.
•Bids will be accepted for
use of the pasture ground south of the cemetery.
•The permit for a pipeline
out of Cobble Creek was paid to the U.S. Forest Service for
$225.
•Rod Wankier will get the
Young Men from both LDS Wards and move the swing set at the
park and install it in a new site.
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