Just received word that if you live on a new installed line running from one location to the city plant (with in 300 feet of it), you cannot be forced to hook up to it if you have a functioning septic system for ten years. And if still working at that time, it can be extended five years (twice).
I don’t know if this includes the owners in the towns where these systems is going into.
When it was being discussed that Petroleum and Reiffsburg would get the system, all those who are within the 300 foot distance of the line going to Bluffton, they would have to hook onto it. There is some who would not have to, but it would be very few.
The following came to me from our State Representative.
“We passed a bill the last day of session that has in that if you have a functioning septic system you have 10 years before you would be forced to hook up to any sewer system. If after 10 years your system is still functioning you are granted five additional years and then after that five years, five more and (at) that point would be required to hook up to a system within 300 feet of you.
“So basically if your system functions properly you can operate for the next 20 years. If it at anytime fails you could not replace the system but would be required to hook up to the sewer district. If you have questions on that give me a call.
— Rep. Matt Lehman”
This should be a load off of the people who are being effected by this setup.
Gene Biberstein
Bluffton
