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The two housing developments totalling 128 lots are scheduled to convert to the sewer system by 2014 to help correct pollution in the groundwater, Woodland Creek and Henderson Inlet.
Only six lots in Woodland Creek Estates are vacant and no building lots are empty in the adjoining Covington Place subdivision, noted Thurston County planner Roger Giebelhaus.
Once the sewer project is completed, all of the on-site systems must be abandoned, according to the directive from the health board, which is also the board of county commissioners.
In the meantime, if a homeowner experiences a failing septic system that poses a public health threat, county health officials would work with the homeowner to correct the problem to allow continued occupancy of the property, the resolution approved Tuesday said.
“It’s a precautionary measure so we can work with property owners with failing septic systems,” county environmental health director Art Starry said.
Giebelhaus said construction on the main sewer lines for the two subdivisions is scheduled to begin late this year. The sewer system is a hybrid variety that includes transporting liquid waste to a LOTT Clean Water Alliance treatment plant and storing solids in underground tanks installed and periodically pumped clean at each home.
The $5.9 million project is funded with state grants, loans and about $6,600 in individual homeowner costs. The county, City of Lacey and LOTT are also working on an interlocal agreement to keep sewer connection costs down by charging homeowners after the hookup is completed, and at 2010 rates.
Studies in 2006 showed that aging and failing septic systems in the two subdivisions are partly to blame for high nitrate levels in the groundwater and bacterial contamination in Woodland Creek and Henderson Inlet.
John Dodge: 360-754-5444 jdodge@theolympian.com
