Proposed Septic System Ordinance Change for Health of Silver Lake

This survey is being conducted by Silver Lake United Voice (SLUV), a grassroots organization with the goal of finding a common-sense way to protect Silver Lake’s environmental health. 

Supporting the health and future of Silver Lake
We all have noticed declining lake water quality. A multi-year study analyzed water samples and revealed a relationship between water quality and the nutrient outputs from existing septic systems in our area.

A proposed sewer system attempted to solve the problem, but the measure failed for a variety of reasons.

WE STILL NEED TO HELP THE LAKE.

SLUV is offering a solution – an enhanced septic system ordinance that requires pumping and inspection every five years. Without such a solution, septic systems will continue leak output into the lake, and Silver Lake will continue to deteriorate. We could lose this treasure, and the local economy and residents will suffer greatly.

Golden Township’s role in the health of the lake
Golden Township is authorized to regulate the septic systems in its boundary. SLUV is bringing a proposal to Golden Township to increase the current septic system oversight and protect the long-term health of the lake.

Before they will accept the proposal, Golden Township wants to know how residents feel about it. As a result, SLUV is conducting the survey below to gather that information.

The current ordinance covering septic systems calls for pumping, inspecting and approving effective operation of a septic in only a few situations, including:

- When a permit to add or replace an existing dwelling is applied for

- When that dwelling is on property within 500 feet of a lake, stream, body of water or wetland

- When a property that has a septic and is near water is sold

- When the owner requests a septic be pumped for maintenance or suspected failure

Unless a septic system falls into one of those categories, it could leak for years without anyone knowing, contaminating Silver Lake and damaging the water quality. 

SLUV’S proposed addendum to the ordinance would ensure that all septic systems are regularly reviewed for proper operation and provides assurance that all property owners are in compliance. These three additions would mean that Silver Lake lasts for generations to come:

1) Every septic system get pumped, inspected and approved for operation every five years, unless that system is further regulated by the state. If repair or replacement is required, the septic must be meet District Health Department guidelines.

2) All properties within 500 feet of a body of water must meet guidelines for this proposed septic Ordinance / OR all septic systems in the Township are subjected to this ordinance. 

3) Enforcement penalties would ensure compliance with the updated ordinance.


Take the survey (one respondent per property, please)