Ken Waller | Mar 29, 2017


The Sharbot Lake Property Owners’ Association (SLPOA) has been under a mandate from its members for the past 8+ years to push Central Frontenac (CF) Council to establish a form of mandatory septic system re-inspection. SLPOA was very pleased to see Council accept the recommendations of the CF Septic Working Group and agree to implement the program starting in 2017. While the recommendations were not as strong as some had hoped, it was a definite step forward toward ensuring that the quality of our water, both in the lakes and rivers of CF and in the water table, would no longer be affected by faulty septic systems.

It was with shock and dismay and great disappointment that we hear that Councilor Riddell has submitted a “Notice of Motion” requesting Council re-open the question. SLPOA strongly opposes this motion and hopes that you will listen to the voices of your constituents and reject it.

The following points are submitted for your consideration:

The risk to our water systems from faulty septic systems is real. One need only observe the response of the Health Dept. once a problem has been identified, usually by way of a routine test of a water supply, to recognize how seriously they view it. One also need only search the web pages of trusted groups such as the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations (https://foca.on.ca) to become aware of the seriousness of the problem and the need to be pro-active.

Central Frontenac is unaware of the condition (or even existence) of the methods used for human-waste disposal by the vast majority of its residents. There are no up-to-date records indicating if a property has a proper septic system or just a pipe-and-barrel system that ‘great-uncle George installed back in the 50s’, or if a proper system, installed 20 years ago, is still functioning adequately. The plan adopted by Council, will finally allow CF to gather this information, albeit over a 5-10-year period.

All things, including owning a property, come with a cost. Homeowners accept that they have a responsibility to do what is necessary to protect their family and neighbours when something happens that creates a risk. When a roof is damaged, it gets fixed; when a pipe ruptures, it gets repaired; when an oil tank leaks it is promptly replaced (with significant legal pressure). Just because a septic system is buried and out of sight, the need to identify a problem and fix problems with it before it affects the health and well-being of family, neighbours and the general public, is no less significant.

The lack of financial assistance to those who might have difficulty when a problem is found should not impede the implementation of the program necessary to identify that problem. Perhaps the same assistance plan available for those who find the annual assessment of thousands of dollars of taxes a burden, could be used. Driving an unsafe vehicle because you can’t easily afford to replace faulty brakes, is not accepted by the authorities nor by society. The same is true for a leaking fuel-oil tank.

Why should it be different for septic systems?

This program is necessary for the well-being of our lakes, rivers and water supply. Please don’t put them at further risk. Vote against Councilor Riddell’s motion.

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