The City Council has adopted new regulations intended to ensure that non-compliant septic systems are repaired or replaced in a timely manner.  As a result of Orono’s ongoing inspection program, many individual sewage treatment systems (ISTS) in Orono have been deemed to be non-compliant and in need of replacement.  In the defined Shoreland areas surrounding lakes and streams, owners of non-compliant ISTS have a December 31, 2007 deadline to bring their systems into compliance (December 31, 2010 for non-Shoreland areas). 

The Council recognized that many homeowners who were notified of these deadlines as much as 7-8 years ago have not taken the necessary steps to upgrade their ISTS.  Under the new ordinance, after the defined deadline date all non-compliant systems must be brought into compliance whenever a building permit is required for any improvements to a home or property (home maintenance such as re-siding, re-roofing, furnace or water heater replacement or window replacement is exempt).     

In addition, formal compliance inspections in accordance with Minnesota Rules Chapter 7080 will now be required any time a home is sold, and ISTS found to be non-compliant will have to be upgraded at the time of sale.  

A copy of the complete ordinance is available from the Orono Building Department at (952) 249-4600.  If you have a non-compliant ISTS in the Shoreland, watch your mail for more detailed information on system compliance requirements. ISTS program manager Willie Gibbs stands ready to help you through the process of bringing your ISTS into compliance.