cesspools (again, still)

[VancouverIslander]

quote:

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Originally posted by Chas

Agreed. My septic system is over 50 years old and still works fine. As long as it's pumped regularly (according to how much it is used).

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And there are cess pits that are over 50 years old and still work fine right here on the Big Island. The real question is are they causing environmental problems. The next question is which ones are causing environmental problems? All of them? Some of them? Just those near the ocean? Just those near wells?

If they are all problems, how much does it cost to upgrade and who is going to pay? If the government only subsidizes via tax credits, how does that help all the poor people (ie: most of the population on cess pits) who pay minimal or no income tax?

Me ka ha`aha`a,
Mike

[Tink]

No matter what the feelings are about cesspools vs. septic, it is a Federal mandate due to the Clean Water Act, which went to voting status and won by the majority of the public. The State Health Department has no choice but to enforce what was voted on.
It is unfortunate that the unpermitted cesspools will still be there and the burden of the cost passed onto the homeowner, and be glad if you are far enough up mauka that you do not need an engineered pressure dose system, which is a septic/holding tank with pump, sand filter, and leach field. The pump is on a timer, and disperses "treated" sewage in a specified amount to the leach field for absorption into the earth.

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