Franklin septic rules will protect our water supply
By Hunterdon County Democrat
January 29, 2010, 7:09AM
Officials in Franklin Township think that state-mandated rules regulating residential septic tanks are inevitable, and they’re probably right. The Highlands Council already has plans for septic systems in its region— critics call it the “toilet tax” — and it’s likely the state Department of Environmental Protection will eventually require other municipalities to adopt similar protections. It has already issued a model ordinance that provides for periodic inspections and pumping.
Mandated repairs can’t be far behind. In the face of what they think is unavoidable, Franklin Township officials decided to pass some septic rules of their own. They passed an ordinance that asks each property owner to register his septic system and accept recommendations for its maintenance.
It’s all in the interest of protecting the water supply, say advocates of the rules. Most people want to do the right thing, says Rob McGeary, the Franklin Township committeeman who helped draft the ordinance, and his goal is to help educate them about what that includes. That’s why his ordinance specifies there’s no fine for violating the rules.
Officials can always contact county or state health officials if they identify a hazard to the public health, McGeary reasons; he thinks most people will be inclined to cooperate once they understand what’s at stake.
We think Franklin Township is on to something. As a member of its Land Use Board observed, many newcomers don’t even know they have a septic system and of those who do, many don’t understand its implications. Understanding how often a septic should be pumped, what shouldn’t be flushed down a drain and how to protect a septic field are things every homeowner should understand.
Getting people do think about their septic systems, and commit to their care, helps protect water quality now, and may help protect against state-mandated fines later.
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