Thursday, March 28, 2024

Commissioners vote 3-2 in bid to shift septic maintenance to homeowners

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This week the Hood County Commissioners Court, in a 3-2 vote, took the first step to possibly allow homeowners to maintain their own septic systems rather than contracting with a service provider.

For some, that possibility has stoked fears of possible contamination of Lake Granbury and the state no longer allowing it to be a recreational lake.

However, Precinct 2 Commissioner Nannette Samuelson, who sponsored the agenda item along with Precinct 1 Commissioner Kevin Andrews, emphasized that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will review the proposal. Even if the state agency gives approval, the county will hold a public hearing before amending its rules, she said.

Samuelson also stated that no rules would be loosened as part of the amendment to county regulations. The only change would be as it pertains to who does the septic work.

The discussion, which lasted just under 50 minutes, included comments, both pro and con, from several audience members. Among those who addressed the court was Steve Biggers, who has sponsored septic system maintenance classes and publicly advocated for properly trained homeowners to be allowed to do their own septic maintenance.

Last year, Biggers lost a case in district court brought against him by the county for not maintaining the on-site sewage disposal system at his home in accordance with county regulations. Those regulations were approved by TCEQ.

County Environmental Health Director Jeannie Stacks also addressed the court. She detailed that in 2008 Lake Granbury did not meet the state’s water quality standards and that measures were put in place to correct problems. She said that last year the Brazos River Authority published a report indicating cause for concern around the Highway 51 bridge.

Samuelson noted that the negative change occurred despite the county’s mandate for septic system maintenance contracts.

Stacks acknowledged this to be true but said that the contracts “are there to assist the county in finding issues.”

Andrews said there is work involved when homeowners maintain their own septic systems, and he indicated a belief that those who choose that option will handle their responsibility competently.

“The vast majority of people are not going to live in their own sewage,” he said.

Precinct 4 Commissioner Dave Eagle recited Texas Health and Safety Code 366.0515 (g) which states, “The owner of a single-family residence shall maintain the system directly or through a maintenance contract.”

“In my opinion, we just need to go back to state rules and saying that people will have enough sense to take care of their own aerobic system or their own septic system,” he said.

County Judge Ron Massingill disagreed. He noted that Lake Granbury went from being “impaired” to not impaired once stricter regulations were put in place.

“I don’t think we should take a chance,” he said.

Samuelson made a motion to send the proposed amendment to the TCEQ. Andrews seconded the motion, and it passed with a favorable vote from Eagle.

Massingill and Precinct 3 Commissioner Jack Wilson voted nay.