Council Votes On Septic Plan

This article appeared in the News Guard reporting on the March 8th City Council meeting.  As the article reports it is our understanding that the City Attorney must still draft the ordinance and that the DLWID will hold at least one public meeting on the matter once a draft ordinance is made available for review.

By Patrick Alexander

The News Guard
3/10/2010 5:00:00 AM

A septic system inspection program with water shut-off as the ultimate penalty for non-compliance is set to become law after Lincoln City Council approved the approach at its March 8 meeting.

Details of the program will be decided later this year through a process that will include public hearings but both Council and the Devils Lake Water Improvement District (DLWID) board of directors have agreed on the main points:

• The program will require all 632 properties with septic systems within the Devils Lake watershed to have an inspection every 10 years.
• Properties whose systems are seen as being most at risk of failure, due to age or the type of tank used, will be top priorities for inspection.
• The City will contract with a private operator to do the inspections, with individual property owners footing the bill.
• Septic tanks will be pumped only if the inspector deems it beneficial to the system.

No Solarbees Goes Mobile 2

We have recently added the capability of authoring a post on the go. With new software for an Android mobile phone we can update you on the fly. This is a great improvement over the previous mobile posting technique. The image in the post was taken on Loop Drive of a Advanced Treatment System. This ATS was installed in Neotsu last week to replace an undersized septic associated with a remodel.

March DLWID Board Meeting Report

The Devils Lake Water Improvement District held its March board meeting in their offices on Thursday, March 4, 2010.  The meeting was attended by approximately 30 interested parties.

Hot Topics

Septic Tanks – The board was updated on the status of the program and the results of the most recent meeting with City officials.  Following their discussion the board passed a resolution reiterating its support of the creation of a septic program, and requested public involvement in the process. (see related article)

Lake Level – The board heard comments and discussed staff’s suggestion that the dam installation be delayed until June 1^st to better accommodate fish migration.  After much discussion, the board passed a resolution to install the dam on the customary date of April 15^th but leave the center 8’ section open until June 1^st.  The center section will be replaced if lack of rainfall prevents the lake from rising to at least a 9’3” height. Normal operational height of the lake will remain at 9’6” as it was all last summer.

DLWID and City Compromise on Septics

On Monday March 1^st, DLWID and Lincoln City met to discuss differences between the district’s and the City’s ideas related to a septic inspection program.  The group created a draft of compromises and the outcome was reported to be very productive.

In attendance were: Mayor Lori Hollingsworth, DLWID Chair Brian Green, City Councilor Chester Noreikis, City Councilor Gary Ellingson, City Manager David Hawker, Lake Manager Paul Robertson, DLWID Intern Seth Lenaerts.

The tone of the meeting was said to be very positive with all parties looking to move forward on this issue and to create a meaningful ordinance to assure that septic systems within the Devils Lake watershed are functioning to design.

Attend the March DLWID Board Meeting

The Devils Lake Water Improvement District Board meeting will be held in its offices above Radio Shack Thursday March 4th at 6:00pm. The best way to stay informed is for all lake front homeowners and interested parties to attend these important meetings.  There are some very important issues before the board this meeting.


Please be sure to review the entire Meeting Agenda and Managers Report. If you should have concerns the board is interested in hearing them, either attend the meeting or email your thoughts to lake.manager@dlwid.org and board@dlwid.org.

Meeting Highlights




1. Tetra Tech Native Planting Guide Presentation

Teleconference by a member of the Tetra Tech team summarizing the District planting guide.

2. Annual Audit Report

A member of Grimstad and Associates will present on the economic state of the District.

3. Open Space

Ron Ploger, Director of Lincoln City Parks and Recreation will provide a grant match opportunity to help acquire a parcel near Devils Lake.

4. Lake Level

Discussion on D River Dam operation and installation for summer 2010, including changing the contractor and delaying the date of installation until June 1st.

5.  Septic Tank Revitalization

The board will discuss the progress on a possible septic ordinance affecting properties in the District.

6.  Goal Setting Review

The board will prioritize the list of 2010 District goals that were created at the January 9, goal setting workshop.

Please follow the links below to access the latest agenda,  staff reports and meeting minutes:

Agenda 2010-03-04
Agenda and Staff Report 2010-03-04
Goal Prioritization 2010-01-09
Goal Prioritization Workshop Minutes 2010-01-09
Meeting Minutes 2010-02-04

City Seeks Continuance of Septic Discussion

Lincoln City Manager David Hawker will request a continuance of the scheduled discussion on the planned septic ordinance until the March 8th Council meeting, stating a planned meeting between City officials and DLWID could not be scheduled until March 1st.

In his February 8th Memo to City Council Mr. Hawker suggests “that many opponents are not well informed, or pick and choose bits of information they believe will help their case.”  He further states that opponents main objections are;

A. That there is no evidence showing that septic systems pollute the lake, or have little impact.

B. That septic tanks don’t need inspection or pumping.

Let’s clear up a few of these misconceptions.

1.   Opponents are not opponents but rather affected parties who wish to be included in the process that creates this ordinance. Indeed, this group supports the responsible operation of county approved septic systems and share a similar goal of a clean and clear Devils Lake.

City Council Seeking Septic Solution

News Times, Newport OR
Friday, Feb 12th, 2010
BY: Terry Dillman

Lincoln City Council members worked toward resolving differences of opinion that arose over recommendations by City Manager David Hawker for establishing an inspection program designed to reduce pollution stemming from failed or failing septic systems around Devils Lake.

Monday night’s session continued a discussion begun during the Jan. 11 council meeting, where Hawker asked the council to consider an ordinance requiring all lakefront property owners to have their septic systems inspected or face having the city shut off their water. The request hit a snag with the Devils Lake Water Improvement District (DLWID) Board of Directors, who passed a resolution in January backing the ordinance idea, but only if city officials dropped the water shut-off provision.

February DLWID Board Meeting Report

The February DLWID meeting occurred Monday February 8, 2010.  It was a 4 1/2 hour marathon.   About 20 people attended the meeting.

Lincoln County Sanitarian and his entire crew (2 people) attended the meeting and gave a very informative presentation.  He did indicate that there was a limited impact we could have on the quality of the lake water.  He did not think we would find many failing systems. He further said that even the best systems are going to spill nutrients into the lake because of the water table, rainfall and proximity to the lake.  He said the rainfall alone places many nutrients in the lake.

More Meetings

DLWID February Board Meeting



The Devils Lake Water Improvement District Board meeting will be held in its offices above Radio Shack Thursday February 4th at 6:00pm. The best way to stay informed is for all lake front homeowners and interested parties to attend these important meetings.

The agenda will not be posted until about a week prior to the meeting, check the Meetings Page on the DLWID website.   There most certainly will be a discussion on recent activities related to the Septic Tank Revitalization Program.  The Lincoln City Manager has asked the DLWID Board for a resolution in support of the program inclusive of the water shut off provision.

Follow this link to download last months Meeting Agenda and Manager’s Report.

Lincoln City Council Meeting

The next Lincoln City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday February 8, 2010 at 7:00pm.  The Council meetings are held on the 3rd floor of City Hall located at 801 SW Hwy 101.  The agenda will not be posted until about a week prior to the meeting, check the Lincoln City website.   The Septic Tank Revitalization Program will most certainly will be a discussed as the Lincoln City Manager is committed to obtain a resolution from the DLWID Board in support of the program inclusive of the water shut off provision.  See letter sent January 12, 2009. According to the letter, it is expected that the City Council will make a decision as to the fate of the program at this meeting.

Please note that I will be traveling out of the country during both of these meetings and will not be able to attend.  If you attend either meeting, I would greatly appreciate a short report emailed to nosolarbees@gmail.com so I may report to all what occurred at each meeting.

Straight Talk

The septic revitalization program has brought many issues to light.  Many opinions have been expressed on this and related topics.  We have been accused of spreading misconceptions; this is not our goal and when possible we try to set the record straight.  There is a vibrant discussion occurring between residents all around the lake.  Some statements that have been made may warrant further investigation.  Clearly, it is important that the most accurate information will be used to solve the issue.

We are trying a new segment on this website entitled “Straight Talk” which represents our best effort to clear up statements we may have made or those made by others that could result in misunderstandings.  These articles are genuine attempts to get the facts correct by thoroughly researching the issue.  Despite our best efforts, there still is a potential that additional information exists that could further clarify an issue. We remind the reader that this is a two way medium and encourage you to comment or email any additional information or corrections that may be required create a more accurate view of the topic.