Community Input on Septic System Regulation Updates
<p> Community Input Deadline October 17, 2018 </p>
The deadline to submit comments or feedback on for the OWTS Manual was Wednesday, October 17, 2018.
The County of Sonoma is updating County regulations for septic systems in order to meet state mandated policy that protects water quality and public health. The public shared feedback on the proposed Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) Manual via an online survey and a series of community meetings to share feedback on the proposed Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) Manual.
“We welcome community input as the County revises its septic policies. Policies which could impact many of our rural residents. We are exploring creative solutions and some alternative technologies, along with permitting composting toilets at long last - which might help mitigate the stringent environmental regulations coming from our state regulators.” – Fifth District Supervisor Lynda Hopkins
Community Meetings
The six community meetings were held in September and October 2018.
September 26, 2018: Petaluma
Petaluma Veterans Memorial Building
1094 Petaluma Boulevard South, Petaluma
View Presentation (PDF: 683 kB)
Facebook Live Video
Questions and Answers (PDF)
September 29, 2018: Monte Rio
Monte Rio Community Center
20488 Highway 116, Monte Rio
Facebook Live Video
Questions and Answers (PDF)
October 10, 2018: Healdsburg
Villa Chanticleer Annex
900 Chanticleer Way, Healdsburg
Questions and Answers (PDF)
October 11, 2018: Santa Rosa
Farm Bureau
3589 Westwind Boulevard, Santa Rosa
Questions and Answers (PDF)
October 15, 2018: Sonoma
Sonoma Veterans Memorial Building
126 First Street West, Sonoma
Questions and Answers (PDF)
October 17, 2018: Guerneville
Guerneville Veteran's Building
16255 First Street at Church Street, Guerneville
Questions and Answers (PDF)
These meetings consisted of a presentation on the County’s proposed septic system regulations. There was a question and answer session following the presentation, along with additional opportunities for attendees to share feedback. Members of the public who were not able to attend but would like to provide feedback were encouraged to watch the livestream of the workshop and share ideas through an online survey.
OWTS Online Survey
Read Survey Responses Along with Staff Responses
Public feedback was collected through the online survey below (in English and Spanish). You may view the questions, but we are no longer collecting responses.
More Information
Second District Supervisor David Rabbitt emphasized that the County’s septic regulations “need to balance housing needs and environmental impacts without adding unnecessary regulatory burdens on the residents responsible for maintaining their septic systems.”
Community feedback on these proposed septic system regulations informed the draft Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) Manual, which will be considered by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors in May 2019.
For more information regarding the proposed Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) Manual, including frequently asked questions, please visit www.sonomacounty.ca.gov/Permit/Septic-Policy-Update
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