MILC Session 21 Septic Systems and Sewers

Larry Stephens, Michigan Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association and Stephens Consulting Services; Mike Stephens, Wastewater Product Manager, Milan Engineered Systems/Milan Supply/Valley Farms Supply; and Joel Kwiatkowski, Bay County Health Department

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) estimates that more than 10% of the state’s 1.3 million septic systems are in some state of malfunction or disrepair. But, onsite treatment systems continue to be a solution for Michigan’s wastewater infrastructure, and thousands of individuals living on or near inland lakes depend on conventional or advanced onsite systems to treat wastewater. Unfortunately, conventional onsite systems were not designed to remove nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater, particularly in sensitive inland lake shoreline areas. These systems must rely on suitable soil or advanced treatment means to accomplish this. Unfortunately, a lack of suitable soil type and/or shallow water table conditions can result in negative water quality impacts to human and a lake ecosystem health. While at one time, conventional onsite systems around lakes were seen as temporary solutions for wastewater treatment, they have often become permanent solutions. In addition, Michigan lakes are very unique, and often require out-of-the-box wastewater solutions coupled with unique funding solutions involving diverse partnerships. Compounding the issue of wastewater management around lakes is the huge cost associated with transitioning to either an onsite solution that can take into account the complex site conditions of each lot or connecting to a nearby sewer. This makes many ideal and lake-friendly solutions out of reach for many communities.

This session will begin with a brief overview of the risks conventional septic systems pose to inland lake water quality and human health. An overview of various wastewater collection systems (both on-lot and off-lot systems) will then be discussed, including strengths and weaknesses of each. Several diverse on-the-ground wastewater projects involving unique wastewater solutions and innovative funding mechanisms either currently serving riparians or are proposed on various lakes across Michigan will then be presented. The session will close out with time for questions.

Learn more about Michigan Inland Lakes Convention presentations here.