The most immediate concerns associated with the use of septic systems is along the creek in East Dakota heights.  There, a combination of small lots and aging septic systems make the long term use of septic systems impractical.  Septic system failures in other areas are also a concern, but repair and continued used of on-site systems are a viable option in those areas.  The challenge lies in verifying that all sysems continue to operate properly.

One of the potential solutions suggested in community meetings for handling potential risks due to septic tanks was to connect homes with failing tanks to a sewer line.   Given that the Houghton-Hancock sewer system already serves the area around East Dakota heights, having those homes connect to that sewer system is an attractive possibility. 

One problem is the limited capacity of the sewer system for moving sewage from the west part of Houghton to the wastewater treatment facility in the east part of the city.  A second problem is that Dakota Heights is in Portage Township, and the sewer system is a utility that serves the cities of Houghton and Hancock.  A possible solution is that a new sewer line from Hancock (coming across from Ripley) is scheduled to carry all of Hancock’s wastewater by sometime in 2008.  This change will free up some pump capacity at the bridge lift station, making it possible to pump Dakota Heights sewage from that station.  An arrangement would have to be negotiated with the sewer authority and one or more sewer lines in Dakota Heights would have to be constucted.

Point-of-sale inspections for on-site sewer systems and on-site water supply systems should be considerered by the Western Upper Peninsula District Health Department as a way to ensure that septic systems in the region continue to operate effectively.  The Western Upper Peninsula District Health Department, which oversees the permitting of septic systems, is responsible for a five county region. 

Although any rules put in place by the Health Department would have to be applied to the entire district and are not likely to be created solely for the benefit a particular watershed, the recommendation makes sense for the entire five-county area.    Point-of-sale inspections reduce the number of failing systems in an area  by discovering problems before a property is sold, protecting buyers of properties and encouraging owners to properly maintain their systems.  An added benefit is that it helps make new owners more aware of their system.   Such an ordinance would require the Health Department to hire more certified inspectors.

Developing the Huron Creek Watershed Management Plan