GEORGETOWN, Del. - The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has proposed a plan to force all Sussex County residents with private septic tanks to update their systems.
The plan is to help keep the bay clean. People who live within a quarter mile of the coast near the bays, rivers and tributaries could be subject to the change.
The proposal would force residents to:
- Have a nitrogen removing system
- Have a service contract for the life of the system
- Have septic systems inspected every six months at the property owner's expense
- Submit a written report once a year prepared by a qualified professional
Dave Acher from Harbeson said of the proposal, "That's ridiculous. Having to pay $300 to $600 every six months to have them inspect it and if it's not working right we have to pay to update it and stuff like that. That's thievery."
The proposal is currently in the public comment phase. If you would like to submit your comment you can do so by Dec. 15 by emailing John.Hayes@state.de.us or by mailing Jack Hayes, DNREC - Division of Water Groundwater Discharges Section, 89 King's Highway, Dover, DE 19901.
