Health department updates board on sewer district progress and waiver rules

Faith Green of the Marshall County health department told the Unsafe Building Board that the local sewer district is moving forward and that health department staff look forward to working with the district and affected homeowners to rectify system issues.

Green reiterated that Indiana does not permit grandfathering for onsite sewage systems; she said homeowners with newer systems may obtain an initial 10-year waiver and, after inspections, request one or two subsequent five-year waivers for a total possible extension of up to 20 years, provided the required inspections occur between waivers.

A board member asked whether advisory boards for the sewer district would be composed of property owners; Green affirmed that the boards will be made up of actual property owners in the affected areas. No formal action was recorded on this item during the excerpt beyond the update and clarifying discussion.

Green’s remarks were limited to the update, waiver durations, inspection requirements and board composition. The board did not adopt any new policies or take a vote on the sewer district in the provided excerpt.