Bremer County sets first reading for septic-lid safety ordinance after public hearing

Bremer County supervisors opened a public hearing Tuesday on a proposed ordinance to require safety devices on certain plastic septic lids after staff described an incident in which a child fell into a septic tank through a faulty lid.

"This is just adopting a safety device mechanism for the plastic lid structures, not the concrete lids," said Lindsay, a county staff member, who told the board installers and homeowners had not objected and that the devices cost "less than $100" each. Lindsay said manufacturers would be invited to provide installer training this fall.

Staff told supervisors the provision had been considered at the state level but could not be added to Iowa code because of Executive Order 10, which limits adding provisions (the county cited state attorney guidance that EO10 prevented adding the requirement at the state level). County staff said adopting the rule locally would allow Bremer County to require the safety device and could set an example for neighboring counties.

Supervisors moved and approved the ordinance's first reading and set a second reading for June 23. The motion to approve the first reading carried by a voice vote with all present voting in favor.

The ordinance text presented to the board applies specifically to plastic septic lids and excludes concrete lids. Staff plans outreach to installers, sellers and manufacturers and said training for installers would likely be scheduled in October or November, outside peak septic season.

The board will consider the ordinance again at the scheduled second reading; if approved at that meeting it would move forward per county ordinance rules.

Meeting documents and the draft ordinance will be posted to the county website for public review.