Environmental Health: composting or 'waterless' toilets cannot substitute for septic in feasibility demonstrations

Connor (Environmental Health) presented a referral on composting, incineration and other "waterless" toilet systems and their permissibility under Monterey County's Local Agency Management Program (LAMP) and sewage ordinance. He reported that Monterey County's LAMP and code do not accept composting/incineration toilets as a means to demonstrate wastewater feasibility for projects that cannot use a conventional or alternative on-site system.

Connor said he reviewed other California counties and found about 10 counties with codes addressing waterless toilets; most mirror Monterey County's stance. Yolo County was identified as an example that defines and allows certain waterless systems in special circumstances, though it still requires demonstration that conventional septic is infeasible first. Connor and commissioners noted alternative technical pathways such as supplemental treatment units and shallow drip dispersal that can enable wastewater handling on constrained sites, but they cautioned these options are more expensive. Connor offered to follow up with contacts in Yolo County to report whether and how that county has operationalized special-case allowances.

Commissioners asked whether alternative dispersal systems are allowed under current code; Connor confirmed that advanced supplemental-treatment systems and drip dispersal are permitted where appropriate, and he noted the primary barrier is cost rather than technology for rugged or steep coastal sites. The commission asked staff to study options further and consider whether code edits or guidance would be appropriate.