CHINA — Voters on Tuesday repealed a town septic system ordinance that’s designed to protect China Lake and other bodies of water from pollution.
The Shoreland Septic System Compliance Program, put in place in 2009, requires those with pre-1998 systems within 250 feet of a body of water to have an inspection every four years. The vote to repeal the ordinance was 407-203.
In addition, voters rejected a second question that would have allowed an amended shoreland septic system compliance program to remain in place. Town Code Enforcement Officer Scott Pierz said the town Planning Board spent months on a compromise that would allow systems that pass an initial inspection to forgo regular checks.
That was rejected by a vote of 313-299, leaving the town with no shoreland septic compliance program, which is designed to protect China Lake, Three Mile Pond and other bodies of water. Pierz said while runoff and heavy rain also affect the lakes, septic system failures are a serious issue.
“It’s neglecting to pay attention to one of those variables that we believe is contributing to the degradation of those water bodies,” he said.
The Planning Board is expected to discuss the issue, and possible next steps, when it meets Tuesday.
China voters also rejected two questions that sought to redefine, and put in place stricter standards for, home occupations. The question to adopt new standards was rejected 324-292 and the tally on a new definition was rejected 313-303.
Susan Cover — 621-5643
scover@mainetoday.com
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