Use and Management of Septic Tanks

Development of a Policy on the Use and Management of Septic Tanks in the Atlanta Region

WHEREAS, the projected growth of the metro Atlanta region will have a significant impact on future water resources; and

WHEREAS, all recent water planning efforts have emphasized the imperative for Georgia to minimize consumptive use of surface water; and

WHEREAS, metro Atlanta is far more dependent on water consumptive septic tanks than any other major region in the nation; and

WHEREAS, septic tank policy is currently regulated by the Georgia Department of Human Resources and local health departments, who limit their consideration to soil and engineering considerations; and

WHEREAS, current water district plans are mute on the strategic role of septic systems in urban areas; and

WHEREAS, it is unclear that the Georgia Environmental Protection Department (EPD) can use its permit authority to enforce the water district’s requirements for septic system maintenance; and

WHEREAS, under the Georgia Planning Act, the state is empowered to develop Environmental Planning Criteria for “vital” resources; and

NOW BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, the Metro Atlanta Mayors Association (MAMA) supports the development of policies that address the long-term affect the metro region’s over reliance on septic systems has on vital water resources.

Approved September 30, 2004