Septic Pollution and the Sewer Sollution

By Theodore R. "Ted" Peterson

We cannot knowingly pollute. Of the several solutions, the one proposed by the current CSD is the worst.

We cannot knowingly pollute. If we are unsure, we should remedy potential causes until we find the actual cause. Septics can be eliminated from the equation in several ways. A septic pump system and maintenance plan is the most practical and cost effective. The current LOCSD plan is the worst solution.

Collection systems and Waste Water Treatment Plant

I support a system where septic tanks are repaired and the effluent pumped out to collection lines and sent to a sewer plant located on Los Osos Valley Road between the cemetery and Turri road. The effluent would be processed via a trickling filter system and stored in ponds for redistribution as non-potable irrigation water. Solids pumped from septic tanks can be ground and mixed into the trickling/ponding process. Where possible, solids can be composted. Under no circumstances should the sewer plant be located in the area above the Sweet Springs preserve which is commonly referred to as the "center of town."

If a septic pump system proves unreasonably expensive, a gravity based collection may be the only answer. As I understand the decision making process, many alternatives were viewed but only one was forcefully followed to any degree. This might have been because of undue influence on the CDS board memeber from the Regional Water Quality Control Board. Pressure or not, the current sollution does not necessarily address the pollution problem and, in fact, creates a situation where there will be more pollution from the additional build-out that will result from the homes added into the Los Osos/Baywood infrastructure.