In the days and months ahead, property owners of improved parcels in Wadena County will be finding a notice from the Wadena County Planning and Zoning Department in their mailbox regarding the septic systems on their property. Don't panic! The notice along with any accompanying material is for informational and educational purposes only.
Over the course of the past two years, the county has been conducting a historical inventory of septic systems in the county based on the records (permits) on file in the office of Planning and Zoning. The inventory is now approximately one third complete, and, as promised, the information determined from the inventory is now being released to the property owners whom it affects. Not all residents will receive them at the same time, as the inventory is being done in alphabetical order of townships, and, obviously, will take a few more years to complete. Depending on where the first letter of the name of your township falls in the alphabet, that's how soon you will receive a notice.
You may receive a notice that indicates the system on your property, according to records on file, should meet all minimum requirements. Or else, you may receive one to the contrary. Except for owners of improved property adjoining Stocking Lake in Blueberry Township, where the township and lake association are in the process of a project to evaluate septic systems around the lake, there is no requirement, at this time, for property owners to take any action if they receive a letter showing they may have a system that is failing to meet the minimum septic requirements of the state and county. Property owners are, however, being encouraged to plan ahead and take the necessary steps to replace their failing or non-compliant system with one in compliance with current standards in an effort to continue to take small steps in protecting our valuable ground water.
There are low-interest loans available to assist property owners who decide to take the initiative to replace their septic system. Information and applications for this type of loan is available through the Wadena County SWCD at (218) 631-3195. Contact information regarding the notice will be included in the mailing if recipients have questions regarding the information contained in the notice.
