A Hobart couple has received a waiver from the Board of Public Works and Safety, allowing them up to 12 years before they have to tie in to the new sewer system installed in their area.
Tim and Heather Soderquist, who live on East Cleveland Avenue, said they paid about $7,000 for a new septic system seven years ago and they want to get their time and money out of it before they have to pay additional money to tie in to the new low-pressure sewer system.
The couple said Wednesday they understood that by getting the extra time they won’t be able to take advantage of a much lower cost made available through bulk pricing and that the waiver would be voided should their septic system fail before the 12 years.
Board member Rich Lain said should they tie in now, the Soderquists would pay about $5,500 instead of $15,000 to $20,000 later.
The 12-year timeline was made when City Engineer Phil Gralik explained that under U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines, a septic system is considered failed at the 20-year mark, even if there are no problems with the system. Given that the Soderquists’ system is already more than seven years old, the couple has 12 years from Wednesday’s date.
Mayor Brian Snedecor said under the city rules, the couple needed three approvals — from a city councilman, the city engineer and a building official — before the waiver could be granted.
Gralik said he had no problem with granting the waiver for the set number of years. Building official Mike Hannigan gave his approval but noted that if the Soderquists sell their house within the time period, they would have to disclose the need to tie in to the sewer at that time.
The third approval came from council member Matt Claussen, D-at large.
He said he’s familiar with some of the houses in the area and knows there is a vein of sand running through there.
“If their house in on that vein, chances of their septic failing are pretty slim,” Claussen said. “If they’re willing to take that gamble, I have no problem with it.”
The Soderquists had previously gone before the sanitary/stormwater board for approval. While the board didn’t have the final say, members encouraged the Soderquists to take advantage of the lower price, and one member even suggested the couple receive additional money off the lower price if they tie in now to help cover their costs.
Karen Caffarini is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
