Keep septic regulations in place

Michigan Environmental Council and our partner organizations have been working for years to create a statewide septic code that will require the periodic testing and inspections of septic systems. Every other state in the nation has a statewide septic code, except the Great Lake State. Only 11 counties in Michigan currently exercise some oversight of septics, including Kalkaska. Kalkaska county has a Point of Sale ordinance for their septic systems, and because of this ordinance, residents of Kalkaska are less vulnerable to human waste loaded with pathogens like E.coli entering into their drinking water.

Unfortunately, the Kalkaska County Board of Health recently voted to repeal the Point of Sale septic program. The repeal now goes before 10 county Board of Commissioners for approval or rejection. These counties include Crawford, Kalkaska, Lake, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Missaukee, Newaygo, Oceana, and Wexford County. Since we do not have a statewide septic code, we must keep the few existing regulations on septics in place to protect the health and safety of Michiganders.

IF YOU ARE FROM ANY OF THESE COUNTIES, WE NEED YOUR HELP! USE THIS FORM TO TELL YOUR COUNTY CLERK TO KEEP DRINKING WATER PROTECTIONS IN PLACE 

This regulation is an important step in making sure the residents of Michigan are protected from dangerous water contamination. We will not be able to fix what we are not looking for, which is why it is imperative that the Board of Commissioners hears from you and keeps the Point of Sale septic inspection in place.