FOR THE RECORD: This story should have stated that anyone who uses a septic tank on a lot of three-quarters of an acre or less would be subject to Bernalillo County’s proposed septictank ordinance. Residents who are connected to the Water Utility Authority or a private utility would be exempt only if they receive sewer service from the utility. The proposal applies to unincorporated land in Bernalillo County.
Bernalillo County commissioners have scheduled a series of meetings to hear from the public about a proposal to require inspections of old septic tanks.
Supporters of the measure want to ensure the systems aren’t polluting groundwater.
The meetings will start next week and continue through early March. Final action by the County Commission is scheduled for March 13.
About 750 septic systems in unincorporated Bernalillo County are at least 30 years old, the county estimates.
The requirement for evaluations would be phased in and would affect property owners on lots of three-quarters of an acre or less. Systems built before 1982 would have to be evaluated by the end of 2015. There would be rolling deadlines for other aging systems.
Generally, the systems would have to be evaluated around the 30th anniversary of construction. After that, they would be evaluated every five years.
The evaluations are expected to cost $300 to $400. If the septic system isn’t working properly, the homeowners also would have to pay for upgrades to bring it up to current standards.
People connected to the city-county Water Utility Authority or a private utility don’t have to worry about the evaluations. Sandia Heights and the East Mountains, meanwhile, are expected to be among the areas most affected.
The meetings are scheduled at:
• 6:15 p.m. Monday in Los Vecinos Community Center, 478½ Old Highway 66 in Tijeras.
• 7 p.m. Thursday in Los Padillas Community Center, 2117 Los Padillas SW.
• 6 p.m. Feb. 23 in the James McGrane Public Safety Complex, 48 Public School Road in Tijeras. (Other neighborhood issues to be discussed, too.)
• 6:45 p.m. March 5 in the Hiland Theater, 4800 Central SE.
• 7 p.m. March 7 in the Taylor Ranch Community Center, 4900 Kachina NW. (Other neighborhood issues to be discussed, as well.)
• 7 p.m. March 8 in the Raymond Sanchez Community Center, 9800 Fourth NW.
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