The McCleary City Council again tabled a draft ordinance that would allow grinder pumps to be install at residences hooked to the city’s sewer system.
A grinder pump is connected to a property’s sewer line or a waste water holding tank and used for grinding solid waste into a slurry as it’s pumped into a sewer system.
While some members of the public have been vocal in their opposition to grinder pumps during city council meetings, much of that opposition centered around a proposed development outside of city limits. The development, critics said, would be situated on an aquifer, which is part of the city’s drinking water system. Should a grinder pump fail, waste water could pollute the city’s drinking water, those critics said. Proponents have said septic systems also have a risk of failure that could pollute the aquifer.
Currently the council and mayor of the City of McCleary are reviewing an ordinance that would allow for grinder pumps to be connected to the city’s sewer system. The ordinance is not meant to address any particular potential developments.
Further, grinder pumps already are hooked up to the city’s sewer system.
“We already have them here, so we better get the rules down on paper,” Councilwoman Pam Ator said. “This is just saying we’re going to allow them.”
In having an ordinance on the books, the city can move forward to determine which pumps are appropriate, how they must be maintained and then consider allowing connections outside of city limits, likely through other ordinances.
“We have a practice without a policy, so we need to have a policy for our practice,” Councilwoman and mayor pro tem Brenda Orffer said.
The council was presented with two versions of the ordinance, one which gave the public works director the authority to approve each new grinder pump, and another that would require the council’s approval.
The ordinance was tabled while the council awaits a third ordinance that specifically addresses responsibility, the council noting concerns about large developments — is the city or the developer responsible to maintain those pumps?
