County sets public meetings on proposed septic ordinance,Rapid City, South Dakota

Pennington County residents will have a chance to comment on a proposed new ordinance regulating septic systems at a series of public meetings in March and April.

The following meetings are scheduled to run from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.:

•March 16, New Underwood City Hall.

•March 18, Wall Community Center.

•March 23, Johnson Siding Community Center.

•March 25, Hill City, City Hall.

•April 6, Rockerville Community Center.

•April 8, commissioners' meeting room at Pennington County Courthouse, Rapid City.

The proposed septic ordinance would set up stricter regulations on new septic systems, but it also would require inspections and permits for existing systems.

The proposed rules for existing systems have drawn strenuous objections from some rural residents, who argue that the county has not proven that septic systems are a threat to clean water.

County officials have cited state and federal studies that found elevated levels of contaminants in well water and surface water, including Spring Creek.



County Planning Department officials said the meetings would include a presentation by the county and a period for public comment and questions.



For more information, call the county Planning Department at 394-2186.