Town of Lake George Septic Initiative Program February 11, 2019 Lake George Town Board Meeting February 11, 2019 Outline Town of Lake George Septic Initiative Program (SIP) 2015 DEC WQIP Grant SIP Findings Prioritization Algorithm Priority Areas SIP Recommendations Next Steps 2 February 11, 2019 Town of Lake George Septic Initiative Program 3 February 11, 2019 Harris Bay (Queensbury) Lake George Algae Blooms Stewart Brook (Bolton) Assembly Point (Queensbury) Diamond Point (TLG) 2/8/2019 4 February 11, 2019 TOLG Septic Initiative Program Purpose and Goals • Inventory and assess all existing onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS) within the town, with the goal to ensure that OWTS are functioning optimally. • Increase Public Awareness through survey • Develop an inventory • Outreach & Education of residents, designers and contractors • Obtain funding 2/8/2019 5 February 11, 2019 2015 DEC Water Quality Improvement Program (WQIP) Grant 6 February 11, 2019 Round 12 (2015) DEC WQIP Grant • Awarded $104,000 Grant • 6 major “objectives” administered by The FUND – – – – – – Inventory and Assessment of all OWTS SIP Report and Mapping Municipal Outreach and Coordination Algae sampling and water quality testing High Priority areas & Funding Amend Town Sanitary Code/Ordinance 7 February 11, 2019 8 February 11, 2019 Septic Initiative Program Findings 9 February 11, 2019 LGSIP FINDINGS • 34% response rate on surveys • Approximately 1/3 of systems are under normal life expectancy (30-40 years), 1/3 are at or exceeding life expectancy and 1/3 no known information. • 20% of septic tanks are undersized. • 1/3 of septic tank volumes are unknown. • 20% of septic systems have no known information. • 20% of septic systems utilize drywells. 10 February 11, 2019 LGSIP FINDINGS • Over 50% of parcels have no record or have never been maintained. • 1/3 of properties have the highest inspection concern level (Tier 1) • 14% of algae samples indicate probable organic pollution • 50% of the algae samples indicate excessive nutrients. 11 February 11, 2019 Algae Sampling 12 February 11, 2019 Site Suitability 13 February 11, 2019 Prioritization Map 14 February 11, 2019 15 February 11, 2019 Recommendations 16 February 11, 2019 Recommendations 17 February 11, 2019 Recommendations 18 February 11, 2019 Recommendations 19 February 11, 2019 Recommendations 20 February 11, 2019       Looking Forward Complete Final Report Establish GIS Inventory Data Base Develop Inspection Program Continue Algae Biomonitoring Secure Funding for Prioritized Areas Develop Lake-wide Strategy 21 February 11, 2019    Take Aways Management programs for onsite wastewater treatment systems, septic systems, are necessary based on review of system inventory and maintenance records. The Town of Lake George has put together an approach based on public outreach and inventory documentation to support an inspection and management program. The FUND for Lake George has developed a GIS based algorithm to determine prioritized management areas based on site suitability, existing system evaluation and water quality. 22 February 11, 2019 Questions? Dan Barusch Director of Planning and Zoning dbarusch@lakegeorgetown.org 518- 668-5131 Ext.311 Chris Navitsky, P.E. Lake George Waterkeeper cnavitsky@lakegeorgewaterkeeper.org 518-668-5913 Ext.301 23 February 11, 2019 Thank You!! 24