Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
A new policy approved Thursday by the Kosciusko County Drainage Board says no septic or leach fields are permitted in a right of way without a variance from the board.
A septic or leach field is considered a permanent structure.
County surveyor Richard Kemper told the board it was wise to adopt a firm policy of whether to allow or not allow leach or filter beds near easement rights of way and to decide if the board wants to recognize them as permanent structures.
He said if the leach or filter beds are near or in an easement, the county can't assume any liability of replacing the beds. Tanks shouldn't be allowed in the easements at all because that's a health hazard.
"I just want something definite so I'm not winging it in the future," Kemper said.
County commissioner and drainage board president Brad Jackson said if the board made such a rule, the board could make exceptions under "weird" circumstances.
The new policy was unanimously approved.
In other business, Kemper told the board the budget for the surveyor's office for 2001 he is submitting for approval is $154,005.
Members of the drainage board include: President Brad Jackson, Donald Goon, Eldon Watkins, Maurice McDaniel and Dorris Harrold.
