In a recent Letter to the Editor, Don Larson contends that the waterfront and riverfront properties are the worst septic effluent polluters on our lakes and waterfront. That is speculation. Even if it were proven to be true, how does that address the known elevated groundwater nitrate issue within the district?
Mr. Larson’s comments on testing and repairing waterfront septic systems on all the lakes has merit but again, how does that address the known issue within the district? And, is there any reason why we can’t do what Mr. Larson suggests and take care of the nitrate issue in the district at the same time?
The recreational water and riverfront properties generally are low-density and not used year-round. The properties within the district are high-density — over 500 lots in a very small area — and mostly year-round residences, schools and business. The number of flushes in the waterfront and riverfront residences pales in comparison to the number of flushes from the residences, schools and businesses in the district.
Mr. Larson feels the district is too small and should include additional areas. The district installed 12 new groundwater monitoring wells in 2022 which included wells on C Street, Riverview by the Dogtown bridge and on Hemlock Drive. Groundwater nitrate levels at those locations were not elevated — they were within what is considered naturally occurring for this area. These wells are on the outer edges of the district. If the groundwater nitrate levels had been shown to be elevated, the argument to expand the district would have merit. But the testing did not indicate a problem with the groundwater nitrate levels in those areas.
Mr. Larson feels this effort to “revive” the previously proposed system is driven by developers. He also states “expanded development of this area as the developers propose will only exacerbate the water quality issues.” Well, yes, unless there is a wastewater treatment and collection system in place to allow for environmentally friendly housing and business development.
In conclusion, ensuring every waterfront property has a properly functioning septic system would no doubt benefit our lakes and rivers and should be pursued. But it will not address the elevated groundwater nitrate issue within the Seeley Lake Missoula County Sewer District.
Please support your Sewer District in finally achieving what it was formed to do in 1992, “to support and maintain a healthful environment for present and future generations in accordance with state regulations, to determine the appropriate wastewater treatment for all or part of the District and to supervise wastewater treatment within the District in the most responsible and affordable manner.”
Letters of support for the district are encouraged.
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