Chisago County Environmental Services staff have evaluated septic systems for imminent health threat status in nearly seven townships out of nine, as well as the cities of Rush City and Center City, including properties around the lakes in the Lindstrom area.  All data that has been retrieved from the County septic log has been entered onto a spreadsheet and mapped using GIS. 

The City of North Branch entered into a joint powers agreement with Chisago County to conduct the pilot program in their township sized jurisdiction in May, 2006.  Inspectors have completed their evaluation of approximately 1650 septic systems, with three systems determined to be an imminent threat to public health. 

The City of Rush City has also been evaluated.  The County has a joint powers agreement with the City to enforce the County’s septic ordinance within the City.  Out of 28 systems in the City, five were determined to be an imminent threat to public health. 

Kellie Strobel, County Sanitarian, has met twice with the City of Lindstrom to discuss septic systems evaluated during the pilot program that are located in areas planned for annexation by the City, particularly around South Center and South Lindstrom Lakes.  This cooperative planning will ensure priority consideration for hook up to city sewer and water where septic systems are a concern. A contract was signed with the City of Lindstrom for Chisago County to perform all Individual Sewage Treatment System inspections.

A joint powers agreement has been signed between Chisago County and the Chisago Lakes Joint Sewage Treatment Commission to allow septic pumpers to dump holding tank waste at the sewer plant.  This program has been under development for four years and is a large step forward toward assisting pumpers in finding locations to deposit septic tank waste. 

Five homeowners septic care and maintenance seminars were held in North Branch, with attendance of over thirty people each.  Homeowners that receive cost share grants are required to attend the seminars, but they are also open to the general public.  Septic System Owners Guides are provided free of charge to participants.

Program Status as of 12/31/07:

Number of systems evaluated: 2653

Number of systems determined to be an imminent threat to public health: 261

Number of systems upgraded: 255