HomeMy WebLinkAboutACSA199700004 Action Letter 1997-12-04 e,,,,,,.
® RECEIVED
: /H,;.,,, DEC S 1997
COUNTY OFALBEMARLE Planning Dept.
Department of Engineering&Public Works
401 McIntire Road,Room 211
Charlottesville,Virginia 22902-4596
(804)296-5861
4 December 1?97
Mr. Richard E. Carter
Taylor, Zunka, Milnor& Carter, Ltd.
414 Park Street
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
Re: Kirtley Request for Jurisdictional Area Expansion
TMP 59-23B(1)
Dear Mr. Carter:
A written summary and response to our inspection of the test trenches has been prepared by the
Albemarle County Department of Engineering & Public Works. A copy of this response has been
attached for your records. Please refer to the attached memo to Mr. Bill Mawyer, dated
December 4, 1997.
Should you have any questions regarding this response, please contact myself or Bill Mawyer at
(804) 296-5861. If you have any questions regarding the processing of the Jurisdictional Area
Expansion request, please contact Wayne Cilimberg at (804) 296-5823.
Very t I ours,
Chief of Engineering
JMK/ss
Attachments
Copy: Bill Mawyer, Director of Engineering &Public Works
Wayne Cilimberg, Director of Planning & Community Development, w/attachments
Sally Thomas, Board of Supervisors, w/attachments
File: jack\carter12.04
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COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
Department of Engineering&Public Works
MEMORANDUM
TO: Bill Mawyer, Director of Engineeri '% u lic Works
FROM: Jack Kelsey, Chief of Engineering '
DATE: 4 December 1997
SUBJECT: Kirtley Request for Jurisdictional Area Expansion; TMP 58-23B(1)
The referenced parcel is located outside the County's designated "Development Area", is within
the Albemarle County Service Authority (ACSA) service area for water only, and the portion of
the property closest to Rte. 250 (Kirtley Realty Office) is designated for water and sewer. The
existing warehouse structure at the rear of the parcel is not designated for public sewer service.
The applicant has stated that the septic system serving this structure has failed. On 1 October
1997, the applicant made a request for the Board of Supervisors to amend the ACSA
Jurisdictional Area to provide water and sewer to this parcel.
At the meeting, the Board of Supervisors expressed concern regarding the availability of a
satisfactory area for an onsite sewage disposal system. The soils report, based on soil boring
information, demonstrated that there was an area with satisfactory soils for an onsite septic field.
The applicant voiced concern that evidence of rock elsewhere on the site may represent a trend
that may preclude the construction of a satisfactory septic field, despite the soils report. At the
direction of the Board, the applicant proceeded to excavate test holes to substantiate his
speculation.
Inspection History
On 23 October 1997, Andre Williams (Senior Engineer) met with Mr. Kirtley to observe the
results of the test hole excavation. The applicant had excavated four parallel trenches
approximately 18" wide and 4' deep. Inspection of the trenches revealed the presence of
individual stones/rock fragments. The fragments were few and scattered throughout the test
trenches and did not appear they would impact the effectiveness of the drainfield. No evidence of
bedrock outcroppings was observed within the trenches.
On 28 October 1997, Bob Shaw (Erosion Control Officer) and Andre Williams revisited the
Kirtley Site and took photos of the test trenches. Mr. Shaw concurred that the soil in the trenches
appeared to be adequate for a septic field. The same day, Andre Williams spoke with Bill Craun
(Health Department) in regards to this matter. Mr. Craun stated that he inspected the soils on the
site and found them satisfactory for a septic field. He also stated that the minimum standard is to
install septic lines at least 24" deep and 1' above any existing bedrock formations.
MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT: Kirtley Request for Jurisdictional Area Expansion; TMP 58-23B(1)
4 December 1997
Page Three
On 5 November 1997, Jack Kelsey and Bill Mawyer also visited the site. The observations made
by Mr. Williams and Mr. Shaw were confirmed.
Runoff Control Ordinance
The site drains to an unnamed tributary to Ivy Creek. As such, it lies within the watershed of the
South Fork Rivanna Reservoir and the provisions of the Runoff Control Ordinance apply. The
requirements described in 19.1-6(a) were reviewed and consideration was given to the exceptions
described in 19.1-6(a)(4) and to their applicability to this case.
The provisions state that sewage disposal systems (drainfield in this case) may not be constructed
within 100' of any tributary stream. However, if the Runoff Control Official determines that it
would be"impractical" to construct a sewage system except within these limits, on parcels of
record as of 22 October 1980, the encroachment may be authorized. Under this section, criteria is
provided to determine when a system is considered"impractical". One criteria is that a system is
considered "impractical" if its construction beyond the 100' stream setback would require
pumping of the sewage. The location of the reserve drainfield for this site will require pumping of
the sewage. The next logical question is whether or not this provision is applicable to this case.
The existing warehouse is located near the rear of the parcel and due to the topography it is lower
in elevation than the reserved drainfield site. The location of the drainfield is being controlled by
the physical location of the existing warehouse, the property lines, and the topography of the
parcel. Its location is not being dictated by a 100' septic system setback from a stream. Based on
this fact, provision 19.1-6(a)(4) is not applicable and by definition the proposed system cannot
meet the criteria to be deemed "impractical".
Additional Site History
During Mr. Williams 23 October 1997 meeting and site visit, Mr. Kirtley provided some
additional information on the history of the site development and septic system. A brief summary
of this history is provided below:
► The warehouse, located at the rear of the property, was built in 1972-73 and has been as a
beer distribution warehouse. The warehouse is currently occupied and the existing septic
system for this warehouse has failed or begun to fail. As a result, the tank requires
pumping weekly.
► The brick building, located at the front of the property, was built around 1976. The
building is connected to a septic system located under the parking area at the front of the
building. Due to the difficulties in excavating the septic field, only a single long line was
installed.
MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT: Kirtley Request for Jurisdictional Area Expansion; TMP 58-23B(1)
4 December 1997
Page Three
► In 1988-89 a sewer lateral was installed at the Southeast corner of the property. The 12"
lateral was extended from the sewer manhole located on the Northridge site. The
approximate cost was $18,000 - $19,000. According to Mr. Kirtley, he had sewer
extended with the intention of connecting both buildings to the public sewer, but felt it
was unnecessary due to the existence of functioning septic fields.
► In May 1997, both buildings were connected to public water. Pictures taken during the
installation of the waterline to the warehouse show evidence of much rock.
Conclusion
Since the applicant has made provisions to allow for the future connection to public sewer, the
use of the reserve septic field may not coincide with his future development plans. However,
private interests are not considered justification of the need for jurisdictional area expansions.
The Comprehensive Plan links increased development pressure to expansions of the jurisdictional
area. For this reason, the Board of Supervisors has always carefully considered these requests to
assure these needs were based on hardship or a need to protect the interest of public health and
safety. Failure of an existing septic system on a site that has no alternative location for sewage
disposal may qualify. However, based on the soil boring information, the test trenches, and
conversation with the Health Department, the location of the reserve septic field will adequately
serve the needs of this site.
Should you have any questions concerning this subject, please contact me at 296-5861.
JMK/ss
File:jack\kirtley.jmk