HomeMy WebLinkAboutSDP201000054 Review Comments Critical Slope Waiver 2010-08-03Elizabeth Marotta
From: Kirtley, Joshua (VDH) [ Joshua .Kirtley @vdh.virginia.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, August 03, 2010 10:47 AM
To: Elizabeth Marotta
Subject: RE: 88 -14
Elizabeth:
Good morning. I just wanted to touch base with you and to give you my comments about the Ourada site and
the Critical Slope waiver for TMP 88 -14. I have reviewed the topography on the site via the GIS website and
it appears that a large portion of the lot is made up of a large drainageway with critical slopes making up the
remaining portion. From a public health point of view, sewage disposal systems are prohibited by Regulation
from being installed in drainageways because those areas channel and collect water. When the Health
Department or licensed soil evaluator designs a system, he /she must take into account the landscape position in
order to design a system that is efficient, that protects groundwater, and that promotes good health practices. It
basically boils down to a physics problem: If water is already there, then how is the waste water going to be
absorbed and treated by the soil? The end result most likely would be surface ponding of effluent, potential
groundwater contamination, and possible human contact with raw or partially treated sewage. The is due to the
soils being less desirable the lower that you go in the landscape because they are more poorly drained than the
surrounding upland soils.
I understand that this is probably not the ideal Parcel by either County or the Health Department standards. In
the past, I have had applicants come back to the County to get a Critical Slope waiver in order to install septic
systems on slopes greater than 25% and I have not noticed any impact to the system because of the slope.
Those situations were similar to this one in landscape because the bulk of the lot was unsuitable due to creek
setback, poor landscape position, etc. Those lots may have had areas that required a waiver but in the end, a
safer and more efficient sewage disposal system was designed and installed.
If you have any questions, please let me know. My cell number is the best way to get me today. The number is
(434) 960 -8653.
Have a great day,
Josh
Josh Kirtley
Environmental Health Specialist Senior
Thomas Jefferson Health District
1138 Rose Hill Drive
Charlottesville, Virginia 22906
(434) 972 -6288
From: Elizabeth Marotta [mailto:emarotta @albemarle.org]
Sent: Monday, August 02, 2010 2:17 PM
To: Kirtley, Joshua (VDH)
Subject: RE: 88 -14
Wonderful, thank you!
From: Kirtley, Joshua (VDH) [mailto: Joshua .Kirtley @vdh.virginia.gov]
Sent: Monday, August 02, 2010 2:13 PM
To: Elizabeth Marotta
Subject: RE: 88 -14
Elizabeth:
I hope that you are having a good Monday. I will have you comments as they pertain to the drainfield
placement on the higher slope vs. in the lower drainage area and the public health reasoning behind everything.
I don't have an answer for you as far as the well. I have informed my supervisor (Bill Craun) and I believe that
he is handling because he is the one that issued the permit. I will check in with him and include any
information in the email as well. I hope to have this done by this afternoon. Let me know if you need anything
else. Have a great day.
Josh
Josh Kirtley
Environmental Health Specialist Senior
Thomas Jefferson Health District
1138 Rose Hill Drive
Charlottesville, Virginia 22906
(434) 972 -6288
From: Elizabeth Marotta [mailto:emarotta @albemarle.org]
Sent: Monday, August 02, 2010 2:09 PM
To: Kirtley, Joshua (VDH)
Subject: 88 -14
Importance: High
Hi Josh,
I know you are swamped, but I have to send out the comment package for the Ourada critical slopes waiver tomorrow
(TMP 88 -14). If there is any way you could get back to me in writing (per our phone conversation, and email is fine) by
noon tomorrow, that would be very helpful.
THANK YOU,
Elizabeth M. Marotta
Senior Planner
County of Albemarle Community Development Department
401 McIntire Road
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 296 -5832 Ext. 3432