[Winona Online Democracy] I infer from Paul Double's comments about the proposed fee to fund clean water that he is against it, and that he thinks every "outhouse" (septic system) should somehow be exempt from fees, taxation, or other intrusion into this most basic of private activities. I might agree with him if the "discharge" from this activity would also stay very private and confined to the immediate premises - but it does not, and that is the point.
Pollution of groundwater (wells, aquifers) and surface water (lakes, streams, rivers) from septic systems is a serious problem in this state. Left to the private marketplace, people have let their systems leak all over the place - into our lakes and into the very underground aquifers from which thousands take their daily drinking water. We all know that those aquifers have taken thousands of years to percolate such nice clean drinking water and that they do not respect individual property lines or jurisdictions. Government (all of us acting together) has stepped in to require: * State-of-the-art construction * Frequent testing * Ongoing maintenance * And now, fees to fix part of the problem Septic systems are not the only cause of water pollution, but they do their share and they need to be part of the solution, because individuals acting on their own on their private property have contributed to this statewide problem. Phil Carlson, Mpls _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
