Septic Systems and the Barrett Law

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The opinions expressed in these articles and features are those of their author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of McANA or the opinion of its Directors or Officers.

Septic Systems and the Barrett Law
by Cornell Burris
[Mr. Burris is the Chairman of the 42nd Street Barrett Law Committee]

Indianapolis is one of two large cities in the United States with a major problem with septic tanks.

What is the Problem?

It is estimated that there are over 30,000 septic tank sewer systems still in use within Marion County. Of that estimate, 18,000 are listed as high priority for replacement with City-County sanitation sewers.

What is Being Done to Address this Problem?

Out City-County government is replacing septic tank sewers with sanitation under the provision of the state Barrett Law. In accordance with the Barrett Law, a homeowner may be assessed 10% of the value of his/her home to bring municipal sewers through the street. This could cost anywhere between $7,000 and $20,000 depending on the depth of the sewer in the street and the number of homes involved.

Why Replace Septic Tank Sewers?

It is a fact that septic sewer systems are a HEALTH problem. According to the EPA, septic systems are the fifth leading cause of contamination of ground water.

Are There Any Problems with Utilizing the Barrett Law?

According to an article in the March 2003 McANA Common Ground, 6000 homes were foreclosed in year 2002. Some of those 6000 were homes that were required to replace their septic systems with sanitation sewer under the Barrett Law. It is my personal opinion that replacing a septic tank sewer system under the Barrett Law is similar to a home owner taking out a second mortgage. In fact, that’s what it is.

Can Anything be Done to Come Up with a Better Method of Financing Replacement of Septic Sewers Without Using the Barrett Law?

City-County Councilor Beulah Coughenour is the lead person attempting to resolve this issue. It is my hope that she will propose a City-County ordinance very soon addressing a better way to finance replacement of septic tanks. Additionally, I believe there are members on the City-County Council Public Works Committee that will support her efforts. Furthermore, I believe several governmental officials, who have dealing with this problem, will support Councilor Coughenour.

What Can You as a Citizen of Indianapolis and Marion County Do?

Contact your City-County Councilors (if they want your vote) and demand that he/she support Councilor Coughenour. Believe me, this will work if each of us gets involved!! If you doubt me, check the record concerning the effort to air condition the city’s dog pound in May 2001.

There are about 85,000 people in Indianapolis and Marion County utilizing septic systems. That is a large voting block and when we add our relatives and friends, you are talking about over 500,000 voters.

I can assure you that without citizen involvement, nothing will improve or change for the better. We can and do count, IF we join together and make demands on our elected officials to do the RIGHT thing because together we stand and divided we fall!!