An article appeared about two weeks ago in the Lebanon Daily News which reported on a proposed septic ordinance in Jackson Township, Lebanon County, that would require documentation that every on-site sewage system in the township be serviced at least once every three years. 

Given the potential property-rights violation that such an ordinance presents, it is important that the citizens and property owners not only of Jackson Township but all of Lebanon County - indeed, in all of Pennsylvania - understand what the real driving forces are behind this ordinance. 

First, it must be understood that this ordinance, which is sweeping across the commonwealth like a plague, is not being advocated by any locally generated concerns but is actually being foisted upon our local communities and townships by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).  Given the fact that environmental extremists appointed by liberal Democrat Governor Ed Rendell are managing the DEP, shouldn’t the taxpayers and property owners question the intention and motives behind such ordinances?  Is it for the sake of public health or because Harrisburg bureaucrats are bent upon meddling in local affairs?

In fact, one of the talking points issued by DEP on behalf of this ordinance is the concern over the level of nitrates in the water table.  Yet, generally speaking, does human behavior have that much of an impact on the level of nitrates or other contaminates in the ground water?  If memory serves correct, such elements are actually a byproduct of livestock and farm animals, such as cattle and chickens, which are a critical part of the economy and livelihood of Lebanon County.

Indeed, one has to wonder whether the real reason behind this kind of ordinance is not Rendell’s pact with Maryland to reduce the amount of farm runoff getting into the Chesapeake Bay.  But, if Rendell and his liberal Democrat cohorts in Baltimore really cared about the Chesapeake Bay, then why did they not put a stop to the subsidizing of Maryland animal manure being shipped to and dumped in Pennsylvania?

Second, given the fact that the overwhelming majority of farmers in the county and township are using on-site septic systems, is it unreasonable to presume that the real objective of this ordinance is to allow environmental activists to gain an unwarranted foothold into the private affairs of our local farmers?  Do not Lebanon County’s farmers and agri-businesses have enough to worry about without having to fear a government-sanctioned septic service “discovering” a sewage waste problem that requires thousands of dollars for a new septic tank or to install a new drain field?

Third, given the huge profit potential that exists due to the need for the proper removal of sewage waste, one has to wonder how much of an interest large-scale commercial septic services have in seeing the passage of a septic inspection ordinance?  Did they work hand-in-glove with DEP to draft these arbitrary rules and regulations in order to maximize their bottom lines?  And much of an interest did county governments have in the promotion of septic ordinances, given the fact that they will conveniently charge a fee to “certify” any septic service who wants to operate in Lebanon County?

One can only appreciate the effort that local township supervisors such as those in Jackson Township have put into control costs and managing affairs critical to local taxpayers and property owners.  The fact that DEP is putting the squeeze on our local officials to achieve their own bureaucratic ends is outrageous and offensive.

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