Eldorado Area Water and Sanitation District

SEPTIC TANK PUMPING PROGRAM

The District Board has drafted a plan for instituting a septic tank pumping program for all residents of the District. The overall purpose is to avoid septic tank problems while we still rely on this kind of system. When the proposed program has reached the point of being able to spell out details a public hearing will be scheduled and advertised. In the interim, current information will appear on this web page from time to time.
- The date for the public hearing is now January 21, 2003.
-Pena Blanca Water & Sanitation District has a similar program in place and a meeting was held between our District and Pena Blanca on Sept. 12, 2001 to learn more about their program. (changed 9/17/01)

As of October 10, 2002, a project group under the direction of Dan Drobnis was established to pursue the septic tank pumping program. Funding for the project and overall direction remain the responsibility of the District.
-The introduction and outlines of the septic tank pumping program will be included in the January 21 public meeting at the Eldorado Elementary School at 7:15 PM. (added 1/6/03) The Project Manager advises that a public mailing of information will take place in the near future to permit as many as possible to indicate their willingness to participate. Efforts then will be made to bring one or more pumping contractors into the picture. Dan Drobnis will keep the District Board and the public advised as to progress. (added 2/14/03)
-On April 11 the Sanitation Project leaders released an orange flyer to all households in the Eldorado area (not just the Water & Sanitation District) explaining the program and soliciting participation in a septic tank pumping program. To date the response has been excellent and those who have indicated their interest in participating will receive another mailing within the next few weeks. (added 4/22/03)
-Certain legal issues which the District is currently facing suggest that it would be prudent to delay pursuing the legal aspects of the septic tank pumping progam. We hope to have these resolved in the near future. (added 6/23/03)
-A new approach to making arrangements with pumpers has been agreed to and a revised set of documents for controlling the program has been developed. These documents should be ready to provide to prospective pumpers before the middle of September. (added 9/2/03)

The documents describing the program and soliciting responses were mailed about 9/15 and three pumpers responded. Information from these pumpers and their prices was mailed to each participant (either email or snail mail) on/about 10/27/03. The information in the mailing is shown below.

Eldorado Area Water and Sanitation District
1 Hacienda Loop
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87508

Dear Neighbor,

Thank you for your positive response to our voluntary plan for regular septic tank pumping. Over 750 of your neighbors also responded positively, and we have solicited prices from several licensed pumpers interested in your business.

At one time, we had considered selecting a single low bidder. However, many participants indicated a preference for a particular pumper, and the Board’s attorney also advised that communicating all prices submitted would be preferable.

The attached pumpers have submitted prices for standard services. When your tank next needs pumping, please feel free to call one of the participating pumpers and identify yourself as a participant in the Eldorado Area Water and Sanitation District’s Voluntary Regular Pumping Plan. If you also notify the EAWSD when your tank is pumped, the District will send you a reminder when your next pumping is due, and keep you updated as participating pumpers submit price changes. Also, anyone in the greater Eldorado area is free to use this pricing information, so feel free to share this information with your neighbors.

Please Note: While a 3-year interval is right for about 90% of us, those with large families or unusual demands upon their septic system may need more frequent attention, and those with small or no families may be able to use a 4-year interval. When you notify the District of your most recent pumping, please indicate your preferred interval for your next reminder.

You may of course use a pumper not on the list. If you do so and wish a reminder, please also communicate with us:

E-mail:

Mail: Eldorado Water and Sanitation District
1 Hacienda Loop
Santa Fe, NM 87508

In addition to helping you remember your next pumping, the District will use the information gathered as part of a federally funded study, and to develop ongoing policy.

Name: _____________________________ Address of tank: ____________________

Mailing Address (if different): __________________________________

E-mail: ____________________________________________________

Date of Last Pumping: ______________________

Next Reminder: _____2 yrs. _____3 yrs. ______4 yrs.

L&L SEPTIC SERVICE charge for pumping 1200 gallon tank $160
Tel. 471-1372

SANTA FE SEPTIC AND GREASE SOLUTIONS charge for pumping 1200 gallon tank $155
471-7188

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