Meeting will discuss septic systems

JACKSON - The Pinelands Commission will hold a series of meetings in municipalities throughout the Pinelands area in November and December to discuss the impact septic systems have on water quality.

During the meetings, commission staff will be present to answer questions related to septic systems and will discuss how septic systems can affect public health, water quality and property values.

A local meeting is scheduled for Dec. 12 at the Jackson library, 2 Jackson Drive, at 7 p.m. For more information call (609) 894- 7300, ext. 129 or send an e-mail to wastewater@ njpines.state.nj.gov.

All interested citizens, local officials, boards of health, environmental commissions and planning organizations are encouraged to attend the meeting, according to a press release. Local real estate agents, septic installers, environmental planners and engineers will also find the meeting of interest.

These meetings are part of an ongoing effort by the commission to develop programs for the management of septic systems in the Pinelands. Discussion topics will include system maintenance, resale inspections, repair options and ways in which proper operation of systems can be achieved through local management programs.

The commission is seeking input from the public on all of these issues. Scientists from Vermont-based Stone Environmental are assisting the commission in this effort.