The Fayette Citizen-News Page
Friday, December 4, 1998
Spray fields may soon be in the county's future

By JOHN THOMPSON
Coweta Editor

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The Coweta County Commission started the process Tuesday in allowing privately-owned spray irrigation systems in the county.

The commission discussed an amendment to the zoning ordinance that allows developers to use spray field facilities where public sewer is not available. The commissioners liked the text of the ordinance, but said one key item was missing.

"I want environmental health to be a part of this amendment," said Commissioner Vernon "Mutt" Hunter.

Since environmental health would have to sign off on any possible permits for a spray system, Hunter said it only made sense for the county to involve the department.

County planner Robert Tolleson said he had asked the department for comments on the ordinance and did not receive any back.

If the ordinance is passed, it could allow for large-scale developments, such as the one proposed near Exit 10 on Interstate 85, to blossom. The development, being pitched by Dan Zavada and Bruce Franklin, would feature a large retail area, including a grocery store, an office-complex and a possible motel.

The ordinance calls for a 500-foot setback from the edge of the spray field to any drinking water supply and a 300-foot setback from any building or flood plains. The county also wants an equal amount of land in reserve in case the system fails. For example, if a 25-acre site is required for the spray field, the county wants at least 25 acres in reserve for an additional spray field.

The owner of the system would monitor the activities at the spray field and construct the system to specifications set by the county. If the owner should decide to shut down the system or not make the necessary repairs to keep the facility continuously running, the county has the option of taking over the system.

County administrator Theron Gay said he would present the proposed ordinance to the board of health, and a vote on the ordinance should occur shortly after the beginning of 1999.


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