WHEREAS the AAMDC and Alberta Municipal Affairs have developed a voluntary model process to guide municipal consideration of subdivision and development using private sewage treatment systems;AND WHEREAS Alberta Municipal Affairs is responsible for private sewage inspections through its Technical Services Branch;AND WHEREAS failed private sewage systems are occurring on a frequent basis, particularly in older multi-parcel subdivisions;AND WHEREAS some owners of failed private sewage systems have approached local governments and/or Alberta Municipal Affairs to rectify their failed private sewage systems because of the permits issued and inspections performed;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties request that the Provincial Government establish a fund to assist owners of private sewage systems to replace systems before they fail or to assist owners of failed systems. The purpose of such a fund would be to benefit all Albertans through preventive measures to protect the environment, public health and the water aquifers from failed private sewage systems.

The intent of this resolution is to be proactive in obtaining a safe environment, eliminating potential health risks and providing safe water for all Alberta residents who, through no fault of their own, may have private sewer systems that have failed or are about to fail.Brazeau County has had two multi-parcel subdivisions that recently have experienced a significant number of failed private sewage systems which resulted in waste collecting on both private land and county ditches. Alberta Municipal Affairs and Health Authorities became involved because of complaints lodged. In one subdivision, Alberta Municipal Affairs ordered several residents to replace their sewage systems.Residents of the subdivisions have been complaining that the same government department that inspected their sewer systems is now ordering them to be replaced. Residents have also questioned whether Alberta Municipal Affairs is liable for a failed system that had been inspected by the department. Also, residents have questioned whether or not the county is liable based on the municipal development permits that had been issued.