Year Two 2004

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Introduction by the Chair.
John Kelley. Planner Long Lake Township
“It is the Mission of the NWMOWTF to act as a regional clearing house for information, education and advocacy for viable, technologically sound and proven onsite wastewater systems that go beyond the standard septic and drain field.
The Task Force became a fully fledged 501(c)3 organization in August of 2003 under the guidance of the Joyce Foundation.
Our purpose is to demonstrate that onsite wastewater treatment technologies which are accepted, proven and permitted in other states can and will work here in Michigan.
The impetus is that the majority of new development in our area is taking place without a connection to a municipal sanitary sewer and little likelihood of being connected in the future, either because of cost or location. Northwest Michigan sandy glacial soils are particularly vulnerable to acceleration of groundwater contamination.
We are committed to wastewater innovation which contributes to ground and surface water protection policies and practises.”

February: A General Public Meeting was held at Shanty Creek Resort, Bellaire, Antrim County.

Read the full 2004 Report below

The goal of this 501(c)3 Task Force is to engage in activities which educate the public, local and regional policy decision makers on the advanced nature and application of onsite wastewater technologies.
We firmly believe that sound land use decisions, which protect the natural environment, go hand in hand with sound infrastructure planning and the appropriate application of such technologies.

Although we advocate the adoption of proven advanced onsitesystems, we do not advocate their use to invade environmentally sensitive areas.
The Task Force demonstrates that the adoption of advanced wastewater treatment technology is an added protection for existing property owners and is a tool to implement or reinforce sound local planning and zoning.
The Task Force accomplishes itʼs Mission by 2 actions: public education and identifying demonstration sites. We build regional networks and partnerships through public education and outreach. We bring information directly to elected and appointed local government officials and also to their constituents via their local community organizations. We offer working demonstrations of available proven onsite wastewater treatment technologies and advocate the clustered decentralized management models as published by US Environmental Protection Agency.

And we published and distributed throughout Michigan and at national events: