In response to a question from council member Quinn, the mayor said he intends to work with the Environmental Committee to come up with a plan for dealing with the fecal bacteria problem in the bay. A recently-concluded study by Auburn University found that the pollution originated from both human and animal sources.
Kant: "We've done all we can with Auburn ... more or less it left it where we've always known ... people are waiting for solutions ... ."
Kant said city staff and the Committee would use the data and all the testing to "get something back in front of the council for action."
Quinn: "One thing we did find out ... 5 of the 9 (samples tested) had a lot more human poop than duck or goose ... a real eye opener for us ... with us having triathlons, swims and fishing in the bay ... we really need to get a handle on this."
Kant said that previous testing back in 2002 found that, after heavy rains, malfunctioning septic tanks on the south and north ends of town were suspected as possible sources.
Kant: "When septic tanks don't work correctly ... they're going in the ditches ... and it eventually ends up in the waterways."
Quinn and said an engineering firm may need to be hired next to "give us some direction, look at drainage-ways, piping ... move forward with a different plan."
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