Sewer Project Update: How the Proposed District Map Was Developed

From the very beginning of this project, we have tried to stay focused on a few key goals that align closely with what we have consistently heard from fellow Miner Lake property owners.

Our priorities have included:

• Protecting the lake and water quality
• Preserving the natural open space on the east end of the lake from future development
• Creating a long-term solution rather than a temporary fix
• Keeping the project as affordable as possible
• Making sure we do not miss this opportunity again
• Proximity of the parcel to the lake and the likelihood to contribute waste runoff to the lake

To help guide decisions throughout the process, we also established several important principles:

• This should be a true community project that includes as many eligible properties as reasonably possible
• The solution should serve Miner Lake for the long term
• Most properties around the lake do not meet the current minimum requirements established by the Allegan County Health Department for on-site septic systems
• Some properties that fully meet Health Department standards may have valid reasons to be excluded from the district

It is important to note that exemption considerations are based on established standards and site conditions — not simply whether a homeowner feels their current system is “working.”

As we met with engineers, legal advisors, environmental professionals, and local officials, we used these priorities and principles to help shape the proposed district boundaries.

We were intentional about avoiding a map that felt arbitrary or resembled “Swiss cheese” with inconsistent exclusions throughout the lake community.

For example, Crystal Cove was excluded because it already has an established wastewater system that has been approved by the Health Department.

There are also a small number of larger properties with sufficient land area and site conditions that may allow them to meet Health Department requirements independently. Those properties have been excluded from the proposed district at this time.

As we continue evaluating the formation of the Special Assessment District, property owners in those situations are welcome to speak with us if they would like to discuss the option of being included in the district.

We understand that questions and differing perspectives are part of a project of this size and importance. Our goal continues to be to provide clear information, listen to the community, and pursue the most practical long-term solution for Miner Lake.

The map below represents the proposed Miner Lake Sewer District Map.
There is a color coding key imbedded in the map, but here is a brief explanation.

• Green = Parcels Included in the District
• Yellow = Boundry parcels that were considered for inclusion, but have not been specically included. This was done based on the priniciples discussed above and could be based on parcel size, proximity to the lake or established solution approved by the Allegan County Health Department.
  
  Note: Parcels that are not included in the project at the time of creation will NOT be eligible for inclusion after the final formation of the Special Assessment District. If parcel owners in this grouping wish to be included in the project, they should contact us immediately to discussion options.

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