County to follow up on sanitation violations

Commissioners met with County Attorney Naomi Leisz and County Sanitarian Shawn Sorenson to discuss sanitation and wastewater treatment violations across the county. Several of the violations detailed at the meeting last week are in Paradise and members of the meeting said some of the perpetrators across the county in question had not yet responded to citations. A few of these issues have been ongoing for several years. “I think it’s really important that the county take a stand,” said Commissioner Carol Brooker on her last official day in office. “Laws and rules are made for everyone, not just those who choose to abide by them.” said Commissioner Tony Cox, following up her statement.

Brooker expressed concerns that previous prosecutors said they did not have the time to do much about the violations. According to Leisz, this time will be different. Brooker clarified that the fines are not important, and they are not looking to target anyone, all they want is corrective action. “I’m not out to get anybody, the rules are there for a reason and that is public health. We don’t care about the fines; we just want the work done and done right.” However, according to Sorenson, “The problem is when people don’t respond.”

Sorenson and Leisz said new notices have been sent out for corrective action. After 30 days, a final notice will be sent. After another 30 days, Leisz explained that the cases that have taken no action will hit her desk and they plan to prosecute. She explained that for those who have made no efforts after these notices and especially for those who have been unresponsive for years, there will be little sympathy. “If it gets to that point, we’re not giving them any deals because they have had plenty of time already.” There are apparently three of these cases that the members of the meeting were concerned about which have remained unresponsive and involve significant violations.

The violations are all over the county and include illegal trailer parks and septic systems without approval. It’s not a big deal, it’s like obtaining a driver’s license,” said Cox. “It’s a process.” Sorenson explained that notices have been sent out, and the clock is ticking for violator responses.