Bill would give homeowners more time for septic system upgrades

UNDATED (WSAU) There are hundreds of Wisconsin homes that use septic systems to dispose of raw sewage, and many have not been inspected for years.

But D-N-R rules calls for inspections every three years, and counties have to develop comprehensive plans to deal with septic systems that fail.

Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker says he's working on a plan for what happens when a septic system doesn't meet state requirements. He says many homeowners can't afford the large expense to replace them.

The Decker proposal would allow a 3-to-5 year grace period for septic systems to be upgraded, repaired, or replaced. The proposal will go through the Natural Resources Committee before coming up for a floor vote.