Jonesboro septic system users look for alternative

Associated Press - November 20, 2009 10:34 AM ET

JONESBORO, Ark. (AP) - A Jonesboro utility says it will end its long-standing practice of accepting sewage dumped from septic systems.

The decision by Jonesboro City Water and Light will be effective after Nov. 30, after which area residents who use septic systems must find alternative ways to dump their waste.

Local plumbers say they won't be able to pump from the systems until another place is found to dump the sewage.

The utility's manager, Ron Bowen, says he understands the decision will cause a hardship but that the utility has no responsibility to provide the service. He says more stringent regulations from the federal Environmental Protection Agency are a primary factor in the decision.

Bowen says the dumping of septic waste at the utility's treatment plants began in the 1970s.

Information from: The Jonesboro Sun, http://www.jonesborosun.com