SPANISH FORT, Ala. — The Spanish Fort Planning Commission considered Monday amending a zoning ordinance that now states if sewer is reasonably available and septic tank systems fail, residents are required to get sewer.

Mayor Joseph Bonner said residents should have multiple options for sewage. “I’m just trying to give people an option,” he said.

Recently, a letter was sent to residents by the Baldwin County Sewer System to see if they were interested in tying in with the BCSS sewer system.

John Avent, an official with Engineering and Development Services, said that BCSS will adhere to the franchise agreement, and the city has full control over what BCSS does.

“We operate under a franchise agreement with Spanish Fort and we are happy to be there to serve Spanish Fort,” Charlie Baumhauer, marketing director of BCSS, said.

If BCSS wants a price increase they must get approval from the city first unless the Public Service Commission rules a price increase is necessary or it is a cost of living increase. BCSS’s goal for this meeting was to provide location, character and intent. The plant capacity is operating at 27 percent right now.

Another location will probably be built at the northern side of the city as they are under obligation and contract to International Paper for the Highlands of Spanish Fort. According to Avent, the city will have control over capital improvement changes.

Some residents of Wakefield and Wilson Heights subdivisions want to tie in with the sewer system and some do not, according to Bonner. He said that people in Wakefield have expressed concern about having to go to sewer as they may meet the parameters for replacing their septic tanks, by having adequate ground in line with health department regulations.

Resident William “Bill” Brown said on Tuesday that he has no issues with his septic tank which he maintains and it works perfectly.

“It would be like me buying a brand new car, but I can only sit in it,” he said, referring to the fact that his septic tank works fine and has passed all regulations.

Brown said it is not right for a private company to come in and try to force residents to participate in tying into the sewer system and it should not be legal.

“I’ll fight it if possible,” he said.

He said it would be different if there was a mandate from a city utilities company, not a private company. Brown said it doesn’t seem to be justified for a company to come in and make him pay for a service he doesn’t require. But, if the septic tank system failed, it would be different if the county required it, he said.

Brown has lived in the Wakefield subdivision for 16 years. He said he had received a letter from the Homeowners’ Association about a meeting about the subject which he was unable to attend. He said he has not received a letter from the Baldwin County Sewer Service about an incentive program.

“I’m going to fight it any way I can,” he said.

He said he also has questions about what would happen to the work of the grinder pump if the electricity went off and if BCSS would backfill or dispose of the septic tanks.

Some residents may not meet the requirements for installing a new septic system, Bonner said. Councilwoman Wanda Finch said that the replacement cost is currently higher for septic tanks, and in the long run, people may realize how expensive it will be to replace them. BCSS is now offering an installation price of $2,995, which will end on Dec. 31. BCSS Permitting Specialist Stephen Kichler said that this would be a saving about $5,000.

“Our customer service speaks for itself,” he said.

BCSS currently provides sewer services to the Mobile Bay Causeway, the Spanish Fort High School and the Eastern Shore Centre.

In other planning commission news:

• Jeff Thompson presented an application for a subdivision called Stonebrook, which will be located in the Highlands of Spanish Fort. Project Manager Brian Dangler with International Paper Realty has reviewed the application and found it to be in substantial compliance, City Planner Bruce Renkert said. When it goes to engineering, it will be reviewed by the Highlands representatives again.

• Wildland/Urban Interface Coordinator Stanley Anderson of the Alabama Forestry Commission presented information about the National Fire Protection Association’s nationally recognized standards and information about a program called Firewise Communities. With former timberland being developed, communities need to consider structural fire protection., by putting in standards, homes can be better protected. Anderson requested the planning commission look over the informational brochures.

• William Barnhill presented a proposal for a planned unit development on Blakeley River Road on 37 acres. Barnhill said he wants only minimal impact on the environment and wildlife. The planning commission requested a wetlands delineation.