The Gosnell Planning Commission has begun a program that identifies abandoned septic tanks that pose a hazard.
Planning Commission co-chairs Randy Henderson and Joey Crawford both addressed the Gosnell City Council on Tuesday evening to announce the initiative.
Crawford said homes constructed before 1980 are at risk because the sewer system was completed in 1978.
“The gauge of these septic tanks was pretty thin,” Crawford said. “Normally they were only buried eight to 10 inches deep. It’s an inherent risk to small children, animals or anything to fall in.”
Commission members said almost all tanks still hold water, and possible collapse could trap water five feet deep.
At no charge, the Planning Commission will locate the hazard for properties inside the city limits and provide the homeowner with a list of contractors who could remove them. Currently, appointments are available on Saturdays only; to set up an appointment call 532-8544.