Once Again American Legion Post 653 is in the cross hairs! This time it was an inspection of the antiquated sewer system connected to it. Once Again it looks like someone that would like to see the Legion go under may have filed yet another complaint. This is more than a coincident! There have been too many things like this come up lately.
They have 60 days to get a new septic system installed or close the doors (more than likely for good) There is not enough $$$ to have one installed. Right now they are exploring all options on how to get this done, but it may take donations from interested parties to get this done and save the Legion. If you are interested let me know and I'll post the address to send donations to.
MAJOR UPDATE A new septic system has just been installed at the legion so HOPEFULLY that will be the final problem. Not much else it could be turned in for I HOPE! Photos by David Secor
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The legion will not close down, too many people have been helped by it and its time we helped back. Count me in! I hope the people who are trying to close it down come down with crotch rot.
ReplyDeleteLets hope so Nick!
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking about buying some land in the area. The price is great but I'm confused on what is okay with the county. I'd only use it a week or so here and there- few times a year. Ideally, I just wanted a 20' by 14' block with flat roof and outhouse or compose toilet. Any help on what is the cheapest option appreciated.
DeleteThis place has changed a lot and is growing up super fast. Lots of thieving going on so I'd suggest looking somewhere else.
DeleteI was at the meeting with the inspector, he says that the inspection is because of a change of use i.e. a bar and resturant. We sell beer and always have, the food thing is just bar food not even close to a real resturant.
ReplyDeleteWhy cant people just leave it alone?
Look for the squeeky wheel ...... maybe a self proclaimed land flipper????
ReplyDeleteSeems like the American Legion would have some sort of fund to help out a post in these situations. http://www.legion.org/membership/newposts mentions revitalizing posts. Maybe they can help? Or at least tell you who can. I sure as heck want it to stay open!
ReplyDeleteBUDWEISER KID, I agree with Why can't people just leave it alone. This SUCKS!
ReplyDelete2L84Me, that guy frequents the legion to and despite the camo thing I'm sure he wouldn't like to see the legion go away either.
Abby, I'm sure they are going to check in to that to, but it isn't likely they will come up with anywhere near the cost of the new system. I figure every little bit will help though.
Any idea what the total cost is going to be?
ReplyDeleteMarlene, I'm not sure. From what I hear they are saying about $7,000 for a septic system for a family dwelling, but considering this would take a commercial size I'm sure it would be more.
ReplyDeleteLike I said they are exploring all options so until that's done and the amount that will have to be paid total it would be hard to say. Several members are offering their services for free to help, but the actual install will have to be by someone licensed to install septic systems. That severely limits what members can do. Keith Chapman that owns Brewster County Storage has offered to use his backhoe to dig the hole and ditches for the drain field for free so that could help a lot if the inspector would allow it. There are also other offers and possibilities so we will have to see how all of that goes.
The Obama residential systems are bid at $7,000.00, that's a government deal so you know it's over priced. The guy that is doing those jobs will most likley be doiong this job, and I here that he may have a used tank that we could use. That could save some $'s
ReplyDeleteI'll keep the blog updated as I get word even if the thread has changed. Or maybe BUDWEISER KID can keep us updated as he hears something.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if the county will approve the 2 holer 2 story Obama system. We can try ( he he )
ReplyDeleteI asked Mr Virgil Clark, the septic inspector, on a public message board, if a composting toilet would do the trick. He said that composting toilets are allowed as long as it is the kind/brand and installation approved by the county.
ReplyDeleteSeems like that would be much less expensive.
Kathleen
The Obama system is government grant septic system that cost $7,000.00 to install for us low income folks, residential only. the Legion is considered commercial even though we are a not for profit. We dont qualify for the Obama system.
ReplyDeleteThe problem with government funded septic systems is just like everything else government funded, The people with $ can get them and the people without $ can't. Of course that allows people with $ to get a freebie from tax payers, sell the land with the improvement and make a bundle doing it. No wonder they have $.
ReplyDeleteComposting toilets. Good idea, Kathleen. Now, one for men and one for women, or unisex bathroom needing only one? Ask Virgil Clark what the specs are for "kind/brand and installation" so a toilet and installer can be found and priced.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I understand, composting toilets produce usable compost. So if the Legion could sell the compost, eventually the toilet would pay for itself.
Would the legion still have to augment the septic system to handle the kitchen waste? I'm sure the compost station outside would have to be large and according to specs. According to Virgil Clark, Kitchen water isnt grey water , its considered black water and would need to be treated as such. I'm not sure a composting Toilet would be rated to handle the capacity of the legion. Just some thoughts...
ReplyDeleteId bet upgrading the septic will be the simple solution. Im all for composting toilets for a house hold I doubt if it would be worth the hassle in the legions case.
Devils Advocate
Ps. lets not forget that there wasnt really a problem in the first place as I am not aware of any health risks or hazards. The real solution is smaller government intervention or common sense government.
In some cases these laws do keep us from functioning as a 3rd world country. I doubt in any stretch of the imagination the legion could be thought of as such.
The compost toilet sounds good, but wait, according to Virgil even they have to be approved and inspected. And for us here at the Legion the kitchen water is black water, not even grey, that means the drain water has to go into the approved septic system.
ReplyDeleteValid points. Nix the composting toilet.
ReplyDeleteWow, and I thought everyone down there lived in peace and tranquility. . . with minimum governtmet interference. Looks like the rosy picture my mimd has painted of the place is not quite as rosy????
ReplyDeleteYes, nix the compost toilet. I Googled it and read until my eyeballs glazed over. No way will even one of those work, cheaply, in this situation.
ReplyDeleteNow, the digging, the tank, the pipe to connect, the pipe for the leaching field, the gravel for the bottom of the leach line, can all be provided by the certified installation provider. Or, they can be bought separately from people around the area that might be able to give a good deal? Or maybe free to a good cause?
Or the Legion could close the kitchen and stop serving bar food until the funds for a new septic system were raised by donations.
This is a very sad piece of news.
ReplyDeleteI asked Virgil about closing the kitchen and he said the septic system will still have to be replaced. We have a time limit to get this done, somewhere around 60 days and that's not very long for a not for profit to come up with a large chunk of $.
ReplyDeleteAs for peaceful and less regulation well it is more relaxed but the times they are a changing. There is also the fact that someone has a hard on for the legion, and have been trying now for quite some time to close the legion, this time they may have done it.
David, seems like the Legion would grandfather in as long as the ownership has not changed hands. Also, I would check the county ordinances for exceptions, as generally there are some for special conditions. May need to make it a private club with no sales and members BYOB. Again, check through the ordinances. How's the coffee/ Dennis
ReplyDeleteWell, Dave, the Commander, has contacted a local installer out here, and he said he will be willing to work with us on payment. So it looks like we are going to be okay...
ReplyDeleteDennis, I think Virgil said they can't use the grandfather clause. ;( I'm not there to be drinking the coffee right now so am having to drink substandard coffee here in Odessa. Won't be back there until the 4th.
ReplyDeleteBUDWEISER KID, how about you are Dave posting the mailing address for the legion so those who don't mind sending a few bucks for donations for the cause can. Hopefully Dave could print up some receipts and send them out so those who donate could write them off of their taxes? Perhaps they could write on the checks Septic fund or something like that so you'll would know what the donations were for. I'll do what I can when I get back there. No more than is coming in to the Legion now it would probably help a lot to get as much of it paid off as possible to keep the payments as low as possible?
Good idea tffnguy,I dont have the mailing address but i'm sure Sparky Dave has it so he can post it for sure and maybe we can save the ship.
ReplyDeleteThe mailing address here at the legion is
ReplyDeleteAmerican Legion Post 653
HC 65 Box 138B
Alpine TX, 79830
I, and the entire Legion, would like to thank in advance everyone who offers their support.
Thank You,
Dave, Bar Manager, aka Sparky Dave
Hey, Tuff
ReplyDeleteWhere did you get those 5 gallon water containers with the spigot??
frann, I don't remember where I got the first one, but I got the last two at Wally World. They are 7 gallon rather then 5 though.
ReplyDeleteA new thread started. Any new updates on the Legion can be posted to it.
ReplyDeleteHey tffnguy...
ReplyDeleteVirgil Clark is a great person you want on your side...Get the Hall to ask for an extention to raise funds and labor.I personaly know 3 O.S.S.F. class 2 installers.I may be able to help on the install if you guy's can get the soil sample,permit,tanks,pipe,chambers,sand,and backhoe on site all at the same time.
hate to see this destroy a landmark.
denziel56
denziel56, I'm fairly sure Dave and BUDWEISER KID are still monitoring this so maybe one of them can answer that. Dave told me yesterday that he is going to be sending request to all of the other Texas legions (400+) asking for donations to help pay for the septic system. Looks like they will need it since it appears that no one else is going to chip in.
ReplyDeleteThe septic system will be installed tomorrow.
ReplyDelete