LISBON — Another dozen county residents with have been found in violation of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements.

On Wednesday, the Columbiana County Health Board issued orders to residents that have failed to keep their special NPDES septic systems serviced.

The permit through the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency NPDES program requires the septic systems be serviced once a year by the service provider to make sure it is still operating efficiently, which includes a water test.

Health board member Dr. Jack Amato felt the required water test can be costly for septic owners and was not happy the board has to issue orders for the NPDES violations.

He said residents are being “dragged through court” and “raped” on the water sample.

Health Commissioner Wes Vins recalled that he has advocated in Columbus against the yearly testing for these particular systems.

“I have advocated that since NPDES are five-year permits … why are you requiring the water be tested? I have suggested they sample them once every five years, but none of that has struck with our state partners,” Vins said.

He also said he asked why the permits don’t require 10 years of service on the system from the provider to avoid problems, but the suggestion “just didn’t stick.”

He pointed out that the county health department offers a water test for a $135 fee, which is cheaper than most other tests, that will help residential NPDES permit holders to remain in compliance.

The samples are sent to a laboratory in Leetonia, he added.

The dozen residents sent board orders for their systems were Richard Harris, Alliance; Rita Ankeny, Kensington; Tammy Weber, East Palestine; Paul Hulton; New Springfield, Joseph Rice, Alliance; Lucas Coldsnow; Najeeb Bajwa, East Liverpool; Debra Higgins, Hanoverton; Amy Hissom, East Liverpool; Cristi Jo Corak, Wellsville; Mary Ann Jackson, Salem; and Willard McCallister, Salem.

The board also approved:

— Issuing board orders for a violation at 1350 Chester St., East Liverpool, for dilapidated trailer and solid waste. The property is in foreclosure and the order will remove all solid waste from the property for disposal at a licensed facility. The complaint was filed by Liverpool Township.

— A variance for Mary Ann Rich, 1741 N. Market St., East Palestine, for septic distance requirements.

— A variance for Helga Kuhlmann, 22788 Georgetown Road, Homeworth, for a sewer building.

— A variance for Ruth Allison, 49140 Pancake Clarkson Road, Rogers, for a portion of the sewage treatment system sited on a parcel other than the parcel containing a dwelling.

— A variance for Eric Smith, 33684 state Route 518, Hanoverton, for septic system requirements.

— A three-year Lisbon backflow contract.

kwhite@mojonews.com