Bethel council orders repairs at 251 Akiak Drive after sewage reached the ground

Bethel cut water service to a home on Akiak Drive to stop untreated sewage from reaching the ground. The city council has ordered the owner to repair the failed system or face city-led cleanup billed against the property.

The council adopted Nuisance Abatement Resolution No. 26-01 on Aug. 21, declaring 251 Akiak Drive a public nuisance and health hazard. Council member Springer made the motion, and council member Miner seconded it. The resolution ordered owner Larry Little to present a cleanup plan by noon Aug. 24 and repair the discharge source by Aug. 25. The city can extend those deadlines for good cause.

City Manager Lori Strickler presented the city's evidence, including a July 31 nuisance notice, an Aug. 12 continued-violation notice and water shutoff, and an unauthorized reconnection on Aug. 13. Little attended the meeting and gave evidence. Mayor Rose Henderson was excused for a conflict of interest.

Available records do not show whether the deadlines were met. If the hazard remains unabated, the city may do the work itself and place a lien on the property. Little can request a rehearing before the completion date and may appeal to Alaska Superior Court.