The City of West Lake Hills’ lawsuit against a resident over a failed septic system heads to trial this afternoon.
The trial is set to begin at 2 p.m. in the Travis County courthouse, West Lake Hills Mayor Dave Claunch said.
The city claims that Ray McMackin continued to live on a Yaupon
Valley Road property in spite of a condemned septic system that violated
state and local health laws and caused a public health nuisance.
The septic system was cracked and leaked human waste within 10 feet
of Little Bee Creek, which drains directly into Lake Austin, according
to court documents.
Lake Austin is a primary source of drinking water for City of Austin residents.
The city seeks costs accrued in the enforcement of this matter, civil
damages of up to $25,000 for each violation and for each day of
violation, attorneys’ fees and costs of the suit, court documents said.
In addition, the city has asked the court to declare that McMackin
has violated state health and safety laws and created a public nuisance
and that the septic system failed to meet state and local standards.
