The fallout from the septage treatment plant disaster continues. The anticipated revenues from the plant, which were based on estimates from the Gordie-Fraser engineering firm, have fallen far short. Representatives of the five townships financially committed to the plant, including Leelanau's Elmwood Township, are struggling with ways to fulfill their obligations to cover bond payments.

According to this this Record-Eagle article, the townships have agreed to raise permit costs on new septic systems, in some cases by hundreds of dollars, to cover the costs. Rejected alternatives included a special tax assessment and mandating the pumping of septic tanks.

The plant collapsed last June, a month after its opening. The plant was designed by the same Gordie-Fraser firm that provided the inaccurate estimates of the revenues it would generate.