By Susan Bromley
Staff Writer

Brandon Twp.- The lobby of McDonald’s, 925 S. Ortonville Road, has been closed for more than a month due to septic issues.

The drive-thru remains open, but the lobby can’t open until the Oakland County Health Division issues a permit for a new septic system and construction is completed.

“We hope to have this permit issued in the very near future,” said Mark Hansell, OCHD chief environmental health special programs. “We are nearing completion on the planning review and the last revision to the planned septic system design.”

The lobby of the McDonald’s has been closed since March 3 after an inspection by the OCHD found sewage on the surface of the restaurant’s septic field. Sewage was not backing up into the facility, but the lobby was closed in order to reduce water usage and the septic is now being pumped “more frequently.”

In a previous released statement, Cynthia Villaire, McDonald’s Ortonville franchise owner, said the closure of the lobby has not impacted the health and safety of food and beverages that continue to be served at the drive-thru.

“We are currently working with local officials to address the restroom issue, and remain committed to providing our customers with a high quality dining experience.”

Hansell said the septic system was not old, but it is believed it failed from “increased flow and waste strength that negatively impacted the absorption field.”

A new system will accommodate increased flow and waste strength with better absorption.

“We don’t see any obstacles moving forward,” said Hansell, who added that once a permit is issued, it is up to the owner to schedule installation of the new system.