Last week the Leader-Telegram reported on a controversial issue that has been debated for some time in Eau Claire.

Members of the Amish community have been applying to have building codes waived in Eau Claire County as they don’t align with their religious views. Thirty more are anticipated to apply soon according to an article by the Leader Telegram.

“I think it should be up to them whether they want these things or not as long as we’re doing our part on informing them of the dangers it poses, then it’s in their court to make the decision,” one member said.

The same article reported waiver requests from the county will not be declined for those who chose not to have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed but a refusal for waivers on plumbing concerns will continue to be encouraged, according to building inspector Steve Maley.

Though building inspectors and fire departments alike are recommending to deny these waivers based on health and safety concerns of the Amish community members, the county more often than not has been granting them their rights to forgo these codes.

Buildings are not currently required to have plumbing or electrical services, but if Amish building owners choose to have those services, building inspectors urge to have them done properly, Maley said.

Without monitoring these specific codes it can pose a health threat to the general public in relation to water contamination by improper disposal of sewage.

“The ground water contamination concern is a problem so as long as they’re taking care of it and it doesn’t become a problem for everyone else then I think it’s totally fair if they choose whether or not to have these things,” another member said.

With the regulations currently in place, Maley said unless an individual becomes ill, pollutes or poses a problem, there is nothing the county can do about construction standards if they conflict with religious rights.

Regardless, all members of The Spectator Editorial Board voted in favor of allowing Amish community members to have building codes waived.