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Story County hears quarterly environmental health update; septic code changes expected Sept. 10
Summary
County environmental health staff reported near-complete aquatic inspections, distribution of about 30 indoor air-quality test kits, heavy private-well program use and impending septic-code rule changes effective Sept. 10; staff certification and FY26 contract funding changes were also noted.
Story County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 12 heard a quarterly environmental health report highlighting near-complete aquatic inspections, wider indoor air-quality testing, heavy use of private-well grant funds and upcoming septic-code rule changes expected to take effect Sept. 10. Kimberly, an environmental health staff member, presented the report.
The update matters because the programs discussed affect private-well owners, septic-system permit holders and public health oversight across Story County. The county will update its ordinance to reflect the Environmental Protection Committee's rule changes and staff expect those changes to be effective Sept. 10.
Kimberly summarized the aquatic program and testing outreach, saying the department distributed about 30 indoor air-quality test kits to county residents during a July promotion. She said most pool inspections are nearly complete but a few were delayed by weather. On septic and well work, Kimberly said the department has been “pretty busy” and that the Environmental Protection Committee approved new septic-rule changes that staff expect to be effective Sept. 10; she noted the county will update its ordinance to reflect those changes.
She discussed private-well grant spending in the current year: the original award was $50,500, an additional $18,000 was reallocated to the county (bringing the total to about $68,000), and “out of that … we used just under $64,000,” according to her remarks. The funds, Kimberly said, were used for water sampling, well plugging and well rehabilitation work. Kimberly also reported the county’s fiscal-year 2026 contract award amount decreased from $50,000 to about $45,454 because state reimbursement rates increased and the available pool was split across all counties that applied.
Kimberly asked the supervisors to note staff changes and training: she reported that Laura (last name not provided) passed the national Registered Environmental Health Specialist exam and that some staff may attend a regional conference in Wisconsin later this year. Kimberly also warned that several staff members will be off on vacation at various times in August.
No formal board action was taken on the report. Supervisors asked clarifying questions but did not vote on policy changes during the meeting; ordinance updates reflecting the septic-rule revisions were described as forthcoming agenda items.
The department will bring ordinance language and any recommended administrative changes to the board for future consideration; the board did not set a specific date during the Aug. 12 meeting.
