Park County Board of Health unanimously approves sand-mound septic replacement for floodplain property

The Park County Board of Health voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a sand-mound replacement septic system for a property located in a designated FEMA floodplain.

The decision followed staff presentation of an application from homeowner Kate Wolf and an explanation of options for replacing the failing on-site sewage system. Staff said the alternatives were a raised sand-mound system, a stand‑mount system, or a holding tank; staff recommended the sand mound as the most appropriate treatment in this floodplain location. "The sand mound is by far the most appropriate treatment of sewage in a flood plain and in this location," staff said during the presentation.

The board discussed maintenance and flood risks. Staff described holding tanks as requiring frequent pumping and warned that if a holding tank were not pumped, "raw sewage is entering the ground untreated." In contrast, staff said the sand mound keeps treatment above ground and that the sand provides effective filtration for pathogens in this mountain setting.

A motion to accept staff's recommendation to approve the sand-mound system was made and seconded. The chair called for a voice vote; members responded "aye," and the chair announced, "the motion passes unanimously." The application will proceed to the county floodplain permitting process as required.

The board noted a nearby variance approved several years earlier on a neighboring property with similar floodplain conditions. Staff said that, if the board approves the system, the application will next go through floodplain review and permitting.