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Sanitarian reports steady inspections, temporary‑permit guidance and enforcement cases
Summary
Broadwater County sanitarian Megan Bullock reported steady permit activity, inspections for restaurants and lodging, several enforcement cases moving toward compliance, and explained test‑pit requirements for septic permits.
Megan Bullock, Broadwater County sanitarian, told the Board of Health that environmental‑health work has been steady and that the county has been issuing a steady stream of permits and conducting inspections of licensed establishments.
Bullock said the county compares its inspection activity with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) as part of quarterly audits. She reported roughly a dozen inspections remaining to complete before December for the current audit period.
Bullock recapped activity at recent community events: the county fair operated without reported problems; she said the fair had “around 13, 16 food vendors,” and the department issued many temporary permits for upcoming events such as Fall Fest.
On fees, Bullock said nonprofit and certain licensed vendors (for example under cottage‑food rules or licensed mobile vendors) do not pay temporary‑permit fees. Others pay a small fee: Bullock said, in her words, “It’s only the people who don't fit any of those categories that pay $85 for a small and 1 gift team for a large.” The transcript text for the large‑permit fee was not specified precisely; the precise large‑permit fee was not recorded.
Bullock also described “test pits,” a site evaluation required before issuing a septic permit on larger parcels: an 8‑ to 10‑foot pit dug within roughly 25 feet of the proposed septic location so the sanitarian can inspect for limiting layers (bedrock or groundwater) and assess soil type to size the drainfield.
She reported a couple of enforcement cases — one at “the silos” and another involving junk vehicles, tires and solid waste — and said the second case is coming into compliance. Bullock said the county is issuing temporary‑event permits and continuing routine inspections of restaurants, motels and trailer courts.
Board members asked clarifying questions about test pits and permit outreach; Bullock said event coordinators generally work well with county staff and that organizers typically know to contact environmental health for permanent permits.
No formal board action was taken during the update; the department will continue inspections and follow up on enforcement cases.
