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Commissioners urge state DEQ to meet with local health department on alternative septic systems
Summary
Commissioners discussed alternative Level 3 packed‑bed septic systems that reduce nitrogen and urged DEQ and the local health department to coordinate acceptance so the systems can be used at sites including Cambridge Lake and Brays area.
County commissioners and staff discussed alternative “Level 3” septic systems that use packed‑bed filters with wood chips to reduce nitrogen discharge and could be helpful at locations such as Cambridge Lake, John Valley and the Brays area.
A commissioner said those systems can reduce nitrogen levels “from the 30 nitrogen they're measuring, clear down to 10 to 15,” but noted the county’s local health official has not approved them for local permitting even though the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has approved similar systems at larger facilities under its jurisdiction. The speaker said DEQ approved an installation at a remodeled Red Canyon convenience store and RV park because the system treated more than 5,000 gallons per day and fell under DEQ jurisdiction.
The board asked staff to invite Tim Davis from DEQ to meet with county representatives to discuss adding those systems to local approved septic lists and the steps needed for the local health department to accept them. One local resident reported that a private, informal packed‑bed filter was recently installed “just to test it,” and staff said testing data are not yet available.
Commissioners said wider local acceptance could help development and resolve ongoing wastewater challenges in multiple valleys while emphasizing the need for the local public health official to sign off or for DEQ to provide clear guidance on cross‑jurisdictional approvals.
