Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Health topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission tightens wastewater rules near waterways, sets 30 mg/L nitrogen limit
Summary
The commission adopted an amendment requiring underground wastewater systems within 500 feet of mapped waters to meet a 30 mg/L maximum total inorganic nitrogen standard and to be certified by a Utah-licensed engineer and approved by the local health department.
Garfield County commissioners adopted an amendment to local rules for on-site wastewater systems that requires stricter treatment for systems located within 500 feet of mapped waters.
Under the amendment, "any underground wastewater disposal system located or installed within 500 feet of any water of the state shall have a maximum total inorganic nitrogen concentration of no more than 30 milligrams per liter (mg/L)," and the system must be certified by an engineer licensed in Utah and approved by the local health department. The ordinance also reiterates that no such system may be located within 100 feet of a water of the state without written approval from the local health department.
Planning and zoning had reviewed and recommended the amendment before it came to the commission. County staff said the language is intended to protect lakes and perennial streams such as Panguitch Lake and Mammoth Creek from elevated nutrient loads.
Why it matters: Numeric effluent limits and certification requirements increase permitting standards for new cabins and homes near riparian areas and could raise installation costs for property owners who must use higher-performance ("level 3") systems.
Commissioners approved the amendment by voice vote after a short explanation from county staff. County staff were directed to circulate the corrected ordinance language to affected parties and to coordinate with the local health department on implementation and permitting guidance.
