Commission approves floodplain septic replacement permit for Elhorn Veterinary Clinic

Broadwater County commissioners approved a floodplain permit and supporting documentation April 1 allowing the replacement of an existing septic system and drainfield at the Elhorn Veterinary Clinic.

Kevin, the county’s contract floodplain administrator (Great West Engineering), summarized the administrative timeline: an emergency authorization was granted Dec. 15 to address a failing system; the applicant submitted a permit application Dec. 18 and resubmitted corrected materials Feb. 16; the application was deemed sufficient March 1; legal notice and notices to adjacent owners were posted; and the public comment period concluded with no public comments received.

Kevin recounted DNRC technical comments received that addressed scour potential, check‑valve requirements and the need for engineering certification to withstand a 100‑year flood. In his analysis Kevin determined the project was a like‑for‑like replacement with no additional fill to the floodplain, that a scour analysis was not required, and that a check valve would not be appropriate for the gravity system. He said the replacement would be placed about two feet under the surface and imposed standard permit conditions, including stockpiling excavated materials outside the floodplain and providing a compliance certification within 30 days of completion. "I granted that authorization for the emergency work on December 15th," Kevin said of the initial authorization.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions and there were no public comments. A motion to approve the permit and application documentation passed by voice vote. County staff said the signed permit will be provided to the clinic and the compliance report will be required within 30 days of completion.

Speakers quoted in this article are listed below; technical comments from DNRC (Perry Turk) were discussed by the presenter and are summarized here.