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Commission backs narrowed wastewater ordinance allowing repairs with Health Department oversight
Summary
The commission recommended that county council consider an amendment to restrictions on septic systems in source‑water protection zones: repairs and replacements in zone 2 would be allowed with Bear River Health Department variances, and new systems would be permitted only if the absorption field lies outside zone 2.
Cache County staff and Bear River Health Department representatives presented a proposed amendment to county code Chapter 17.10.050 governing on‑site wastewater systems in source‑water protection zones.
Under current county code, septic systems were prohibited in zones 1 and 2. The proposed amendment narrows that prohibition: it would allow property owners with existing septic systems in zone 2 to repair, alter, or replace systems when the work meets current standards and a variance is approved by Bear River Health Department; new on‑site wastewater systems could be permitted only if no portion of the absorption (drainfield) component lies within zone 2, with the Health Department as the technical reviewer.
Jordan Matthysse, director of the Bear River Health Department, told commissioners the department supports the change as a targeted, technical approach that allows necessary repairs and the replacement of aging systems while protecting aquifers. He described the variance process and said advanced treatment systems and licensed engineers/geologists would be required for projects with elevated risk; he cited a case study where replacing an old system with an advanced treatment system reduced net pollution despite increased flows.
Commissioners pressed for clarifications about whether new construction could be allowed if the drainfield is piped outside zone 2 (answer: yes, provided the absorption area is outside zone 2 and appropriate easements are obtained), how the county and state treat systems above 5,000 gallons (state jurisdiction), and how high‑water events or storm runoff are addressed (engineering/geologic review would be required as part of the variance process). Mayor Lucen and several residents spoke in support, saying the amendment preserves protections while offering a path to maintain existing homes and institutions.
After discussion commissioners characterized the draft as a narrowed compromise and moved to recommend the amendment to county council with Bear River Health Department variance procedures integrated into the county review path.
