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Park County board to work with sanitarian on aircraft-waste policy and to begin annual hangar inspections
Summary
After county sanitarians flagged aircraft-waste disposal and permit issues, the airport board agreed to meet the sanitarian and the FBO to establish a compliant holding-tank procedure; the board also directed the creation of an annual hangar inspection checklist to prevent lease misuse and past costly contamination.
The Park County Airport Board agreed to work with the county sanitarian and Yellowstone Air Service to establish a formal procedure for aircraft-waste disposal after the sanitarian raised concerns that effluent cannot be discharged to the airport's septic field.
"It can't be put in our septic system because of the chemicals that they use, and it will destroy the septic," the chair said while introducing the sanitarian's inquiry. Board members reported that Yellowstone Air Service was using a private septic system; the sanitarian advised that a permit and a licensed holding-and-haul system may be required. One board member summarized likely steps: a holding tank on-site, periodic pumping by a licensed pumper, and transport to a treatment facility.
The board asked staff and the FBO to meet with the sanitarian and return with requirements and costs, and noted the possible need to add a holding-tank installation to the CIP if required.
On hangar compliance and inspections, members cited past contamination and reclamation costs. A consultant noted that "Park County paid several $100,000 in reclamation costs because of a user that was storing things within their hangar that was not authorized." The board resolved to create a checklist of inspection items (fire extinguisher, primary aeronautical use, hazardous materials), notify leaseholders in advance, and conduct inspections with two board members plus maintenance staff. The goal is to return an inspection plan and complete inspections before the busy season.
Why it matters: improper waste disposal poses public-health and environmental risks; past misuse of leased hangars led to significant county costs, and routine inspections are intended to reduce future liabilities.
Next steps: meet with the sanitarian and FBO, draft a disposal policy, obtain quotes for a holding tank if required, create and circulate an inspection checklist, and schedule inspections in the coming weeks.
