October 18, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Craig Sanders
Environmental Health Services
303-271-5759
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Ashley Moore
Jefferson County Public Health
303-239-7137
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Board of Health to Consider Changes in Onsite Wastewater Treatment (Septic) System Regulation

Jefferson County, Colorado — The Jefferson County Board of Health is in the process of revising its current onsite wastewater treatment (septic) system regulations. These changes are necessary due to recent revisions to the Colorado Onsite Wastewater Treatment System regulations (also known as “Regulation 43”) adopted by the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission. A stakeholder meeting for industry practitioners was held in September, and as part of the revision process, a DRAFT of the proposed regulations was presented to the Board of Health on October 17, 2017.

Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) will hold an informational meeting to present proposed changes to the public and solicit their input on Monday, October 30, 2017, at 6:30 p.m. at the West Jefferson Middle School cafeteria located at 9449 Barnes Ave, Conifer, CO 80433. Staff will note comments received and will report them to the Board of Health. After this meeting, the Board of Health will then hold a public hearing on Tuesday, December 19, 2017, at the JCPH offices at 645 Parfet Street, Lakewood CO 80215, commencing at 8:00 a.m. At this meeting, the Board of Health may vote to adopt the regulations, propose additional changes or continue the adoption process to a later date.

“Most of the proposed changes are mandated by Regulation 43,” according to Bonnie McNulty, president of the Board of Health. “Local health departments such as ours have limited ability to vary from those requirements.” She also noted that there was an extensive stakeholder process at the state level. Several staff members participated in these working groups and were satisfied that the proposed changes are appropriate and reflect the best practices for the onsite wastewater industry.

Most of the revisions are technical in nature and will primarily impact designers and installers. A summary of the proposed changes may be found on the JCPH website here, as well as the full regulations, here. More information is available on our OWTS web page. Hard copies are also available for review. Contact Craig Sanders at 303 271-5759 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

The Board of Health appreciates and encourages active public participation in this important decision-making process and welcomes both written and verbal testimony. If approved at the December 19, 2017, meeting, the Regulations will become effective on February 1, 2018.

About Jefferson County Public Health

Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is committed to promoting health and preventing injury and disease for the residents of Jefferson County, Colorado. Public health is what we as a society do collectively to prevent illness and premature death and promote health in our neighborhoods and communities. To learn more about JCPH, visit www.jeffco.us/public-health . You can also follow JCPH on Twitter @JeffcoPH and Facebook @jeffcopublichealth.

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