County ironing out rules to help track septage

MONTROSE — The creation of rules that would help track septage now largely unaccounted for within Montrose County is nearing completion.

County officials are scheduled to meet with system cleaners (septage haulers) July 15 to work out the final details on rules which would govern standards and procedures for those who handle the county’s waste.

“For the first time we’ll know where all the septage came from and where it all went,” said

Richard Thompson, Montrose County environmental health manager. “It’s exciting.”

Montrose Roto-Rooter owner Kevin Smith, of the Western Slope Haulers Association, said the sooner rules are in place, the better. Their implementation would fulfill a condition the city set in an agreement with the county. The agreement would create a new county septage receiving facility on city property.

West Montrose Sanitation District is the only official domestic receiving facility in the county that is open to the public. However, it was set up as a temporary operation and will eventually need to be closed.

“What’s important for haulers who don’t have land application is that we have continuity between the two facilities,” said Smith. “It’s my position that it’s somewhat urgent to make sure everything falls into place.”

Smith, speaking at a Thursday multi-jurisdictional meeting, asked whether the county could set a deadline for commenting on the draft regulations so the entire process moves forward as expeditiously as possible.

Aspects of the draft still being worked out include the method of reporting and standard definitions.

System cleaners and county officials discuss and decide upon an acceptable reporting system, which would track pick-up locations and collection amounts. The current draft suggests global positioning devices be used but other more cost-effective alternatives may be sought, officials said.

Additionally, County Land Use Director Steve White said the equipment standards for system haulers should be more specific. This would help the county avoid potential for subjective and arbitrary decisions on what constitutes acceptable standards.

“The purpose is not to overregulate haulers but to have some control over the process to make sure things are done safe,” White said.

Thompson said the Colorado Department of Public Heath and Environment must review the regulations for consistency with the state’s regulations. A public hearing before the Board of County Commissioners could take place in August, after the state responds with its input. However, no date has been set.

“We’re moving as quickly as possible without sacrificing due diligence,” said commissioner Gary Ellis.

The board approved $15,000 Monday for engineering of the septage receiving facility. A timeline on the project was not available by press time. Thompson said as soon as the county puts regulations in place, completes design of the facility and constructs it, the city will start to set up accounts.