Park County Board of Health: Septic System Variance Request - Facts & Information

Current Situation

The Park County Board of Health is reviewing a variance request submitted by property owner Katelyn Wolf for her residence at 5080 US HWY 89S, Livingston (Tract T of COS 2719RB). The request seeks permission to install a replacement septic system within the FEMA 100-year floodplain, which typically requires a 100-foot setback under Montana regulations.

Key Parties Involved

• Katelyn Wolf: Property owner who purchased the property in 2022

• Scott Konley, MS, REHS/RS: Lead Sanitarian at Park County Environmental Health

• Evan Vinger, E.I.: Civil Engineer Intern at Alpine Surveying & Engineering who designed the proposed system

• Park County Board of Health: Decision-making body (members include Dr. Lange, Chair; Kris Pierson, Vice Chair; Dr. Desnick, Health Officer; Brian Wells, County Commissioner; James Willich, City Commissioner; and board members Mary Beebe, John Gregory, and Billy Watson)

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Actions Already Taken

1. A licensed septic installer has evaluated the existing system and determined it is functioning in a "severely compromised condition" with neither the septic tank nor drainfield properly receiving wastewater

2. Alpine Engineering has completed:

   • Test pit excavations to determine soil and groundwater conditions

   • Design of a pressure-dosed elevated sand mound system

   • Environmental analysis showing minimal impact to groundwater and surface water

   • Submission of a formal variance request with supporting documentation

3. The Park County Environmental Health Department has:

   • Reviewed the variance request against regulatory criteria

   • Prepared a detailed memorandum outlining the situation and regulatory considerations

   • Scheduled the matter for Board of Health consideration

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Next Steps in the Process

1. The Board of Health will vote on the variance request at their next meeting on April 13, 2025

2. If approved, the property owner will need to:

   • Obtain a floodplain permit from the Park County Floodplain Administrator

   • Ensure the system design includes buoyancy controls as recommended

   • Install the system according to MDEQ Circular 4 and county standards

   • Follow the prescribed maintenance and inspection schedule

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Public Participation Opportunity

If you wish to be heard on this matter or have a similar situation with your property, the April 13, 2025 Board of Health meeting presents an excellent opportunity to:

• Learn more about how variance requests are evaluated

• Express support for practical solutions to challenging property situations

• Share your own experiences with septic system regulations and floodplain issues

• Connect with county officials who handle these matters

  
  

If you cannot attend in person, written comments can be submitted to the Park County Environmental Health Department at 414 East Callender Street, Livingston, MT 59047, or by calling 406-222-4145 for more information.

This meeting offers a valuable chance to both support a neighbor in need and potentially gain insights that could help with your own property compliance issues in the future.

Park County Board of Health Meeting - How to Participate

Meeting Details

The Park County Board of Health will be discussing and voting on the Katelyn Wolf septic system variance request at their next meeting:

Date: April 13, 2025Time: Not specified in the materials, but Board of Health meetings typically begin at a set time (the previous meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM)Location: District Court Room, Park County Courthouse, Livingston, MT

How to Participate

If you want to be part of this process, you have several options:

Attend in Person

• Arrive at the District Court Room before the meeting begins

• There will likely be a designated public comment period where you can speak

• Prepare brief comments (typically 2-3 minutes) if you wish to address the Board

Submit Written Comments

• Send your comments to the Park County Environmental Health Department

• Address: 414 East Callender Street, Livingston, MT 59047

• Email: planning@parkcounty.org (as listed on their documents)

• Phone: 406-222-4145 for more information

What to Include in Your Comments

• Your name and address

• Your interest in the matter

• Your position on the variance request

• Any personal experiences with similar situations

• Specific concerns or support you wish to express

If You Have a Similar Situation

If you also own property in a floodplain or are experiencing septic system challenges, this meeting provides an excellent opportunity to:

• Learn about the variance process

• Connect with county officials who handle these matters

• Understand what options might be available for your property

The Board of Health meetings are open to the public, and citizen participation is encouraged. The Board typically reviews all written comments submitted before the meeting and allows time for verbal comments during the meeting.