HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter of Non-ComplianceFrom:Ted White
To:Paul Rutledge; seth horvath
Cc:Jannette Whitcomb; Shania McCain; Brooke Winschell
Subject:Horvath Residence OWTS
Date:Tuesday, October 11, 2022 3:51:23 PM
Seth and Paul,
This email is to notify you of the non-compliance with Garfield County’s OWTS
permit process. This permit was prioritized by staff per the applicant’s request. However,
the owner installed the system without a permit, which is in violation of Section 43.4.B of
the Garfield County OWTS Regulations, which states: Prior to installing, altering or
repairing a system, the applicant must obtain a permit from the local public health agency.
We reviewed the OWTS permit application materials submitted for the proposed
improvements to the OWTS at 710 Cedar Hills Road near Silt. This afternoon, staff made a
site visit to view the potential area where the new OWTS components were going to be
installed. When staff arrived on site, it was discovered that 2/3 of the new system had
already been installed, without Garfield County Environmental Health having issued a
permit.
Submitting the OWTS application to Community Development does not constitute
permission to begin installing OWTS components, similar to submitting a building permit
application does not constitute permission to begin constructing a building. It is Staff’s
understanding that improvements to the OWTS system were likely a condition of a home
sale. There is no situation that the OWTS Regulations allow construction of an OWTS
without a permit, including systems exhibiting failure.
It is important for us to understand how this occurred to ensure that this does not
happen on future projects by the owner, designer, or contractor. Staff is available to review
the OWTS permit process with all parties if requested.
Edward R. “Ted” White, P.E.
Environmental Health Specialist III
Garfield County Public Health
2014 Blake Ave. Glenwood Springs, 81601
www.garfield-county.com
twhite@garfield-county.com
970-945-6614 x 8106 (main office)
970-665-6383 (direct line)
970-230-2442 (mobile)
Garfield County Public Health Department- working to promote health and prevent disease