Park County Board of Health: Septic System Variance Request - Facts & Information
- Jesse B. Lucero
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
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)
Actions Already Taken
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
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
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
Next Steps in the Process
The Board of Health will vote on the variance request at their next meeting on April 13, 2025
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
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.
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