By Michael Howell
The Ravalli County Board of Health reviewed a septage application permit by Eckert Patriot Pumping to apply about 100,000 gallons of raw sewage per year on acreage owned by the Buglis on Sunset Bench southeast of Stevensville. Several neighbors expressed concerns about the potential impacts on groundwater and surface water in the area, as well as impacts to pets and wildlife, downwind smell, and impacts to the road, shared by several of them, for access to their property.
After hearing from the neighbors and Eckert, the pumper, the Board decided to write a letter to DEQ suggesting that the permit contain a few restrictions, including restricting use of the site to a single operator. Eckert said he prefers to work alone on a site to avoid the problems that can arise when something goes wrong and fingers get pointed in every direction. No application on frozen ground was also a suggested condition. That requirement is a part of the regulations, but it does allow for exceptions. In this case they are suggesting that no exception be granted. Eckert said he had no plans to operate when the ground was frozen. The Board also asked for permission for county inspection of the site without notice. The state usually makes a couple of random checks during the year.
The Board also suggested that DEQ require some sort of agreement between the landowner, the pumper, and the neighboring landowners about the upkeep and maintenance of the access road involved.