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Pitkin County Environmental Health Department
Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) USE PERMIT
Permit for Continued Use of an Existing OWTS
76 Service Center Road, Aspen, CO 81611
Phone: 970-920-5070 Fax: 970-920-5374
www.aspenpitkin.com/EHNR
Parcel ID #: 2729-092-01-061
OWTS Use Permit #: 0035.2017.POWU
Date Issued: 06/14/2017
Issued By: Kurt Dahl
Expiration Date: 06/14/2018
Owner(s): Royce Fichte / Janet Long
Property Address: 34 Trout Run Dr
Legal Description: Lot 1 El Rancho Deluxe
Licensed Inspector: Carla Ostberg
Inspection Date(s): July 11 and October 17, 2016
SYSTEM INFORMATION
Components Type Capacity/Size
Primary Treatment Unit Concrete two-compartment septic
tank
1000 Gallons
Secondary Treatment Unit
Absorption Area Gravelless Chamber soil treatment
bed
5 rows of 5 ‘Standard’ Chambers
(25 total) 690 ft2
Other System Components
OWTS Use Status:
In use at the time of the inspection. Not in use at the time of the inspection.*
*If the OWTS was not in use at the time of the inspection, it is recommended that the system be re-evaluated when it is in use for a more accurate
evaluation of the system.
System Records:
Permit #: 92046 Date of Issuance: 08/04/1992 Date of Final Approval: 08/23/1992
# of Bedrooms or fixtures served by OWTS: System is designed to serve 2 bedrooms. The study is not considered a
bedroom per the Pitkin County OWTS Regulations.
Operational Status: According to the inspector’s observation the system was functioning as designed at the time of
inspection and there was no evidence of failure.
Inspector Recommendations: Add effluent filter to the outside of the tank.
Department Recommendations: Annual maintenance. Abandon/move the portion of the vegetable garden over the soil
treatment area.
Issuance of this OWTS Use Permit is based solely on the conditions observed and reported by the inspector to the Department on the date of the inspection(s) and
on Department records at the time of permitting. The issuance of this permit does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or representation by the Department
that the system will operate properly or will not fail or that the system will not be subject to future enforcement action to correct non-compliant conditions.
Estimated capacity of the system has been listed on the permit and we recommend that you monitor and/or meter water use to prevent overuse and possible
failure.
Pitkin County Environmental Health Department
f f Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS)
Co 1USE PERMIT APPLICATION
76 Service Center Rd
Aspen, CO 81611
http:llpitkincounty.eomf248,fWastewater-Treatment
Application for Continued Use of an Existing OWTS
Parcel Il]# (available from the Pitkin County Assessor's Office
2729 092 01 061
970-920-5160 or at .ra yI F zs m ar�,l 117 s -S B 8 S 0 r;,-7 e qr Gh Fs��
Purpose of Use Permit: PRDPEJZTY TRANSACTION
E]REMODEL/
Property Address:
34 Trout Run Drive
Lot'
Block:
Filing:
Subdivision:
1
El Rancho Deluxe
Residences:
Other
#&Bcdroomsf
2
fixturesiuses:
Property Owner(s)":
ROYCE I"ICHTi� � .,��t;�,�
Email Address:
janetlang@aol.corrl
Owners Mailing Address:
ut Run Drive
LLO
City, State, Zip:
Redstone
CO
181623
Home Phone:
Business Phone:
`contact rnrormanon must oe provraea Tor me owner srgnrng urns appucauan.
Primary Contact Person/Applicant (if not owner):
Janet Long
Company:
Contact/Applicant Mailing Address:
34 Trout Run Drive
City, State, Zip:
Redstone
CO
181623
Cell Phone:
Business Phone:
1(970) 704-0265
Fax Number:
Email Address:
j (0y1tt C
Indicate Preferred Method of Payment Check w
Credit/Debit Cash
Licensed Systems Inspector: Phone Number: Email Address: Fax Number:
Carla Ostberg
(970) 309-5259
carla.ostberg@gmail-corn
Mailing Address: Cit State Zip:
33 Four Wheel Drive Road
Carbondale
1CO
181623
I certify that the above information is complete and accurate and that 1 have provided complete and accurate information in all of the documents
included in my application package, I acknowledge that this department may revoke any permit I am issued if my application is found to contain any
inaccurate, false, or misleading information.
Omer Signature (Required): i , F Date:
4."
Applicant Signature: D€gitally signed by Carla stberg Date:
Carla Ustberg Date: 2017.05.1209:45:25-06'00' El117
Please allow 3-5 business days for processing of use Permits. Save Form Clear Form: Print Form
,.... ....... .... -
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY I
Received by EH Staff: Fee & Receipt #: Hate: J
Effective Date 1112/2017
CBO Inc.
33 Four Wheel Drive Road
Carbondale, CO 81623
cell) 970-309-5259 office) 970-704-0484
carla.ostberg@gmail.com
November 20, 2016
Janet Long
janetlong@aol.com
Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) Use Permit Inspection
34 Trout Run Drive
Pitkin County, Colorado
Janet,
As requested, CBO Inc. performed an Onsite W astewater Treatment System (OWTS) Use Permit
inspection at 34 Trout Run Drive, Redstone, Colorado on July 11 and October 17, 2016. The legal
description of the 2.76-acre property is Lot 1, El Rancho Deluxe Subdivision.
The permit and record drawing was provided by Pitkin County Environmental Health Department (Parcel
ID #2729-092-01-061). The subject OWTS consists of one 1000-gallon, two-compartment concrete
septic tank. Effluent gravity flows to a gravelless chamber bed, consisting of five rows of five ‘Standard’
Infiltrator® chambers. Individual Sewage Disposal System Permit 92046 documents this system. The
system was sized to accommodate 2 bedrooms. The permit received final approval on August 23,
1992.
The septic tank and soil treatment area (STA) are located to the northeast of the residence. A clean out
is located between the residence and the septic tank. Both septic tank lids were accessible from grade at
the time of our inspection. Both inlet and outlet tees were present. We recommend adding an effluent
filter to the outlet tee. If added, this filter must be cleaned annually, or as needed.
The liquid level in the outlet tee appeared slightly over-full at the time of our inspection. Solids
accumulation in the septic tank was approximately 18-inches of sludge in the inlet side of the septic tank
and 4-inches of sludge in the outlet side of the septic tank. We recommend the septic tank be pumped in
the fall, and at that time the line between the septic tank and the STA be jetted to clear any clogs that
may be inhibiting flow from the septic tank to the STA.
We walked the approximate STA. The area appears to be partially under a garden. We do not
recommend a vegetable garden over the STA. We have provided a flyer pertaining to gardening over
STAs, or leach fields. No inspection ports were present in the STA. We did not observe evidence of
surface saturation or signs of failure at the time of our inspection.
All Valley Resource pumped the septic tank and jetted the line between the septic tank and the STA on
October 17, 2016. Everything appeared normal, with the line between the septic tank and STA cleared of
any sludge accumulation. This evaluation is not a guarantee of future system performance. This
inspection is good for one year.
Recommendations:
• Install effluent filter to outlet tee. If installed, this filter must be cleaned annually, or as needed.
0035.2017.POWU
This report and a completed OWTS Use Permit Application packet must be submitted to the Pitkin
County Environmental Health Department. Applications may be submitted to Pitkin County Environmental
Health Department electronically. The following are links to the required OWTS Use Permit Application and
Checklist.
Application: http://www.pitkincounty.com/DocumentCenter/Home/View/621
Application Checklist: http://www.pitkincounty.com/DocumentCenter/Home/View/620
If the application is completed electronically, each document listed on the checklist must be provided as a
.pdf file. Naming of each file must be in accordance with the following format:
PARCEL ID document name date.pdf
For example: 123456789101 Application 10 6 16.pdf
All documents should be attached to an email addressed to EHapps@pitkincounty.com.
The email subject line must include Parcel ID, address, and type of permit application.
For example, 1234-567-89-101, 123 Curtis Dr., OWTS Construction Permit Application
More complete instructions can be obtained from Pitkin County Environmental Health Department 970-920-
5438 or 970-920-5076.
Disclaimer: This inspection is intended only as an evaluation of the present condition of the OWTS
based upon what was observed and the Licensed Inspector’s expertise in onsite wastewater technology.
The Inspector has not been retained to warrant or guarantee the proper functioning of the system for any
period of time in the future. Because of numerous factors which may affect the operation of an OWTS,
as well as the inability of the Inspector to supervise or monitor the use or maintenance of this OWTS, this
report shall not be construed as a warranty by the Inspector that the system will function properly for any
particular prospective buyer, and the Inspector disclaims any warranty, either expressed or implied,
arising from the inspection of the OWTS or this report. The evaluation does not ascertain the impact the
system is having on groundwater.
Please call with questions.
Sincerely,
Carla Ostberg, MPH, REHS
NAWT Certified Inspector
Certification # 11044ITC Exp. April 2018
Clean out
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Inlet side of septic tank Outlet side of septic tank
View of STA
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Percolation test provided by owner (not include in Pitkin County file)
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Fact Sheet 07-32
Planting on Septic Leach Fields
Susan Donaldson, Area Specialist
Wendy Hanson, Master Gardener Coordinator and Horticulture Assistant
Do you rely on a septic system to treat your
household wastes? If so, you’re probably
interested in protecting the investment you have
in your system. Properly operated and
maintained, a septic system can last for at least
25 to 30 years. It is important to understand
how systems function, and how your
landscaping decisions may affect the longevity
of the leach field.
Elements of a septic system
Septic systems receive household wastes from
toilets, sinks, showers, dishwashers, washing
machines and other indoor water uses.
Biological action within the septic tank helps
break down organic wastes. With time,
however, inorganic wastes such as sand,
plastic, or synthetic fibers, and slowly digested
wastes such as grease, will build up as a layer
of sludge. Regular pumping to remove tank
sludge is essential to proper system
performance. If the sludge is allowed to
accumulate, it may spill out into the soil
absorption area.
This part of the system, also called the leach
field or drain field, most commonly consists of a
series of parallel perforated pipes buried in the
ground about 12 inches to 18 inches deep. The
pipes are set in gravel trenches that allow
treated effluent to seep into the ground.
Once in the soil, pathogens, nutrients and other
organic materials are removed from the
wastewater by several processes, including
breakdown by soil organisms, adsorption (sticking)
of pathogens to the surface of soil particles, and
uptake by plants. The soil organisms rely on
oxygen to survive, so the leach field area must
drain adequately to stay aerated. However, if the
system drains too rapidly, the risk of groundwater
contamination increases.
Mound systems
Some systems include an aboveground leach field,
called a mound system. The mound is a drain field
that has been raised above the natural soil surface.
These designs are used when a high water table
does not allow placement of pipes in the native soil,
or when the soil drains either too quickly or too
slowly. These systems function much like in-ground
The University of Nevada, Reno is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, creed, national origin, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation in any program or activity it conducts. The University of Nevada employs only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States.
Elements of a septic system
A. Miller, UNCE
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systems, but the mound itself must be stabilized
to avoid damage to the field from erosion or
disturbance.
Considerations when planting over the
leach field
The leach field is the most expensive part of the
system, and you will want to protect it from
damage. It is desirable to plant over the leach
field to stabilize the soils and landscape the
area. Plants help remove nutrients and
moisture from the soil, and also retard erosion.
Careful planning can provide an attractive area
without damaging the leach field.
Plants should be selected according to their
rooting habits and water needs. Plants with
large, deep roots may clog pipes or gravel and
can even break the lines, damaging the system.
Instead plant shallow-rooted, drought-tolerant
grasses or herbaceous vegetation.
Irrigation over the leach field area is not
desirable, as the added water may prevent
evaporation of effluent and increase risks of
groundwater contamination. Select drought-
tolerant vegetation to decrease irrigation needs.
Low-maintenance grasses and perennial
flowers are best for use on the leach field or
mound system.
When planting, minimize tilling and establish
plant cover as quickly as possible to lessen the
likelihood of soil erosion. You may need to
provide supplemental irrigation during the first
growing season until the plants are established,
but long-term irrigation and/or fertilization must
be avoided.
When maintaining the vegetation, avoid the
repeated use of heavy machinery. Plan to mow
grasses only a few times a year to reduce fire
danger. Keep people off the leach field, except
to do routine maintenance or repairs. These
areas should never be used for play fields.
What about trees?
Never plant trees with invasive roots, such as
aspen, beech, birch, cottonwood, cypress, elm,
full-sized pine, poplar, maple (especially red
and silver), walnut, or willow, over the drain field
area. These trees should be kept at least 50 feet
away from any leach field. Shrubs with extensive
root systems, such as Caryopteris (bluebeard or
blue mist spirea), are also not advised.
Trees that can be planted somewhat closer include
ornamental trees (cherry, crabapple, dogwood);
hemlock; red, scarlet and white oak; and small,
shrub-type pines such as Mugo pines. Keep these
trees as far away from the leach field as the mature
height of the tree, or at least 20 feet.
Can I plant a vegetable garden over the
leach field?
It is tempting to consider placing a fruit or vegetable
garden over the leach field, to take advantage of
the extra moisture and nutrients provided by the in-
ground effluent. However, it is not recommended
that vegetable gardens be planted over leach fields
due to potential health hazards and possible
damage to the leach field itself.
One of the greatest concerns when planting a
garden over a leach field is the potential for
contamination of soil and produce by disease-
causing pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria.
Never plant root crops over the leach field.
Pathogens can be expected to travel short
distances through the soil, especially in sandy soils.
Root crops, such as carrots and potatoes, that grow
in the soil are the most likely to pick up
contamination from the area above or downhill from
the leach field. It is not possible to determine if a
crop has been contaminated by its appearance.
Leafy crops that grow close to the soil surface
could also experience contamination from irrigation
water splashed onto the foliage. The taller the crop,
and the greater the distance from the ground, the
lower the risk of contamination.
Before proceeding with a vegetable garden over a
leach field, consider a few other things. If you have
a water softener, chances are your system adds
salt to the septic system every time it regenerates.
The salty effluent water released into the garden
area could harm salt-sensitive plants, such as
beans and peppers. You also need to consider the
other household chemicals you use and their
possible effect on plants and produce.
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Gardening practices could also potentially
damage your leach field. Rototilling, plowing,
deep digging or fence post placement could
harm the drain lines. Construction of irrigated,
raised beds is also discouraged, as these add
soil depth and may interfere with normal
transpiration from the soil. Irrigating over the
leach field adds water right where you don’t
want it! Ideally, evaporation over the area
should be maximized to reduce chances of
contaminating groundwater supplies. It’s best to
put your vegetable garden in another area.
Tips to keep your septic leach field
functioning properly
In addition to regular pumping, protect leach
fields with these steps:
Keep excess water off the leach field area.
Direct surface water runoff away from the
system.
Limit activities that will compact leach field
soils. Avoid driving across the area.
Likewise, large animals, such as horses or
cows, can cause compaction and reduce
the effectiveness of the system.
Be careful about what goes down the drain.
Avoid the use of hazardous cleaners and
excessive amounts of grease or oil.
Spread out your water use. Avoid using large
amounts of water on any single day to prevent
premature flushing of the tank.
Minimize garbage disposal use.
Don’t flush substances that do not readily
decompose, including cat litter, feminine
sanitary products and cigarette butts.
Citations
Day, S.D. and E. Silva. 2000. Planting on Your Septic
Drain Field. Virginia Cooperative Extension
Publication No. 426-617.
National Environmental Service Center. 2004.
Maintaining Your Septic System – A Guide for
Homeowners. Pipeline Vol. 15, No. 4.
National Environmental Service Center. 1999. Mounds:
A Septic System Alternative. Pipeline Vol. 10, No. 3.
Truckee Meadows Water Authority. 2001. Landscaping
in the Truckee Meadows. www.tmh2o.com.
U.S. EPA. 1999. Decentralized Systems Technology
Fact Sheet: Mound Systems. EPA 832-F 99-074.
U.S. EPA. 1999. Decentralized Systems Technology
Fact Sheet: Septic Tank – Soil Absorption Systems.
EPA 832-F 99-075
Plants for Use Over Septic Leach Fields in Western Nevada
Species Common Name Water Use
Flowering Plants
Achillea species Yarrow Low
Agastache cana Bubblegum mint Low
Alcea rosea Hollyhock Moderate
Antirrhinum majus Snapdragon Moderate
Armeria maritima Sea pinks Moderate
Artemisia species Sage or wormwood Very Low
Aster species Aster Moderate
Aurinia saxatilis Basket-of-gold Low
Coreopsis species Tickseed Low
Dianthus species Pinks Low
Echinacea purpurea Coneflower Moderate
Eriogonum umbellatum Sulfur-flowered buckwheat Very Low
Eschscholzia californica California poppy Low
Gaillardia x grandiflora Blanket flower Low
Gaura lindheimeri Gaura Moderate
Geranium species Handy geranium Moderate
Gypsophila species Baby's breath Moderate
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Species Common Name Water Use
Hemerocallis hybrids Daylily Moderate
Heuchera sanguinea Coral bells Moderate
Iberis sempervirens Candytuft Moderate
Iris germanica Iris Low
Kniphofia uvaria Red-hot poker Moderate
Lavandula angustifolia Lavender Moderate
Lilium species Lily Moderate
Linum species Flax Low
Nepeta racemosa Catmint Low
Oenothera species Primrose Low
Papaver species Poppy Moderate
Penstemon species Beard tongue Moderate
Platycodon grandiflorus Balloon flower Moderate
Rudbeckia fulgida Black-eyed Susan Moderate
Salvia species Sage or Salvia Moderate
Saponaria species Soapwort Moderate
Sedum species Stonecrop Low
Senecio cineraria Dusty miller Low
Stachys byzantina Lamb's ears Low
Tanacetum species Painted or Michaelmas daisy Moderate
Tulbaghia violacea Society garlic Low
Veronica spicata Spike speedwell Moderate
Grasses
Calamagrostis x acutiflora Feather reed grass Moderate
Helictotrichon sempervirens Blue oat grass Low
Panicum virgatum Switch grass Low
Ground Covers
Campsis radicans Common trumpet creeper Moderate
Cerastium tomentosum Snow-in-summer Moderate
Clematis species Clematis Low
Delosperma cooperi Hardy purple ice plant Moderate
Euphorbia species Spurge Low
Helianthemum nummularium Sunrose Moderate
Lathyrus latifolius Perennial sweet pea Low
Lonicera species Honeysuckle Low
Mahonia repens Creeping mahonia Moderate
Phlox subulata Moss pink Moderate
Polygonum species Polygonum Low
Santolina species Lavender cotton Low
Vinca minor Dwarf periwinkle Low
Wisteria sinensis Chinese wisteria Low
Zauschneria californica California fuschia Low
Plant characteristics from: Water Efficient Landscape Guide, Truckee Meadows Water Authority,
http://www.tmwalandscapeguide.com/landscape_guide/interactive/index.php
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832‐R‐13‐002
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