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Environmental Health

Show All Answers

1. I'm getting ready to build a home in Park County. What do I need to do first?

Look at the Park County Permitting Guide. This will help explain the permitting process and the steps to enjoying your new home.
Park County Permitting Guide

2. How much do permits cost?

The permit fees are listed at the top of the applications.
Applications and Permits

3. I've applied for a septic or driveway permit. When will it be issued?

It can take up to 10 days after the first inspection for your permit to be issued.

4. Can I install my own septic system?

A homeowner is permitted to install one septic system a year.

5. My septic system is failing. What do I do?

Contact the Environmental Health Department immediately at (719) 836-4267. A repair permit will be required. After the application has been completed, an inspection will be scheduled to determine what type of repair will be needed.
Septic / Driveway Permit

6. I'm selling my house. Do I need to transfer the ownership of my septic system to the new owner?

Transfer of ownership is not required by Park County. The Environmental Health Department charges $5 to update the information in the septic file.
Transfer of Ownership Form

7. I am considering buying an existing home in Park County and would like to know what type of septic system is there. How do I find the information?

Call the Environmental Health Department at (719) 836-4267 to request copies of the septic system information or you may fax the Department at (719) 836-4266 with your request using the following Public Documents Request Form.

Realtors: Please fax all requests.
Public Documents Request Form

8. I am considering buying a vacant lot in Park County and need to know if there may be any problems placing a home and a septic system. How can I find out what I may need to know for future development?

Apply for a site evaluation through the Environmental Health Department. During the site evaluation, wetlands that may affect development will be identified. If so, you can apply for a Wetland Delineation. These evaluations do not include recommendations for placement of your home or septic system.
Site Evaluation / Wetlands Delineation

9. Where can I get information on a particular well?

You will need to call the Colorado Department of Water Resources in Denver. The State of Colorado regulates all wells and issues all well permits. For copies of an existing well permit, call (303) 866-3447. For general well information, call (303) 866-4810. For FAQs about water issues, look at their website. The Environmental Health Department will only have copies of well papers if the septic system was installed after 2003.
Colorado Division of Water Resources

10. How can I get my home drinking water or well water tested?

The Environmental Health Department has water test kits for home drinking water available for $9. These test for: lead, chlorine, nitrates / nitrites, bacteria, pesticides, hardness, and pH. For more in-depth testing, you will need to contact the Colorado Department of Public Health Chemistry Laboratory at (303) 692-3048 to discuss water tests or call the Chemistry Laboratory's bottle order line at (303) 692-3074 to order sample bottles.

NOTE: Between Evergreen and Buena Vista, please refer to the yellow pages under Environmental Services or Laboratory Testing.

11. How can I get rid of my hazardous waste safely?

Call the Environmental Health Department at (719) 836-4265 for a list of companies handling hazardous waste. We will be glad to fax or mail the list to you.

12. How can I dispose of household trash or larger items such as furniture, etc.?

For household trash, call Mountain View Waste Systems at (800) 571-8920. There are transfer stations in Bailey, Fairplay, Guffey, Hartsel, Lake George, and Pine Junction. Ask for addresses and hours of operation.

For larger items, call the Chaffee County Landfill at (719) 539-3738, DRL Summit County Landfill at (970) 468-0846, BFI Foothills Landfill (Golden) at (303) 279-2344, and E.D.S. Waste Solutions, Inc. (Evergreen) at (303) 674-4147 for locations and hours of operation.

13. How do I report a potential environmental health concern?

Print out the following Environmental Health Complaint Form. You may or fax it to (719) 836-4266 or mail it to:
Environmental Health Department
P.O. Box 216
Fairplay, CO 80440

You will receive a report on the Department's findings.

Please note: we do need your name, address, and phone number for the complaint to be processed.
Environmental Health Complaint Form

14. I think I may have contracted food poisoning from a restaurant in Park County. How should I report it?

First, seek medical attention and document your incident. Complaint forms from the State of Colorado are handled by Park County Environmental Health. Call Susan Hessler, Consumer Protection Specialist, at (719) 836-4262.