Cesspool mandate dropped in El Paso County and added in Teller
In a switch of regulations regarding septic systems, El Paso County rescinded the mandate to have cesspools inspected upon the sale of a home. In Green Mountain Falls, Mayor Todd Dixon is pleased with the change as he testified before ethe county commissioners May 27 arguing for the mandate, Regulation 43, to be dropped.
While Dixon testified against the mandate, several installers and inspectors argued the opposite.
“It seemed to me they were targeting Green Mountain Falls,” he said. “Because I’m the one who brought it up in January.”
As a result, after July 11, homeowners in Green Mountain Falls/El Paso County, there will be no requirement for inspections by public health and environment.
“It’s totally between the buyer and the seller now,” Dixon said. “El Paso could not provide any data that said we had a health issue that was caused by cesspools.”
Dixon sees a disconnect between the residents who have their cesspool inspected regularly but when they opt to sell their property, a successful inspection doesn’t count. As unscientific poll, he said, has residents expressing gratitude to the vote to remove the mandate. One resident reported spending $55,000 to install a new cesspool.
Dixon, who is a member of the El Paso County Board of Health, was one of seven members to vote to remove the mandate. There are eight members on the board.
On the other hand, on the recommendation of Teller County Public Health & Environment, commissioners Bob Campbell, Erik Stone and Dan Williams initiated the requirement for inspection upon the sale of a home. In both counties, the measure is called “Transfer of Title,” under the state’s Regulation 43. In initiating the requirement, commissioners were serving as the Teller County Board of Health.
The resolution amending the county’s onsite wastewater treatment system recognizes the new regulation as one that employs the latest knowledge and technology for the treatment and disposal of human and household waste through proper sewage disposal.
“We are embracing technology,” said Williams.
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