Gallatin County is updating its Health Code, including revisions of Chapter 3: Regulations for Wastewater Treatment Systems. Proposed amendments aim to reduce the cumulative impact of septic systems on groundwater and surface water quality. All wastewater regulations use standards based on proven technology for the siting, design, construction, installation, and maintenance of wastewater treatment systems and are adopted to assist with the proper treatment and disposal of wastewater to reduce potential public health hazards and protect the environment.

The revisions that are being proposed are grouped into the following categories:

• Nutrient Reduction Strategy – this includes community impact on surface water and ground water, nitrogen reducing technology, and revising regulations on septic systems. Revisions have been proposed for existing sources, new sources, and will help incentivize for existing system upgrades.

• Clarifying Credentials – this includes specifying requirements and what being licensed means for installers and site evaluators. Additional clarifications for professional insurance, suspension criteria, and other regulations.

• Administrative updates, definitions, etc.