COLORADO

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Contact:

Tom Bennett, EPS
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Water Quality Control Division
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, Colorado  80246-1530
(303) 692-3574
(303) 782-0390 (fax)
tom.bennett@state.co.us

Colorado State Regulations

Colorado Constitutions, Statutes and Codes
 

Guidelines on Individual Sewage Disposal Systems
Chapter 25, Article 10
1994

Onsite regulations for Colorado were last updated in 1994.  There are plans to develop a section establishing a process for granting variances from certain siting criteria.  Performance based standards have been discussed; however, no progress has been made in that direction.

Aerobic treatment units (ATUs) are required to meet or exceed NSF Standard 40 or other equivalent certification.  Alternative soil absorption designs must meet existing design standards.  Drip irrigation and spray systems must meet BOD, TSS and fecal coliform limits with sampling no more frequently than daily, no less frequently than weekly.  Spray systems have additional total coliform limits to meet that are developed on a case-by-case basis.  Drip and spray irrigation are not allowed on crops for human consumption.  Evapotranspiration beds, gravelless/chamber systems, mounds, and sand filters and constructed wetlands are covered separately under the state's guidelines.

Colorado's regulations do not require management systems or maintenance districts.

There is no funding mechanism in place through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to assist homeowners in replacing a failing onsite system.  Funding programs are located within various agencies for governmental entities only through the EPA based Construction Grants/Loan Program.  Funding is the sole responsibility of individual homeowners.

Currently, there is no state level onsite certification program.  Local health departments may license system installers and system cleaners.

The state of Colorado does not have an onsite-training center and does not provide training for wastewater professionals.

Currently, there are no onsite demonstration projects  occurring in the state of Colorado.

The Water Quality Control Division of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is responsible for permitting large municipal septic systems.  The state's Guidelines on Individual Sewage Disposal Systems as promulgated by the State Board of
Health and are the applicable regulations used in state permitting.  Local permitting is also required.  Compliance with local regulations is required by most jurisdictions.  For further information, contact Mr. Bennett at the address and/or telephone number listed above.