Local Health Code Chapter 3 Revisions
The Gallatin City-County Health Department works closely with state and federal agencies to provide a wide range of much-needed public health services to the community, including protecting our environmental health. On a regular basis, the board of health and the health department review rule changes to support initiatives driven by local circumstances. This page is dedicated to the revisions project for 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions:
The Gallatin City-County Health Department provides local regulations for public health and safety standards within Gallatin County. With changing terrain and environments across Montana, the local health code helps keep our specific surroundings safe from potential public health risks. The local health code also supports state and federal regulations.
Chapter 3 recognizes the importance of proper treatment and disposal of wastewater. These rules use proven methods to help place, build, and maintain wastewater treatment systems. They aim to ensure wastewater is treated and disposed of properly to avoid health risks and protect the environment.
The Gallatin City-County Health Department and the Board of Health are proposing a number of changes to Local Health Code Chapter 3 in the following categories:
- Nutrient Reduction Strategy – this will focus on community impact on surface water, nitrogen reducing technology, and requiring or incentivizing upgrades to existing systems.
- Clarifying Credential Requirements – this will help clarify what being licensed means, reduce confusion for site evaluators, and help everyone understand what is needed to move forward.
- Administrative Updates and Definitions
Anyone concerned about public health, the environment, and water quality including:
- Engineers
- Developers
- Wastewater installation professionals
- Anyone who has a septic tank
Feces (poop) from people or animals is a source of germs like Salmonella, E. coli O157, and norovirus that cause diarrhea, and it can spread some respiratory infections like adenovirus and hand-foot-mouth disease. Discharge of sewage from septic systems has elevated nutrients (nitrate, phosphorous, etc.) that can directly affect water quality, the environment, and cause public health concerns.
Maintaining a good septic system helps save homeowners money, protects property values, keeps you and your neighbors healthy, and it helps protect the environment. Visit the EPA’s website for more details on why it’s important to maintain a good septic system.
You’re off to a great start here on our website! You can also reach out to the EHS staff directly with questions or comments. If you’d like to make an official public comment, please use the information above.
Call us: 406-582-3120
Email us: ehs@gallatin.mt.gov
We welcome all comments and feedback from the community! If you wish to make an official comment as part of the public record, please do so using this link.
If you have questions regarding the process or just need an answer, please feel free to call or email us with any feedback, questions, or concerns.
ehs@gallatin.mt.gov | 406-582-3120
If you were unable to attend one of our information sessions, please feel free to call or email us with any feedback, questions, or concerns.
ehs@gallatin.mt.gov | 406-582-3120
