Wastewater Variance Resolution

The Missoula Health Board approved the variance for Holland Lake Lodge to use a holding tank until December 31, 2028 or the Forest Service replaces the failed lagoon wastewater system, whichever comes first. They also approved the request to use chemical toilets as a backup, so guests and employees always have access to bathroom facilities. Before they can begin operating, Holland Lake Lodge will have to meet the conditions of the variance, which include testing the existing tank, or a new tank, for watertightness. The conditions adopted by the Board are as follows:

• The pump chamber must be watertight to ensure wastewater does not leak out, and groundwater does not leak in.
• If the Applicant wants to use the existing tank, the collection lines must be scoped and shown to be free of breaks or leaks and to be watertight.
• The Applicant must do a two-part water leak test before the pump chamber is put into use as a holding tank and again at the beginning of the 2027 and 2028 season if a holding tank is still needed:
  • The Applicant must notify the Department of the leak test schedule at least two workdays before performing the tests. Department staff will be onsite during key parts of the test.
  • The tank must be emptied and then left for 24 hours to ensure no groundwater is intruding into the tank.
  • A leak test must be performed on the tank in accordance with DEQ 4, Chapter 5.1.7.A.2, and the Department’s leak test policy.
• If the leak tests are successful, the Applicant must purchase a septic permit to use the pump chamber as a holding tank.
• The variance from Section 10(A)(1) only applies to the existing pump chamber, and is limited to the following sections of DEQ 4:
  • 8.1.2 Holding tanks are septic tanks that have no standard outlets and are modified to provide full time access for pumping.
  • 8.1.4 Holding tanks must meet the construction standards for septic tanks in Chapter 5, except that no outlet opening shall be cast in the tank walls.
  • 8.1.6 Holding tanks installed where the seasonal groundwater table may reach any portion of the tank must be evaluated for buoyancy by a qualified individual and floatation prevented. The tanks must be a single pour (seamless) tank design...
• If the pump chamber shows evidence of leaks, it must be replaced with a tank that meets the specifications in DEQ Circular 4. Before a new tank can be installed, it must be reviewed by DEQ and permitted by the Department. The tank must be inspected, water tested and approved before it is put into use.
• The Applicant must follow the alert and pumping plan outlined in the variance application or as approved by the Department as part of the septic permit. The tank must be pumped by a licensed septage pumper as often as needed to ensure that wastewater does not back up into any buildings or surface on the ground.
• If wastewater flows exceed the ability of the septic pumpers to keep the tank pumped, the Applicant must reduce occupancy and activity on the property to levels that make wastewater management manageable; or replace the pump chamber with a tank of sufficient size that meets the specifications in DEQ Circular 4. Before a new tank can be installed, it must be reviewed by DEQ and permitted by the Department. The tank must be inspected, water tested and approved before it is put into use.
• If water is turned off because the tank has reached 75% capacity, all food service must be suspended. Guests on the property must have access to drinking water and alternative bathroom facilities, which can be porta potties.
• The Applicant must maintain service and pumping records for the duration of the variance, and provide them to the Department upon request.
• The Applicant must allow department staff to access the site during reasonable hours to assess the holding tank and compliance with conditions of the variance and the permit.
• Wastewater from the holding tank must be disposed of at an approved wastewater treatment plant or a DEQ-approved land application site.
• Chemical toilets must be available to guests and staff as backup toilet facilities;
• The Applicant must maintain chemical toilets in a sanitary fashion;
• The chemical toilets must be rented from a supplier licensed by DEQ; be of sturdy construction to assure no leakage of wastewater occurs; the doors must be self-closing; and other outer openings must be screened to exclude insects;
• The chemical toilets must be located at least 100’ away from any wells or surface water, in a secure location so that they will not be tipped over by winds or other forces;
• Contents of the chemical toilets must be disposed of off-site, at a DEQ-approved facility;
• Failure to comply with the conditions of the variance and any permit issued under the variance will void the variance in its entirety; and,
• This variance does not relieve the Applicant of any obligations under other local, state and federal laws or regulations.
• The variance expires after the lagoons have been replaced and put back into service or December 31, 2028, whichever comes first.