HomeMy WebLinkAboutEngineer's OWTS Inspection Packet and Recommended Repairs129 Cains Lane
Carbondale, CO 81623
970.309.5259
carla.ostberg@gmail.com
October 25, 2025
Tom and Stacey Russello
tomrussello@mac.com
stacey@russello.net
Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) Inspection
3600 Bear Paw Lane (formerly 4300 Bear Paw Lane)
Garfield County, Colorado
Tom and Stacey,
As requested, CBO Inc. performed an Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) inspection at 3600
Bear Paw Lane, Glenwood Springs, Colorado on October 22, 2025. The legal description of the 35.01-
acre property is as follows:
Section: 17 Township: 6 Range: 89 SE. AKA PARCEL 2 GLEN PARK RANCH. EXCEPT A TR OF LAND
CONT. 1.5 AC AS DESC IN BLA BK 1271 PG 503. ALSO A TR OF LAND CONT 1.5 AC AS DESC IN
BLA BK 1271 PG 503.
Parcel ID: 2185-174-00-152
An OWTS Design was prepared by CBO Inc. and documented under Project No. 1894, dated September
9, 2024. Garfield County issued Permit SEPT-8962 authorizing construction of the system. The system
was installed by EOS Excavation Services and both Garfield County and CBO Inc observed and
documented the installation. We have included the Installation Observation packet dated August 25,
2025.
The system installation included a 1500-gallon, two-compartment Infiltrator® poly septic tank with an
Orenco® Biotube Effluent Filter followed by a 500-gallon, single-compartment Infiltrator® poly pump
chamber with an Orenco® Biotube Pump Vault and an Orenco® PF3005 pump.
Effluent is pumped through a 1.5-inch diameter pump line from the pump chamber to an Orenco®
automatic distributing valve (ADV), model 6605 and effluent is pressure dosed through 1.5-inch diameter
pipes to five gravelless chamber trenches, each 16 ‘Quick 4’ Plus Standard Infiltrator® chambers, for a
total of 80 chambers and 960 square feet of infiltrative area.
Effluent is pressure dosed to 1.5-inch diameter laterals, which are hung with zip ties from the underside
of the chambers. Laterals have 5/32-inch diameter orifices facing up, with the exception of the first and
last orifices facing down for drainage. The orifices were placed 3-feet on center. Each lateral ends in a
90 degree ell facing up with a ball valve for flushing. Valves are placed in a valve box, accessible from
grade, for access. Inspection ports are placed at the beginning and end of each trench.
Broken piping and other deficiencies were discovered during inspections by other companies (enclosed).
We conducted our own inspection and site visit on October 22, 2025 to determine the operating status of the
system and outline necessary repairs.
We began the inspection by removing all the lids to both the septic tank, pump chamber, and ADV.
Liquid levels in the septic tank were normal (water level at the outlet invert). We did NOT pump the
septic tank for multiple reasons including concerns of outside soil pressure on an empty septic tank and
filling the tank with clean water could increase the risk of freezing (depending on weather and snow
cover) in a system that is not being used.
We ran water from a garden hose into the clean out before the septic tanks and flow was normal into the
pump chamber. We ran the pump to the ADV and all piping in advance of the ADV appears to be in
working order.
The ADV is clearly broken, most likely as a cause of settling. We dismantled the ADV and ran a camera
through each outlet. All pipes from the ADV to the trenches appeared to be intact with no evidence of
breakage. Findings at the trenches are as follows:
1st trench – 4’ from ADV to beginning of chambers, belly 16’ to 32’, belly 36’ to 50’
2nd trench - 10’ from ADV to beginning of chambers, belly in lateral 19’ to 40’, belly in lateral 45’ to 59’.
3rd trench – 23’ from ADV to beginning of chambers, belly in lateral 28’ to 30’, belly in lateral 12’ to 30’
4th trench – 38’ from ADV to beginning of chambers, belly in lateral 40’ to 43’
5th trench – 54’ from ADV to beginning of chambers
The camera used has a 1” diameter head. A very small amount of water can be in the bottom of a pipe
and look to be submerged. With orifices facing up, the drainage would not occur aside from the beginning
and end of the laterals. We do not believe it is unusual to have some fluctuation (bellies) in the laterals
due to the methods of hanging with zip ties to the undersides of the chambers and feel that even with the
bellies, the laterals can function as designed if under the correct pressure, which we were not able to
simulate because the ADV was broken. As we got further from the ADV, it was more difficult to push the
camera through the piping so information on the 4th and 5th trenches were minimal.
Until the ADV is repaired, we will not be able to properly test the laterals with pressure to assure they are
working as designed.
Repairs:
• Replace the ADV and secure the new ADV to the existing distribution piping to the trenches.
• Excavate the beginning of each trench, remove the end caps, and inspect the laterals to assure
the proper orifices have been drilled at the top of the suspended laterals. It is likely the inspection
would not extend past the first chamber due to access.
• Test the ADV and run a squirt test to determine if the laterals can function normally under
pressure with the valves open or a 5/32” orifice drilled in the screw on cap.
• OPTION: If there are doubts about the extent of the impact of the bellies in the laterals and the
proper function of the OWTS, new 1.5” diameter Schedule 40 laterals with 5/32” orifices drilled 3’
on center, facing up, with the first and last facing down and covered with an orifice shield. The
laterals could be laid directly on the bottom of the trenches, so as not to require digging up the
trenches. This effort would be difficult because it would have to be laid under the chambers the
entire length of the trenches (64-feet) and connected both to the distribution piping from the ADV
and the flushing valve at the end of the trenches. The beginning and ends of the trenches would
need to be excavated and a creative way to “fish” the laterals under the chambers would need to
occur.
We tested the pump and alarm via the floats and both activated normally. We did leave the control panel
for the pump in the OFF position as the system is not in use and the ADV is in disrepair.
An OWTS Minor Repair permit must be obtained from Garfield County to conduct the necessary repairs.
The permit will necessitate inspections from this office and Garfield County Environmental Health staff.
Disclaimer: This inspection is intended only as an evaluation of the present condition of the OWTS
based upon what was observed and the Licensed Inspector’s expertise in onsite wastewater technology.
The Inspector has not been retained to warrant or guarantee the proper functioning of the system for any
period of time in the future. Because of numerous factors which may affect the operation of an OWTS,
as well as the inability of the Inspector to supervise or monitor the use or maintenance of this OWTS, this
report shall not be construed as a warranty by the Inspector that the system will function properly for any
particular prospective buyer, and the Inspector disclaims any warranty, either expressed or implied,
arising from the inspection of the OWTS or this report. The evaluation does not ascertain the impact the
system is having on groundwater.
Please call with questions.
Sincerely,
Carla Ostberg, MPH, REHS
NAWT Certified Inspector
Certification # 11044ITC Exp. April 2028
View and septic tanks View of STA
ADV lid and inspection ports Flushing valves
Inspection ports and flushing valves at end of trenches / control panel
Control panel
View of clean out before septic tank / view of inlet side of tank
Outlet side of tank with effluent filter / liquid levels in the septic tank were normal
Inlet side of tank Pump chamber
View of clean out / ran water into system / ADV (broken)
Left control panel OFF due to ADV being broken and system not in use
Carla Ostberg <carla.ostberg@gmail.com>
4300 Bear Paw
Altitude Septic, LLC <altitudeseptic@gmail.com>Tue, Oct 7, 2025 at 10:55 PM
To: Carla Ostberg <carla.ostberg@gmail.com>
So Ethan says that the laterals in the leach field have low spots and have settled, the adv is broken and has to be
replaced. Jason did a bid to replace the entire leach field. I'd like to get Jason up there to look it all over, but he just hasn't
had time. I told them that there was probably no way we could get to the repair this year.
Let me know if you need anything else from me. These situations are hard and I know they are on a deadline. Everyone is
always in a hurry, so we plan for the worst in the estimates.
Thanks,
Crystal
[Quoted text hidden]
--
Owner/Operator
Altitude Septic, LLC
970-471-0913
AltitudeSeptic.com
AltitudeSeptic@gmail.com
10/10/25, 1:42 PM Gmail - 4300 Bear Paw
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=fee4fb50a9&view=pt&search=all&permmsgid=msg-f:1845388183098101607&simpl=msg-f:1845388183098101607 1/1
CBO Inc.
129 Cains Lane
Carbondale, CO 81623
970.309.5259
carla.ostberg@gmail.com
August 10, 2025 Project No. C1894
Tom Russello
tom@russello.net
Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) Installation Observations
4300 Bear Paw Lane
Garfield County, Colorado
Permit SEPT-8962
Tom,
CBO Inc. observed the installation of the onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS) on December 10,
2024 for the subject property. EOS Excavation Services installed the system.
The OWTS design is based on 5-bedrooms. An average daily wastewater flow of 600 GPD was used.
Construction of the residence was not completed at the time of this letter. An inspection of the sewer
line from the residence to the septic tank and final measurements must be completed after
construction and prior to certificate of occupancy inspection of the residence.
The 4-inch SDR-35 sewer line exiting the residence had a double-sweep clean out and a minimum 2%
grade to the septic tank. Where this temporary sewer line crosses the water line, it has been encased.
The system installation included a 1500-gallon, two-compartment Infiltrator® poly septic tank with an
Orenco® Biotube Effluent Filter followed by a 500-gallon, single-compartment Infiltrator® poly pump
chamber with an Orenco® Biotube Pump Vault and an Orenco® PF3005 pump. The effluent filters must
be cleaned annually, or as needed. The floats are set to dose 65 gallons each pump cycle, allowing 1
gallon of drain back. The control panel for the pump is located within line of sight of the septic tank.
Effluent is pumped through a 1.5-inch diameter pump line from the pump chamber to an Orenco®
automatic distributing valve (ADV), model 6605. The ADV was installed at a high point in the system in an
insulated riser with access from grade. At the time of our inspection, the pump line and ADV were not
properly plumbed. This was corrected.
Effluent is pressure dosed through 1.5-inch diameter pipes to five gravelless chamber trenches, each 16
‘Quick 4’ Plus Standard Infiltrator® chambers, for a total of 80 chambers and 960 square feet of
infiltrative area. There are 4-feet of undisturbed soil between each trench.
Effluent is pressure dosed to 1.5-inch diameter laterals, which are hung with zip ties from the underside
of the chambers. Laterals have 5/32-inch diameter orifices facing up, with the exception of the first and
last orifices facing down for drainage. Orenco® Orifice Shields are placed under each downward-facing
orifice. The orifices are placed 3-feet on center. Each lateral ends in a 90 degree ell facing up with a ball
valve for flushing. Valves are placed in a valve box, accessible from grade, for access. Inspection ports
are placed at the beginning and end of each trench. Ports may be cut to grade and covered with a valve
box for access.
When the residence resumes construction, we must verify the sewer line connection from the house to
the septic tank with a double-sweep clean out and minimum 2% fall. An additional run-through of the
pumping system should be conducted if the OWTS is not in use for an extended time.
The OWTS was generally installed according to specifications. This observation is not a guarantee of
workmanship and/or parts and materials. CBO Inc. should be notified if changes are made to the OWTS
in the future. Any additional OWTS construction must be according to the county regulations.
LIMITS: Observations are limited to components that are visible at the time of the inspection. The installer must
have documented and demonstrated knowledge of the requirements and regulations of the county in
which they are working. The quality of the installation is dependent on the expertise of the installer, soil
type, and weather conditions.
Please call with questions.
Sincerely,
CBO Inc.
Carla Ostberg, MPH, REHS
12/23/2024
To Whom It May Concern:
We have been to the following site:
4300 Bear Paw Road, Glenwood Springs, Garfield County
We have verified that the system was started properly. The System went
through several cycles with no issues.
- Amperage and voltage of control panel, floats, and pump are all within
manufacturers specifications and tolerance at start up.
- Floats verify for functionality.
- High level alarm functions upon activation at control panel.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me at 719-395-6764,
ext. 13.
Sincerely,
Scott McIntosh
Service Manager
Garfield County Public Health
2014 Blake Ave.
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Phone: (970) 945-6614 ext. 8150
For inspections, call: 970-945-6614 ext. 8150 and call the Design Engineer, if applicable
Project Address: 4300 Bear Paw LN, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 Parcel No.: _218517400152
Owner Name: Constance and Thomas Russello Owner Phone: (571) 237-4827
Designed By: CBO, Inc. & K-Cronk Engineering Designer Phone: (970) 309-5259
Number of bedrooms: 5 Minimum Tank Capacity: 1,500-gallon Minimum Absorption: 960 ft2
OWTS PERMIT
KEEP AVAILABLE AT PROJECT SITE
Permit Number _SEPT-8962_______________________________
Permit Type X New X Repair X Remodel/addition X Tank only
Issue Date _11/18/2024____________________ Expiration Date _11/18/2025_________________
Permit Conditions:
This OWTS Permit is approved on the condition of compliance with the report and design as submitted by
CBO, Inc. and K-Cronk Engineering on July 29, 2024. Changes to the design and permit must be approved
by Garfield County Public Health and the designer prior to construction.
The new OWTS will serve a new 5-bedroom residence. The new OWTS components will consist of a new,
two-compartment 1,500-gallon septic tank set level with access to grade and an effluent filter installed in
the outlet tee of the tank followed by a 500-gallon single-compartment pump chamber with a high-head
pump in the pump chamber. Effluent will be pumped to an Automatic Distributing Valve (ADV) set at the
high point of the system that will distribute effluent to 960 ft2 of STA. The new STA will consist of five
gravelless chamber trenches, each trench consisting of 16 Quick4 chambers per trench (80 chambers
total). The pump line and distribution laterals are to be 1.5-inch Schedule 40 PVC, with 5/32-inch orifices
3-feet on center and the laterals ending in 90-degree sweeping bends and flushing valves at the distal end
of the laterals. Laterals are to be hung from the underside of the chambers with zip-ties. The orifices are
to be facing upward with the exception of the first and last orifices that will face downward (with orifice
shields) for drainage. Inspection ports are to be installed at each end of each trench. Maintain all
setbacks and elevations as designed.
To assist in scheduling, please contact Garfield County Public Health (970-945-6614 ext. 8150) to notify
the start of OWTS construction. Contact the designer and Garfield County Public Health at least 48 hours
prior to requesting final inspection of the installed system prior to backfill. NO OWTS COMPONENT SHALL
BE BACKFILLED WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL FROM GARFIELD COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH AND THE
DESIGNER.
Agreement
All installations must comply with all requirements of the Garfield County OWTS regulations
including but not limited to the conditions specified above.
In consideration of the issuance of the permit, the applicant hereby agrees to comply with all
laws and regulations related to the zoning, location, construction, and erection of the proposed
OWTS and associated structures for which this permit is granted. The applicant further agrees
that if the above said regulations are not fully complied with in the zoning, location, erection,
and construction of the above described OWTS and structure, the permit may then be revoked
by notice from the Health Department and immediately become null and void.
The issuance of a permit and specifications of terms and conditions therein will not constitute
assumption of liability, nor create presumption that the local public health agency or its
employees may be liable for the failure or malfunctioning of any system. Permit issuance will
not constitute a certification that the system, the equipment used in the system, or any
component used for system operation will ensure continuous compliance with the provision of
the OWTS Act, the regulations adopted thereunder, or any terms and conditions of a permit.
Permit Approval
Plans and specifications for the proposed OWTS have been reviewed and are considered
satisfactory. Permission is hereby given to the property owner(s) to perform the work indicated
in accordance with the Garfield County OWTS Regulation. This Permit will expire 1 year from
the date of issuance unless construction on the system has commenced. An "as-built" drawing
must be submitted and inspection of the system must be completed by GCPH before final
approval of the system will be issued.
11/18/2024
Issued By: Garfield County Environmental Health
Department
Date
832‐R‐13‐002
View Map
WILLIAMSON, GEORGE REVOCABLE TRUST U/T/A
945 MCKINNEY STREET 11609
HOUSTON TX 77002
Tax Year 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021
Actual Value $300,000.00 $205,000.00 $205,000.00 $195,000.00 $195,000.00
Tax Year 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021
Non School Assessed Value $81,000.00 n/a n/a n/a n/a
School Assessed Value $81,000.00 n/a n/a n/a n/a
Pre 2025 Assessed Value n/a $57,200.00 $57,200.00 $56,550.00 $56,550.00
*House Bill 24B-1001 established a separate assessment rate for school district residential properties, effective for the 2025 tax year and beyond. Click here for Assessor
FAQs
Summary
Account R006604
Parcel 218517400152
Property
Address
3600 BEAR PAW LN, GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO 81601
Legal
Description
Section: 17 Township: 6 Range: 89 SE. AKA PARCEL 2 GLEN PARK
RANCH. EXCEPT A TR OF LAND CONT. 1.5 AC AS DESC IN BLA BK
1271 PG 503. ALSO A TR OF LAND CONT 1.5 AC AS DESC IN BLA BK
1271 PG 503.
Acres 35.01
Land SqFt 0
Tax Area 8
Mill Levy 75.4630
Subdivision
Map
Owner
Land
Unit Type 35 AC TO L/T 100 AC - 0550 (VACANT LAND)
Square Feet 0
Acres 35.01
Actual Values
Assessed Values
Garfield County, CO
10/25/25, 9:29 AM qPublic - Garfield County, CO - Property Record Card: R006604
https://qpublic.schneidercorp.com/Application.aspx?AppID=1038&LayerID=22381&PageTypeID=4&PageID=9447&Q=974439354&KeyValue=R006604#1/2
Tax Year 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021
Non School District Levy 32.311 n/a n/a n/a n/a
School District Levy 43.152 n/a n/a n/a n/a
Total Levy 75.463 75.463 73.296 80.52 79.512
Tax Year 2024 2023 2022 2021
Taxes Billed $4,316.48 $4,192.52 $4,553.40 $4,496.40
Click here to view the tax information for this parcel on the Garfield County Treasurer's website.
Sale Date Deed Type Reception Number Book - Page Sale Price
10/17/2025 SPECIAL WARRANTY DEED 1012013 $515,000
4/21/2023 SPECIAL WARRANTY DEED 985243 $350,000
4/19/2023 CORRECTION WARRANTY DEED 985242 $0
4/19/2023 CORRECTION WARRANTY DEED 985241 $0
10/4/2019 WARRANTY DEED 926462 $194,000
10/22/2008 WARRANTY DEED 757741 $0
7/20/2001 BOUNDARY LINE ADJUSTMENT 584979 1271-503 $0
7/20/2001 BARGAIN AND SALE DEED 584978 1271-502 $0
7/20/2001 BARGAIN AND SALE DEED 584977 1271-501 $0
8/17/2000 WARRANTY DEED 567835 1202-505 $0
8/17/2000 DECLARATION 567834 1202-477 $0
7/31/2000 WARRANTY DEED 567148 1199-910 $20,000
5/13/1996 SPECIAL WARRANTY DEED 493040 0978-0183 $0
10/18/1991 WARRANTY DEED 428381 0815-0762 $0
10/18/1991 WARRANTY DEED 428380 0815-0761 $120,000
3/28/1978 AGREEMENT 284390 0474-0357 $0
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10/25/25, 9:29 AM qPublic - Garfield County, CO - Property Record Card: R006604
https://qpublic.schneidercorp.com/Application.aspx?AppID=1038&LayerID=22381&PageTypeID=4&PageID=9447&Q=974439354&KeyValue=R006604#2/2
Gar eld County, CO
Developed by
Account
Number
R006604
Parcel
Number
218517400152
Acres 35
Land SqFt 0
Tax Area 008
Mill Levy 75.4630
Physical
Address
3600 BEAR PAW LN
GLENWOOD SPRINGS 81601
Owner
Address
WILLIAMSON, GEORGE REVOCABLE
TRUST U/T/A
945 MCKINNEY STREET 11609
HOUSTON TX 77002
Total Actual
Value
$0 Last 2 Sales
Date Price
10/17/2025 $515,000
4/21/2023 $350,000
Date created: 10/25/2025
Last Data Uploaded: 10/24/2025 10:29:04 PM
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