LEVI BEAVER, ENVIRONMENTAL SANITARIAN

Program Description:
            The Rice County Environmental Protection Plan was developed to protect Rice County’s natural resources by regulating private water wells and on-site wastewater treatment systems. A sanitation code addressing these concerns was developed by an advisory committee appointed by the Rice County Commission.  The Code was adopted by resolution in September 1991.  The program receives funding from the Kansas State Water Plan fund through the Kansas Dept of Health and Environment. 

Operations Description:
            The Sanitation Code requires permits for all new or modified construction of Private water wells or on-site wastewater treatment systems.  Systems must be located and designed to adequately to serve its purpose and protect surface and ground water form contamination.  Permit requests are made to Levi Beaver, Rice County Environmental Sanitarian. Mr. Beaver will collect all necessary data, inspect the property, and review the design with homeowner and contractor to ensure systems are located and designed correctly.  Permit fees are $25.00 for each permit.  In addition, Mr. Beaver will inspect any rural residence for a mortgage inspection of adequacy of water wells and on-site wastewater treatment systems and collect water samples to test for nitrate and coliform bacteria levels.  Water sample kits are available. 

            In conjunction with staff from the Rice County Weed Dept. and the Rice County Public Works Transfer Station a household hazardous waste collection program is offered on the third Saturday of April and October.  Household products such as drain cleaner, solvents, paint, and adhesives that are outdated or unusable can be brought to the Rice County Weed Warehouse on the specific day.  The purpose is to keep such household hazardous waste from entering the environment and contaminating ground water.