Environmental Health Department
The Environmental Health Department Director administers County regulations with respect to environmental quality and public health, safety, and welfare. The Director reports directly to the Board of County Commissioners.
The Environmental Health Specialist conducts routine inspections of food services (restaurants), retail food stores, daycare centers and performs school safety inspections. The Department administers the permitting of individual sewage disposal systems (septic systems), and operates the Norwood Solid Waste Transfer Station.
The Environmental Health Department also monitors air quality in the Town of Telluride on a continuous basis. We track water quality and quantity in the San Miguel River. We can help you identify wetlands or geohazards on your property. We help to administer environmental standards contained in the County Land Use Code and promote education on these standards in reclamation, habitat improvement, xeriscaping or selection. We can also answer questions regarding wells, well permitting and Colorado water rights policy.
Phone Number (970) 728-0447
- General
- Health Topics
- Septic Systems
- Food Service Inspections
- Waste & Recycling
Phone: (970) 728-0447
Fax: (970) 728-3718
General Email:
environmentalhealth@sanmiguelcounty.org
Business Hours:
Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5pm
Address:
Miramonte Building
333 W. Colorado Ave, 3rd Floor
PO Box 4130
Telluride, CO 81435
Staff:
Dave Schneck, Environmental Health Director
Chris Smith, Environmental Health Specialist
Staff emails:
daves@sanmiguelcounty.org
chriss@sanmiguelcounty.org
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West Nile Virus
West Nile virus is a disease that can be transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. This page gives tips for reducing breeding areas around your home.
Home and Garden Maintenance Checklist
© www.fightthebitecolorado.com Used with permission.
RadonRadon Monitor Loan Program
A radon monitor is available to the public on a first come, first served basis. A $200 deposit is required.
Lead in ToysHealthy Shopping - keeping kids safe from toys contaminated with lead
For information from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, click here 
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Septic SystemsThe Environmental Health Department administers the permitting of individual sewage disposal systems (septic systems). We help you locate, design and perform inspections on individual wastewater systems. All systems in the County and State are required to meet minimum standards promulgated under State law. The permitting process ensures these minimum standards are met to protect public health and the environment. For more details on the process, see the blue bar below.
Septic System Application
PLEASE NOTE FEE INCREASES AS OF 1/1/2010. Fill out online and print. Also includes instructions and general specifications
For complete regulations regarding septic systems, please contact the Environmental Health Department.
Septic System ProcessNew installations must obtain zoning/development approval; please contact the Planning Department for a Development Permit Application.
Provide a site plan indicating location of proposed drainfield, location of buildings and wells in the area (drainfield must be 100 feet or more away from any water source).
Pay a permit fee of $300 - Check payable to San Miguel County, due at the time of application.
Please see the Septic Permit Application for more details on how to proceed
The Environmental Health Specialist conducts routine inspections of food services (restaurants), retail food stores, daycare centers and performs school safety inspections. These inspections are carried out to ensure that sanitary and safety standards are met in these institutions. The County acts as a representative of the State of Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment through a contractual agreement. In addition we perform design review for conformance with physical facilities standards for new or remodeled food service or retail food facilities.
Retail Food Establishment Regulations
Copies of the Retail Food Establishment Regulations are available at the Environmental Health Office.
San Miguel County Recycling Guide
Norwood Waste Transfer Station
Household trash only! For larger items (brush, appliances, tires, cleanups, etc.) please use the Broad Canyon Landfill.
Directions:
Go 0.7 miles north of Norwood on Highway 145. Turn left on County Road AA42. The Transfer Station is about 0.7 miles up AA42 on the left.
Hours:
Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, 1pm-5pm
Sunday, 9am-5pm
Recyclables accepted:
Aluminum, glass, cardboard, newsprint
Broad Canyon Landfill
Directions:
Go toward Naturita on Highway 145 South. Turn left on Highway 141 to Dove Creek. After about 3 miles, look for a paved road and a "Broad Canyon Landfill" sign on your right.
Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8am - 4:30pm
