Where, exactly, can you hide 400,000 gallons of septage? The answer may not be pretty. Thinking about septic disposal may not be attractive either, but for those who choose to ignore this “underground” issue, unpleasant surprises may be in store. After all, population is booming throughout Western Colorado, with increasing numbers of homes being built in rural areas.

Septic disposal is a growing problem for Montrose County and Western Slope communities, but a new grant proposal may help fund a solution. Randy See, manager of the West Montrose Sanitation District, submitted the $100,000 grant proposal Thursday to the state’s Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance program.

The Environmental Protection Agency has requested records of local septic waste haulers following an audit request from county governments, treatment facilities and haulers. “This is a rare situation,” EPA pretreatment enforcement coordinator Aaron Urdiales said.