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This will be located downhill from the septic tank outlet baffle (unless there is a pump). Flow restrictors are an easy and effective means to reduce water consumption. Departments / Elected . See Department of Health Gravity Septic System inspection guide for a complete checklist and necessary tools. In these cases, the owner will find it easier to utilize the services of a licensed O&M Specialist. Wash: Next, immerse the equipment into the 5-gallon bucket containing a soap and water mixture. Ideally these connections, when found in the pump tank, will be located in a junction box that keeps wire connections protected from breakage, while keeping the wires organized. Phone: : 360-385-9444. Food Safety, Land Development, Environmental Hazards, Water Recreation & Public Schools . A garbage disposal adds more solid material to your septic system. Garbage disposal and food waste going down the drain, and RV and boat waste dumped into your system, will fill the tank up quicker with solids. Directions. They store, treat and dispose of the things you flush or send down drains. A hose with a nozzle can be used to pre-clean risers, plumbing, and inspection ports. Landscaping in and around your septic system is important. Simply take the rebar and pound it into the ground with a mallet. Check your OSS Application status Some household products are advertised as septic safe. It is also recommended the first inspection of any OSS be done professionally. It is likely that methane will also be found in your septic system. Keep vehicles, heavy equipment, and livestock off your septic tank, drainfield, and drainfield replacement area. Baby wipes, cleaning wipes, or any moist towelettes. Lids are heavy and may be difficult to remove. The lids on the tank are circular, 20"-24" in diameter and 5'-5 ' apart. While they may not have a negative effect on your system, they do fill your septic system with wastes that require removal through pumping. Certifications One of the main site characteristics that determines the type of system you have is the depth of native, unsaturated soil beneath the drainfield and above a water table or other restrictive layer. Septic systems use a combination of nature and time-tested technology to treat wastewater from household plumbing produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry. The Washington State Legislature, Departments of Ecology and Health and many counties have put in significant and consistent work over past two decades to create this program. Care must be taken to properly clean electronic tools such as drills or screw drivers. Please allow up to five business days for a response. These gases can be odorless and may deprive you of oxygen. If your washing machine has load settings, make sure you select the proper load size. If at any time during the evaluation process you have questions, do not hesitate to call public health staff for assistance at (360) 416-1500 or e-mail eh@co.skagit.wa.us. Options for inspecting your system include: Pump out your septic tank when needed. Septic systems treat wastewater when homes and buildings are not connected to public sewer systems. . This process may require the use of a stiff bristled brush to remove all contaminants. To assist in this process, please have your address and/or your parcel ID number available. Septic systems produce gases that can be explosive or are capable of displacing oxygen. Accessibility, View your Septic System Information Online, Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan, Children and youth w/special health care needs, Nurse-Family Partnership - helping first-time parents succeed, View your Drinking Water Information Online, Food worker testing & manager certification, FAQ's for farmers markets, bazaars & temporary events, Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences, Environmental health resources for schools, School Health and Safety Technical Advisory Group, View your operations and maintenance report on onlineRME, See if your septic system is documented appropriately, View inspection reports from November 2007 - Present, Get quick access to the same records our staff use: like as-built drawings or permits, As-built: shows location of on-site sewage system, Permit: documentation of permitted system, Previous Inspections: links to onlineRME.com to show recent operation and maintenance inspections. Rakes, shovels, and poles can be used to reach components that are well below ground or out of reach. For information on failing septic systems, please see our Septic Failure Brochure. Your septic system is not a trash can. Chelan-Douglas Health District200 Valley Mall ParkwayEast Wenatchee, WA 98802, Hours9AM - 5PM | Monday - Thursday9AM - 12PM | Friday, After HoursTo report an urgent public health concern call:(509) 886-6499. Privacy Policy| Alternate Format Requests | Notice of Nondiscrimination, File Complaint About Provider or Facility, Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Modernization Solution, Healthcare Professional Credentialing Requirements, Veterans, Service Members and their Families, Emergency Information for Specific Groups, For Public Health & Health Care Providers, Public Health System Resources and Services, Asking your local health department if they can inspect your system at a lower cost, Do-It-Yourself Septic System Inspection Video, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Local Health Jurisdictions and Tribal Directories, Northwest Center for Public Health Practice. A properly functioning septic system helps remove these pollutants so well water and nearby surface water doesn't get contaminated. If not, please do not enter anything in this field. Your groundwater and Puget Sound lakes, rivers, and beaches benefit, too! Tools can be used to further minimize your exposure to the sewage contained in your septic system. Reducing water use will limit the demand you place on your septic system. When a failing septic system is fixed, the benefits go beyond the home. Any homeowner with a pump included in their system is required to obtain additional training with a certified Operations & Maintenance (O&M) provider to sign off on the additional training provided for these system types. . The goal is to protect public health, to evaluate all septic systems, to identify and repair failing systems, and make records available to the public. After reviewing this information and the training videos listed below, homeowners may evaluate their own on-site sewage system (OSS). Even latex paint waste should be minimized. Materials that are flushed may get caught up on this congealed ooze and the blockage worsens. It has been partially treated but still contains disease-causing bacteria and other pollutants. Records of its size and location may be available at your local health department. Altering the biological balance may discourage the natural proliferation and growth of bacteria found in your system and will not allow for normal and productive decomposition of the wastes you put into your septic system. Mason County, WA. Don't wait until you have a problem. Read the meter once all faucets are off, and then wait a few hours and check the meter again. Get the latest on local COVID-19 trends, news and helpful resources from Chelan-Douglas Health District, weekly in your inbox. A septic system evaluation can be performed by a septic system professional. Prior to using any electrical device (screwdrivers, drills, flashlights, etc. Think of them like a sewage treatment plant, only much smaller. They protect your eyes and mouth from the liquids in your septic system. In addition, the dirt used to cover the tank will settle over time, creating a shallow depression. See Ecology's. Thurston County also performs this service for a fee. . Brochures, OSS records Approved OSS site design applications submitted online since May 2019 are also available. Healthy septic systems are good for your family, your wallet and the environment. Thank you for your patience as we continue to update our new website. If at any time during the evaluation process you have questions, do not hesitate to call public health staff for assistance at (360) 416-1500 or e-mail eh@co.skagit.wa.us. While exposure to raw sewage is readily evident, exposure to residues from contaminated equipment or clothing may not be apparent, yet can still result in illness. If electrical problems are identified, a homeowner should contact a licensed Electrician. Approximately a third of Washington homes use septic systems for wastewater treatment. . Get email alerts based on your topic preferences like news releases, job openings, emergency updates and more! Online portal submissions Olympia, WA 98506-5132 Phone: 360-867-2500 Fax: 360-867-2601 Monday-Friday: 9:00 am-4:00 pm Phone Line Open Daily 8:00am-5:00pm. There are many different types of systems. If you do not know where your system is located, you may be able to obtain this information from our offices. Related Links The system type will be noted in multiple places within the permit. It is imperative that you take all necessary precautions to minimize the risk of becoming sick or injured when conducting your inspection. Face shields or goggles are recommended. Work with septic system professionals to approve system design,location and installation. These gases can sink or rise, displacing oxygen that you need to breathe. will be sent back to the homeowner for revision. Paper Application. Look for a medication take-back program in your area. If you have been watering lawns and other landscaping on your property, your readings may not accurately reflect all of the water processed by your septic system. If youd like a reply, please provide an email address. Brochures Curtain drains may require some maintenance themselves. Sewage related records are typically marked with an "SWG". Directing surface water away from your tanks and drainfield will help your drainfield function as well as possible. Please note- many other septic systems exist, we are only discussing those allowed to be inspected by homeowners through this course. coming into our offices, or calling us at 509.460.4205. Repair leaky faucets and plumbing fixtures. Drainfield and the reserve areas. INFORMATIONAL Again, using the garden hose, rinse the soap from the equipment; this will ensure the soaps do not bind with the sanitizer. The rule of thumb for planting is to use only shallow-rooted plants such as grasses. WA 98368. For this reason, equipment, clothing, and tools that have been splashed with or immersed in effluent or sewage, must be decontaminated. see the Washington State Department of . Washington Administrative Code chapter 246-272A and Clark County Code 24.17 requires homeowners whose property is not connected to a municipal sewer system to ensure that the property includes an approved, correctly functioning on-site septic system. Financial assistance Public health licenses these professionals, and maintains a list of System Maintenance Providers. It While leaning over the system, be sure to recognize that gases may have accumulated around where you are breathing. Patient information should not be disclosed to the answering service. Since 2008, Washington state law and Island County code have required that all septic systems be inspected at the time of property transfer. Guidelines, Standards, Rules & Regulations Environmental Health Code, Chapter 1, General Provisions, Environmental Health Code, Chapter 2, On-Site Sewage, Environmental Health Code, Chapter 3,Water Regulation, Appeals Process of Orders and Decisions of the Health Officer. The Snohomish County Health Department works to ensure that septic systems are located and installed correctly, and kept in good working condition. Electrical connections should need very little maintenance if your pump controls and alarms are functioning as designed. There are a number of things you can do to check for leaks. Board of Health Meetings; Fee Schedule; . Septic tank size. The drainfield is the final and the most downstream component in your septic system. Vince McGowan, water quality program manager for Ecology. Report. Your septic permit will include an as-built or record drawing; this is a drawing that shows where your septic system is located and what parts or components make up your septic system. In addition, some garbage disposals are capable of grinding or shredding material to a very fine size. Treatment component (if applicable) Distribution system. You can hire a septic professional to do the inspection or, if your local health department allows it, you can do the inspection yourself. Never pour oil-based paints, solvents, or large volumes of toxic cleaners down the drain. The completed form must include photos of. You can check for leaks in your toilet too. Directions. Regardless of the method you use to request this document, you will need to provide the following information: Physical address of the system or road name, Requestor phone number: (So we can call you if there is a question or need for more information.). Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below. We Issue Septic Permits, Inspect Final Septic Installations, And Investigate Complaints Associated With On-Site Sewage Systems Septic System Failure Regardless of the method you use to request this document, you will need to provide the following information: *If your address was once a "route #, box #" please include the roads/streets that the property is located on and by. You must be able to observe the inlet and outlet of your septic tank. A long piece of rebar can be pounded into the ground to look for a tank. If you prefer, download and print a paper application (PDF), and mail to: Washington County Government Center Public Health . Environmental Health records (including on-site sewage records) are available online. During the 2020-2022 Project, we are sampling water quality, performing visual surveys, and providing free technical assistance and rebates. Assemble the following items when decontaminating your equipment and tools: Decontamination of equipment or tools should include a four-step process. As-builts are drawings that oftentimes are drawn to scale or otherwise help describe the location of your septic system. Keep accurate records of your septic system. . Pumpers may charge you extra to locate and/or dig up the lids to the septic tank so that they are able to pump the septic tank. Routine inspections save time and money in the long run. Were you able to find what you were looking for today? In the past there were no standards for septic systems and permits were not required. Include the parcel number and street address and we will search our files for the drawings. Besides human poop and pee, toilet paper, and soap used for washing, not much else should be going down your drain. Established in 2016, the Regional On-Site Sewage System Loan Program has helped nearly 1,200 homeowners repair or replace their septic systems, a value of $26.7 million. A person should never, for any reason, enter the confines of a septic system, especially tanks. Routine pumping can prevent expensive failures such as a clogged drainfield or sewage backing up into the home. The more wastewater you produce, the more wastewater the soil must treat and dispose. Most tanks are covered by 12 to 18" of soil. Rinse: Spraying down portions of your septic system may result in exposure to sewage. Minor septic system issues can turn into big costly problems. Please arrive no later than 3:30 p.m. Everything you put down your drain or into the toilet will end up in your septic system. Faucets and toilets should be free of any leakage. The final treatment occurs in the soil of your drainfield. These records will be helpful if problems occur, and will be valuable to the next owner of your home. Septic systems that have a curtain drain installed around them, often are dependent on a functioning curtain drain. Protects the Environment Malfunctioning septic systems release bacteria, viruses, and chemicals that eventually enter streams, rivers, lakes, Puget Sound, and the ocean. If the meter has moved, yet you have used no water during that time, you may have a very slow leak. Tacoma, WA 98418-6813 (253) 649-1500 (800) 330-1844 TDD (253) 649-1400. If still warm and in liquid form, the grease can be poured off easily into a water-tight container such as a coffee can and disposed of in the trash. On-site Program staff review and comment on land development projects and activities such as Subdivisions, Special Use Permits, Boundary . A homeowner will become eligible to complete an evaluation of their own OSS only if the following conditions are met: Once all the above conditions are met, the homeowner is required to submit a completed On Site Sewage Summary Report form, provided by public health. The loan program is a partnership between the Department of Ecology, the Department of Health, local county and health departments, and Craft3, a nonprofit community lender. Stay . Covering the eyes, mouth, and any open cuts is particularly important. How would you like to receive your "as-built": Before 1975, permits were not required by law. Water usage is likely the biggest contributor to a failed septic system. Saves You Money Regular maintenance fees of a few hundred dollars every few years is a bargain compared to the cost of repairing or replacing a malfunctioning septic system, which can cost thousands. Keeping drains free from blockage ensures that surface water is being moved properly around your septic system. RSS Guidance for properties with multiple structures. For these reasons, a person should do everything possible to minimize risk of exposure to gas. The pollutants harm local ecosystems by killing native plants, fish, and shellfish. Exposing these areas to sewage increases a persons risk of contracting an illness. Another way to dispose of grease is to let the grease cool in the pan, where it can be scraped off using a paper towel. The phone number is 360-385-9444. In the area near your drainfield, arrange products and tools where you can: Septic systems that contain a pump also include an electrical element. Maintaining your septic system will save you money as well as help maintain or improve surface and groundwater quality in Skagit County. How to take care of septic systems Wastewater Rules and Regulations | Washington State Department of Health Wastewater Rules and Regulations Fees Chapter 246-272 WAC, Wastewater and Reclaimed Water Use Fees On-site Sewage Systems Chapter 246-272A WAC, On-Site Sewage Systems Chapter 246-273 WAC, On-Site Sewage Additives Others are more complex, requiring pumps, filters, or specially designed materials. 14350 SE Eastgate Way Real estate professionals need to inform both the buyer and seller of this requirement. Don't select the large-load cycle if you're washing a small amount of laundry. Poor landscaping can cause septic system problems, including premature failure of your septic system. French drains, curtain drains, or shallow diversion ditches can help move water out and around your septic system. Know where the system is and keep a diagram of its location. . SEPTIC SYSTEM We recommend searching by the 12-digit tax parcel number. Your septic system is not capable of handling many wastes that you may generate in your home. Don't put concrete or plastic over your septic system. Feminine hygiene products such as tampons or pads. These cases may require the help of a licensed O&M Specialist. Every owner of an on-site sewage system needs to know where their on-site sewage system is located in order to properly maintain it. *: Regional On-Site Sewage System Loan Program, Copyright Washington State Department of Ecology. Install flow restrictors on all or select faucets. . This is called vertical separation, and you can see in the figure how the vertical separation determines the type of system needed for a specific site. Oftentimes, when tanks are installed, the dirt used to cover them has a different texture than the surrounding area. Your local health agency may have a more stringent inspection requirement. Using a garbage disposal will increase the amount of solids entering the septic tank, requiring more frequent pumping. Well-functioning and properly maintained septic systems can effectively treat household wastewater for many years. If you cannot locate your drainfield, please contact public health or a certified O&M provider for help finding your drainfield. The probe can be used to identify the size and orientation of the tank (rectangle vs. round, 4 X 8 foot, etc). Training of the homeowner by a Skagit County certified O&M provider or attendance at a Washington State On-Site Sewage Association (WOSSA) or similarly approved training class on pumps is required. Public Health continues to work with Vashon-Maury Island residents to document improvements to water quality, find sources of excessive bacteria, and, where possible, eliminate these sources. To learn more, check out these 3D septic system models. There is one for gravity systems and a different form for pump/pressure systems: Your form must be completed in its entirety. Household Hazardous Waste Facility: 14104 Ovenell Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 Combined, these systems treat 154 million gallons of wastewater annually. A Pressure Distribution system will have all of the following major components, each of which should be thoroughly inspected: plumbing; septic tank(s); pump tank; and a drainfield. Washington State on-site sewage (septic) system rules & regulations (WAC 246-272A) On-Site Sewage Basics A conventional septic system consists of two main parts: the septic tank and the soil drainfield (also referred to as a leachfield, absorption bed or absorption field). Are You Prepared, Severe Weather, Wildfires, Vulnerable Populations & Limited English Proficiency. As-built drawings can be obtained at the Skagit County Online Septic Search. Entry page for Thurston County Environmental Health Septic System Program: Permits, Operational Certificates, Septic System Operation and Maintenance, Septic System Evaluation of Properties for Sale, Rules and Regulations Enforcement, List of Certified Septic Contractors, Low-interest Loan Program . LISTINGS, System Local landscapers or nurseries can help you select plants that are appropriate for the areas around your septic system. Clean these tools in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. Prescription medication. In the plumbing, liquids will carry solid materials out of your dwelling towards downstream components. System Summary Search for records on any property. Using gloves will minimize your exposure risk. A septic system, also known as an on-site sewage system (OSS), stores, treats, and disposes of the things you flush and send down drains. Splashing or spraying can and will occur. Entry page for Thurston County Environmental Health Septic System Program: Permits, Operational Certificates, Septic System Operation and Maintenance, Septic System Evaluation of Properties for Sale, Rules and Regulations Enforcement, List of Certified Septic Contractors, Low-interest Loan Program . Once these products congeal, they can cause blockages in your system. . Site Sewage Many flow restrictors have no mechanical parts while others reduce flow based upon pressure. Pouring toxins down your drain can kill these organisms and harm your septic system. You may request a copy of your as-built by completing the downloadableAs-built Request Form (coming soon), coming into our offices, or calling us at 509.460.4205. Most people perceive a slow dripping faucet as nothing more than a nuisance; however, a septic system will be burdened by additional water going down the drain. For homeowners who conduct their own inspections, it is a good idea to hire a professional to conduct a septic system inspection at the time of system pumping. If you put a lot of water down the drain (from inefficient or leaky toilets, washers, showerheads, and sink faucets), the tank can't settle completely and you may need to pump more often. Washington County Septic Systems The Environmental Health section issues permit for private sewage disposal systems and inspect new construction of private sewage septic disposal systems. The Washington state well report (log) viewer, our most popular online resource, allows you to search for and view detailed records of the construction and subsurface characteristics of individual wells. Think of inspections like oil changes and routine maintenance for your car, you do a little here and there to keep it running for as long as possible. The average size of a 1000 gallon tank is 5'x8'. There is a 25 gallon / household / month limit, for free! . Some tanks have smaller lids on each end of the tank to allow for inspection of inlet and outlet baffles. A Sanitarian of the Day is available Monday through Friday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on a first come, first served basis either by . A Marine Recovery Area (MRA) was established to protect especially sensitive marine waters from pollution from poorly functioning or failing on-site sewage systems (OSS). There are many different types of systems. Remove gross contamination from your equipment. Mailing Address 615 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, WA . Bellevue, WA 98007, Phone: 206-477-8050 (answered until 3:00 pm), Link/share our site at www.kingcounty.gov/oss, Find certified small business contractors and suppliers, Private wells, plumbing and onsite sewage systems, Pollution Identification and Correction Program (PIC), On-site Sewage System Technical Advisory Committee Bylaws, On-site Sewage System Technical Advisory Committee Membership Application, Quarter 1 OSS TAC Meeting March 30, 2022, 9-11am on Zoom. Common in rural areas without centralized sewer systems, septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures that you own and operate. The Health District maintains records of existing on-site sewage systems for your convenience. View your operations and maintenance report on onlineRMEOn Site Septic formsReport a public health concern, 2023 Clark County Washington Common in rural areas without centralized sewer systems, septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures that you own and operate.