Directory Septic Application Turnaround Times Septic Permitting see the Washington State Department of . A 2006 state law (RCW 70.118A) required Puget Sound counties (including King County) to designate MRAs where shellfish growing areas are closed due to bacterial pollution (or if closure is likely), or where bacteria or nitrogen are seriously affecting water quality. NOTICE OF DATA SECURITY INCIDENT (SPANISH). Septic systems produce gases that can be explosive or are capable of displacing oxygen. Protective clothing should be worn whenever you maintain your septic system. Environmental Health Contact numbers: Shelton: 360-427-9670, Ext. Remember, the soil where your drainfield is located, is capable of disposing of only so much liquid. Volume of solids in wastewater. . 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. Household chemicals like gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, and paint. The drainfield is where effluent is discharged into the environment. NOTE:Before 1975, permits were not required by law. They allow for development in outlying communities, help protect groundwater and waterways, and reduce exposure to untreated sewage. If you cannot remove the lid, contact a licensed O&M Specialist. The environmentalists investigate complaints of septic system failures that contribute to land pollution. Online portal submissions Don't avoid the signs of septic system failure. It is imperative that you take all necessary precautions to minimize the risk of becoming sick or injured when conducting your inspection. Electrical connections should need very little maintenance if your pump controls and alarms are functioning as designed. While leaning over the system, be sure to recognize that gases may have accumulated around where you are breathing. Protects the Environment Malfunctioning septic systems release bacteria, viruses, and chemicals that eventually enter streams, rivers, lakes, Puget Sound, and the ocean. A Conventional Gravity system will likely have all of the following major components, each of which should be thoroughly inspected: plumbing; septic tank(s); and a drainfield. As per inspection requirements set forth in SCC 12.05.160 and WAC 246-272A-0270 a homeowner will become eligible to inspect their own septic system only if the following conditions are met: If you meet these conditions, your first step is to take the Septics 101 Class online . The term on-site sewage system is used in the state and county code, on permit application forms, and by industry professionals to refer to different types of septic systems. Check the Washington Department of Labor and Industries to find information about electricians. The rule of thumb for planting is to use only shallow-rooted plants such as grasses. Contact us at ehsepticsystems@tpchd.orgor (253) 649-1925. Your septic system contains a collection of living organisms that digest and treat household waste. If documents are not available please contact Clark County Public Health at (360) 397-8428. Search for septic and drinking water records in our online search tool. For example, a scale of 1 = 20 means that every inch on the paper is equal to 20 feet in your yard. Septic System Records Search; Septic System Maintenance Records Search; Contact. Smaller problems can be fixed during the inspection. Treatment component (if applicable) Distribution system. Most of the on-site sewage system (OSS) records including site designs, historic inspection reports, record drawings (also known as as-builts) in King County records are available online. 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. Some are simple, using only a tank and a drain field, and others are more complex, requiring pumps, filters, blowers, UV lights, or specially designed materials. Grass is the best cover. Concrete lids may become cemented into place due to the shrinking and swelling of concrete. Maintaining your septic system will save you money as well as help maintain or improve surface and groundwater quality in Skagit County. Customer service counter opens at 9:30 a.m. the first and third Thursdays of every month. Septic tank size. Statewide access to this program is a win for homeowners, public health, and clean water. Once the sewage is at the drainfield, it is dispersed via gravity within the drainfield. Septic systems lacking records are considered "suspected" o r "assumed" and are colored RED on the . The completed form must include photos of. Sanitize: After thoroughly rinsing the tools, immerse the equipment in a sanitizer solution. 400 . Subtract the smaller number from the larger; the difference is the amount of water you used since the previous time you read the meter. Due to differences in elevations, on some occasions, a pump is needed to get the sewage to the drainfield. Simply take the rebar and pound it into the ground with a mallet. Rakes can be used to lift floats and screens. 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. Keep accurate records of your septic system. Repair leaky faucets and plumbing fixtures. This system is called Pump to Gravity Distribution. Larger tools may require the use of a brush and a small rinse cup to completely clean areas that cannot be immersed in the bucket. (Not compatible with Internet Explorer.) If you hear a hollow thud and the rebar stops going deeper, you may have found a tank. The pressure can compact the soil and damage pipes. Don't select the large-load cycle if you're washing a small amount of laundry. records on any property. Program Activities Certification program for all septic system installers, pumpers and operations and monitoring specialists Complaint investigation relating to septic systems Education for homeowners and other professionals interested in septic systems Enforcement of state and local codes It is also recommended the first inspection of any OSS be done professionally. If you prefer, download and print a paper application (PDF), and mail to: Washington County Government Center Public Health . The next step required to maintain your system is to dig up and remove your septic tank lids. After completing your inspection and necessary maintenance, you should shower or bathe, even if you dont feel like youve been exposed to sewage. They protect your eyes and mouth from the liquids in your septic system. Landscaping in and around your septic system is important. Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. 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. For this reason, equipment, clothing, and tools that have been splashed with or immersed in effluent or sewage, must be decontaminated. They can be purchased at your local hardware store and are fairly easy to install in a typical faucet. Shellfish that grow in marine waters are harvested from our beaches and can become contaminated by failing septic systems. See Department of Health Gravity Septic System inspection guide for a complete checklist and necessary tools. Departments / Elected . Now with statewide access, our Clean Water Loan is poised to support thousands of new households and contribute to improving shared water resources across the Evergreen State,. Your local health agency may have a more stringent inspection requirement. Brochures Expanding the program statewide was made possible with funding support from the state legislature. Use a brush to clean the hard to reach portions of the tools. There may be circumstances where it will be difficult, dangerous, or even impossible for a homeowner to properly evaluate and maintain their OSS by themselves. 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. Minor septic system issues can turn into big costly problems. If there is a slow leak, the food coloring will show up in the toilet bowl. It Care must be taken to properly clean electronic tools such as drills or screw drivers. Exposing these areas to sewage increases a persons risk of contracting an illness. This program supports healthy shellfish and fisheries, and helps ensure Washingtonians have access to swimming beaches and recreation.. Manager of Healthy People & Communities. Website Design by Granicus - Connecting People and Government. Then, they will submit a report to Public Health about the status of your system. Let the equipment soak as needed. Anyone can access those records by searching our online records database. List of certified septic pumpers, installers, and monitoring and maintenance professionals, List of designers and engineers certified to work in Snohomish County, Planning and Development Services Map Portal, Septic Contractors & Certification Services. 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. While they may not have a negative effect on your system, they do fill your septic system with wastes that require removal through pumping. Rinse: Spraying down portions of your septic system may result in exposure to sewage. The final treatment occurs in the soil of your drainfield. Your groundwater and Puget Sound lakes, rivers, and beaches benefit, too! How to take care of septic systems 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. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 3020 Rucker Avenue Suite 104 Everett, WA 98201 Phone: : 425-339-5250 Fax: : 425-339-5254 Hours Regular hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. 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. . You may be able to use a metal detector to help you locate the tanks as they are made of concrete with rebar, and the handles on the lids are usually made of metal wire. It has been partially treated but still contains disease-causing bacteria and other pollutants. Even latex paint waste should be minimized. If there is no record drawing for your septic system you will need to contact a certified O&M Provider to request a record drawing be completed and submitted to public health along with their inspection. Sewage related records are typically marked with an "SWG". For example, "the property is on 30th Avenue between Spruce and Verbena.". If your system is only a septic tank and drainfield, commonly called a gravity system, you need to inspect it at least once every three years. Plant trees and shrubs away from your septic tank and drainfield to keep roots from growing into your septic system. Vince McGowan, water quality program manager for Ecology. The online septic case records include, if available, the permit application, the approved permit and conditions, the asbuilt or record drawing and construction report, the approved design, the soil report, and letters from JCPH since septic system installation. Reduce the risk of people getting sick from untreated sewage. Some are simple, using only a tank and a drain field, and others are more complex, requiring pumps, filters, blowers, UV lights, or specially designed materials. 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. We recommend searching by the 12-digit tax parcel number. 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. Don't put concrete or plastic over your septic system. Regular evaluation of your On- Site Septic System (OSS) is required by State (WAC 246-272A-0270) and local (SCC 12.05.160) health regulations. There are a number of older homes where something was installed years ago that makes the wastewater go away but where it goes and how it functions is unknown. Total wastewater generated. OSS evaluations must be performed and filed with the public health at least once every three years for all systems consisting solely of a septic tank and gravity drainfield, and annually for all other system types. Think of them like a sewage treatment plant, only much smaller. Interested homeowners can apply for a Clean Water Loan by visiting the Craft3 website. Public health licenses these professionals, and maintains a list of System Maintenance Providers. The longevity of your on-site septic system relies heavily on the way that you care for it. Check your OSS Application status They include both new construction and repairs to failing systems. 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.). In addition, the dirt used to cover the tank will settle over time, creating a shallow depression. 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. 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. Proper maintenance is defined in the code as: It is also wise to keep a record of maintenance on the system. These gases can sink or rise, displacing oxygen that you need to breathe. Failing septic systems can result in sewage backing up in the home or entering local waterways and groundwater supplies posing a public health threat. Household bleach is a very effective sanitizer for killing bacteria and viruses. At a minimum, wash your hands using soap and hot water. For more information, click the buttons below. Are You Prepared, Severe Weather, Wildfires, Vulnerable Populations & Limited English Proficiency. The septic tank will provide room for the solids to settle out and begin to decompose. *: Regional On-Site Sewage System Loan Program, Copyright Washington State Department of Ecology. Contact information; Hours & location Know where the system is and keep a diagram of its location. [Ver este comunicado de prensa en Espaol]. Electrical connections are typically buried and run underground from the dwelling to the pump tank. Never pour cooking oil or grease down the drain. Your as-built or record drawing should describe the location of your drainfield. If your washing machine has load settings, make sure you select the proper load size. You can check for leaks in your toilet too. To learn more, check out our 3D septic system models. It is a 40 minute narrated presentation followed by a 20 question quiz on septic system basics. Routine inspections save time and money in the long run. Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. outlet baffle, and 3) distribution box (if present) within 30 days of inspection. About us; Jobs - Work@Health; Public health connection blog; BienestarWA blog (espaol) Request public records; Rule Making; Topics A-Z; Ver contenido in Espaol; Browse publications; Contact Us. *: Which best describes your role in visiting our site today? Proper hygienic practices minimize the risk of exposure to disease causing agents that are found in sewage. 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. Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option, Informacion sobre la vacuna contra la COVID-19, COVID-19 Information for Food Establishments, Selling Your Property - Report of System Status. 400 Belfair: 360-275-4467, Ext. We Issue Septic Permits, Inspect Final Septic Installations, And Investigate Complaints Associated With On-Site Sewage Systems Septic System Failure There are many different types of systems. 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. 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. 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). Tacoma, WA 98418-6813 (253) 649-1500 (800) 330-1844 TDD (253) 649-1400. Fortunately, help is now available in every Washington county. If the as-built is accurate, this will allow you to find plumbing stubs, tank lids, distribution boxes, drainfield lines and observation ports. Craft3's Clean Water Loans - Craft3 offers financing for replacement of septic systems in many areas of Washington. Forms and photographs may be emailed to EH@co.skagit.wa.us or sent to 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. Materials that are flushed may get caught up on this congealed ooze and the blockage worsens. Fax: : 360-379-4487. Household Hazardous Waste Facility: 14104 Ovenell Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 These materials do not decompose or breakdown easily, if at all. View Map 3020 Rucker Avenue Suite 104 Everett, WA 98201 Directions Phone: : 425-339-5250 Fax: : 425-339-5254 Hours Regular hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Environmental Health records (including on-site sewage records) are available online. The first step in maintaining your septic system is obtaining your septic permit. Lists of certified professionals If your system was installed before 1975, no records may be available. Curtain drains may require some maintenance themselves. Hygienic practices mentioned here will help you protect yourself. What is a septic 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. Properly built and maintained septic systems have many benefits. Tacoma, WA 98418-6813 (253) 649-1500 (800) 330-1844 TDD (253) 649-1400. The scale is typically depicted in inches to feet. This program has continued with funding from the Washington State Department of Health to perform public education and outreach activities, offer rebates to encourage septic system inspections, and improve tracking and reporting capabilities. Guidelines, Standards, Rules & Regulations 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. Get email alerts based on your topic preferences like news releases, job openings, emergency updates and more! will be sent back to the homeowner for revision. Septic systems treat wastewater when homes and buildings are not connected to public sewer systems. 14350 SE Eastgate Way 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. 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. Lids will likely be located near both ends of the tank. Additives and old cures such as using cabbage, hamburger, yeast, etc., have no beneficial effect on your septic system, but will lead to more frequent pumping of your septic system. 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. Our reply (from PAEGAT25) may go to your email's Spam folder. Covering the eyes, mouth, and any open cuts is particularly important. The scale should be described on your as-built. If your system was installed before 1975, no records may be available. Your septic system is not capable of handling many wastes that you may generate in your home. Grass may grow greener in these disturbed areas. Flies, rats, and other vectors can encounter sewage from a failing septic system and subsequently pass the diseases found in sewage to humans or infect other animals at locations far from the failing system. Learn more about water conservation and water recycling. These records will be helpful if problems occur, and will be valuable to the next owner of your home. . Related Links Soil over your system should be slightly mounded to help surface water runoff. A long piece of rebar can be pounded into the ground to look for a tank. Board of Health Meetings; Fee Schedule; . Prior to using any electrical device (screwdrivers, drills, flashlights, etc. Email Environmental Public Health . It is up to you to use whatever techniques you feel necessary to adequately protect yourself from exposure to raw sewage, and to seek medical assistance if you are exposed. You may find junction boxes, wires, or other electrical connections in the pump chamber. Report. Using gloves will minimize your exposure risk. If the meter has moved, yet you have used no water during that time, you may have a very slow leak. A system where there is no record drawing, no access, or if location is difficult to determine, may require a homeowner to hire a licensed O&M Specialist to assist them. Make sure the nursery understands you need plants that are shallow rooted and require little watering. Oftentimes, when tanks are installed, the dirt used to cover them has a different texture than the surrounding area. OSS records. Look for a medication take-back program in your area. An inspection report from a homeowner will only be accepted if the report is for that property owners OSS system. If the label says, Danger, Warning or Caution bring it to the facility for proper disposal. Washington Permits and Inspections Directory Advertising Search WA Public Records WA Marriage Records WA Divorce Records WA Criminal Records WA Death Records WA Birth Records WA Background Search Search Records By Name Find Permits and Inspections Resources in Washington Return to Top Return to Top Return to Top Return to Top Return to Top OSS records Any exceptions to the above conditions must have written approval of Skagit County Environmental Public Health staff. These small bits of ground-up material are often difficult to settle out and these unsettled particles can pass through your septic tank, eventually damaging pumps or clogging the soil beneath your drainfield. Assemble the following items when decontaminating your equipment and tools: Decontamination of equipment or tools should include a four-step process. Four major factors influence how often you need to pump your septic: Practice water conservation. Gloves are the first line of defense for the average do-it-yourselfer. Lids are heavy and may be difficult to remove. During the 2020-2022 Project, we are sampling water quality, performing visual surveys, and providing free technical assistance and rebates. Garbage disposals are frequently installed in new homes. In these cases, the owner will find it easier to utilize the services of a licensed O&M Specialist. 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. 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. 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 . Protecting your face, eyes, and mouth will minimize your risk of illness. If electrical problems are identified, a homeowner should contact a licensed Electrician. Remove gross contamination from your equipment. see the Washington State Department of . The Snohomish County Health Department works to ensure that septic systems are located and installed correctly, and kept in good working condition. They store, treat and dispose of the things you flush or send down drains. Using a garbage disposal on a septic system is not recommended. Mailing Address 615 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, WA 98368. In these cases, it may be increasingly difficult to maintain your septic system without a significant amount of effort. 311 Grand Avenue | Bellingham, WA 98225 | Phone: 360-778-5000 [] . Older septic tanks might not be sized appropriately for your home, especially if your home has been remodeled and is now larger. Once you submit your quiz and contact information, we will have a record of you completing Septics 101.