During the 2020-2022 Project, we are sampling water quality, performing visual surveys, and providing free technical assistance and rebates. 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. If there is a slow leak, the food coloring will show up in the toilet bowl. Approved OSS site design applications submitted online since May 2019 are also available. Brochures, OSS records Greases can congeal anywhere in your plumbing or septic system. No other OSS may be inspected by the homeowner. Vince McGowan, water quality program manager for Ecology. 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. Our reply (from PAEGAT25) may go to your email's Spam folder. 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. Cat litter, pet poop, condoms, tampons, sanitary napkins, disposable diapers, paper towels, facial tissue, hand wipes, hair, cigarette butts, and coffee grounds are only some of the items people flush into their septic systems, but shouldnt. Some tanks have smaller lids on each end of the tank to allow for inspection of inlet and outlet baffles. Install flow restrictors on all or select faucets. Local Health Department Your local health agency can help you locate your septic system, provide a list of certified septic pumpers, and if available, certify you to do your own septic system inspections. Food waste from garbage disposals fill the septic tank and can clog the drainfield. Think of them like a sewage treatment plant, only much smaller. 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. 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. Work with septic system professionals to approve system design,location and installation. Anyone can access those records by searching our online records database. Complete a septic application using the online permitting portal. This is a cheap and easy way of assessing your toilet for leaks, which may otherwise be difficult to detect visually. . View your operations and maintenance report on onlineRMEOn Site Septic formsReport a public health concern, 2023 Clark County Washington Many of these products can clog your plumbing and septic system. Fortunately, help is now available in every Washington county. Manager of Healthy People & Communities. 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. Don't put concrete or plastic over your septic system. They store, treat and dispose of the things you flush or send down drains. Food Safety, Land Development, Environmental Hazards, Water Recreation & Public Schools . 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. Tacoma, WA 98418-6813 (253) 649-1500 (800) 330-1844 TDD (253) 649-1400. Probe suspected tank locations first, rather than digging up the soil only to find nothing. If documents are not available please contact Clark County Public Health at (360) 397-8428. Grass is the best cover. 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. 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. An O&M Specialist is going to inspect operational components such as a flow test, a drawdown to verify that timer settings are correct, and a pressure test if applicable. Using gloves will minimize your exposure risk. Septic systems treat wastewater when homes and buildings are not connected to public sewer systems. Forms and photographs may be emailed to EH@co.skagit.wa.us or sent to 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. Your septic system contains a collection of living organisms that digest and treat household waste. If the meter has moved, yet you have used no water during that time, you may have a very slow leak. Well reports also contain information about location, owner name, driller name, and the quantity of water a well produces. Approved OSS site design applications submitted online since May 2019 are also available. Combined, these systems treat 154 million gallons of wastewater annually. It is likely that methane will also be found in your septic system. Brochures It provides Washingtonians access to affordable financing for the repair and replacement of septic systems. Repair leaky faucets and plumbing fixtures. Commercial properties and non-owner occupied properties may also qualify. Learn how to obtain sewage permit information. Flushing them will increase the need to pump, maintain and repair your system. They protect your eyes and mouth from the liquids in your septic system. The environmentalists investigate complaints of septic system failures that contribute to land pollution. The phone number is 360-385-9444. 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 . Volume of solids in wastewater. Get email alerts based on your topic preferences like news releases, job openings, emergency updates and more! Lists of certified professionals Health Information Privacy Information Contact us at ehsepticsystems@tpchd.orgor (253) 649-1925. Septic systems that have a curtain drain installed around them, often are dependent on a functioning curtain drain. 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. OSS records The Snohomish County Health Department works to ensure that septic systems are located and installed correctly, and kept in good working condition. Please note this is the number of our answering service, and you will receive a call back from Public Health. Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below. Read the meter once all faucets are off, and then wait a few hours and check the meter again. The lids on the tank are circular, 20"-24" in diameter and 5'-5 ' apart. If you cannot locate your drainfield, please contact public health or a certified O&M provider for help finding your drainfield. Soil over your system should be slightly mounded to help surface water runoff. Poor landscaping can cause septic system problems, including premature failure of your septic system. RSS Guidance for properties with multiple structures. If not, please do not enter anything in this field. The descriptions below may also help you determine your system type. Protects Your Property Value An unusable septic system or one in disrepair will lower your property value and poses a potentially costly legal liability. See Ecology's. 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). Terms of Use On-site Sewage System (OSS) Program The Public Health On-site Sewage System (OSS) Program helps to ensure that over 85,000 septic systems including 192 septic systems in Seattle are safe. However, it can take up to 60 days to fulfill your request. Include the parcel number and street address and we will search our files for the drawings. Related Links Environmental Health records (including on-site sewage records) are available online. 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. Landscaping in and around your septic system is important. see the Washington State Department of . This does not mean that such a system is illegal or failed; it just means that a homeowner may have trouble conducting the evaluation. If you do not know where your system is located, you may be able to obtain this information from our offices. . Fixing minor problems and paying maintenance fees of a few hundred dollars every few years is a bargain compared to the cost of repairing or replacing a malfunctioning system, which can cost thousands of dollars. Septic Applications in 3 Easy Steps. If you successfully locate your septic tank and remove its lids, the next step is to locate your drainfield. A hose with a nozzle can be used to pre-clean risers, plumbing, and inspection ports. These materials do not decompose or breakdown easily, if at all. Most household wastes, such as harsh chemicals, paints, and oils can be disposed of at your Landscape your system properly. Your as-built or record drawing should describe the location of your drainfield. There are a number of things you can do to check for leaks. Shellfish that grow in marine waters are harvested from our beaches and can become contaminated by failing septic systems. You can check for leaks in your toilet too. A septic system evaluation can be performed by a septic system professional. If your washing machine has load settings, make sure you select the proper load size. Chronic Disease, Communicable Diseases, &Immunizations. 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. There is one for gravity systems and a different form for pump/pressure systems: Your form must be completed in its entirety. Additional water, clean or not, taxes your soils ability to accept all of the liquids landing on the soil. A homeowner maintaining a pump system should minimize electrical hazards where appropriate. will be sent back to the homeowner for revision. Prior to using any electrical device (screwdrivers, drills, flashlights, etc. Interested homeowners can apply for a Clean Water Loan by visiting the Craft3 website. To assist in this process, please have your address and/or your parcel ID number available. INFORMATIONAL 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 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. These inspections can identify small issues and fix them before they become big, costly repairs. The Health District maintains records of existing on-site sewage systems for your convenience. Keeping drains free from blockage ensures that surface water is being moved properly around your septic system. We Issue Septic Permits, Inspect Final Septic Installations, And Investigate Complaints Associated With On-Site Sewage Systems Septic System Failure The Drainfield The drainfield receives septic tank effluent. Feminine hygiene products such as tampons or pads. Learn more about water conservation and water recycling. 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. Flow restrictors on showers and other high volume water fixtures can dramatically reduce your consumption of water. Were you able to find what you were looking for today? One way that you can identify a very slow leak is by shutting all faucets off and keeping them off for a period of time. To learn more, check out our 3D septic system models. 3020 Rucker AvenueEverett, WA 98201Phone: 425-339-5200. Birth & Death Certificates, Food Worker Cards, Public Records Request, Report a Complaint & Fees. Septic systems use a combination of nature and time-tested technology to treat wastewater from household plumbing produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry. See Department of Health Gravity Septic System inspection guide for a complete checklist and necessary tools. Electrical connections are typically buried and run underground from the dwelling to the pump tank. A failing septic system is usually a costly and urgent situation for homeowners. Harsh chemicals including acids, bases, pesticides, herbicides, oils, paints, and varnishes should never be drained into any fixture that leads to your septic system. Make sure the nursery understands you need plants that are shallow rooted and require little watering. Concrete lids may become cemented into place due to the shrinking and swelling of concrete. The rule of thumb for planting is to use only shallow-rooted plants such as grasses. 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. With just a few simple steps, you can protect your septicand avoid costly repairs. While they may not have a negative effect on your system, they do fill your septic system with wastes that require removal through pumping. Records of its size and location may be available at your local health department. Directory Septic Application Turnaround Times Protect your system from damage. Covering the eyes, mouth, and any open cuts is particularly important. Many flow restrictors have no mechanical parts while others reduce flow based upon pressure. As-Built Records Northeast Tri County Health District maintains records of permits for completed on-site sewage systems. Email Environmental Public Health . Mason County, WA. Everything you put down your drain or into the toilet will end up in your septic system. 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 On-site Sewage Program is responsible for evaluating site conditions for onsite septic systems, characteristics of soil in test pits, setting permitting conditions, and issuing permits for septic systems. For more information, click the buttons below. - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Septic System Records Search; Septic System Maintenance Records Search; Contact. A typical conventional gravity system will not have any mechanical devices to convey water or material; gravity will do all of the required work. Protects the Environment Malfunctioning septic systems release bacteria, viruses, and chemicals that eventually enter streams, rivers, lakes, Puget Sound, and the ocean. 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. 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 . If you hear a hollow thud and the rebar stops going deeper, you may have found a tank. Properly built and maintained septic systems have many benefits. Reduce the risk of contaminating groundwater and surface water. If your water meter has a counter, all you need to do is write the number down, along with the time and date and a few days later, look at the meter again. If your system was installed before 1975, no records may be available. The best way to determine your system type is to review your septic permit. Faucets and toilets should be free of any leakage. Your septic system is not capable of handling many wastes that you may generate in your home. Using a garbage disposal will increase the amount of solids entering the septic tank, requiring more frequent pumping. Directing surface water away from your tanks and drainfield will help your drainfield function as well as possible. Then, they will submit a report to Public Health about the status of your system. Once the sewage is at the drainfield, it is dispersed via gravity within the drainfield. Tools can be used to further minimize your exposure to the sewage contained in your septic system. If Public Health does not have a record for your septic system, it probably means that your system was installed a long time ago, prior to any requirement to create an as-built. Healthy septic systems are good for your family, your wallet and the environment. Every drip, drop, sprinkle, or spray of water that goes down a shower, sink, toilet, or drain will end up being processed by your septic system. What is a septic system? Search for previous service and inspection reports online. Are you a robot? The more wastewater you produce, the more wastewater the soil must treat and dispose. Combined, these systems treat 154 million gallons of wastewater annually. Green grass or depressions in your yard may be indications of where your tank is located. Are You Prepared, Severe Weather, Wildfires, Vulnerable Populations & Limited English Proficiency. Remember, the soil where your drainfield is located, is capable of disposing of only so much liquid. The drainfield is the final and the most downstream component in your septic system. Failing septic systems can leak into nearby ditches or streams where the sewage eventually ends up on our beaches where we swim, boat, and fish. While the Septics 201 online program provides the basic information necessary to operate and maintain most gravity septic systems, it cannot address every condition and situation that may be encountered. 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. Missing information, photographs, etc. On-site Program staff review and comment on land development projects and activities such as Subdivisions, Special Use Permits, Boundary . A property owner with a pump system must have additional training to demonstrate competency with pump systems. The newest counties to join the program are: 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. In the past there were no standards for septic systems and permits were not required. For information on failing septic systems, please see our Septic Failure Brochure. Oftentimes, when tanks are installed, the dirt used to cover them has a different texture than the surrounding area.
