Customer service counter opens at 9:30 a.m. the first and third Thursdays of every month. In these cases, the owner will find it easier to utilize the services of a licensed O&M Specialist. Brochures, OSS records OSS records While leaning over the system, be sure to recognize that gases may have accumulated around where you are breathing. Know where the system is and keep a diagram of its location. Any exceptions to the above conditions must have written approval of Skagit County Environmental Public Health staff. 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. Sewage related records are typically marked with an "SWG". Smaller problems can be fixed during the inspection. When a failing septic system is fixed, the benefits go beyond the home. 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. To search for septic or drinking water records, you'll need to enter your property ID number or GeoID or parcel number. Lids may be square, round or rectangular, and are typically large enough to allow for the tank to be pumped out. 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 To find out what type of system you have, take a look at your propertys as built records. Common in rural areas without centralized sewer systems, septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures that you own and operate. A septic system evaluation can be performed by a septic system professional. Read the meter once all faucets are off, and then wait a few hours and check the meter again. 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. Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below. If your washing machine has load settings, make sure you select the proper load size. This is a cheap and easy way of assessing your toilet for leaks, which may otherwise be difficult to detect visually. 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. Search for septic and drinking water records in our online search tool. Keep accurate records of your septic system. Water usage is likely the biggest contributor to a failed septic system. 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. It is important to keep the solids, called sludge, from building up and coming near the outlet baffles of the system if this happens, solids could plug the pipe to the drainfield, or even worse, clog the drainfield. Anyone can access those records by searching our online records database. Scaling, like on a map, allows you to find things accurately. Septic systems lacking records are considered "suspected" o r "assumed" and are colored RED on the . Older septic tanks might not be sized appropriately for your home, especially if your home has been remodeled and is now larger. 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. If the as-built is accurate, this will allow you to find plumbing stubs, tank lids, distribution boxes, drainfield lines and observation ports. The system type will be noted in multiple places within the permit. On-site Program staff review and comment on land development projects and activities such as Subdivisions, Special Use Permits, Boundary . A homeowner maintaining a pump system should minimize electrical hazards where appropriate. Repair leaky faucets and plumbing fixtures. An inspection report from a homeowner will only be accepted if the report is for that property owners OSS system. 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. Once you submit your quiz and contact information, we will have a record of you completing Septics 101. Environmental Health records (including on-site sewage records) are available online. 311 Grand Avenue | Bellingham, WA 98225 | Phone: 360-778-5000 [] . Figuring out how many gallons of water per day that you have consumed, will allow you to evaluate if your septic system is operating per the original design. For example, "the property is on 30th Avenue between Spruce and Verbena.". Covering the eyes, mouth, and any open cuts is particularly important. Water from roofs drains, driveways, patios, or sump pumps should be diverted away from the septic tank and drainfield area. The descriptions below may also help you determine your system type. 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.). 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. Drainfield and the reserve areas. Instead, use boiling water or a drain snake. As-Built Records Northeast Tri County Health District maintains records of permits for completed on-site sewage systems. Septic systems that have a curtain drain installed around them, often are dependent on a functioning curtain drain. If you successfully locate your septic tank and remove its lids, the next step is to locate your drainfield. 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. The more wastewater you produce, the more wastewater the soil must treat and dispose. 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 . Grass may grow greener in these disturbed areas. If heavy rains cause water to sit around your septic system, avoid putting water down your drains. At a minimum, wash your hands using soap and hot water. 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. 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. Vince McGowan, water quality program manager for Ecology. After completing your inspection and necessary maintenance, you should shower or bathe, even if you dont feel like youve been exposed to sewage. Island County code requires these inspections be completed by an Island County Licensed Maintenance Service Provider. Once the sewage is at the drainfield, it is dispersed via gravity within the drainfield. Be sure to: Complete additional routine maintenance that is required for some system types. Some plumbing (like toilets) can leak so slowly that it is difficult to hear or see signs of a leak. If electrical problems are identified, a homeowner should contact a licensed Electrician. In addition, some garbage disposals are capable of grinding or shredding material to a very fine size. 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. 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. Many flow restrictors have no mechanical parts while others reduce flow based upon pressure. Feminine hygiene products such as tampons or pads. The On-Site Sewage Program provides educational, advisory and permitting services for owners of septic systems and certifications for septic system installers, operations and monitoring specialists and septic pumpers. A leaky toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water a day. The pollutants harm local ecosystems by killing native plants, fish, and shellfish. 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. Properly operating and maintaining your system is required by State and local regulations to ensure that our wastewater is not creating a source of pollution to local waterways or causing disease from contact with contaminated water. The pressure can compact the soil and damage pipes. Four major factors influence how often you need to pump your septic: Practice water conservation. Directory Septic Application Turnaround Times Protects the Environment Malfunctioning septic systems release bacteria, viruses, and chemicals that eventually enter streams, rivers, lakes, Puget Sound, and the ocean. Green grass or depressions in your yard may be indications of where your tank is located. Tacoma, WA 98418-6813 (253) 649-1500 (800) 330-1844 TDD (253) 649-1400. Many things you do in your yard or on your property can affect the systems function and performance. 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. Building remodel permits It is a 40 minute narrated presentation followed by a 20 question quiz on septic system basics. However, it can take up to 60 days to fulfill your request. Routine inspections save time and money in the long run. Your septic system is not capable of handling many wastes that you may generate in your home. Electrical connections should need very little maintenance if your pump controls and alarms are functioning as designed. The septic tank will provide room for the solids to settle out and begin to decompose. In the plumbing, liquids will carry solid materials out of your dwelling towards downstream components. It does not mean that you do not have a septic system or that it is failed or illegal. 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. The longevity of your on-site septic system relies heavily on the way that you care for it. If you cannot locate your drainfield, please contact public health or a certified O&M provider for help finding your drainfield. See Ecology's. Septic Applications, Forms & Resources Browse applications, forms, and resources for septic systems. During the 2020-2022 Project, we are sampling water quality, performing visual surveys, and providing free technical assistance and rebates. If you do not know where your system is located, you may be able to obtain this information from our offices. Grass is the best cover. Keeps You and Your Neighbors Healthy Household wastewater is loaded with disease-causing bacteria and viruses, as well as high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. Work with septic system professionals to approve system design,location and installation. In addition, the dirt used to cover the tank will settle over time, creating a shallow depression. If your system was installed before 1975, no records may be available. In the area near your drainfield, arrange products and tools where you can: Septic systems that contain a pump also include an electrical element. Search for your record drawing using the following steps: Some common reasons that record drawings are not available online: If you do not find a record drawing, please send an email to as-built.help@kingcounty.gov. Food Safety, Land Development, Environmental Hazards, Water Recreation & Public Schools . The Snohomish County Health Department works to ensure that septic systems are located and installed correctly, and kept in good working condition. 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 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. On 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. Previously, Craft3 offered Clean Water Loans on a more-limited basis in partnership . (Not compatible with Internet Explorer.) Poor landscaping can cause septic system problems, including premature failure of your septic system. Your as-built or record drawing should describe the location of your drainfield. Paper Application. Port Townsend, WA 98368. Check the Washington Department of Labor and Industries to find information about electricians. 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. 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. To learn more, check out our 3D septic system models. Tacoma, WA 98418-6813 (253) 649-1500 (800) 330-1844 TDD (253) 649-1400. Even latex paint waste should be minimized. The On-site System Maintainer (OSM) will inspect your system components: Septic and pump tanks. Faucets and toilets should be free of any leakage. Chronic Disease, Communicable Diseases, &Immunizations. Never pour oil-based paints, solvents, or large volumes of toxic cleaners down the drain. Household Hazardous Waste Facility: 14104 Ovenell Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 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. WA 98368. Prior to using any electrical device (screwdrivers, drills, flashlights, etc. Routine pumping can prevent expensive failures such as a clogged drainfield or sewage backing up into the home. Online portal submissions 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,. Well-functioning and properly maintained septic systems can effectively treat household wastewater for many years. 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. Most tanks are covered by 12 to 18" of soil. This system is called Pump to Gravity Distribution. Pouring toxins down your drain can kill these organisms and harm your septic system. Site Sewage Oftentimes, when tanks are installed, the dirt used to cover them has a different texture than the surrounding area. Others are more complex, requiring pumps, filters, or specially designed materials. Using a garbage disposal on a septic system is not recommended. Water coming from roof drains, driveways or other surfaces should be directed away from your septic system. Approved OSS site design applications submitted online since May 2019 are also available. System Summary We Issue Septic Permits, Inspect Final Septic Installations, And Investigate Complaints Associated With On-Site Sewage Systems Septic System Failure Let it cool, harden, and then throw it away in the trash. Tanks installed after 1976 are two compartment tanks and both compartments will need to be pumped out. A "how to" guide is available on the online permitting portal when applying for a septic permit. Environmental Health Services Wood Stove Rule - Is My Wood Stove Okay to Use? Fax: : 360-379-4487. 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. In these cases, it may be increasingly difficult to maintain your septic system without a significant amount of effort. Related Links A failing septic system is usually a costly and urgent situation for homeowners. Subtract the smaller number from the larger; the difference is the amount of water you used since the previous time you read the meter. Approximately a third of Washington homes use septic systems for wastewater treatment. 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. Manager of Healthy People & Communities. It is likely that methane will also be found in your septic system. Remove the equipment and tools from the soap and water mixture. Some gases found in properly functioning septic systems have different densities. 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. Wash only full loads of dishes and laundry. County Code, The septic system is a conventional gravity septic system, The OSS is a conventional gravity, a pump to gravity, or conventional pressure system, The property is not immediately adjacent to a marine shoreline, The inspection is not for the purpose of a real estate transfer or sale, The homeowner has completed Skagit County Septics 101, The homeowner has completed a Septics 201 Field Training Class, The homeowner can supply an as-built of their septic system, The homeowner must agree to allow a possible follow-up quality assurance visit by public health staff at a mutually agreeable time. Operation and maintenance of your home septic system begins with your actions inside the home. 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. Your septic system is not a trash can. Lids are heavy and may be difficult to remove. As-builts are drawings that oftentimes are drawn to scale or otherwise help describe the location of your septic system. Real estate professionals need to inform both the buyer and seller of this requirement. 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 . Splashing or spraying can and will occur. The next step required to maintain your system is to dig up and remove your septic tank lids. 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. They include both new construction and repairs to failing systems. After reviewing this information and the training videos listed below, homeowners may evaluate their own on-site sewage system (OSS). State law (Chapter 246-272A-0270) requires that homeowners inspect and maintain their septic systems to ensure it is functioning properly. Navigate to the Clark County PropertyInformation Center. Fortunately, help is now available in every Washington county. Septic system records can be requested for viewing during office hours at the Health Department from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. It is imperative that you take all necessary precautions to minimize the risk of becoming sick or injured when conducting your inspection. NOTICE OF DATA SECURITY INCIDENT (SPANISH). You may find junction boxes, wires, or other electrical connections in the pump chamber. Oftentimes, the metal handle used to remove the lid may become rotted, and will not support the weight of the lid, nor be usable for popping off the lid. Directing surface water away from your tanks and drainfield will help your drainfield function as well as possible. What is a septic system? Do-It-Yourself Septic System Inspection Video. Materials that are flushed may get caught up on this congealed ooze and the blockage worsens. A septic contractor installs a new drain field for a homeowner. 3020 Rucker AvenueEverett, WA 98201Phone: 425-339-5200. Thank you for your patience as we continue to update our new website. Before you plant a garden, landscape your yard, construct a building, or install a pool, check on the location of your septic system and replacement area. Rinse: Spraying down portions of your septic system may result in exposure to sewage. Make sure the nursery understands you need plants that are shallow rooted and require little watering. NOTE:Before 1975, permits were not required by law. 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. The bigger the tank, the more capacity it has to handle solids and water, which could allow for more time between pumpings. 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. Exposing these areas to sewage increases a persons risk of contracting an illness. Learn more about water conservation and water recycling. It is also wise to keep a record of maintenance on the system. Public Records; Smoke-Free Housing Information; View. Our reply (from PAEGAT25) may go to your email's Spam folder. While they may not have a negative effect on your system, they do fill your septic system with wastes that require removal through pumping. 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. Previously, Craft3 offered Clean Water Loans on a more-limited basis in partnership with specific counties. This does not mean that such a system is illegal or failed; it just means that a homeowner may have trouble conducting the evaluation. These gases can sink or rise, displacing oxygen that you need to breathe. Keeping drains free from blockage ensures that surface water is being moved properly around your septic system. How would you like to receive your "as-built": Before 1975, permits were not required by law. Planning This process may require the use of a stiff bristled brush to remove all contaminants. Septic Resources The Purpose Of On-Site Septic System (OSS) Program Is To Ensure Proper Treatment And Disposal Of Wastewater To Protect Our Drinking Water And The Environment. Rakes, shovels, and poles can be used to reach components that are well below ground or out of reach. Search for previous service and inspection reports online. 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. Statewide access to this program is a win for homeowners, public health, and clean water. 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. 400 Belfair: 360-275-4467, Ext. This will be located downhill from the septic tank outlet baffle (unless there is a pump). 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. 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. Brochures How to take care of septic systems 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 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. Well reports also contain information about location, owner name, driller name, and the quantity of water a well produces. 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 effluent is distributed via pressure throughout the drainfield by utilizing small diameter pipes with small holes to distribute the liquid throughout the drainfield. 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. You must be able to observe the inlet and outlet of your septic tank. Forms and photographs may be emailed to EH@co.skagit.wa.us or sent to 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.
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