Expect to hear from us within 5 days. For this reason, equipment, clothing, and tools that have been splashed with or immersed in effluent or sewage, must be decontaminated. If shellfish filter polluted water, they can become unsafe for humans to eat. Search for records on any property. There are many different types of systems. Some are simple, using only a tank and a drainfield. Fortunately, help is now available in every Washington county. Grass is the best cover. Your groundwater and Puget Sound lakes, rivers, and beaches benefit, too! If the label says, Danger, Warning or Caution bring it to the facility for proper disposal. Your as-built or record drawing should describe the location of your drainfield. Guidelines, Standards, Rules & Regulations Phone: : 360-385-9444. Old homes may not have a septic permit or the as-built may be unreliable. If youd like us to call you, please provide a phone number. Rakes, shovels, and poles can be used to reach components that are well below ground or out of reach. Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below. Address 7102 W Okanogan Pl Kennewick WA 99336 Phone 509.460.4200 Hours of Operation Monday-Friday The Health District maintains records of existing on-site sewage systems for your convenience. On-site Program staff review and comment on land development projects and activities such as Subdivisions, Special Use Permits, Boundary . 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. Tacoma, WA 98418-6813 (253) 649-1500 (800) 330-1844 TDD (253) 649-1400. Pressure distribution systems are similar to conventional gravity systems, except that only the effluent should flow out of your septic tank and into your pump tank. Directory Septic Application Turnaround Times Keep water runoff away from your system. Your septic system is not capable of handling many wastes that you may generate in your home. Are you a robot? Let it cool, harden, and then throw it away in the trash. Most tanks are covered by 12 to 18" of soil. 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. Household size. 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. 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. Maintaining your system will require the use of your hands to do many things including lifting lids, operating sludge judges, lifting floats, pulling filters, and adjusting valves. Septic systems treat wastewater when homes and buildings are not connected to public sewer systems. Don't avoid the signs of septic system failure. 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. When a failing septic system is fixed, the benefits go beyond the home. The scale should be described on your as-built. For more information, click the buttons below. Combined, these systems treat 154 million gallons of wastewater annually. Planning No other OSS may be inspected by the homeowner. That way, they can perform any required maintenance while on site. 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. Septic tanks are settling chambers that allow time for solids and scum to separate out from wastewater, so clear liquid can safely filter into the drainfield. 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. In the area near your drainfield, arrange products and tools where you can: Septic systems that contain a pump also include an electrical element. 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. Water coming from roof drains, driveways or other surfaces should be directed away from your septic system. Green grass or depressions in your yard may be indications of where your tank is located. Healthy septic systems are good for your family, your wallet and the environment. 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. Options for inspecting your system include: Pump out your septic tank when needed. 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 failing septic system is usually a costly and urgent situation for homeowners. With just a few simple steps, you can protect your septicand avoid costly repairs. Adam Zimmerman, President and CEO of Craft3. Feminine hygiene products such as tampons or pads. Generally, the more people in the home, the more often you need to pump. Many flow restrictors have no mechanical parts while others reduce flow based upon pressure. Paper Application. Prescription medication. It does not mean that you do not have a septic system or that it is failed or illegal. Please arrive no later than 3:30 p.m. The environmentalists investigate complaints of septic system failures that contribute to land pollution. There is a 25 gallon / household / month limit, for free! . Records of its size and location may be available at your local health department. Operation and maintenance of your home septic system begins with your actions inside the home. NOTE:Before 1975, permits were not required by law. Mason County, WA. It provides Washingtonians access to affordable financing for the repair and replacement of septic systems. As-builts are drawings that oftentimes are drawn to scale or otherwise help describe the location of your septic system. Installers, Designers 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. Search for septic and drinking water records in our online search tool. Be aware that your meter readings may represent all of the water used, including irrigation. Gloves are the first line of defense for the average do-it-yourselfer. Brochures Food waste from garbage disposals fill the septic tank and can clog the drainfield. Certifications Get email alerts based on your topic preferences like news releases, job openings, emergency updates and more! To learn more, check out our 3D septic system models. Departments / Elected . ), all septic system parts should be vented thoroughly. Email Environmental Public Health . During this time when many are staying at home, it is important to keep a careful eye on actions that may affect your sewer or septic system. . As of Sept. 1, the Regional On-Site Sewage System Loan Program has expanded state-wide, adding 17 counties to this successful program. There are many different types of systems. 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. Never pour oil-based paints, solvents, or large volumes of toxic cleaners down the drain. An inspection report from a homeowner will only be accepted if the report is for that property owners OSS system. Simply take the rebar and pound it into the ground with a mallet. They include both new construction and repairs to failing systems. Public health licenses these professionals, and maintains a list of System Maintenance Providers. 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. Plant trees and shrubs away from your septic tank and drainfield to keep roots from growing into your septic system. If you cannot locate your drainfield, please contact public health or a certified O&M provider for help finding your drainfield. Get the latest on local COVID-19 trends, news and helpful resources from Chelan-Douglas Health District, weekly in your inbox. After reviewing this information and the training videos listed below, homeowners may evaluate their own on-site sewage system (OSS). 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. I can't find my record drawingrequest Health Department search for a record you can't locate. Approved OSS site design applications submitted online since May 2019 are also available. Care must be taken to properly clean electronic tools such as drills or screw drivers. INFORMATIONAL Real estate professionals need to inform both the buyer and seller of this requirement. Water usage is likely the biggest contributor to a failed septic system. It has been partially treated but still contains disease-causing bacteria and other pollutants. Financial assistance Grass may grow greener in these disturbed areas. Poor landscaping can cause septic system problems, including premature failure of your septic system. In the plumbing, liquids will carry solid materials out of your dwelling towards downstream components. Use approximately 1 cups of bleach per gallon of water (www.osha.gov) Other products, including peroxide sanitizers are effective too. 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. Get email alerts based on your topic preferences like news releases, job openings, emergency updates and more! 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. Applications, permits and fees, Buying and selling properties Health Programs, Healthy Communities, WIC, Nurse/Family Partnership. Smaller problems can be fixed during the inspection. A "how to" guide is available on the online permitting portal when applying for a septic permit. 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 Please note this is the number of our answering service, and you will receive a call back from Public Health. Island County code requires these inspections be completed by an Island County Licensed Maintenance Service Provider. It is also wise to keep a record of maintenance on the system. Discharging effluent onto the ground's surface or into surface and ground water is against Washington State law. To search for septic or drinking water records, you'll need to enter your property ID number or GeoID or parcel number. Privacy Policy A homeowner maintaining a pump system should minimize electrical hazards where appropriate. 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. This does not mean that such a system is illegal or failed; it just means that a homeowner may have trouble conducting the evaluation. A long piece of rebar can be pounded into the ground to look for a tank. Keep accurate records of your septic system. . Methane gas is produced by decomposition of organic materials. [Ver este comunicado de prensa en Espaol]. Protects the Environment Malfunctioning septic systems release bacteria, viruses, and chemicals that eventually enter streams, rivers, lakes, Puget Sound, and the ocean. Only the liquid sewage without solids called effluent should flow out of your septic tank; this clear effluent will be conveyed by gravity to the drainfield. The completed form must include photos of. Environmental Health 415 N. 6th Street Shelton, WA 98584. Using gloves will minimize your exposure risk. Lists of certified professionals Well reports also contain information about location, owner name, driller name, and the quantity of water a well produces. Customer service counter opens at 9:30 a.m. the first and third Thursdays of every month. This document is called an "as-built," and it is a drawing of the location of your system when it was inspected by our office. 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. This system is called Pump to Gravity Distribution. Protecting your face, eyes, and mouth will minimize your risk of illness. If you prefer, download and print a paper application (PDF), and mail to: Washington County Government Center Public Health . Port Townsend, WA 98368. *: Regional On-Site Sewage System Loan Program, Copyright Washington State Department of Ecology. Probe suspected tank locations first, rather than digging up the soil only to find nothing. Tacoma, WA 98418-6813 (253) 649-1500 (800) 330-1844 TDD (253) 649-1400. Tanks installed after 1976 are two compartment tanks and both compartments will need to be pumped out. Install flow restrictors on all or select faucets. Septic systems that have a curtain drain installed around them, often are dependent on a functioning curtain drain. Open the lid to your toilet tank and pour enough food coloring into the tank water to color the water. The descriptions below may also help you determine your system type. Others are more complex, requiring pumps, filters, or specially designed materials. This is a cheap and easy way of assessing your toilet for leaks, which may otherwise be difficult to detect visually. A septic system evaluation can be performed by a septic system professional. . Food Safety, Land Development, Environmental Hazards, Water Recreation & Public Schools . The more wastewater you produce, the more wastewater the soil must treat and dispose. 3020 Rucker AvenueEverett, WA 98201Phone: 425-339-5200. If electrical problems are identified, a homeowner should contact a licensed Electrician. Forms and photographs may be emailed to EH@co.skagit.wa.us or sent to 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. 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. Building remodel permits SEPTIC SYSTEM Due to differences in elevations, on some occasions, a pump is needed to get the sewage to the drainfield. Complete a septic application using the online permitting portal. State law (Chapter 246-272A-0270) requires that homeowners inspect and maintain their septic systems to ensure it is functioning properly. 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. The effluent is distributed via pressure throughout the drainfield by utilizing small diameter pipes with small holes to distribute the liquid throughout the drainfield. You must be able to observe the inlet and outlet of your septic tank. Meet septic system requirements before you do. Use water-saving devices such as faucet aerators and high-efficiency toilets, showerheads, dishwashers, and washing machines. 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. Public Records Requests If not, please do not enter anything in this field. Think of them like a sewage treatment plant, only much smaller. Don't select the large-load cycle if you're washing a small amount of laundry. 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. Yakima. Mailing Address 615 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, WA 98368. will be sent back to the homeowner for revision. Patient information should not be disclosed to the answering service. 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. The scale is typically depicted in inches to feet. Faucets and toilets should be free of any leakage. Even latex paint waste should be minimized. 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. A properly functioning septic system helps remove these pollutants so well water and nearby surface water doesn't get contaminated. Brochures, OSS records They allow for development in outlying communities, help protect groundwater and waterways, and reduce exposure to untreated sewage. Once the sewage is at the drainfield, it is dispersed via gravity within the drainfield. Many older systems may vary in their configuration and construction. (Not compatible with Internet Explorer.) Links. If you hear a hollow thud and the rebar stops going deeper, you may have found a tank. The longevity of your on-site septic system relies heavily on the way that you care for it. Online portal submissions Directions. Concrete lids may become cemented into place due to the shrinking and swelling of concrete. Grease is a common household waste product that many people flush or rinse down the drain. Lids are heavy and may be difficult to remove. Harsh chemicals including acids, bases, pesticides, herbicides, oils, paints, and varnishes should never be drained into any fixture that leads to your septic system. If your washing machine has load settings, make sure you select the proper load size. We recommend searching by the 12-digit tax parcel number. 411 N 5th St Shelton WA 98584 (360) 427-9670 . Learn the basics of septic system design, maintenance, and dos and donts to keep your septic system working well as long as possible. Protective clothing should be worn whenever you maintain your septic system. 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. 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 Any exceptions to the above conditions must have written approval of Skagit County Environmental Public Health staff. Website Design by Granicus - Connecting People and Government. Exposing these areas to sewage increases a persons risk of contracting an illness.