Protective clothing should be worn whenever you maintain your septic system. If the as-built is accurate, this will allow you to find plumbing stubs, tank lids, distribution boxes, drainfield lines and observation ports. Search for septic and drinking water records in our online search tool. 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. 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. This will be located downhill from the septic tank outlet baffle (unless there is a pump). Simply take the rebar and pound it into the ground with a mallet. Links. Failing septic systems can result in sewage backing up in the home or entering local waterways and groundwater supplies posing a public health threat. Let the equipment soak as needed. Report. The first step in maintaining your septic system is obtaining your septic permit. 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 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 documents are not available please contact Clark County Public Health at (360) 397-8428. 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. 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. If you cannot locate your drainfield, please contact public health or a certified O&M provider for help finding your drainfield. Proper decontamination of equipment is an important task that will minimize your risk of becoming ill. Septic Applications, Forms & Resources Browse applications, forms, and resources for septic systems. These areas provide a transmission corridor for viruses and bacteria to enter the body. 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. Septic systems that have a curtain drain installed around them, often are dependent on a functioning curtain drain. Saves You Money Regular maintenance fees of a few hundred dollars every few years is a bargain compared to the cost of repairing or replacing a malfunctioning septic system, which can cost thousands. For these reasons, a person should do everything possible to minimize risk of exposure to gas. Tacoma, WA 98418-6813 (253) 649-1500 (800) 330-1844 TDD (253) 649-1400. 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. [Ver este comunicado de prensa en Espaol]. Reduce the risk of people getting sick from untreated sewage. After completing your inspection and necessary maintenance, you should shower or bathe, even if you dont feel like youve been exposed to sewage. see the Washington State Department of . Another way to dispose of grease is to let the grease cool in the pan, where it can be scraped off using a paper towel. If you successfully locate your septic tank and remove its lids, the next step is to locate your drainfield. 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. Volume of solids in wastewater. They protect your eyes and mouth from the liquids in your septic system. The completed form must include photos of. If at any time you do not feel comfortable or confident in your ability to evaluate and maintain your septic system without the risk of becoming ill or injured, you should hire a licensed O&M Specialist to perform the work for you. Electrical connections should need very little maintenance if your pump controls and alarms are functioning as designed. Are you a robot? Water coming from roof drains, driveways or other surfaces should be directed away from your septic system. Soil over your system should be slightly mounded to help surface water runoff. 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. 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. Many flow restrictors have no mechanical parts while others reduce flow based upon pressure. Shellfish that grow in marine waters are harvested from our beaches and can become contaminated by failing septic 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. Department of Ecology News Release - Sept. 21, 2021. The rule of thumb for planting is to use only shallow-rooted plants such as grasses. As-builts are drawings that oftentimes are drawn to scale or otherwise help describe the location of your septic system. The Drainfield The drainfield receives septic tank effluent. 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. 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. Birth & Death Certificates, Food Worker Cards, Public Records Request, Report a Complaint & Fees. Board of Health Meetings; Fee Schedule; . For this reason, equipment, clothing, and tools that have been splashed with or immersed in effluent or sewage, must be decontaminated. Make sure the nursery understands you need plants that are shallow rooted and require little watering. Septic systems produce gases that can be explosive or are capable of displacing oxygen. 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. Septic systems lacking records are considered "suspected" o r "assumed" and are colored RED on the . Learn how to obtain sewage permit information. Water usage is likely the biggest contributor to a failed septic system. Scaling, like on a map, allows you to find things accurately. It does not mean that you do not have a septic system or that it is failed or illegal. How to take care of septic systems Others are more complex, requiring pumps, filters, or specially designed materials. Then, they will submit a report to Public Health about the status of your system. Please note this is the number of our answering service, and you will receive a call back from Public Health. Building remodel permits Get the latest on local COVID-19 trends, news and helpful resources from Chelan-Douglas Health District, weekly in your inbox. Options for inspecting your system include: Pump out your septic tank when needed. In the plumbing, liquids will carry solid materials out of your dwelling towards downstream components. 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. On-site Program staff review and comment on land development projects and activities such as Subdivisions, Special Use Permits, Boundary . 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. 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 . Craft3's Clean Water Loans - Craft3 offers financing for replacement of septic systems in many areas of Washington. 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. Yakima. 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. Never mix sanitizers! Look for a medication take-back program in your area. 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. Septic tank size. Once the sewage is at the drainfield, it is dispersed via gravity within the drainfield. However, it can take up to 60 days to fulfill your request. Directory Septic Application Turnaround Times Everything you put down your drain or into the toilet will end up in your septic system. 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. Repair leaky faucets and plumbing fixtures. We recommend searching by the 12-digit tax parcel number. If you have a water meter on your property, you can easily figure out how much water you and your family are using. INFORMATIONAL
. 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. They can be purchased at your local hardware store and are fairly easy to install in a typical faucet. Food Safety, Land Development, Environmental Hazards, Water Recreation & Public Schools . Remove the equipment and tools from the soap and water mixture. The Snohomish County Health Department works to ensure that septic systems are located and installed correctly, and kept in good working condition. *: Regional On-Site Sewage System Loan Program, Copyright Washington State Department of Ecology. Directions. 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. Never pour cooking oil or grease down the drain. 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. The Atrium (Environmental Health) 3000 Pacific Ave Olympia, WA 98501 Phone: 360-867-2685 Mailing Address . In addition, some garbage disposals are capable of grinding or shredding material to a very fine size. 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 . 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. 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. 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. To search for septic or drinking water records, you'll need to enter your property ID number or GeoID or parcel number. There are many different types of systems. Pouring toxins down your drain can kill these organisms and harm your septic system. There are many different types of systems. Environmental Health records (including on-site sewage records) are available online. *: Which best describes your role in visiting our site today? A person should never, for any reason, enter the confines of a septic system, especially tanks. Port Townsend, WA 98368. Don't wait until you have a problem. 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. State law (Chapter 246-272A-0270) requires that homeowners inspect and maintain their septic systems to ensure it is functioning properly. Reduce the risk of contaminating groundwater and surface water. Harsh chemicals including acids, bases, pesticides, herbicides, oils, paints, and varnishes should never be drained into any fixture that leads to your septic system. Properly built and maintained septic systems have many benefits. The pump tank will store the effluent until it is conveyed to a drainfield. Applications, permits and fees, Buying and selling properties Save your money from septic tank additives. You can check for leaks in your toilet too. 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. Online portal submissions Environmental Health Contact numbers: Shelton: 360-427-9670, Ext. Using gloves will minimize your exposure risk. Discharging effluent onto the ground's surface or into surface and ground water is against Washington State law. All other types of systems are required to be inspected at least once every year. . 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. In the area near your drainfield, arrange products and tools where you can: Septic systems that contain a pump also include an electrical element. Are You Prepared, Severe Weather, Wildfires, Vulnerable Populations & Limited English Proficiency. Search for records on any property. Using a garbage disposal will increase the amount of solids entering the septic tank, requiring more frequent pumping. Routine pumping can prevent expensive failures such as a clogged drainfield or sewage backing up into the home. For example, "the property is on 30th Avenue between Spruce and Verbena.". 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 . These cases may require the help of a licensed O&M Specialist. A septic contractor installs a new drain field for a homeowner. Environmental Health 415 N. 6th Street Shelton, WA 98584. Records of its size and location may be available at your local health department. If you cannot remove the lid, contact a licensed O&M Specialist. It is also recommended the first inspection of any OSS be done professionally. Work with septic system professionals to approve system design,location and installation. The grease laden paper towel can then be disposed of in your trash. Approximately a third of Washington homes use septic systems for wastewater treatment. 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. Vince McGowan, water quality program manager for Ecology. 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. Don't avoid the signs of septic system failure. If youd like us to call you, please provide a phone number. What is a septic system? Your septic system is not capable of handling many wastes that you may generate in your home. 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. Thank you for your patience as we continue to update our new website. . We Issue Septic Permits, Inspect Final Septic Installations, And Investigate Complaints Associated With On-Site Sewage Systems Septic System Failure 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, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Local Health Jurisdictions and Tribal Directories, Northwest Center for Public Health Practice. Septic systems use a combination of nature and time-tested technology to treat wastewater from household plumbing produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry. 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. Previously, Craft3 offered Clean Water Loans on a more-limited basis in partnership . Lids may be square, round or rectangular, and are typically large enough to allow for the tank to be pumped out. If electrical problems are identified, a homeowner should contact a licensed Electrician. Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. The Health District maintains records of existing on-site sewage systems for your convenience. Protect your system from damage. These materials do not decompose or breakdown easily, if at all. 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). 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. Prescription medication. Maintaining your septic system will save you money as well as help maintain or improve surface and groundwater quality in Skagit County. Find a certified O&M provider. As-built drawings can be obtained at the Skagit County Online Septic Search. They include both new construction and repairs to failing systems. Think of them like a sewage treatment plant, only much smaller. Subtract the smaller number from the larger; the difference is the amount of water you used since the previous time you read the meter. Site Sewage
In addition, the dirt used to cover the tank will settle over time, creating a shallow depression. 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. Wash: Next, immerse the equipment into the 5-gallon bucket containing a soap and water mixture. 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. It has been partially treated but still contains disease-causing bacteria and other pollutants. This system is called Pump to Gravity Distribution. Statewide access to this program is a win for homeowners, public health, and clean water. Rakes, shovels, and poles can be used to reach components that are well below ground or out of reach. Flushing them will increase the need to pump, maintain and repair your system. 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 Phone: : 360-385-9444. outlet baffle, and 3) distribution box (if present) within 30 days of inspection. Greases can congeal anywhere in your plumbing or septic system. For information on failing septic systems, please see our Septic Failure Brochure. . Septic System Records Search; Septic System Maintenance Records Search; Contact. They allow for development in outlying communities, help protect groundwater and waterways, and reduce exposure to untreated sewage. Approved OSS site design applications submitted online since May 2019 are also available. 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. As of Sept. 1, homeowners with septic systems in every Washington county have access to affordable financing for septic repair and replacement. 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. Health Information Privacy Information Don't put concrete or plastic over your septic system. Tanks installed after 1976 are two compartment tanks and both compartments will need to be pumped out. Food waste from garbage disposals fill the septic tank and can clog the drainfield. The environmentalists investigate complaints of septic system failures that contribute to land pollution. 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. Rinse: Start by rinsing the equipment and tools with water from your garden hose. After reviewing this information and the training videos listed below, homeowners may evaluate their own on-site sewage system (OSS).