Common in rural areas without centralized sewer systems, septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures that you own and operate. 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. They allow for development in outlying communities, help protect groundwater and waterways, and reduce exposure to untreated sewage. Thank you for your patience as we continue to update our new website. 311 Grand Avenue | Bellingham, WA 98225 | Phone: 360-778-5000 [] . INFORMATIONAL Birth & Death Certificates, Food Worker Cards, Public Records Request, Report a Complaint & Fees. Your as-built or record drawing should describe the location of your drainfield. 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. 411 N 5th St Shelton WA 98584 (360) 427-9670 . Even latex paint waste should be minimized. Navigate to the Clark County PropertyInformation Center. 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 *: Regional On-Site Sewage System Loan Program, Copyright Washington State Department of Ecology. In the plumbing, liquids will carry solid materials out of your dwelling towards downstream components. 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. This will be located downhill from the septic tank outlet baffle (unless there is a pump). Customer service counter opens at 9:30 a.m. the first and third Thursdays of every month. Wood Stove Rule - Is My Wood Stove Okay to Use? SEPTIC SYSTEM This system is called Pump to Gravity Distribution. Read the meter once all faucets are off, and then wait a few hours and check the meter again. 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. As-Built Records Northeast Tri County Health District maintains records of permits for completed on-site sewage systems. OSS records Landscaping in and around your septic system is important. We Issue Septic Permits, Inspect Final Septic Installations, And Investigate Complaints Associated With On-Site Sewage Systems Septic System Failure It is not uncommon for a new septic system to cost $20,000 or more, making it a substantial investment that many homeowners cannot afford on their own, especially when the problems are unexpected. Septic systems treat wastewater when homes and buildings are not connected to public sewer systems. They store, treat and dispose of the things you flush or send down drains. Maintaining your septic system will save you money as well as help maintain or improve surface and groundwater quality in Skagit County. coming into our offices, or calling us at 509.460.4205. Mailing Address 615 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, WA . 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. A septic system evaluation can be performed by a septic system professional. As of Sept. 1, homeowners with septic systems in every Washington county have access to affordable financing for septic repair and replacement. To search for septic or drinking water records, you'll need to enter your property ID number or GeoID or parcel number. With just a few simple steps, you can protect your septicand avoid costly repairs. If your system was installed before 1975, no records may be available. Real estate professionals need to inform both the buyer and seller of this requirement. A hose with a nozzle can be used to pre-clean risers, plumbing, and inspection ports. Complete a septic application using the online permitting portal. Contact information; Hours & location 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. However, it can take up to 60 days to fulfill your request. Environmental Health Services Caring for Your Septic System | Washington State Department of Health Caring for Your Septic System Inspect Your System 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. After completing your inspection and necessary maintenance, you should shower or bathe, even if you dont feel like youve been exposed to sewage. 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. A "how to" guide is available on the online permitting portal when applying for a septic permit. Customer service counter opens at 9:30 a.m. the first and third Thursdays of every month. 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. Septic systems produce gases that can be explosive or are capable of displacing oxygen. Providers Are You Prepared, Severe Weather, Wildfires, Vulnerable Populations & Limited English Proficiency. Phone: : 360-385-9444. Directions. Directions. In addition, some garbage disposals are capable of grinding or shredding material to a very fine size. 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. The drainfield is where effluent is discharged into the environment. Clean these tools in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. Septic systems lacking records are considered "suspected" o r "assumed" and are colored RED on the . Septic tank size. 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. NOTICE OF DATA SECURITY INCIDENT (SPANISH). It should be noted that at the time of a property transfer, a licensed O&M Specialist must conduct the inspection. Covering the eyes, mouth, and any open cuts is particularly important. After reviewing this information and the training videos listed below, homeowners may evaluate their own on-site sewage system (OSS). Common in rural areas without centralized sewer systems, septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures that you own and operate. Old homes may not have a septic permit or the as-built may be unreliable. The drainfield is the final and the most downstream component in your septic system. These records will be helpful if problems occur, and will be valuable to the next owner of your home. Approved OSS site design applications submitted online since May 2019 are also available. 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. Approximately a third of Washington homes use septic systems for wastewater treatment. Additional water, clean or not, taxes your soils ability to accept all of the liquids landing on the soil. Properly built and maintained septic systems have many benefits. Flow restrictors on showers and other high volume water fixtures can dramatically reduce your consumption of water. Most tanks are covered by 12 to 18" of soil. 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. Mason County, WA. Splashing or spraying can and will occur. Tools can be used to further minimize your exposure to the sewage contained in your septic system. Everything you put down your drain or into the toilet will end up in your septic system. Poor landscaping can cause septic system problems, including premature failure of your septic system. Directing surface water away from your tanks and drainfield will help your drainfield function as well as possible. 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. Since 2008, Washington state law and Island County code have required that all septic systems be inspected at the time of property transfer. Privacy Policy Prescription medication. Maintenance 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. Be sure to: Complete additional routine maintenance that is required for some system types. They include both new construction and repairs to failing systems. . Site Sewage A properly functioning septic system helps remove these pollutants so well water and nearby surface water doesn't get contaminated. 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. 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. Contact us at ehsepticsystems@tpchd.orgor (253) 649-1925. Public Records Requests I can't find my record drawingrequest Health Department search for a record you can't locate. Rakes, shovels, and poles can be used to reach components that are well below ground or out of reach. Garbage disposals are frequently installed in new homes. Flow restrictors are an easy and effective means to reduce water consumption. Others are more complex, requiring pumps, filters, or specially designed materials. Please arrive no later than 3:30 p.m. 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 Sanitize: After thoroughly rinsing the tools, immerse the equipment in a sanitizer solution. Baby wipes, cleaning wipes, or any moist towelettes. A septic contractor installs a new drain field for a homeowner. 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. outlet baffle, and 3) distribution box (if present) within 30 days of inspection. Forms and photographs may be emailed to EH@co.skagit.wa.us or sent to 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. A property owner with a pump system must have additional training to demonstrate competency with pump systems. Environmental Health Contact numbers: Shelton: 360-427-9670, Ext. On These cases may require the help of a licensed O&M Specialist. Stay . Search for septic and drinking water records in our online search tool. Proper decontamination of equipment is an important task that will minimize your risk of becoming ill. Protects the Environment Malfunctioning septic systems release bacteria, viruses, and chemicals that eventually enter streams, rivers, lakes, Puget Sound, and the ocean. It does not mean that you do not have a septic system or that it is failed or illegal. . Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below. Manager of Healthy People & Communities. Keep vehicles, heavy equipment, and livestock off your septic tank, drainfield, and drainfield replacement area. Proper hygienic practices minimize the risk of exposure to disease causing agents that are found in sewage. Craft3's Clean Water Loans - Craft3 offers financing for replacement of septic systems in many areas of Washington. 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. 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. Don't put concrete or plastic over your septic system. The chemicals can alter the natural biological conditions found in your septic system. Scaling, like on a map, allows you to find things accurately. Brochures 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. Household Hazardous Waste Facility: 14104 Ovenell Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 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. Sewage related records are typically marked with an "SWG". see the Washington State Department of . 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. 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. Links. RSS Guidance for properties with multiple structures. Get the latest on local COVID-19 trends, news and helpful resources from Chelan-Douglas Health District, weekly in your inbox. Septic systems use a combination of nature and time-tested technology to treat wastewater from household plumbing produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry. What is a septic system? 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. The probe can be used to identify the size and orientation of the tank (rectangle vs. round, 4 X 8 foot, etc). If you have a water meter on your property, you can easily figure out how much water you and your family are using. Some household products are advertised as septic safe. Make sure the nursery understands you need plants that are shallow rooted and require little watering. 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. Well reports also contain information about location, owner name, driller name, and the quantity of water a well produces. It is likely that methane will also be found in your septic system. A long piece of rebar can be pounded into the ground to look for a tank. Options for inspecting your system include: Pump out your septic tank when needed. Lists of certified professionals . Applications, permits and fees, Buying and selling properties Curtain drains may require some maintenance themselves. A failing septic system is usually a costly and urgent situation for homeowners.