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. Gloves are the first line of defense for the average do-it-yourselfer. SEPTIC 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. I can't find my record drawingrequest Health Department search for a record you can't locate. RSS Guidance for properties with multiple structures. 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. Lids may be square, round or rectangular, and are typically large enough to allow for the tank to be pumped out. They protect your eyes and mouth from the liquids in your septic system. Reduce the risk of people getting sick from untreated sewage. 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. Routine pumping can prevent expensive failures such as a clogged drainfield or sewage backing up into the home. Remove gross contamination from your equipment. Your as-built or record drawing should describe the location of your drainfield. 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. Shovels can be used to evaluate the depth of the scum and sludge found in your septic tank. Clean these tools in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. . 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. Birth & Death Certificates, Food Worker Cards, Public Records Request, Report a Complaint & Fees. Customer service counter opens at 9:30 a.m. the first and third Thursdays of every month. It does not mean that you do not have a septic system or that it is failed or illegal. 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. Directing surface water away from your tanks and drainfield will help your drainfield function as well as possible. 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. Forms and photographs may be emailed to EH@co.skagit.wa.us or sent to 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. It is also recommended the first inspection of any OSS be done professionally. Regardless of the method you use to request this document, you will need to provide the following information: *If your address was once a "route #, box #" please include the roads/streets that the property is located on and by. Most tanks are covered by 12 to 18" of soil. Scaling, like on a map, allows you to find things accurately. Don't wait until you have a problem. Guidelines, Standards, Rules & Regulations Flushing them will increase the need to pump, maintain and repair your system. Prior to using any electrical device (screwdrivers, drills, flashlights, etc. The environmentalists investigate complaints of septic system failures that contribute to land pollution. The grease laden paper towel can then be disposed of in your trash. Minor septic system issues can turn into big costly problems. A garbage disposal adds more solid material to your septic system. 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. That way, they can perform any required maintenance while on site. Many older systems may vary in their configuration and construction. 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. Rakes can be used to lift floats and screens. A Sanitarian of the Day is available Monday through Friday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on a first come, first served basis either by . Keep accurate records of your septic system. With just a few simple steps, you can protect your septicand avoid costly repairs. Volume of solids in wastewater. What is a septic system? Proper decontamination of equipment is an important task that will minimize your risk of becoming ill. . Links. see the Washington State Department of . Greases can congeal anywhere in your plumbing or septic system. Well-functioning and properly maintained septic systems can effectively treat household wastewater for many years. You may get splashed or sprayed with raw sewage. 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.). For a typical household, septic tanks are usually pumped every three to five years. Adam Zimmerman, President and CEO of Craft3. Statewide access to this program is a win for homeowners, public health, and clean water. These materials do not decompose or breakdown easily, if at all. Care must be taken to properly clean electronic tools such as drills or screw drivers. There are many different types of systems. 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. Environmental Health records (including on-site sewage records) are available online. A properly functioning septic system helps remove these pollutants so well water and nearby surface water doesn't get contaminated. These inspections can identify small issues and fix them before they become big, costly repairs. Your septic system is not a trash can. 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. For information on failing septic systems, please see our Septic Failure Brochure. Get the latest on local COVID-19 trends, news and helpful resources from Chelan-Douglas Health District, weekly in your inbox. Concrete lids may become cemented into place due to the shrinking and swelling of concrete. 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. Using a garbage disposal will increase the amount of solids entering the septic tank, requiring more frequent pumping. This process may require the use of a stiff bristled brush to remove all contaminants. Exposing these areas to sewage increases a persons risk of contracting an illness. 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. Thank you for your patience as we continue to update our new website. A system where there is no record drawing, no access, or if location is difficult to determine, may require a homeowner to hire a licensed O&M Specialist to assist them. (Not compatible with Internet Explorer.) 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. . State law (Chapter 246-272A-0270) requires that homeowners inspect and maintain their septic systems to ensure it is functioning properly. Department of Ecology News Release - Sept. 21, 2021. Combined, these systems treat 154 million gallons of wastewater annually. We recommend searching by the 12-digit tax parcel number. It should be noted that at the time of a property transfer, a licensed O&M Specialist must conduct the inspection. Please arrive no later than 3:30 p.m. Besides human poop and pee, toilet paper, and soap used for washing, not much else should be going down your drain. Combined, these systems treat 154 million gallons of wastewater annually. 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. 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. If shellfish filter polluted water, they can become unsafe for humans to eat. You can check for leaks in your toilet too. A septic contractor installs a new drain field for a homeowner. Eliminate or limit the use of a garbage disposal. 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. Please note this is the number of our answering service, and you will receive a call back from Public Health. The next step required to maintain your system is to dig up and remove your septic tank lids. Financial assistance The final step to evaluating your system is completing the appropriate Skagit County Health Department On-Site Sewage System (OSS) Homeowner Report. Many flow restrictors have no mechanical parts while others reduce flow based upon pressure. Most household wastes, such as harsh chemicals, paints, and oils can be disposed of at your records on any property. This does not mean that such a system is illegal or failed; it just means that a homeowner may have trouble conducting the evaluation. Due to differences in elevations, on some occasions, a pump is needed to get the sewage to the drainfield. The drainfield is where effluent is discharged into the environment. Failing septic systems can result in sewage backing up in the home or entering local waterways and groundwater supplies posing a public health threat. However, it can take up to 60 days to fulfill your request. 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 It After reviewing this information and the training videos listed below, homeowners may evaluate their own on-site sewage system (OSS). 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. Face shields or goggles are recommended. . Installers, Designers To assist in this process, please have your address and/or your parcel ID number available. Port Townsend, WA 98368. 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. If you cannot remove the lid, contact a licensed O&M Specialist. Household Hazardous Waste Facility: 14104 Ovenell Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 Skagit Countys Septics 201 Online Training program is designed to help property owners maintain and use their septic system, as well as conduct regular evaluations of their OSS. When a failing septic system is fixed, the benefits go beyond the home. Work with septic system professionals to approve system design,location and installation. Septic systems that have a curtain drain installed around them, often are dependent on a functioning curtain drain. Search for records on any property. In addition, the dirt used to cover the tank will settle over time, creating a shallow depression. The best way to determine your system type is to review your septic permit. 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. See Department of Health Gravity Septic System inspection guide for a complete checklist and necessary tools. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Let it cool, harden, and then throw it away in the trash. 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. Directions. If you prefer, download and print a paper application (PDF), and mail to: Washington County Government Center Public Health . 400 . 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. Drainfield and the reserve areas. 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. This requirement went into effect September 1, 2010. These records will be helpful if problems occur, and will be valuable to the next owner of your home. 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). Well reports also contain information about location, owner name, driller name, and the quantity of water a well produces. Additional water, clean or not, taxes your soils ability to accept all of the liquids landing on the soil. Chronic Disease, Communicable Diseases, &Immunizations. Complete a septic application using the online permitting portal. Please note- many other septic systems exist, we are only discussing those allowed to be inspected by homeowners through this course. The Drainfield The drainfield receives septic tank effluent. Link/share our site at www.kingcounty.gov/asbuilt, If you do not find a record drawing, please send an email to, Find certified small business contractors and suppliers, Private wells, plumbing and onsite sewage systems. This system is called Pump to Gravity Distribution. Health Programs, Healthy Communities, WIC, Nurse/Family Partnership. Don't select the large-load cycle if you're washing a small amount of laundry. The bigger the tank, the more capacity it has to handle solids and water, which could allow for more time between pumpings. Educate property owners to make sure their septic system gets proper maintenance. Old homes may not have a septic permit or the as-built may be unreliable. Your local health agency may have a more stringent inspection requirement. 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. 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. Use water-saving devices such as faucet aerators and high-efficiency toilets, showerheads, dishwashers, and washing machines. Use approximately 1 cups of bleach per gallon of water (www.osha.gov) Other products, including peroxide sanitizers are effective too. If there is no record drawing for your septic system you will need to contact a certified O&M Provider to request a record drawing be completed and submitted to public health along with their inspection. Since 2008, Washington state law and Island County code have required that all septic systems be inspected at the time of property transfer. Craft3's Clean Water Loans - Craft3 offers financing for replacement of septic systems in many areas of Washington. Find a certified O&M provider. If your system was installed before 1975, no records may be available. Curtain drains may require some maintenance themselves. Tacoma, WA 98418-6813 (253) 649-1500 (800) 330-1844 TDD (253) 649-1400. Smaller problems can be fixed during the inspection. see the Washington State Department of . Expanding the program statewide was made possible with funding support from the state legislature. The more wastewater you produce, the more wastewater the soil must treat and dispose. A septic system evaluation can be performed by a septic system professional. Were you able to find what you were looking for today? Real estate professionals need to inform both the buyer and seller of this requirement. 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. Don't avoid the signs of septic system failure. The wastewater leaving the septic tank is a liquid called effluent. To search for septic or drinking water records, you'll need to enter your property ID number or GeoID or parcel number. Search for septic and drinking water records in our online search tool. If youd like us to call you, please provide a phone number. The pollutants harm local ecosystems by killing native plants, fish, and shellfish. Previously, Craft3 offered Clean Water Loans on a more-limited basis in partnership with specific counties. These areas provide a transmission corridor for viruses and bacteria to enter the body. Paper Application. The drainfield is the final and the most downstream component in your septic system. Discharging effluent onto the ground's surface or into surface and ground water is against Washington State law. Baby wipes, cleaning wipes, or any moist towelettes. Terms of Use Landscaping in and around your septic system is important. If the label says, Danger, Warning or Caution bring it to the facility for proper disposal. The system type will be noted in multiple places within the permit. Faucets and toilets should be free of any leakage. Please allow up to five business days for a response. If the as-built is accurate, this will allow you to find plumbing stubs, tank lids, distribution boxes, drainfield lines and observation ports. 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. Protecting your face, eyes, and mouth will minimize your risk of illness. 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. What you flush, how much you flush, and how much water you run down the drain will affect the function and performance of your septic system. Keeping drains free from blockage ensures that surface water is being moved properly around your septic system. 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. Customer service counter opens at 9:30 a.m. the first and third Thursdays of every month. Then, they will submit a report to Public Health about the status of your system. Local landscapers or nurseries can help you select plants that are appropriate for the areas around your septic system. Mailing Address 615 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, WA 98368. 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 . In these cases, it may be increasingly difficult to maintain your septic system without a significant amount of effort. . Additives and old cures such as using cabbage, hamburger, yeast, etc., have no beneficial effect on your septic system, but will lead to more frequent pumping of your septic system. Planning Environmental Health Services Get email alerts based on your topic preferences like news releases, job openings, emergency updates and more! This program supports healthy shellfish and fisheries, and helps ensure Washingtonians have access to swimming beaches and recreation.. Open the lid to your toilet tank and pour enough food coloring into the tank water to color the water. Public Records Requests The Washington State Legislature, Departments of Ecology and Health and many counties have put in significant and consistent work over past two decades to create this program. Phone: : 360-385-9444. 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. 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. Directions. 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. 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. Your septic system contains a collection of living organisms that digest and treat household waste.