washington state septic records

Guidelines, Standards, Rules & Regulations . Sanitize: After thoroughly rinsing the tools, immerse the equipment in a sanitizer solution. The On-site System Maintainer (OSM) will inspect your system components: Septic and pump tanks. The Health District maintains records of existing on-site sewage systems for your convenience. Think of them like a sewage treatment plant, only much smaller. Probe suspected tank locations first, rather than digging up the soil only to find nothing. Avoid chemical drain openers for a clogged drain. Birth & Death Certificates, Food Worker Cards, Public Records Request, Report a Complaint & Fees. Use water-saving devices such as faucet aerators and high-efficiency toilets, showerheads, dishwashers, and washing machines. Wash only full loads of dishes and laundry. Lists of certified professionals Household Hazardous Waste Facility: 14104 Ovenell Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 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 average size of a 1000 gallon tank is 5'x8'. There are many different types of systems. NOTICE OF DATA SECURITY INCIDENT (SPANISH). Once the sewage is at the drainfield, it is dispersed via gravity within the drainfield. Check your OSS Application status Grease is a common household waste product that many people flush or rinse down the drain. Whether you're at the kitchen sink, bathtub, or utility sink: Septic tank additives sold in stores aren't necessary to keep your septic tank working properly and they don't reduce or eliminate the need for routine pumping. They store, treat and dispose of the things you flush or send down drains. 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. Rakes can be used to lift floats and screens. Adam Zimmerman, President and CEO of Craft3. The bigger the tank, the more capacity it has to handle solids and water, which could allow for more time between pumpings. In the past there were no standards for septic systems and permits were not required. 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. 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. 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. See Department of Health Gravity Septic System inspection guide for a complete checklist and necessary tools. Methane gas is produced by decomposition of organic materials. Public Records Requests Stay . 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. Septic systems use a combination of nature and time-tested technology to treat wastewater from household plumbing produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry. see the Washington State Department of . Terms of Use 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. Water usage is likely the biggest contributor to a failed septic system. Wood Stove Rule - Is My Wood Stove Okay to Use? They include both new construction and repairs to failing systems. SepticSmart EPA offers advice on proper septic care and brochures and factsheets for homeowners. Remove the equipment and tools from the soap and water mixture. Four major factors influence how often you need to pump your septic: Practice water conservation. 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. 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. Related Links 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. Lids will likely be located near both ends of the tank. These records will be helpful if problems occur, and will be valuable to the next owner of your home. Septic Applications in 3 Easy Steps. Healthy septic systems are good for your family, your wallet and the environment. Whitman. 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. Statewide access to this program is a win for homeowners, public health, and clean water. The best way to determine your system type is to review your septic permit. Customer service counter opens at 9:30 a.m. the first and third Thursdays of every month. 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. Sewage related records are typically marked with an "SWG". When a failing septic system is fixed, the benefits go beyond the home. Save you money and extend the life of your system. coming into our offices, or calling us at 509.460.4205. A leaky toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water a day. In the plumbing, liquids will carry solid materials out of your dwelling towards downstream components. . 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. 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. Many of these products can clog your plumbing and septic system. How would you like to receive your "as-built": Before 1975, permits were not required by law. Install flow restrictors on all or select faucets. Use a brush to clean the hard to reach portions of the tools. 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. 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. Planning Covering the eyes, mouth, and any open cuts is particularly important. 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. One of the main site characteristics that determines the type of system you have is the depth of native, unsaturated soil beneath the drainfield and above a water table or other restrictive layer. RSS Guidance for properties with multiple structures. . The grease laden paper towel can then be disposed of in your trash. It is a 40 minute narrated presentation followed by a 20 question quiz on septic system basics. They can be purchased at your local hardware store and are fairly easy to install in a typical faucet. There are a number of things you can do to check for leaks. The first step in maintaining your septic system is obtaining your septic permit. 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. 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. To assist in this process, please have your address and/or your parcel ID number available. Landscaping in and around your septic system is important. Options for inspecting your system include: Pump out your septic tank when needed. What is a septic system? There is a 25 gallon / household / month limit, for free! The next step required to maintain your system is to dig up and remove your septic tank lids. Environmental Health Contact numbers: Shelton: 360-427-9670, Ext. Combined, these systems treat 154 million gallons of wastewater annually. Thank you for your patience as we continue to update our new website. Protecting your face, eyes, and mouth will minimize your risk of illness. Septic Applications, Forms & Resources Browse applications, forms, and resources for septic systems. Pouring toxins down your drain can kill these organisms and harm your septic system. 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. Proper care and maintenance of your septic system also occurs around the area where your system is installed. 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. Search for records on any property. 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. It is likely that methane will also be found in your septic system. Please note this is the number of our answering service, and you will receive a call back from Public Health. A. How to take care of septic systems View your operations and maintenance report on onlineRMEOn Site Septic formsReport a public health concern, 2023 Clark County Washington If heavy rains cause water to sit around your septic system, avoid putting water down your drains. Tanks installed after 1976 are two compartment tanks and both compartments will need to be pumped out. Don't wait until you have a problem. 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. 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. Forms and photographs may be emailed to EH@co.skagit.wa.us or sent to 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. 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. Public Health continues to work with Vashon-Maury Island residents to document improvements to water quality, find sources of excessive bacteria, and, where possible, eliminate these sources. Routine inspections save time and money in the long run. 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. LISTINGS, System 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. The more wastewater you produce, the more wastewater the soil must treat and dispose. During the 2020-2022 Project, we are sampling water quality, performing visual surveys, and providing free technical assistance and rebates. That way, they can perform any required maintenance while on site. Email Environmental Public Health . 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. Most tanks are covered by 12 to 18" of soil. The final treatment occurs in the soil of your drainfield. The system type will be noted in multiple places within the permit. Directions. By reducing and balancing your use, you can extend the life of your drainfield, decrease the possibility of system failure, and avoid costly repairs. . Mailing Address 615 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, WA . It is imperative that you take all necessary precautions to minimize the risk of becoming sick or injured when conducting your inspection. The scale should be described on your as-built. 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 failing septic system is usually a costly and urgent situation for homeowners. Again, using the garden hose, rinse the soap from the equipment; this will ensure the soaps do not bind with the sanitizer. Your local health agency may have a more stringent inspection requirement. The scale is typically depicted in inches to feet. Thank you for your patience as we continue to update our new website. 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. Gloves are the first line of defense for the average do-it-yourselfer. Curtain drains may require some maintenance themselves. Mason County, WA. There are many different types of systems. Care must be taken to properly clean electronic tools such as drills or screw drivers. If you successfully locate your septic tank and remove its lids, the next step is to locate your drainfield. Minor septic system issues can turn into big costly problems. ), all septic system parts should be vented thoroughly. Records of its size and location may be available at your local health department. 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. A septic system evaluation can be performed by a septic system professional. Health Information Privacy Information The probe can be used to identify the size and orientation of the tank (rectangle vs. round, 4 X 8 foot, etc). Volume of solids in wastewater. Discharging effluent onto the ground's surface or into surface and ground water is against Washington State law. Flushing them will increase the need to pump, maintain and repair your system. Rakes, shovels, and poles can be used to reach components that are well below ground or out of reach. 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. see the Washington State Department of . 14350 SE Eastgate Way Lids are heavy and may be difficult to remove. Garbage disposals are frequently installed in new homes. A person should never, for any reason, enter the confines of a septic system, especially tanks. These areas provide a transmission corridor for viruses and bacteria to enter the body. You can check for leaks in your toilet too. 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. They allow for development in outlying communities, help protect groundwater and waterways, and reduce exposure to untreated sewage. Brochures, OSS records 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. Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below. Public health licenses these professionals, and maintains a list of System Maintenance Providers. A septic contractor installs a new drain field for a homeowner. Look for a medication take-back program in your area. Household size. Septic tank size. Departments / Elected . 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. Water from roofs drains, driveways, patios, or sump pumps should be diverted away from the septic tank and drainfield area. Navigate to the Clark County PropertyInformation Center. Many flow restrictors have no mechanical parts while others reduce flow based upon pressure. Your septic system contains a collection of living organisms that digest and treat household waste. Smaller problems can be fixed during the inspection. Septic systems that have a curtain drain installed around them, often are dependent on a functioning curtain drain. Using a garbage disposal will increase the amount of solids entering the septic tank, requiring more frequent pumping. 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. Be aware that your meter readings may represent all of the water used, including irrigation. Previously, Craft3 offered Clean Water Loans on a more-limited basis in partnership . For these reasons, a person should do everything possible to minimize risk of exposure to gas. Search for septic and drinking water records in our online search tool. OSS records. In addition, some garbage disposals are capable of grinding or shredding material to a very fine size. 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. While they may not have a negative effect on your system, they do fill your septic system with wastes that require removal through pumping. Financial assistance Missing information, photographs, etc. With just a few simple steps, you can protect your septicand avoid costly repairs. Contact information; Hours & location Household chemicals like gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, and paint. Splashing or spraying can and will occur. These gases can be odorless and may deprive you of oxygen. Directory Septic Application Turnaround Times Septic Permitting 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 . The pollutants harm local ecosystems by killing native plants, fish, and shellfish. Real estate professionals need to inform both the buyer and seller of this requirement. 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. Using a garbage disposal on a septic system is not recommended. . 311 Grand Avenue | Bellingham, WA 98225 | Phone: 360-778-5000 [] . Use approximately 1 cups of bleach per gallon of water (www.osha.gov) Other products, including peroxide sanitizers are effective too.