News & Info

New Septic System Regulations
Now in Effect

Washington State's new septic system regulations (WAC 246-272A) went into effect on July 1, 2007. Thurston County's Article IV Advisory Committee is still in the process of developing a final set of regulations. The interim regulations went into effect on July 1 to avoid conflicts between county rules and the new state regulations.

The interim Article IV version meets minimum requirements of the WAC. According to Jim Goode, Thurston County Environmental Health Department and Article IV Advisory Committee facilitator, the interim regulations are intended to provide clear direction to staff and the public until the final version is adopted by the Thurston County Board of Health.

As a result of the State Legislature's passage of HB 1458, Thurston County is one of twelve counties required to focus above and beyond what the WAC mandates due to concerns over shellfish, marine waters and nitrates. The revisions will require owners of gravity systems to have a complete inspection of all system components every three years. All other systems must be inspected annually. The purpose of the inspections is to determine system functionality, maintenance needs and compliance with regulations. The inspections could be completed by the owner, if knowledgeable, or a certified industry professional arranged by the owner.

Goode indicated one of the biggest changes for the building industry involves proprietary systems. Lot size approval will be based on the lot being able to accommodate public domain technology and not a proprietary system. Proprietary systems could still be used if the lot accommodates public domain technology and the system is on the list of approved proprietary systems. A copy of the interim Article IV can be downloaded at www.co.thurston.wa.us/health/ehadm and a copy of WAC 246-272A at www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/ts/WW/pubs-ww-regs.htm.