Environmental Health - On-Site Septic Division - FAQ's

• What are basic Operations and Maintenance (O&M)?

  Any work performed on simple gravity or pressure distribution systems that do not require a permit.  Common examples include sludge & scum measuring, pumping, tank cleaning, effluent filter cleaning, or verification of control panel settings, float settings, and pump performance.

• Is a modification considered a repair?

  A modification is not a repair if it does not result in an "expansion" of the original system. An expansion is the change in a residence, facility, or use that causes the sewage quality or quantity to exceed the original design flow or exceeds the original expected treatment level.

• How often should O&M be conducted on systems?

  Defined in WAC 246-272a-0010 as “the repair or replacement  of any of the following existing damaged or  malfunctioning OSS components: control panels, building sewers, tightlines, risers or riser lids, sewage tank  baffles, effluent filters, sewage tank pumps and lids, pump control floats, and inspection boxes or ports.”

   

• Can a homeowner perform O&M on their simple gravity system?

  Yes. A homeowner may do routine O&M work on a simple gravity system or minor repair work. They will still need to hire a licensed pumper to remove and transport septage from the site. SCCD will always encourage homeowners to hire professionals. Homeowners cannot perform property transfer inspections as required under WAC 246-272A-0270.

• What information should the inspection forms contain?

  At a minimum, the inspection form should clearly note the following: the status of all tanks, baffles, filters, tank contents such as water level, scum, sludge, solids, water tightness around the risers & tank, and note general tank structural conditions. The inspection form should also evaluate the status of all d-boxes, manifolds, valves, lids, access ports, inspection ports, and risers. The dispersal area and reserve area should be evaluated for any indicators of existing failure or conditions that may impact system functionality and replacement. 

• Where do I record the work, I have completed?

   All work shall be recorded to OnlineRME and must be available at the request of SCCD.  A copy of the work performed should be made available to the homeowner or owner of the on-site septic system.

• What are minor repairs?

  Defined in WAC 246-272a-0010 as “the repair or replacement  of any of the following existing damaged or  malfunctioning OSS components: control panels, building sewers, tightlines, risers or riser lids, sewage tank  baffles, effluent filters, sewage tank pumps and lids, pump control floats, and inspection boxes or ports.”

• What are “permitted repairs”?

  Component replacements, expansions, tank replacements, new tank installations, and any new installation.

• Who is responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining the system?

  The system owner is responsible for maintaining the system to minimize the risk of failure. The owner is also responsible for securing new or renewing existing contracts for systems requiring periodic maintenance.  Periodic maintenance contracts are always required for proprietary systems. 

• When does my license expire?

  All licenses expire at the end of the calendar year. License fees are not pro-rated throughout the year.