Thirteen counties in Western WA must amend their on-site septic system rules to meet state mandated requirements (see my previous post ).  In San Juan County, the draft rules formulated by a working committee, are being presented to the public for comments and input.  On May 2nd, I attended the presentation given by the San Juan County Health Dept. at the Mullis Street Fire Station.  I had my list of unanswered questions that were of concern to me.  Here are the questions repeated and the answers:

1. When saying that the program will be implemented in phases, does that include the "at time of sale" or "obtaining of a building permit"?  In other words, if I own a house with a standard septic tank and gravity drain-field, and sell my property or go to get a building permit between now and July 2011, will I be required to install the maintenance components or have an as-built drawing created?
2. When does the clock start on the required inspection frequency? Same example as above, standard system, do I have to have an inspection in the 12 months following July 2011 or does the clock just begin then and I need to have the inspection by July 2014. Same question if I sell the house before the three year inspection period.
3. Approximately how much will inspections, maintenance items, and creation of as builts cost?
4. What about vacant lots that have installed septic systems, will they be subject to the same requirements (inspection/upgrades/etc)?

#1 Phase In vs Transaction Driven:  The county had not really considered this issue, and after some discussion they appear likely to re-write the regulations to state that when a property is sold or if a building permit is issued it will mean that the new regulations will apply for that sale/permit and from that point forward.  So, once the regulations are approved, if an owner sells a house or obtains a building permit, with an installed standard gravity system they will be required to meet the requirements of the new regulations, i.e. have an inspection (current code), have an as-built on file and must install the maintenance enhancements (risers, inspection ports, etc).  So in fact the new regulations will take effect for all classes of septic systems whatever triggering events occurs first (sale, permit or date).

#2:  I missed asking about this at the meeting.  I will email the county and get an answer.  The second part, about selling before the three year period is answered by the above.  Yes, you will need to get an inspection at sale.

#3 Costs:  The county obtained estimates from septic inspectors and professionals and the costs are estimated as follows:

On-going Inspections

• Licensed Professional $300-$400
• Report Filing Fee $50

Retrofitting System w/O&M Components

• $250-$300

One item worth commenting on is that owners will be allowed (with training) to act as their own inspectors.  Thus you would be able to reduce the on-going inspection cost to the filing fee if you are willing to attend the appropriate training.  However, I don't think most buyers would be willing to accept a seller's self-inspection for the mandatory sale transaction inspection.

#4 Vacant Lots:  If there is an installed septic system on a vacant lot the inspections will not be required, however the O&M retrofit will be required at time of sale or permit. 

If you have any questions or would like to provide comments to the SJ County Health Dept, here is the contact information:

• Written: SJCH&CS, PO Box 607, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
• Email: markt@co.san-juan.wa.us and/or tedl@co.san-juan.wa.us

Hope this helps your understanding of the new regulations.

Thanks - Peter