Health Dept and Waterquality
George had an email discussion with the health dept and asked me to post the following contact information and links to guidelines on septic systems.
Marc Marquis, JD, REHS
Environmental Health Division Director
Chelan-Douglas Health District
200 Valley Mall Parkway
E. Wenatchee, WA 98802
(509) 886-6450 Fax:(509) 886-6449
Answers to your questions:
1) Here’s a link to the Health District’s design guidelines, including setbacks, for septic systems: http://www.cdhd.wa.gov/docs/Design%20Guidelines.pdf. In general, the setback requirement for septic system components from a surface water source is 100ft. With waivers, this distance can be reduced to 50ft, provided the applicant can affirmatively show the design will provide for additional protection measures. This can be done in a number of ways. However, I tend to view waiver requests very conservatively.
Our Health Code does provide authority for the local health officer to compel connection to a sewer line regardless of distance if it is determined necessary to protect public health (See health code 4.20.030: http://www.cdhd.wa.gov/documents/SanitaryCode2008.pdf). This would require the existence something like water quality data indicating bacterial contamination threatening a water supply.
2) RCW 246-272A-0270 currently requires that all property owners have routine inspection and maintenance service performed on existing septic systems. For more info see: http://www.cdhd.wa.gov/EnvironmentalHealthServices.htm. Property owners must show records of maintenance and service at the time of sale. Failure to provide this information can affect the sale of a property. The Health District has established a list of licensed providers who can provide this service. Service records are reported electronically and available to the public online. This is still a relatively new statewide requirement. I believe we will see much greater compliance as time goes on due to market forces.
3) The Health is very interested in water quality issues for both Lake Wenatchee and Chelan and we would be please to participate as appropriate. As always, we must balance reasonable concerns with local economic interests.
Please let me know if you have any further questions.