Tools for Identifying, Validating, and Correcting Pollution Sources
Operation and Maintenance (O&M)
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Burley Lagoon, Filucy Bay, Rocky Bay SPDs / Pierce County PIC
SWM conducts 1,200 O&M inspections of stormwater management facilities annually. OSS professionals conduct routine O&M inspections of OSSs as per TPCHD's requirements (Sections 37 through 44) (PDF).
Henderson and Nisqually SPDs
TPH&SSD mails O&M notices to the owner two months prior to the due date to let them know it is time for the inspection.
Jefferson County CWD
OSS O&M compliance is being implemented in stages. The County requires O&M at the time of sale of a property or when a homeowner is applying for a permit. The County amended the code to allow homeowners to do their own inspections (after undergoing training). Linda Atkins (latkins@co.jefferson.wa.us or 360-385-9403) can be contacted with questions about the Jefferson County O&M Program.
Kitsap Public Health District
Kitsap Health developed the first comprehensive OSS O&M program in Washington State. The program protects public health and water quality through an ongoing OSS inspection program conducted by certified contractors, staff follow–up, enforcement of needed corrections, and public education and outreach. An O&M database was developed and is vital to the success of the program. It allows contractors to enter inspection information online, run reports showing when a property is due for inspection, and download OSS permit records. Kitsap Health uses the database to track required contracts, inspection deficiencies, OSS failures, and performance of various type of systems/technologies. Washington State licensed designers and certified OSS installers, operation and maintenance specialists, and pumpers are required to report OSS inspection and pumping data online and to report failures and system deficiencies. OSS failures are also identified and confirmed through the public complaint process.
Oakland Bay CWD
MCPH uses the Carmody O&M database as the backbone of the program. Periodic mailings to citizens, some specific to the type of OSS and some general to all homeowners, are an effective tool in Mason County. The pumpers and O&M specialists report an uptick in business after the mailings go out.
Sequim Bay Dungeness Watershed CWD
The creation of a MRA mandated for areas with impaired shellfish beds, resulted in O&M requirements for OSSs. A Dungeness Wastewater Feasibility Study was conducted in 2013 and found broad support for OSS O&M and enforcement to manage wastewater. However, enforcement of the on-site sewage ordinance has been problematic due to staff capacity issues in both the Environmental Health Section and the County Prosecutor's Office.
One of Clallam County's recent successes with pollution control has been with a program targeting mobile home parks (MHPs). Seven out of 12 parks went through the program. Although acceptance and trust by mobile home park owners took time, eventually the project was successful with the seven MHPs participating. CCD has received state funding to provide financial assistance to homeowners for repair of failing OSSs. CCD is working closely with Environmental Health and is scheduled to implement four repairs in 2014.
Skagit County CWP / The CSI / PIC Program
OSS inspection and repairs are available to property owners.
South Holmes Harbor SPD
Information about Island County's Operation & Maintenance (O&M) program can be found on their website. The County has a website that allows homeowners to view their inspection reports online.