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County to brief Point Roberts on state septic code changes effective March 1; PRCAC plans outreach
Summary
PRCAC heard that Washington State Department of Health septic rule changes take effect March 1; gravity systems will require three-year inspections and pumped systems annual inspections, and systems without recorded permits may require full replacement — the committee agreed to request an information session and to post state guidance.
PRCAC members were briefed on forthcoming state septic-code changes and discussed local outreach. Chair summarized the central points: gravity systems require inspections every three years; systems with pumps must be inspected annually. Crucially, the change means properties without a recorded septic permit on file with Whatcom County Health Department may need to replace entire systems even if fields appear functional.
Chair explained the rationale as environmental safety: older informal or "midnight" installs and damaged or nonstandard tanks create public-health risk. "If you don't have a permit on file...you will be required to replace the entire system whether your field is still good or not," the Chair said. The council discussed assistance programs: Chair noted a county program that helps homeowners with failed systems make payments (example cited: $160/month for eligible primary residents who qualify by income). Members requested the county schedule an information/training session after March and agreed the PRCAC would post state-provided language and links to inform all landowners on Point Roberts.
