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PRCAC discusses new Washington State septic rules and local outreach needs
Summary
PRCAC members reviewed upcoming Washington State septic-rule changes that will require full-system replacement when a tank fails, not just tank replacement; members discussed inspection requirements, lost historical permits on Point Roberts, estimated replacement costs, and planned outreach with Whatcom County Health Department.
PRCAC members devoted substantial time to new Washington State septic rules that will require more comprehensive replacement when tanks fail. The Chair summarized the change: under the new state law, property owners whose tanks fail will be required to install a full system meeting current code, even if the drainfield still passes testing.
"The new state law says no. If your tank fails ... you are required to put in a whole brand new system with a permit to current code," the Chair said, describing how long-lost permit records on Point Roberts mean some property owners may not have permits on file and could face significant replacement costs. Committee discussion referenced inspection schedules (gravity systems every three years; other systems annually) and the county's coordination with industry to clarify local code (Title 24 and Title 22 references), plus education sessions the health department has been running.
Members discussed cost estimates: a complete system could average about $10,000–$11,000 in straightforward cases, and site complications (high water table, archaeology) could raise costs into the $40,000–$50,000 range. The committee recommended informational town halls or a health-department presentation to demystify the rule changes for property owners and help residents determine whether preemptive permit pulls or tank replacements are advisable before the law takes effect.
