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Assessor - Annual Real Property Revaluation
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Health - Drinking Water
Health - Food Safety
Health - Food Vendors / Event Vendors
Health - Food Worker Training
Health - Measles
Health - Mental Health
Health - On-Site Sewage System Program (OSS)
Health - OSS Annual Fee
Health - Point Roberts Garbage Collection Issues & Answers
Health - Rabies Prevention
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Health - Solid Waste - Grass Clippings
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Human Resources - Family & Medical Leave Act
Human Resources - Jobs
Human Resources - Military Leaves
Human Resources - Self-Insured Medical Plan (HMA)
Human Resources - Severe Weather
Information Technology - Geographic Information Systems
Information Technology - Records Requests
Jail Planning Task Force
Juvenile Court
Juvenile Court - Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children
Law Library
Planning & Development Services
Planning & Development Services - Building Services
Planning & Development Services - Code Enforcement
Planning & Development Services - Exempt Well/Water (Pursuant to Interim Ordinance 2016-066)
Planning & Development Services - Fire Marshal
Planning & Development Services - Green Building
Planning & Development Services - Natural Resources
Planning & Development Services - Permit Center
Planning & Development Services - Zoning
Public Defender
Public Works - Aquatic Invasive Species & the Boat Inspection Program
Public Works - Moving Permits
Public Works - Property & Records
Public Works - Septic Rebate Program
Public Works - Small Farm Improvement Rebates
Public Works - Traffic Inquiries
Public Works - Water Quality
Public Works Engineering - Development Inquiries
Superior Court - Drug Court
Treasurer
Treasurer - Property Transfers
Treasurer - Tax Payments
Treasurer - Tax Statements
WSU Extension
Should I use an additive in my septic tank?
Most additives do not have any positive effect on your septic tank. Nothing you add to your tank will improve normal bacterial action.
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Health - On-Site Sewage System Program (OSS)
Show All Answers
1.
Should I use an additive in my septic tank?
Most additives do not have any positive effect on your septic tank. Nothing you add to your tank will improve normal bacterial action.
2.
When is an OSS permit needed?
An OSS permit is needed anytime you construct, repair, replace, modify, connect to, or expand your OSS. An OSS is not required if you replace a baffle in a septic tank, fix a broken house sewer pipe, replace a pump control float, fix or replace risers, lids, or inspections ports, or replace a pump.
On-Site Sewage
3.
Can I design my own OSS?
State and county sewage control regulations require that either a licensed OSS designer or Registered Professional Engineer design your OSS. The state issues Licenses for Designers and Engineers.
Washington State Department of Licensing
4.
Can I install my own OSS after I obtain an OSS permit?
Whatcom County code requires that all OSS be installed by a licensed OSS installer; however, if you are the property owner and you will live in the home the OSS will serve, you can request an exemption from certification requirements. The request will be reviewed and if approved, you can install the OSS. We recommend that you hire a Licensed OSS Installer for complex systems, e.g. pressure systems or alternative systems.
Developers must hire a Licensed OSS Installer or obtain an OSS Installer's License through the Health Department to install OSS on properties they plan to develop and then sell.
Exemption From Certification Requirements (PDF)
5.
Do you have a copy of my OSS permit?
Health Department documents related to OSS and Drinking Water in Whatcom County can now be found online.
Related Documents
6.
How do I clean up sewage that has backed up into my house?
Please see the following guidelines from the Washington State Department of Health in regards to sewage cleanup.
Cleaning Up a Sewage Spill
7.
What are some signs that my OSS is failing?
Some warning signs of a failure are odors, surfacing sewage, soggy spots with lush green grass growth in the drain field or septic tank area, plumbing or septic tank backups, slow draining fixtures, or gurgling sounds in the plumbing system. If you suspect that your OSS is failing, contact us for assistance.
Health Department
8.
How can I find my septic tank?
If you have an as-built tank, locating the septic tank will be easy. If 1 is not available you or your pumper will need to use some investigative skills. If a crawl space is available you may determine where the plumbing leaves the foundation wall and then use a probe bar to find the tank. Use caution as fiberglass or polyethylene tanks can be ruptured with a probe bar. Probing works best if the tank is not more than 1-2 feet under the surface.
If a crawl space is not available, you can sometimes use the plumbing vents located in the roof. A plumbing vent may align with the exit point of the sewer line leading to the septic tank. If these options don't work it may be necessary to use an electronic detection device with a transmitter that can be flushed down the toilet.
9.
What is the reserve area?
The reserve area is designated on your OSS Permit and is another area approved for the installation of a new drain field in case the main drain field fails. The reserve are must be kept clear of impermeable surfaces, e.g. buildings and pavement. If your OSS permit was issued more than 5 years ago, you may need to have your reserve area redesigned to meet current code requirements.
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