Title
Approval of Ordinance Amending Wastewater Regulations for Septic Systems
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Land Use and Environment Committee recommends approval of the ordinance amending the wastewater regulations for septic systems.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the ordinance amending Olympia Municipal Code Chapter 13.08 and Chapter 18.75.020 on first reading and move to second reading
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the ordinance amending Olympia Municipal Code Chapter 13.08 and Chapter 18.75.020 regarding septic systems.
Staff Contacts:
Diane Utter, P.E., Water Resources Engineer, 360.753.8562
Andy Haub, P.E., Director of Water Resources, 360.753.8475
Presenters:
Diane Utter, P.E., Water Resources Engineer
Andy Haub, P.E., Director of Water Resources
Background and Analysis:
About 4,200 septic systems (also known as onsite sewage systems or OSS) are within Olympia and its Urban Growth Area. As Olympia continues to grow, these systems may pose a long-term public and environmental health risk.
The 2007 Wastewater Management Plan and related regulatory changes placed limits on property owners when repairing existing septic systems and installing new ones. With few exceptions, new septic systems are not allowed in the City of Olympia. Some property owners have contacted the City to find a way to build on lots within subdivisions that are far from sewer pipes. The owners have held these lots for years as an investment. City staff has re-evaluated the regulations enacted after the 2007 Wastewater Management Plan. Staff determined the current regulations unnecessarily restrict development of these lots because they aren't allowed to use septic systems.
The Thurston County Health Department determined in 2013 that contamination due to septic systems in Olympia may be limited to specific locations rather than result in widespread groundwater and surface water contamination. The 2013 Wastewa...
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