Title
Discussion of Regional Septic Conversion Program
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred from Committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Concur with the direction of the regional work on a septic system conversion strategy.
Report
Issue:
Whether to support City of Olympia staff involvement in developing a regional strategy to convert septic systems to municipal sewer.
Staff Contacts:
Rich Hoey, P.E., Public Works Director, 360.753.8495
Andy Haub, P.E., Water Resources Director, Public Works, 360.753.8475
Presenters:
Rich Hoey, P.E., Public Works Director
Andy Haub, P.E., Water Resources Director
Background and Analysis:
The Cities of Lacey, Tumwater, and Olympia; and Thurston County are discussing a potential program to connect septic systems, also known as onsite sewage systems (OSS) within the urban growth area to municipal sewer. City staff will provide Council with an update on the regional work effort, Olympia's current Septic-to-Sewer Program, and potential next steps.
Around 16,000 septic systems are used by residents of the three local cities and their urban growth areas that pose a threat to public and environmental health. However, converting septic systems to municipal sewer systems is challenging. Approximately 1,980 septic systems are used within the City limits. Another 2,180 are located in Olympia's urban growth area (UGA).
In April 2015, elected officials from the four local jurisdictions participated in a Septic Summit. The officials encouraged staff of the four jurisdictions to work together to develop regional options for converting septic systems to municipal sewer. Since then, staff members initiated work to develop a regional strategy.
Staff will present near-term conversion priorities and potential costs.
Olympia's Septic-to-Sewer Program
The City of Olympia has worked on OSS issues for some time. The City recognized the challenges of OSS in the Council-adopted 2013 Wastewat...
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