Title
Briefing on Recommended Changes to Waste Water Regulations for Onsite Septic
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Utility Advisory Committee reviewed and supports the recommendations (see attached letter).
City Manager Recommendation:
Recommend to the full Council approval of the changes to onsite septic regulations outlined in this report.
Report
Issue:
Whether to forward new regulations regarding on-site septic systems to City Council.
Staff Contact:
Diane Utter, P.E., Water Resources Engineer, 360.753.8562
Andy Haub, P.E., Director of Water Resources, 360.753.8475
Presenter(s):
Diane Utter, P.E., Water Resources Engineer, 360.753.8562
Background and Analysis:
Approximately 4,140 onsite septic systems are located within Olympia and its Urban Growth Area. As Olympia continues to grow these systems pose a long-term public and environmental health risk.
The 2007 Wastewater Management Plan and subsequent regulatory changes placed appreciable constraints on repairing existing septic systems and installing new ones. With few exceptions, new systems are not allowed and failed systems within 300 feet of sewer need to connect to the municipal sewer system. These policies and regulations are being revisited. They may be actually restricting infill development as well as hindering people from converting onsite systems to the municipal system.
Work completed by the Thurston County Health Department in 2013 reveals that surface and ground water contamination due to onsite systems in Olympia may be limited to specific locations rather than widespread. With this in mind, the 2013 Wastewater Management Plan, as adopted by City Council, opens the door for potential and limited modifications of the current regulations while still ensuring that public and environmental health is maintained.
Attached are the goals, objectives, and strategies from the 2013 Wastewater Management Plan regarding onsite septic systems ...
Click here for full text