| WASHINGTON
Other States: *note: 1998 information was not available from Oregon. Information below is from the 1997 response. Contact: Selden Hall or J. Mark Soltman Washington Constitutions, Statutes and Codes On-Site Sewage Systems Regulations Design Guidelines For
Larger On-Site Sewage Systems With Design Flows of Greater Than 3,500 Gallons Per Day Guidelines for Composting
Toilets Guidelines for
Experimental On-Site Sewage Systems Guidelines for the Use of
Mound Systems Interim Guidelines for the
Application of Treatment Standards 1 and 2: Using Alternative On-Site Sewage
Treatment/Disposal Systems Guidelines for Gravelless
Drainfield Systems Guidelines for Aerobic
Treatment Devices Guidelines for Sand
Filters Guidelines for Alternating
and Dosing Systems Guidelines for the Review
of Alternative Systems Guidelines for the Use of
Pressure Distribution Systems Onsite regulations for Washington were last amended in September 1994. Washington does not define innovative technologies in their regulations. Innovative technologies go through an experimental protocol before becoming an alternative option for common use. Constructed wetlands and drip irrigation are considered experimental systems in Washington. Alternative technologies are covered by standards separate from the regulations. Each alternative is assigned a treatment standard guideline. Aerobic treatment units (ATUs), alternative soil absorption designs, gravelless/chamber systems, mounds, and sand filters are covered by individual guidelines. A guideline is being developed for drip irrigation. Washington requires National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) or equivalent performance test protocols for proprietary products. There is no state level funding mechanism to assist homeowners in replacing a failing system or installation of a new system; however, a mechanism does exist at the local level through the Washington State Department of Ecology. Contact the Department of Ecology at (360) 407-6000, or at the address listed below for further details. Washington State Department of Ecology Washington assesses permit fees for large onsite systems (3500 - 14,500 gallons/day). These systems also require an operation permit. Currently, Washington does not require management systems or management districts to monitor and maintain onsite systems; however, by the year 2000, all local health jurisdictions must have a plan in place for operation and maintenance of onsite sewage systems. Washington has an onsite wastewater association. For more information, contact Mr. Jerry Stonebridge at (206) 321-1454. Mr. Dave Lenning can be contacted at (360) 352-1163, for information regarding the state's onsite training center. Mr. John Elliasson with the Washington Department of Health can be contacted at (360) 586-8125, for information concerning ongoing demonstration, research, and testing projects within the state. Onsite septic/liquid waste and municipal waste regulations are administered by the local health jurisdictions. State involvement includes providing technical advise and comparison of local codes to state Board of Health Rules. Industrial waste regulations are administered by the State. Large municipal septic systems are governed by the Department of Health and the Department of Ecology. Jurisdiction is divided by flow. The Department of Health handles flows from 3500 - 14,500 gallons/day through a common point of pipe. Contact Ms. Lisa Brown at (509) 456-2745, for further information. The Department of Ecology handles flows greater than 14,500 gallons/day and mechanical systems. For additional information, contact the Washington State Department of Ecology. |