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Hello, and happy April from the King County On-site Sewage System (OSS) Program! With the changes to statewide OSS codes finalized, our teams have been working to compare the new codes to King County's codes. This is a key first step in the process to revise our local codes to ensure they comply with the state's changes. In this month's newsletter, we're covering this and other important steps in the local code revision process. Next month, we'll begin sharing opportunities for you to give feedback on local OSS codes and potential changes.
As always, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Lynn Schneider, RS | OSS Program Supervisor
206.477.2124 | lynn.schneider@kingcounty.gov
Lara Brezina, RS | Interim OSS Operation & Maintenance Program Supervisor
206.477.1764 | lbrezina@kingcounty.gov
It takes a lot of work to update codes. We want our regulations to support the health and wellbeing of King County residents. We also want to support the investments property owners have made in their homes. Here are the steps we will take to revise the King County On-site Sewage System (OSS) codes, including the important role that you can play.
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State code revisions - done! The Washington State Board of Health adopted new statewide rules in March 2024, which will go into effect March 2025.
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Technical analysis - ongoing. We work with technical experts to make sure our codes reflect the latest science and technology of wastewater treatment. One way we do this is through our Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). The TAC meets every fourth Tuesday of the month. The Committee includes representatives from the OSS industry, Tribes, community members, realtors, developers, and stormwater/environmental organizations.
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Equity impact review - ongoing. We work with community representatives to look at the OSS codes and identify how they could cause inequities. Our goal is for all King County residents to have good wastewater treatment. We want to intentionally revise codes to meet this goal, especially for marginalized communities.
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Community outreach - starting later this month: This is where you come in! We want to make sure you know about changes to OSS codes and how can they impact you. Most OSS regulations are set at the state level and are not under our control. However, we want to hear from you about local code requirements and how we can reduce barriers and costs. Starting later this month, we will host meetings and an online survey where you can learn more and share your input with us. We will share information about the survey and meetings on our OSS website and in this newsletter. Make sure you subscribe to this newsletter to get notifications about these opportunities.
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Code revision proposals - late summer/early fall. We will compile all this information to develop specific proposed code revisions. We will also complete a legal and environmental impact review.
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King County Board of Health vote - this fall. The King County Board of Health is responsible for evaluating the proposed revisions and voting for which ones will be adopted. After their vote, we will work to implement the new codes in King County.
Each month, we'll define key terms to know about septic systems.
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OSS (On-site Sewage System, also known as a septic system)
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A system of components, located on or nearby the property it serves, that conveys, stores, treats, and/or provides underground treatment and dispersal of sewage. It consists of a collection system (pipes), a treatment component (septic tank), and a soil dispersal component (drainfield).
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Washington State Board of Health (WA BOH)
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WA BOH is a group appointed by the Washington Governor that regulates several health activities across the state, including drinking water, immunizations, and food handling. They also recommend and promote health-related strategies and goals to the State Legislature.
Part of WA BOH's role is to evaluate and adopt Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Chapter 246-272A, which describes the minimum standards for OSS in all of Washington State.
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Washington State Department of Health (WA DOH)
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WA DOH is the state agency tasked with implementing public health activities to improve the health of all people in Washington State.
WA DOH implements OSS codes (WAC Chapter 246-272A) across the state.
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King County Board of Health (KC BOH)
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KC BOH is a group appointed by the King County Council which advocates for the preservation, promotion, and protection of public health in King County. They work to prevent the spread of disease, set local public health regulations and some fees and licenses, and enforce state and local public health laws.
KC BOH evaluates and adopts King County OSS codes (Title 13) which governs the OSS program in King County.
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Public Health - Seattle & King County (PHSKC)
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PHSKC is the King County agency tasked with protecting the public from threats to their health. PHSKC works to promote better health and make sure people are provided with accessible, quality health care.
PHSKC implements King County's OSS codes (Title 13) across King County.
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Local Management Plan (LMP)
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The Local Management Plan describes how PHSKC will implement the county's OSS codes (Title 13).
The state's OSS codes (WAC Chapter 246-272A) requires local health departments to develop a Local Management Plan. Local health departments have to update this plan every 5 years.
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Key steps in the code revision process (Note: the timing for this process is dynamic, and subject to change):
You can read previous OSS Code Revision newsletters by using the links below:
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January 2024: Newsletter introduction, OSS 101, and what to know about the OSS code revision process.
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February 2024: Lifecycle of an OSS, and local OSS codes
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March 2024: Summary of changes to state OSS codes
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