See your application review status

Get a better look at application review times on our updated Application Review Summary in Envision Connect Online. If it’s green, it’s on time. Applications in yellow are catching up. Check out the changes at https://eco.tpchd.org.

New faces! Welcome Zachary Allen!

Zachary Allen joined the Health Department as a new Environmental Health Specialist I in Onsite. He brings experience from Pierce County Surface Water Management’s Water Quality Inspections Unit.

Tips for a smoother application process

Pierce County is busy! During record levels of residential development, we’ve added new staff and polished processes to serve you better.

Get review times for all Onsite and Well applications at tpchd.org/applicationstatus. We update this weekly. Enter your address to learn about your service request. You’ll help speed up your review when you include:

• The correct application and fee.
• An accurate and clear site plan.
• All attachments and documents in the correct places.
• A detailed description of proposed work.
• Labels for other property structures on design or site plan.
• Your payment.

Get one free resubmittal without a resubmittal fee for each application. Exceptions include covered test pits, inaccessible sites, and missing critical area sign offs. Your resubmittal must address all the inspector’s comments, or we will charge a resubmittal fee.

Questions? Visit our website or email EHSepticSytems@tpchd.org.

Pump tank and decommissioning requirements

Are you installing a pressure or pump to gravity system? If you are, the minimum pump tank size is 1,000 gallons. If you need to replace a smaller pump tank that we previously permitted, contact us so we can help find the best solution.

Need a tank decommissioning? You must remove the top of the tank or crush it in and fill the tank with soil. If you can’t remove the tank lid because you can’t get to it, fill the tank with something that flows like pea gravel or control density fill (CDF). Don’t leave a void space in the tank.

Attend our Technical Advisory and Industry Support Groups

Are you a septic industry professional? Technical Advisory Group (TAG) and Industry Support Group (ISG) will offer meetings next month. Look for your invite! Questions? Contact Leigh McIntire at lmcintire@tpchd.org.

Questions on a topic you didn’t see here? Visit our website at tpchd.org/septic or contact us at ehsepticsystems@tpchd.org or (253) 649-1925.