Permitting and Policy updates 

Tank repairs

In our June 12, 2025 Industry Update we shared our new Tank Repair and Replacement guidance for leaking tanks along with the updated WAC language that no longer allows tank repairs to be done as Extended Maintenance and Minor Repair (EMMR) as of April 1, 2025.

Before you repair a tank, you need to submit a Partial Repair Application (0694) with a $518 fee and site plan in our online application portal. Use the project description field to explain what type of repair you want to perform. Also, you need to file a follow up report in OnlineRME stating the repair is complete in the comment section.

Site Plan tips for tank repairs and replacements Get property dimensions and building locations from Pierce County Public GIS. Use a standard engineering scale 1:10-1:50. Use a previous as-built as a guide. You can either trace it or re-draw it. You must remove previous approval stamps and language. If you don’t feel comfortable making a scale drawing, get help from a septic designer or engineer.

Certified Professionals updates

Active insurance and general contractor’s accounts

We require certified professionals to hold current active Insurance and Labor & Industry (L&I) General Contractor’s account. While we may provide courtesy reminders, we recommend you track your expiration dates. This helps avoid business disruptions like removal from our service providers list or an OnlineRME account pause. Email updated documents to oscp@tpchd.org as soon as possible.

We recently received an update from L&I stating “under Washington State contractor laws, companies that only haul septage, sewage, leachate and portable toilet waste do not need a contractor license.” If your business fits this description and we required a General Contractor’s license prior to the update, email oscp@tpchd.org for upcoming re-certification options.

King County pump truck self-inspection pilot program

After discussing King County’s self-inspection pilot program application approval process, we will accept your approved pump truck “inspection sticker” document for our 2026 O&M Certification. You must also include the truck photo submitted to King County that shows your Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department permit number (e.g. PC57 or PCHD-57) in the photo.  

Tax change notification from OnlineRME

Due to recent changes in Washington State law (ESSB 5814) and a ruling issued to us by the Washington State Department of Revenue, we are required to begin collecting sales tax for OnlineRME and SkipthePaper submission fees starting Oct. 1, 2025. This tax applies only when the best known business or billing address is within Washington State, and the sales tax rate will be based on that best known business or billing address.

Sales tax applies only to our submission fees. If your transaction includes any government-related fees (such as permit fees, county report fees, or other regulatory charges), those government fees are not subject to sales tax.

We have appealed the Department of Revenue’s ruling and believe this tax should not apply to our services. However, while our appeal is pending, we are required to collect and remit this sales tax to the Department of Revenue to comply with state law.

We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this process. We remain committed to providing reliable service and clear communication every step of the way.

Thank you for your continued trust.

Sincerely,
OnlineRME, LLC

Questions? Contact Eric Evans, RS, Managing Owner, OnlineRME, LLC, at (360) 471-4087 or (888) 936-9608.

Report of System Status (RSS) updates

RSS exemptions

We revised the RSS Exemption Request form available on our RSS website. You can now submit the request and pay for it through our online application portal.

We contact all property owners who sold their property without an RSS or approved RSS Exemption and require them to submit an RSS.

We allow exemptions for:

• New septic system for a previously undeveloped lot; record drawing was approved within last 12 months.
• New or expanded septic system for existing residence installed 6 to 12 months ago (Repair or remodel application with design).
• Remodel application with a field visit and a satisfactory operation and maintenance inspection, both completed within last 12 months. Tank(s) need to be pumped.
• Tank(s) of existing septic system were replaced within last 12 months.
• Partial sale of property. Buyer is already a partial owner of the parcel. Need to submit copy of the current title and sales agreement (if available).

Clean washed rock for septic installations

In the last 3 months we’ve seen 3 instances of drainfield gravel that was unacceptably dirty. The rock had not been washed in clean water. WAC 246-272A-0010 defines this specification in the definitions. Installers should inspect gravel before the truck unloads at your site.

Questions?

Visit tpchd.org/septic or contact us at ehsepticsystems@tpchd.org or (253) 649-1925.