HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026_08_20_PacketBoard of Health Meeting
August20,2026
I
Jefferson County
Board of Health
A genda
&
Minutes
bl H It
August20,2026
Regular M eeting Agenda
Jefferson County Board of Health
Thursday, August 20, 2026 @ 2:30 PM
Jefferson County Courthouse- Commissioners' Chambers
1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA
To view agenda, click here: www.co.jefferson.wa.us -Agenda Center - BOARD OF HEALTH -
( date of meeting) - Download
To view meeting materials and public comments received, www c.o.jefferson.wa.us -Agenda Center-
BOARD OF HEAL TH - ( date of meeting) - (below "Media")
This is a hybrid meeting: Virtual and In-Person Attendance
You can join this meeting by using these methods:
• Zoom Meeting: https://us0Gweb.zoom.us/j/82378389363
This option will allow you to join the meeting live. You will need to enter an email address.
If you wish to provide public comment, click on the hand icon at the bottom of the
screen to "raise your hand." Participation will be up to the Chair and/or Clerk of the
meeting.
• Audio-only: Dial: 1-253-215-8782 and use Webinar ID: 823 7838 9363#
This option will allow you to listen to the meeting live. If you wish to provide public
comment, press *9 to "raise your hand." Participation will be up to the Chair and/or Clerk
of the meeting.
• In-Person: You are welcome to join the meeting in-person .
In the event of technical difficulties, at least one of the methods above will be accessible to the public. Please try all
methods first before calling 360-385-9100 to report any issues.
Public comment will be accepted and can be emailed to: BOH@co.jefferson.wa.us until 5:00 PM the
evening prior to the start of the meeting.
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER - Chair MickHager
I. Public Comment (10 mins.)
Public Comment Periods are dedicated to listening to the public. Each person may address the Board one time
during these periods. To ensure equal opportunity for the public to comment, all comments shall be limited to 2 or
3 minutes per person, depending on the volume of public in attendance.
II. Approval of Agenda
AT A REGULAR MEETING, THE MEMBERS MAY ADD AGENDA ITEMS AND TAKE ACTION ON
OTHER ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THIS AGENDA.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodations Provided Upon Request
III . A ppro val of M inutes of July 16 , 2026 B oard of H ealth M eeting
IV . O ld B usiness and Info rm ation R eport s
1. Jefferson C ounty Public H ealth (JC P H ) R eport (A pple M art ine) (10 m ins.)
2. Jefferson H ealthcare R eport (D r. K ees K olff) (5 m ins.)
3 . I n fe c tio u s D i s e a s e s U p d a te (D r . A ll is o n B e rry ) (1 0 m in s .)
V . N e w B u s in e s s
1 . L o c a l S e w a g e M a n a g e m e n t P la n U p d a t e (E m m a E ri c k s o n , C a rt e r E ri c k s o n ) (2 0 m in s .)
2 . O W L 3 6 0 Y C C T P P M in i G ra n t P r e s e n ta tio n (D e r e k F ir e nz e , K a ra B ill in g e r -H e s s o m ) (1 5 rni n s .)
3 . S c o u t in g Am e ri c a Y C C T P P M ini G ra n t P r e s e n ta tio n (L o lo S h e rw o o d ) (1 5 m in s .)
4 . J e ffC o S o c c e r C lu b Y C C T P P M ini G ra n t P r e s e n ta tio n (R u fi n a G a ra y ) (1 5 m in s .)
5 . J e ffe r s o n C o u n ty S u p p o rt s fo r C hi ld r e n w ith A u t is m S p e c tru m Di s o r d e r (D r . M e lin d a B o w e r ,
C y n d e M a r x , B o nn ie O b r e m s ki ) (1 5 m in s .)
V I. Ann o u n c e m e n ts
V II . F u tu r e P o te n tia l A g e n d a T o p ic s :
R e v ie w o f E n c a m p m e n t P o li c y I m p le m e n ta tio n a n d P u b li c H e a lth O u tc o m e s (Sept.)
JCPH Harm Reduction Program: Syringe Exchange Update
HB2442 Revenue tool for Local Government Part VIII - Public Health Clinic Property Tax
The County Strategic Plan
Opioid Settlement spending
Olympic Connect, the Community Care Hub model
Board of Health 101
Rural Reproductive Health
Emergency Fund for Public Health
The Child Development Center
ADJOURNMENT BY: 4:30 p.m.
Next Scheduled Meeting: September 1 7, 2026
2:30 -4:30 PM
Jefferson County Public Health
Hybrid Meeting
AT A REGULAR MEETING, THE MEMBERS MAY ADD AGENDA ITEMS AND TAKE ACTION ON
OTHER ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THIS AGENDA.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodations Provided Upon Request
~ JlfeJtson
PublicH~
REGULAR M EETING MINUTES
Jefferson County Board of Health
Thursday, July 16, 2026@ 2:30 p.m.
Jefferson County Courthouse - Commissioners' Chambers
1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA
Hybrid Meeting
Board Members
Greg Brotherton, County Commissioner, District #3
Heather Dudley-Nollette, County Commissioner, District #1
Celeste Dybeck, Tribal Representative
Heidi Eisenhour, County Commissioner, District #2
Amanda Grace, Vice-Chair, Community Stakeholder
Dr. Kees Kolff, Public Hospital District #2 Commissioner
Monica MickHager, Chair, Port Townsend City Council
Gabrielle Vanwert, Consumer of Public Health
Staff Members
Denise Banker, Community Health Director
Dr. Allison Berry, Health Officer
Lara Cittadini, CHIP Manager
Michael Dawson, Water Quality Manager
Carter Erickson, Environmental Health Manager
Apple Martine, Public Health Director
Jenn Mitchell, Finance Manager
Veronica Shaw, Public Health Deputy Director
Chair MickHager called the July 16, 2026 meeting of the Jefferson County Board of Health to order at 2:31 P.M.
Members Present: Chair Monica MickHager, Members Greg Brotherton, Heather Dudley-Nollette, Celeste Dybeck,
Heidi Eisenhour and Dr. Kees Kolff.
Staff Present: Staff Members Dr. Allison Berry, Lara Cittadini, Michael Dawson, Carter Erickson and Veronica
Shaw.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Chair MickHager called for public comment.
There was none.
Member Dudley-Nollette read an email to the Board which expressed appreciation of a Public Health staff member
for "Exceptional Caring."
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chair MickHager called for a motion to accept the agenda for July 16, 2026.
MOTION: Member Dudley-Nollette moved to approve the agenda. Member Brotherton seconded the motion,
which carried by a unanimous vote.
Respectfully submitted
G. Gilbert
Page 1 of3
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chair MickHager requested a motion to approve the minutes of the June 18, 2026 meeting.
M O TIO N : M em ber B rotherton m oved to approve the m inutes. M em ber Eisenhour seconded the m otion, w hich
carried by a unanim ous vote.
O L D B U SIN E SS A N D IN F O RM A TIO N A L IT E M S
1. Jefferson County P ublic H ealt h (JC PH ) R eport
Staff member Shaw, stepping in for the absent staff member Martine, led the JCPH report with a brief discussion of
how JCPH is managing over a million dollars in lost funding since July 2025 by holding vacancies, limiting travel,
and reducing operating expenses, while still working to fill key positions.
Staff member Cittadini, JCPH's CHIP program manager, is forming a "Core Group," an internal volunteer team that
will work to map existing community relationships, identifying individuals and organizations that should be
represented on a community steering committee. JCPH also continues collaborating with multiple county departments
to address the cleanup of the Mill Road encampment.
2. Jefferson H ealthcare R eport
At the recent Jefferson Healthcare board member, a guest speaker emphasized the importance of documenting local
impacts of state and federal healthcare cuts and preparing the community for major Medicaid changes coming in
January. Member Kolff proposed he will provide a slide presentation at the next BOH meeting.
Dr. Kolff explained that Jefferson Healthcare's Accountable Care Organization will shift to a partial-risk contract next
year, offering potential financial gains if patient care is efficiently managed. Finally, he highlighted that 80% of
Jefferson Healthcare patients seen in the past year actively use MyChart, far outperforming other critical access
hospitals, and improving communication and personal health management.
3. Infectious D iseases U pdate
Dr. Berry reports no severe COVID-19 illness in Jefferson County, no hospitalizations, and no rise in emergency
visits; however, wastewater surveillance is currently unavailable due to a courier contract lapse.
The national cyclospora outbreak, not yet found locally, has caused thousands of cases in the Midwest. Locally
sourced produce remains safe, and should be washed. Health officials advise against consuming prepackaged salads,
and note that delayed national detection and response were worsened by widespread public health funding cuts.
N E W BU SIN E SS
1. Intellectual and D evelopm ental Di sabili ties County P rogram O verv iew
Bonnie Obremski, JCPH's Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Coordinator, provided a presentation
describing the various services available to special needs youth, particularly significant because data shows that rural
areas like Jefferson County have higher rates of disability due to factors such as older populations, limited access to
preventive or maintenance healthcare, and high-risk industries.
Census data indicates about 2,800 county residents evidence cognitive difficulties, but only a small fraction enrolls in
state IDD services due to barriers such as lengthy enrollment processes. Jefferson County performs well once people
are enrolled, thanks to strong local support and dedicated providers.
County-provided services include supported employment (helping people with IDD prepare for, find, and keep jobs
beginning as early as high school, with transition services, i.e., transitioning from school to working adult),
community inclusion (providing opportunities to engage with the general public in accessible places), and birth to
three (services for children who need help reaching developmental milestones).
Respectfully submitted
G. Gilbert
Page 2 of3
D iscussion ensued. During discussion, refe rence w as m ade to a Jefferson County pro duced guide regarding advocacy
fo r p e o p le e x p e r ie n ci n g in te ll e c tu a l a n d /o r d e v e lo p m e n ta l d is a b ilitie s . It c a n b e v ie w e d a t:
h tt p s ://w w w .c o .je ffe r so n .w a .u s /D o c u m e n tC e n te r/V ie w /2 3 3 7 0 /J a d e -J o in s -a -B o a r d -G u id e -fo r-S e lf-A d v o c a te -B o a rd -
M e m b e r s -b y -J C P H -ID D -P ro g ra m
2. CR-103: Clarifying Tribal Representation and Timelines for Modifying Local Board of Health
Membership
As introduced by Dr. Berry: House Bill 1152 reshaped local boards of health statewide to include broader community
representation; recent CR-103 clarified how federally recognized tribes should be seated. Under updated rules, each
tribe with reservation or trust lands in the county may appoint a representative, and boards must maintain a balance
between elected and non-elected members. Discussion concerned how Jefferson County needs to plan ahead in the
event that seats at the board are taken by the Ho, Jamestown S'Klallam, Chemakum and/or other tribes.
The board discussed the need to clarify legal definitions of "elected" and "unelected" members, review bylaws, and
consider potential sources of additional elected officials or community representatives, including school boards and
healthcare providers. Members emphasized flexibility so the board can expand thoughtfully and preserve broad
community input.
It was recognized that this discussion will need to be continued at another meeting.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Staff member Shaw announced that the August meeting would be the final meeting for retiring Clerk of the Board
Gilbert.
FUTURE POTENTIAL AGENDA TOPICS
No discussion.
AGENDA PLANNING CALENDAR
The Agenda Planning Meeting for the next regular meeting of the Board will be held on August 13, 2026 at 10:30
A.M.
The next regular Board of Health meeting will be held as a hybrid meeting on Thursday, August 20, 2026 from
2:30 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair MickHager adjourned the July 16, 2026 Jefferson County Board of Health meeting at 3:59 P.M. until the
next Regular Meeting or Special Meeting as properly noticed.
JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
Monica MickHager, Chair Glenn Gilbert, Public Health Assistant
Portions of these minutes were drafted with AI assistance.
Respectfully submitted
G. Gilbert
Page 3 of3
Jefferson County
Board of Health
IV.
Old Business and Information Reports
Item 1
Jefferson County Public Health Report
[No hand-out]
Publ
August20,2026
Jefferson County
Board of Health
IV.
Old Business and Information Reports
Item 2
Jefferson Healthcare Report
[No hand-out]
Publ ealth
August 20, 2026 ·
Jefferson County
Board of Health
IV.
Old Business and Information Reports
Item 3
Infectious Diseases Update
[No hand-out]
August20,2026
Jefferson County
Board of Health
V.
New Business
Item 1
Local Sewage Management Plan Update
al
August20,2026
JEFFERSON COUNTY ON-SITE SEWAGE SYSTEM
2027 LOCAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4
Introduction and Background 5
Review of 2007 ass Management Plan 5
Jefferson County Public Health Responsibilities 8
Part 1- Database Enhancement 9
Database Conversion 9
ass Inventory 9
Reports 10
Current Data Transfer Process 10
Data Security 11
Timeline 11
Part 2 - ass Management Areas 11
Clean Water District/Shellfish Protection District 12
Sole Source Aquifers 12
Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas 13
Wellhead Protection Areas 13
Phosphorus and Nitrogen 13
Miscellaneous Areas Not Present 13
Flood-Prone Areas/Floodways 14
Climate Change Considerations 15
Sea Level Rise Vulnerability 15
Jefferson County Sea Level Rise Study-June 2023 16
Assessment of Climate Change Impacts on Brin non Dosewallips Reach 16
Sea Level and Flooding Projections for Areas of Jefferson County 17
Septage Capacity 22
Port Hadlock Wastewater Treatment Facility 22
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 1 of 51
Water Quality Program 23
Pollution Identification and Correction (PIC) 23
Dye Testing 24
WQ Sanitary Surveys 24
WQ Homeowner Financial Assistance 25
Timeline 25
Part 3 - Operation and Monitoring ...........•................................................................................................ 25
OSS Permitting 26
Operational Permits _. 26
Inspection and Pump Report Auditing 26
OSS Inspection Reminders 26
Property Transfer Inspection Reminders 27
Certification of Septic Professionals 27
O&M Inspector Auditing 28
Code Compliance and Enforcement 28
Timeline 29
Part 4 - Homeowner Education 30
Customer Service 30
Homeowner Education Classes 30
Homeowner Inspection Program 31
Timeline 31
Part 5 - Funding Strategy 32
OSS Fee Assessment 32
Clean Water District Funding 32
Supplemental Grants 32
Financial Assistance for Homeowners 33
O&M Rebate Program 33
WQ Rebate Program 34
Timeline 34
Part 6 - Marine Recovery Areas 35
Current Status 35
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 2 of 51
I
Timeline 36
Summary 36
2027 LMP Recommendations 37
References 38
Appendix A-Applicable LMP and OSS State and County Regulations 40
Appendix B - Work Item Authorizations 49
Appendix C 51
2027 ass LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 3 of 51
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In 2005, the Washington State Board of Health adopted Chapter 246-272A-0015 WAC. This chapter
required Jefferson County to develop a written Local Management Plan (LMP) for the development and
management of all on-site sewage systems (OSS) within its jurisdiction. The regulation established a
shared responsibility model between OSS owners and their local public health department. In March 2006,
the state legislature enacted RCW 70.118A mandating that counties bordering the Puget Sound to manage
OSS in marine areas and designate Marine Recovery Areas (MRAs) where OSS are contributing to marine
water quality degradation. The legislation provided greater oversight of existing OSS thereby increasing
public health protection by ensuring OSS are inspected as required to determine if they are functioning
properly, and repairs are made as necessary.
After development by Jefferson County Public Health (JC PH), the LMP was approved by the Jefferson
County Board of Health (BOH) in 2007. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) approved the
LMP in 2007. In July 2007, JC PH implemented its LMP which described Jefferson County's OSS program at
that time and what improvements wer~ planned fo r the fo llowing years. The LMP was also provided to
the Jefferson County Department of Community Development (DCD) and the City of Port Townsend, as
they are the entities responsible fo r land use planning and development regulations within Jefferson
County.
In January of 2024, the Washington State Board of Health adopted updated OSS codes within Chapter
246-272 A WAC. The Chapter now requires LMP updates at least once every five years. Most of the new
regulations established during the update became effective on April 1, 2025, except for the Maintenance
Service Provider approval requirement (W AC 246-272 A-0340) which became effective on February 1,
2025, and the Property Transfer Inspection requirement (W AC 246-272 A-0270), which becomes effective
on February 1, 2027.
Since the adoption of the 2007 OSS LMP, JC PH has made substantial progress in its implementation, such
as:
• Established the Marine Recovery Area (M RA) fo r Hood Canal,
• Improved water quality throughout the county via Pollution Identification and Correction (PIC),
• Created the OSS Fee Assessment to support operation and monitoring (O&M) activities,
• Developed and implemented the O&M program for all existing and future OSS,
• Designed and provided OSS education opportunities for homeowners,
• Managed grants for a Cost Share program to provide funds to homeowners for OSS repair or
replacement,
• Converted and configured database software, including successful migration of data from
Tidemark to Enterprise Permitting and Licensing (EPL),
• Integrated Septic Operations and Monitoring (SOM ) records and Water Quality (W Q) data into
the county Geographic Information System (GIS) maps,
• Amended and adopted Jefferson County Chapter 8.15 On-Site Sewage Code in April 2025 to
reflect the new regulatory OSS codes adopted by the Washington State Board of Health in January
2024.
This is an update to JCPH's original 2007 OSS LMP. The update ensures that Jefferson County remains
compliant with the new state code requirements while continuing to improve county OSS management
and protect water quality.
2027 ass LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 4 of 51
Introduction and Background
An LM P is a written management plan required by DOH for each Puget Sound county per Chapter 246-
272A-0015 WAC. The LMP is written by JCPH and provides recommendations and goals for OSS
management activities in the county. The intent of.the LMP is to identify and correct failing OSS, reduce
and eliminate public health hazards, improve water quality, and reopen previously closed shellfish areas.
JC PH can meet these objectives by ensuring that all OSS are properly designed, permitted, installed,
operated, monitored, maintained, repaired and decommissioned. Appropriate funding and staffing are
essential to support these objectives.
Since adopting the 2007 LMP, JC PH developed processes to inventory all existing OSS; identified critical
areas including designating the Hood Canal MRA; educated homeowners on septic O&M practices;
enforced OSS code requirements; identified water quality sampling sites with high average bacteria i.e.
hot spots; identified failing systems and provided support to homeowners in OSS repair processes. JCPH
utilized its operational knowledge, technical information, databases, water quality data, DCD data, and
input from a group of appropriate interest holders to update the LM P which identifies JCPH's current OSS
management objectives.
The 2027 Jefferson County OSS LMP is a revised and updated version of the 2007 Jefferson County OSS
Management Plan. The 2027 LM P Recommendations proposed to the Jefferson County Board of Health
build upon those reflected in 2007 and include actions to meet current and future priorities and improve
public health in Jefferson County. JC PH received input from a broad range of interest holders, [JCPH
intends to reach out to the fo llowing groups for input including OSS and O&M professionals, shellfish
advocates, Tribal representatives, homebuilders, realtors, community representatives, and key Jefferson
County staff.]
JCPH's review of the 2007 LMP identified necessary updates to ensure compliance with OSS code changes,
modifications, and additional requirements adopted by the State and JCC 8.15. In addition, the 2007 LM P
does not represent the current technologies, resources, business practices or procedures used by JCPH to
manage OSS. JCPH may also need to update other department codes and policies to better align with the
recommendations of this LMP.
Re v ie w of 2 0 0 7 O S S M a n a g e m e n t P la n
2007 055 LM P Recom m endatio ns S tatus
Progressively develop and maintain an JCPH inventories and tracks wastewater systems
inventory of all known OSS in operation regulated by the county through a SOM case in the
within the county. county's permitting database. Tidemark was the original
database used for permits, plans, code cases, and SOM
cases. In December 2022, JCPH migrated all data into EPL.
EPL is used fo r inventorying and tracking all wastewater
systems, customizing oss inventory data, record
management, enforcement reports, integration with GIS
data, and developing target area statistics. The public has
access to all SOM cases and select SOM data via the
Customer Self-Service (CSS) Portal.
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 5 of 51
Maintain records required, to include all
O&M activities as identified.
JCPH uses SOMs to track O&M activities. Starting in May
2010, certified O&M professionals began entering
monitoring inspection reports into OnlineRME (RME).
Starting in 2014, certified sewage pumpers began
entering pump reports into RME. The public has access to
all monitoring inspection and pump reports completed by
certified professionals via RME.
Identify any areas where OSS could pose an
increased public health risk, to include
marine recovery areas and sensitive areas.
WQ projects have evaluated the entire Hood Canal
shoreline multiple times to identify failing OSS. Each
project had a list of OSS corrections completed. The WQ
team conducted field surveys of the entire shoreline of
the Hood Canal MRA, from Tala Point to the southern
county border, using DOE's PIC protocols. The WQ team
used the surveys to determine functionality of the OSS
and such surveys are ongoing. WQ utilized Jefferson
County Clean Water District (CW D) funds for their initial
work.
Find existing failing systems and ensure
that system owners make necessary
repairs.
JCPH may identify existing failing systems through several
different processes including monitoring inspections,
sewage pumping, sanitary surveys, PIC program work,
and septic repair/replacement permit applications.
The most common process of failure identification is by
septic professionals perfo rming work on-site. JCC 8.15
requires all certified septic profe ssionals to report failure
of an OSS to JCPH within 24 hours of first identifying the
failure.
Find unknown systems and ensure that
they are inspected and functioning
properly, with repair if necessary.
JCPH may identify unknown systems through several
different processes including sanitary surveys, audits of
all property title transfers, building permit application
reviews, and monitoring inspection or pump reports.
When JCPH identifies a previously unknown system, a
septic professional must inspect it to evaluate the
system's functionality and determine if it was installed
without permits at a time when septic permits were
required.
Enforce OSS permit applications for O&M
risk areas and JCPH's capacity to
adequately fund the OSS O&M plan,
including ability to locate failing and
unknown OSS.
Jefferson County requires that all OSS installed after 1970
have a valid septic permit with JC PH. If a system was
installed without permits at a time when permits were
required, enfo rcement and compliance actions are taken
to either retroactively permit the existing OSS or permit a
replacement code compliant OSS. JC PH uses materials
and system components of the OSS, as well as Assessor
records of property development to determine if systems
were installed at a time when permits were required.
OSS permit application fees cover the cost of permitting
review and associated inspections. OSS permit fees are
not adequate to fund the O&M program.
2027 ass LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 6 of 51
Initiate Homeowner Septic Inspection
Authorization program allowing
homeowners to inspect their own septic
systems.
Jefferson County revised JCC 8.15 OSS in 2012 to allow
homeowners to conduct a portion of their own O&M
inspections after meeting certain education, training, and
authorization requirements. In addition, there are
specific parameters for a septic system to be eligible for
homeowner inspection.
Support replacement of aged and failing
OSS in sensitive areas with additional
support fo r population growth.
JCPH staff provide support to owners of failing OSS
through outreach and connecting OSS owners to
resources such as funding opportunities.
In 2025, the county completed a years-long project with
the operational startup of the Port Hadlock Wastewater
Treatment facility which will support population growth
in the Port Hadlock UGA.
Inform and educate homeowners on the
operation and monitoring of their OSS.
O&M staff provide homeowners information through the
JCPH website, social media posts, tabling at community
outreach events such as the annual Builders Home. Show,
and hosting Septic 101 and 201 classes at community
centers across the county. O&M staff are available by
phone and email to answer inquiries from homeowners.
Conduct a system audit of all known OSS in
order to appropriately charge the yearly
OSS Assessment Fee for each separate OSS
on the parcel.
OSS Assessment Fee audit completed in 2025. Audit
performed by querying SOM data and Assessor records to
identify if JCPH is appropriately assessing the Fee for a
parcel. Parameters used to determine if the Fee is
required included SOM status and presence of a 'Sewer
Flag'. The 2025 Fee audit resulted in documenting the
OSS Assessment Fee for all SOMs in EPL (this data was
previously kept in external spreadsheet). The 2025 Fee
audit identified 601 properties with no Fee that required
the Fee, and 95 properties with the Fee that did not
require the Fee.
Update Shoreline Master Program (SMP) Jefferson County has significant shoreline resources and
completed a comprehensive update of the SM P's goals,
policies, and regulations consistent with the Shoreline
Management Act (SMA) in 2014. The SMP is considered
part of the county's Comprehensive Plan and
development regulations and is subject to a periodic
review schedule in the SMA. The overall intent of the SMP
is to protect ecological resources, allow for preferred
shoreline uses, and promote public access to enjoy the
shoreline. DCD's 2026 Comprehensive Plan update
reflects policies in the SMP per JCC 18.25.
Goal EN-G-4: Implement JCC 18.25 to protect shoreline
functions and processes while allowing appropriate
development and uses within the shorelines of Jefferson
County.
Policy EN-P-4.1: The goals and policies of the Jefferson
County SMP, as amended, are considered an element of
this Comprehensive Plan and are adopted by reference as
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 7 of 51
if fully set forth herein. Refer to JCC 18.25, development
regulations related to the shorelines and how the SMP's
goals are implemented.
Policy EN-P-4.2: Work cooperatively with the Washington
State Department of Ecology (ECY) for Periodic Review
and associated updates to the Jefferson County SMP,
consistent with state law.
Policy EN-P-4.3: Work cooperatively with other
jurisdictions, agencies, tribes, ; and organizations to
restore previously degraded areas, including
coordination to pursue funding that addresses shoreline
protection and/or restoration efforts.
Establish and maintain the CW D fo r the
purpose of shellfish protection district.
Establish a stable fu nding source fo r
operations and steward the adoption of a
Clean Water District management plan.
The CW D was created in 2007. The citizen advisory
council conducted a financial analysis and prioritized
activities. Jefferson County adopted the CWD fee from a
tax parcel assessment in 2009, and this fee funds the PIC
program. The WQ program continues to track water
quality monitoring data collected to determine sensitive
area needs. See Appendix C fo r CW D.
Inform interested parties about updated
WAC 246-272 -0270 requirements.
JCPH provides education and outreach to homeowners,
real estate professionals, property developers and
certified septic professionals regarding the requirement
for O&M inspection and maintenance of OSS.
Jefferson County Public Health Responsibilities
Jefferson County Public Health has the responsibility of managing an estimated 12,000 active OSS. To
meet this responsibility, JCPH must:
• Develop and implement strategies to locate and repair failing systems.
• Maintain a comprehensive inventory of all OSS.
• Ensure regular inspections of all OSS.
• Identify environmentally sensitive areas throughout Jefferson County, including MRAs.
• Establish O&M requirements countywide.
• Provide education and outreach to homeowners regarding septic O&M requirements.
• Protect public health by enfo rcing state and local codes regulating OSS operation and monitoring,
siting, design, permitting, installation, maintenance, repairs and decommissioning.
• Confirm that at time of transfer of property title, the OSS has a complete O&M inspection on
record that is current with required inspection frequency.
• Approval and certification of OSS installers, pumpers, and O&M inspectors.
• Incorporate new, applicable data, when appropriate, regarding OSS, community wastewater
issues, water quality issues, and coordinate such efforts with other agencies.
2027 ass LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 8 of 51
Part 1- Database Enhancem ent
JCPH progressively develops and maintains an inventory of all OSS within the county. Staff maintain OSS
inventory data, O&M records, and OSS permitting records in an internal database software (EPL), an
external database (RME), and in paper files of septic permitting records.
Database Conversion
In December 2022, Jefferson County performed a database conversion. JCPH previously used Tidemark
Advantage for permitting, land use approvals, compliance cases, and SOMs. County staff mapped and
migrated all data in Tidemark into the new EPL database. JCPH uses EPL for all Jefferson County permitting
and compliance cases including building, shoreline, road use, subdivision, septic, OSS inventory, food
service, and wells. EPL system modules include Permitting and Land Management, Code Enforcement,
Licensing and Regulatory, and Customer Self Service.
The move from Tidemark to EPL involved numerous configurations of the data for ease of access and
utilization of the data for the varied, necessary workflows and processes. The EPL system allows for
substantial customization for existing case and new case types, modifying or adding screen elements, and
utilizing supportive data tables and specialized data reports. JCPH has purchased/added several additional
licenses that provide for an even more robust database.
Some data migrated from Tidemark to EPL required clean up after migration. For example, all cases
created in EPL are automatically linked to county GIS via GeoRules. GeoRules is a tool that allows GIS
integration within an EPL case providing geographic information such as lot size, critical areas, and MRA.
Migrated data was not linked to GIS via GeoRules. To effectively inventory all SOMs in the county's MRA,
county staff dedicated time to set up GeoRules on approximately 12,000 migrated SOMs. This required
opening each individual SOM case in EPL, verifying accuracy of the parcel and address associated with the
SOM case, and running GeoRules. JCPH prioritized this effort to have an accurate inventory of SOMs in
the MRA and a live GIS link in all SOMs.
OSS Inventory
The Assessor's Office database shows there are approximately 27,000 improved parcels in Jefferson
County. Some of these parcels contain structures that do not produce wastewater and others contain
more than one structure producing wastewater. The City of Port Townsend sewer system serves
approximately 4,900 ofthese parcels, Olympic Water and Sewer (Port Ludlow) sewer system serves 1,650,
and Port Hadlock Wastewater Treatment Facility serves 57. In addition, there are wastewater treatment
facilities associated with Indian Island naval base and 2 State parks (Fort Flagler and Dosewallips), and
there are 14 active Large On-site Septic Systems (LOSS) in Jefferson County. Therefore, approximately
20,400 parcels are served by OSS or they are uninhabited.
I
Every OSS or on-site wastewater system (including pit privies or holding tanks) that is regulated by JCPH
is assigned a unique SOM case number. Once a SOM case number is linked to a property, it stays the same
so long as the property is generating wastewater, even if additional septic permits are issued to repair,
expand, modify, or replace the OSS. The SOM case is utilized to track associated septic permits, pumping
and inspection reports, minor repairs, waste strength test results, sanitary survey activities,
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 9 of 51
correspondence, compliance and enforcement activities, incentives and rebates issued, and 055 Fee
Assessment status. Every SOM number is added to the RME database as the 'Jurisdiction ID'; the SOM
number is used as the link for nightly data imports from RME to EPL via a custom application programming
interface (API). Inspection report data from RME is imported to EPL SOM cases.
The O&M team manages the majority of SOM case creation and SOM data updates. Staff create SOM
cases in EPL when a previously unidentified 055 is identified or when new 055 permit is finalized. The WQ
team will create new SOM cases for wastewater systems discovered through sanitary surveys. Usually,
the WQ team creates new SOM cases in EPL in consultation with the O&M team or has the O&M team
create the SOM to ensure consistency of case creation. When staff discover 055 during sanitary surveys,
the 055 needs a regular monitoring inspection to determine if the components in the 055 indicate it was
installed at a time when permits were required.
Each 055 is assigned to a parcel number and linked to the GIS parcel layer. The GIS system does not
pinpoint the location of the 055 within the parcel but rather it shows if there is a SOM and the status of
that case in EPL. Staff use "asbuilt" or designer reco rd drawings along with physical observations during
inspections to verify the system location on a parcel. When an 055 is located on multiple parcels (i.e., the
tanks are on parcel A and the drainfield is on parcel B), then the Main Parcel number assigned to the SOM
is the parcel where the wastewater is generated (i.e., the location of the structure with plumbing). Some
inaccuracies in the 055 location may occur when a parcel number changes due to subdivision of an original
parcel and alteration(s) of lot configuration.
JC PH does utilize information from other county databases and can create data tables, which ensures
consistency and provides the most current data to staff and the public. Examples of the other databases
are GIS, county Assessor Office's parcel data, and RME. Staff can export data from EPL into a report to
allow fo r further evaluation of needed information.
Reports
Staff and consultants have built reports that assist staff in data queries. Staff frequently use the SOM
enforcement letter reports built into the EPL workflow. SOM enforcement letter reports query Assessor
tables, GIS data, and EPL data to create enforcement notices and agreements. Other reports use query
tables to extract data needed fo r required or requested reporting fo r DOH Wastewater Management,
DOH Shellfish, and internal needs. Staff need additional reports to fu lfill program needs such as GIS data
requested by DOH Wastewater Management for LMP reporting, which requires multiple views of data
tables and coordination with the county's GIS staff. It will benefit staff to have the ability to pull more
reports based on geographic location.
Current Data Transfer Process
Data is transferred every 24 hours from RME inspection reports to the EPL database. A nightly database
job imports new inspection data from the RM E vendor database into a staging table using a linked server
connection. The job then transfo rms and inserts inspection data from the staging table into another server
database table. A custom API process then uploads the inspection data into EPL into the appropriately
linked SOM case. The SOM case status changes based on the inspection findings. EPL calculates and inserts
the last and next inspection dates into the SOM case. If records successfu lly import, an update statement
is sent to the external vendor database signaling that the inspection data was successfully imported.
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 10 of 51
Data Security
Jefferson County's secure data storage and server backup process is as follows:
• All data is stored on the county data center and mirrored at a second location.
• Database specific backup jobs occur on a nightly basis.
• Server backups have an incremental backup nightly with a full backup weekly. Backups are
held for 30 days.
• Jefferson County follows standard NIST protocols for security and privacy. These are a
nationwide standard used by government agencies. System security includes the use of
passwords and two-factor authentication.
• Security audits are performed by the state once per year.
• Application controls are applied by various means. Typically, active directory rights are given
by role-based permission. Role is assigned to a user. Application roles are also given to a user
with the rights needed to do their job. Changes to application data are documented through
history audit records.
Tim eline
Goal Activities Deadline/ Due
Date
Im prove the API that • Develop a plan to separate Jefferson and By 2032
imports ass inspection Clallam RM E data sources The current vendor
data from RM E to EPL. operates via a linked table that contains data
fo r both counties.
• Develop a plan to preserve the current API
functionality befo re the county implements
the move from on-premises servers to vendor
cloud data storage and support.
• Support RM E vendor's suggestion for the
county to utilize their API instead of directly
using the current vendor's linked servers.
Convert analog processes • Develop ability to enter field data remotely via Ongoing
into digital fo rmat tablets with wireless connections.
• Develop system to scan forms that will fill in
data points in the appropriate database.
Part 2 - O SS M ana ge m ent A re a s
Jefferson County has identified areas where OSS could pose an increased public health risk or water
quality issues. These areas include:
o shellfish protection districts,
o critical aquife r recharge areas (CARAs),
o frequently flooded areas,
o properties within 200 feet of a shoreline,
o properties within 200 feet of a class 1 or 2 wetland,
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 11 of 51
o water bodies listed on the DOE 303(d) list, and
o marine recovery areas.
Jefferson County Unified Development Code (UDC) governs the designation of critical areas, also known
as environmentally sensitive areas. Critical areas are identified on county GIS maps. GIS attributes are
linked to all cases in EPL and are searchable in the database. These attributes are provided via the
GeoRules link and are marked in each EPL case. In addition, EPL can flag cases or parcels with a "Hold".
Holds provide identification of a unique condition or status on the parcel fo r consideration when
permitting or monitoring OSS.
Clean Water District/Shellfish Protection District
The management of the CW D, established in 2007, continues to protect surface water quality and shellfish
beds in eastern Jefferson County. The CW D Advisory Council, established in 2011 , provides oversight fo r
current and future CW D projects, and guidance for WQ and O&M activities and functionality. CW D
projects are partially funded via a per-parcel fee assessed on land not served by a sewer connection.
Jefferson County
Clean Water District
ni-tt(Ut . I
Sole Source Aquifers
Sole source aquifers (SSA) are designated by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pursuant to
Section 1424e of the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974. As defined, a SSA supplies at least 50 percent of the
drinking water fo r its service area; and there are no reasonably available alternative drinking water
sources should the aquife r become contaminated. Marrowstone Island is the only SSA in Jefferson County.
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 12 of 51
Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas
Areas with critical recharging effect on aquifers used for potable water or areas susceptible to reduced
groundwater recharge are Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas (CARA) as designated in JCC 18.22.310. Most of
Jefferson County's drinking water comes from groundwater supplies, and preventing contamination of
groundwater is necessary to protect water supplies. JCC 18.30.0180 outlines OSS requirements and best
management practices when in a CARA.
Wellhead Protection Areas
Wellhead Protection Areas (W HPA) are a primary way to reduce risk of contamination to water sources.
Water system purveyors must delineate designated WHPA of Group A public water systems for each
groundwater or spring source per WAC 246-290-135. Group A water systems must develop Source Water
Protection programs, including WHPA to delineate these zo nes, manage land use, and prevent
contamination. Source water protection is a coordinated effort between water utilities, regularity
agencies, and the public.
DOH documents and maps W HPAs in the Office of Drinking Water (ODW) Source Water Assessment
Program map and in the county's GIS CARA layer. Per JCC 18.22 Article Ill, wellhead protection areas are
designated as Special Aquifer Recharge Protection Areas (SARPA). JCC 8.15.090 establishes OSS design
standards to mitigate nitrogen and bacteria loading fo r wastewater systems located in both SARPA and
susceptible aquife r recharge areas (SUSC). SUSC are areas with geologic and hydrologic conditions that
promote rapid infiltration of recharge waters to aquifers. The county GIS CARA layer maps the overlay of
SARPA + SUSC, indicating additional OSS design requirements in these areas.
Phosphorus and Nitrogen
Phosphorus is not a contaminant of concern in marine areas; however, it is in Anderson Lake. The
phosphorus source for Anderson Lake appears to be internal nutrient loading, not external loading from
OSS or watershed drainage. JCPH will need further guidance from DOH or ECY to further develop
evaluation criteria. Lake Leland has shown the presence of phosphorus as well and will similarly require
further guidance fo r evaluation. There are residences along Lake Leland's shoreline; however, JCPH has
not determined if the source is from OSS.
ECY's 2013 study on nitrogen indicated nitrogen is not a widespread contaminant of concern in Jefferson
County; the county's septic and WQ programs designate areas of concern and work to ensure staff take
corrective actions to address failing or deficient septic systems. Jefferson County water quality impaired
sites on the 2012 WA 303(d) Category 5 list included two reaches on Chimacum Creek, one reach of Hoh
River, Mats Mats Bay, marine waters near Rat Island/Indian Island, Ja ckson Cove, and possibly near the
Wooden Boat School property located in Port Hadlock. ECY's WQ atlas link is
https://apps.eco logy.wa.gov/waterqualityatlas/wqa/map and provides water quality search capabilities.
Sensitive Areas Not Present
As of June 2026, the following areas where OSS could pose an increased health risk are not present in
Jefferson County:
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 13 of 51
• Up-gradient areas directly influencing water recreation facilities designated for swimming in
natural waters with artificial boundaries within the waters as described by the Water Recreation
Facilities Act under chapter 70.90 RCW; and
• Areas designated as special protection areas under WAC 173-200-090 - wetland areas under
production of crops fo r human consumption.
Flood-Prone A reas/Floodw ays
JC PH is concerned about OSS influenced by sea level rise and river flooding and other hydro logic changes
associated with climate change projections. The WQ team collects and tracks data on flooding events at
in the lower Duckabush River watershed and the Lazy C in the lower Dosewallips River in Brinnon since
these areas are historically hot spots. Frequent flooding in the lower Big Quilcene River watershed has
been addressed through voluntary buyouts and the construction in 2026 ofthe long-span, county-owned
"Linger Longer" (now "Twana") Bridge. JCPH also recognizes that additional areas of development overlap
with FEMA-designated Floodplains or Floodway (Zone AE) that may be subject to inundation during high
flows or as a result of channel migration. In some areas, berms consisting of rock, gravel or logs may offer
limited, temporary protection from flooding and/or erosion. The vast majority of these structures have
been developed without fo rmal engineered designs and provide no guarantee of flood mitigation. As sea
level rise worsens and additional OSS wastewater treatment fail as a result, the PIC program will help
identify deficient or failing OSS. JCPH will likely need additional staff to handle the increased workload of
OSS surveillance and public outreach associated with sea level rise.
Since 2003, projects to support LiDAR data, flood models, resiliency planning and engineered design
documents, and voluntary buyouts have been funded by the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO)
Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB) fo r the Big Quilcene, Dosewallips, Hoh, Queets, and other
floodplains have been implemented by JCPH, Tribes and NGOs through grants amounting to many millions
of dollars. Collectively, they support the production and dissemination of geomorphic and hydrologic
information and habitat assessments to provide multiple benefits to watersheds and communities by
restoring natural floodplain processes using nature-based solutions. Water availability and filtration, flood
magnitude and frequency, infrastructure longevity, as well as salmon habitat quality and quantity are tied
to these natural processes or their impairments. More info rmation is available by contacting the
Floodplains by Design (Ecology) or Washington Coast Restoration and Resiliency (Recreation and
Conservation Office) programs or the Hood Canal, North Olympic Peninsula, North Pacific Coast or
Quinault Lead Entities for Salmon Recovery (W DFW ).
As sea level rise and river flooding become more extensive due to climate change, JCPH anticipates
residents living in affected areas may choose not to relocate. Therefo re, to reduce the environmental risk,
JC PH and property owners will need to balance wastewater needs in these high-risk areas to reduce public
health risk and water quality issues. Current code requires all OSS tanks, pump chambers, and access
components to be watertight, and OSS shall be required to be protected from mechanical damage from
flood waters.
Jefferson County Code has requirements for OSS design and development in flood-prone areas in JCC
15.15 and JC C 8.15, as well as JCC 15.15, JCC 18.22, and JC C 18.25. Washington State (W AC 173-158) does
not allow structures or new development to occur within a regulated floodway. Additionally, if homes
become substantially damaged as a result of a flood, DCD may not allow the property owner to redevelop;
or the property owner may be restricted to limited reconstruction in the Floodway.
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 14 of 51
Targeted statewide efforts such as those through the Washington Coastal Hazards Resilience Network and
the Washington Coastal Resilience Project are conducting sea level rise vulnerability work and coastal
hazards assessments to assist in developing policy for mitigation of sea level rise, flooding, and erosion.
JCPH is fo llowing the guidance and plans as they are developed from this work. Also, JCPH anticipates
more studies and guidance from WA DOH with their requirements and ECY's Flood Control Assistance
Account Program (FCAAP) work and will develop plans as this guidance and information becomes
available. Jefferson County's involvement with the FCAAP program is focused on the Brinnon area,
including the Dosewallips River. A Lower Dosewallips Flood Hazard Mitigation Action Plan is scheduled for
completion by mid-2027. In part, this document will support next steps for continued implementation of
the 2009 Comprehensive Flood Hazard Management Plan for the Dosewallips and Duckabush Rivers.
Climate Change Considerations
Jefferson County is required to complete its Growth Management Act (GMA) Periodic Update and must
also meet the requirements of House Bill (HB) 1181, which includes adding a climate resiliency sub-
element to the county's Comprehensive Plan. In 2023, Jefferson County received $300,000 in grant funds
from the Washington State Department of Commerce to revise its Comprehensive Plan & Development
Regulations by June 30, 2025, to ensure they comply with the GMA as revised by HB 1181 (Chapter 228,
Laws of 2023) and required by RCW 36.70A.130(5). For the 2023-2025 biennium, Jefferson County
requested that 58% of its allocated climate planning grant funding go toward fulfilling the HB 1181
requirements and 42% go towards completing a comprehensive update to the 1997 Coordinated Water
System Plan (CWSP) for Jefferson County. Jefferson County's updated comprehensive plan is scheduled
for completion by mid-2026.
The Climate Action Committee is a joint committee of Jefferson County and the City of Port Townsend.
This committee is responsible for developing strategies to implement the goals specified in Jefferson
County Resolution 44-07 /City of Port Townsend Resolution 07-22 via the Climate Action Plan. The city
and county adopted the Plan in November 2011 and only addressed recommendations on how to
achieve the goal of an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by the year 2050.
The Climate Action Plan does not address the issues of sea level rise or flooding.
Table 3. Sea Level Rise Projections Across the Nort h O lym pic Peninsula
SEA LEV EL RISE* I
Probability that !
mean sea level
will reach or
exceed feet at a
given year
Neah Bay
Clallam County
Clallam BaylSekiu
Clallam County
Port Angeles
Clallam County
l 50% chance ot z 0.6 feet
(2050) and <!: 1.3 feet (2100)
5% chance of<!: 0.7 feet 5% chance of<!: 0.7 feet 5% chance of<!: 0.9 feet 5% chance of<!: 1,2 feet
(2050) and <!: 2.7 feet (2100) (2050) and <!: 2.7 feet (2100) (2050) and <!: 3.3 feet (2100) (2050) and ~ 3.9 feet (2100)
So u rce : 20 15 C lim ate C han g e Pre p ared n e ss P la n fo r N o rth O ly m p ic Pe nin su la
Sea Level Rise Vulnerability
Sea level rise vulnerability considers sea level rise and storm surge. Where more specific studies have
existed for lower watersheds, exacerbated vulnerabilities linked to the combined impacts of riverine
flooding and sea level rise are also considered. This vulnerability index refe rences inclusion of the
exposure index, which incorporates coastal flooding and erosion, and a sensitivity index, which integrated
2027 OSS LMP U p d a te BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 P ag e 15 o f 5 1
infrastructure and coastal habitats. JCPH may use vulnerability indexes for considerations of exposure and
sensitivity of an area influenced by sea level rise and flooding when permitting and monitoring 055.
Sea level rise vulnerability index (from 2023 climate change vulnerability study):
o Accounts fo r potential impacts to both the built environment (homes, roads, and critical
infrastructure) and the natural environment (coastal habitats);
o Uses only publicly available data;
o Is based on exposure to both erosion and flooding;
o Provides insights about differences in vulnerability between individual parcels in Puget Sound;
and,
o Enables new insights about the spatial distribution of vulnerability in Puget Sound and helps to
prioritize locations where vulnerability is highest.
Jefferson County Sea Level Rise Study-June 2023
Jefferson County has shorelines along both the open coast of the Pacific Ocean as well as the Puget Sound;
therefo re, planning fo r sea level rise is critical although the rate of sea level rise varies greatly by location
due to lsostatic rebound linked to glacial retreat and/or uplift or subsidence associated geologic plate
interactions. Jefferson County DCD is tasked with preserving and enhancing "the quality of life in Jefferson
County by promoting a vibrant economy, sound communities, and a healthy environment." DCD is taking
a proactive approach to determining the potential impacts of sea level rise and identify ing adaptation
strategies and actions in response.
Assessment of Climate Change Impacts on Brinnon Dosewallips Reach
Jefferson County with the assistance of consultant Natural Systems Design (NSD) assessed existing
conditions in the lower 1.2+ miles of the Dosewallips River. The assessment fo cused on river conditions
including geomorphology, hydrology, channel migration, salmon habitat, and flooding risk to Brinnon.
Additionally, the assessment evaluated projected climate change impacts to the project reach. Existing
conditions compounded by the climate change impacts result in high probability of adverse effects on the
existing built environment during flood events. NSD produced the Basis of Design Report which presents
options on mitigating flood risk and increasing habitat in the project area. Natural Systems Design has also
produced resiliency plans, including flood and erosion risk considerations, fo r the Lazy C - Powerlines
Reach, the Middle Hoh River (Lindner and Fletcher reaches). Tribes and NGOs have done similar work in
other watersheds such as the Quinault, Queets, Salmon, Snow and Big Quilcene. The Comprehensive
Flood Hazard Management Plan fo r the Big and Little Quilcene Rivers (CFHM P) was updated in 2023. The
CFHM P was developed under Washington State's Chapter 86.26 RCW and Chapter 173-158 WAC to:
• Reduce flood risks to communities, infrastructure, and natural resources.
• Restore and protect aquatic habitat, particularly fo r summer chum salmon and other species.
• Improve floodplain resilience through engineered and natural solutions
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 16 of 51
Sea Level and Flooding Projections for Areas of Jefferson County
Su tnvel Un111 floortlng liazaul
OflSL.:i.
lflSLR
HlSLR
'-ft SLR
11,P..,t♦
Beckett Point • Sea Level Rise Flooding Hazard
Q »:" lo:(! .--=?,_ Scala 1 18,056
- r'U~» 1:..«,f~111·~ ;t~,~Z,;i,.,.1,,-:;°f,, .• c~11;;)JaP-:r,v.f1.-w,¥0Jr)a:,.--e""i.:1':7.1
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 17 of 51
Scale 1 72 ,22d
ru1r,; l'«U..!4' .,-•Ytw,.rl:1· .. ,., .• ,1.,.·•:;e~r.i- '"·•?' ~,,.,,. J;::~••~•n•,t1
Scala 1 18,05G
,~s --~1 ...:,::u ,::,ia : '.f ":>'l<W°1"f""'ll-;,.~.; .. :.;~--,:-:,;~ -;..;...m,,.., J;.ac.-.:10:,r t1
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 18 of 51
Sell level RIie Flood tng Hazaul
011:il't
I lt51.A
2f1Sl='(
~tJSlR
Ste:,:,, ...
I Y.<l JOO~ Scala 136,112
-T.,. .,~-II')«, ""'6:•..:.. •y Jtru"J'f ;;,, 1.r,;- o--: 1«.1~• 1~11 ~•J'Pla~ h'ltt Jt-.:1 rt,1 -,cn:.rn
Sell level m,ui flruxhng HlllllHI
Of!SL:i.
lflSLR
211SLR
,nsLR
luP¥et'
T~scaaJl)Nepro'IKieao,1
nn ·;1s.1s· basis. Wll'houl
WOff6n1Y (II M Y l,\'P(!
e.-,:>ressed or iwpttd Md'.Xiir,g bur 11ot tm,r,W Jo ,m, wano,11y
11s/oth1Wperlorma11Ctt f----------------,------~-------------j
merchonMblio1y,orltnessror
ony~,wrf)f)!,e
Scali! 1 9,028
2027 ass LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 19 of 51
0 ~ 10:0 -=· Scale 1 18,0!iG
- fl1""1"~JIJDl'.:..'.f';VJ.:a.¥¥t't'l''lt 117":·~ ._,.,,./r' ~•-1Nf" Jl,1~ftJ"¥tl
•:<l ,.,, --==, [ Scale 1 9,028
r-.. ... .r, '""'tc.!ll-.·•·.,.,~·t·t1i1,,,1<F"
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 20 of 51
Sca le 1.4.514
i>;;-.,..,, flKO~.:_:,lo'i::cv ;l(t'♦i11¥">fJ1,:,,·•••W--•l~a:,11-·~;,r1lf',;;,r,,•• ii~ru:.ro·
Date 8/3/2026
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 21 of 51
Septage Ca pa city
In 2025, the Washington State Association of Local Public Health Officials (WASALPHO) received grant
funding to conduct a septage capacity analysis for the state which recommended that the state continue
examining septage capacity issues. The report can be found here
https://apps.ecology.wa.gov/publications/documents/2507045.pdf. One ofthe key recommendations of
the report is to conduct a fiscal analysis of potential infrastructure solutions. As Washington State grows,
septage capacity may become a critical limiting factor to development, as well as a threat to public health.
In addition, the National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT) fo rmed a task force to develop
policy initiatives to address septage capacity issues nationwide.
Jefferson County has limited septage capacity, currently approximately 4,000 gallons per day. We applied
for, but did not receive, a grant to prepare the engineering documents to expand the current city-owned
septage compost facility. The county and state should continue working to address the septage capacity
issues by advocating for legislative resources, securing a grant(s) to expand the current capacity in
Jefferson County and the state.
Port Hadlock Wastewater Treatment Facility
In the 1990s, the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA) required Jefferson County to develop
a Comprehensive Plan for managing its growth. This plan identified areas where urban growth should
occur and economic activity, higher population density, and infrastructure improvements should be
prioritized. In 2002, Jefferson County designated the Port Hadlock/Irondale area as an Urban Growth Area
(UGA) because it was already "characterized by urban growth" (RCW 36.70A.110(1)). Under GM A, urban
services, including municipal sewers rather than septic systems, are required to allow development
typically associated with urban areas.
Up until 2025, Port Hadlock area did not have a sewer system or wastewater treatment plant. Local
homes, businesses and other facilities depended on individual septic systems that limit growth, urban
density and affordable housing development. To accommodate urban level activities of the UGA, future
urban zoning has already been approved, but that zoning can only be "turned on" when sewer becomes
available to the property.
Major land use changes enacted with Phase 1 UGA Sewer System construction:
• Existing rural zo ning will be replaced with urban levels of zo ning fo r all properties receiving sewer
service located in the Phase I sewer system boundary
• Higher density residential development can be provided
• Economic and business developments will be allowable
• Existing developments can be expanded and grown
• Vacant land area on properties that presently contain drain fields or drain field reserve areas will
no longer be necessary
In the fall of 2025, the Port Hadlock UGA Sewer System became operational. The initial sewer connections
located in the Phase 1 area consisted of mostly co mmercial establishments including restaurants, a
grocery store, and clinics. Sewer service expansion into areas outside of the Phase 1 service area will likely
be a slow process that will rely on property owners bringing sewer into their neighborhoods or if an
existing septic system fails and the property meets the provisions for requiring septic to sewer connection.
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 22 of 51
More extensive buildout of the sewer system beyond Phase 1 would benefit from an influx of grant
funding to offset the cost of installing the infrastructure.
W ater Q u ality Program
JCPH established its Water Quality Division in 2007 to enhance and protect the lakes, streams, and marine
waters of our county. Our mission is to protect public health by monitoring and responding to threats to
water quality fo r protection of human health and wildlife habitat by using available local, state, and
federal funding effectively and efficiently.
Po llutio n Ide n tifi catio n and Correctio n (P IC)
The PIC program screens fo r bacterial pollution on Jefferson County shorelines and identifies the
source(s). The primary source of pollution in the county is attributed to failing and deficient OSS. After
staff identify the source area(s) of contamination, they investigate hot spot areas and complete sanitary
surveys to identify if an OSS is a potential source of pollution. Sanitary surveys are direct outreach to
homeowners to provide education and information about the status of their OSS to help correct septic
deficiencies. If WQ identifies an issue, staff coordinate with O&M and code enforcement to help provide
financial assistance resources (such as rebates, Craft3, REPAH, and Habitat fo r Humanity) to address the
OSS corrections required. WQ also coordinates with the OSS team fo r permitting repair/replacement OSS.
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 23 of 51
D y e T e stin g
WQ may utilize dye testing to assist in identifying the source of contamination. WQ staff also perform in-
person sanitary surveys on suspect properties. If there are issues with the ass, WQ staff will provide
financial assistance options to the homeowner for the repair or replacement of ass that are out of
inspection compliance, are failing, or have failed.
WQ Sanitary Surveys
A sanitary survey consists of three sections: a questionnaire, helpful tips for longevity, and visual
inspection of septic components. Continual investigation of hot spots and visual inspections of individual
parcel suspected systems, along with cooperation from Jefferson County residents, will maintain and
improve the water quality within Jefferson County. WQ staff send direct mailings to homeowners of ass
in hot spots and other areas of concern. The sanitary surveys are significant, direct contact outreach
opportunities for homeowners of high impact ass in order to collect helpful information about their ass
and encourage engagement. WQ may also include an ass rebate brochure with their sanitary survey
mailings.
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 24 of 51
WQ Homeowner Financial Assistance
WQ offers resources on financial assistance to assist homeowners in the repair/replacement of
failing/failed OSS which dovetails with the O&M team in areas such as rebates and also coordinates with
Craft3 and USDA loans. WQ also coordinates with ECY on Clean Water Act designations of impaired water
bodies in Jefferson County (watersheds study). WQ staff help homeowners fill out rebate forms, access
OSS records, provide info about septic classes, and provide copies of their last O&M inspection report and
asbuilt.
Timeline
Goal Activities Deadline/
Due Date
Expand water quality • Expand the PIC program to include dye testing in Ongoing
monitoring. sensitive areas. Develop a dye testing protocol
and deploy a pilot project in an area with known
water quality issues and suspected failing OSS.
• Continue to track water quality monitoring data
and activities in areas where OSS may pose an
increased public health risk.
Support OSS property • Continue education and outreach for OSS Ongoing
owners in sensitive areas. property owners in sensitive areas such as
Chimacum Creek watershed, Salmon-Snow
watershed and Discovery Bay.
Collaborate with others • Support development of response plans for the Ongoing
performing similar work impact of sea level rise on OSS.
across departments and • Continue collaboration with other LHJs in settings
agencies. such as PSP LIOs and DOH westside coordinators'
meetings.
• Continue collaboration with Washington State
Association of Local Public Health Officials
(WASALPHO) regarding septage capacity work .
•
Part 3 - Operation and Monitoring
The O&M program monitors all active OSS and instructs the public and septic professionals on OSS
operations and maintenance requirements. The program inventories all OSS, determines operational
status of OSS, enforces OSS code requirements, and performs education and outreach.
All septic system permit applications for new systems, repairs, modifications or alteration, and tanks only
(connecting to existing systems or community systems) are required to meet septic design standards to
facilitate O&M inspections.
✓ Watertight risers to grade on septic tanks and pump tanks
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 25 of 51
✓ Risers to grade on distribution boxes and other flow splitting components
✓ Monitoring ports to the infiltrative surface on non-conventional systems where applicable
✓ Monitoring ports to distribution pipes for flushing and measuring flows
✓ Cycle/dose counters where a pump is required
✓ Pump run time meters
✓ Audio and visual alarms where a pump is required
OSS Permitting
O&M staff provide technical assistance and communications to the public and septic professionals on
various topics such as property sales, land development requirements, permitting questions, compliance
requirements, inspection questions, interpreting local sewage code and policies, and program updates.
For septic permitting and design questions, O&M staff refer the customer to OSS staff or to a septic
designer. Septic repair permits are tracked by O&M staff to ensure that failing or deficient OSS come into
compliance.
Operational Permits
The county 2025 OSS code update allows for the health officer to require an operational permit for
wastewater systems that have an increased public health risk such as holding tanks and experimental OSS.
Operational permits will create additional oversight of OSS through the required annual permit renewal
and applicable conditions of approval.
Inspection and Pump Report Auditing
In 2025, JCPH received 2,989 inspection and pump reports submitted by septic professionals to RME.
Currently, there is insufficient staffing capacity to review all professional reports. Due to this, inspection
and pump reports uploaded into RME by professionals are reviewed only if the report is flagged. Reports
are flagged in RME when selected items are noted as deficient. For example, an RME inspection report
that answers "no" to the question "effluent level within operational limits" will be flagged.
O&M staff review all septic inspection reports as they are received from authorized homeowner
inspectors. This 100% audit rate of homeowner inspection reports is in part due to the report submittal
method in place. Authorized homeowners have user accounts in EPL CSS portal where they can access
copies of their inspection report form and submit their completed inspection reports. Upon receipt of a
homeowner inspection report, an automated notification is sent to the O&M staff. Staff then review the
inspection report and update the associated SOM case. Unlike professional inspection reports that have
an API in place to import data from RME to EPL, O&M staff manually import homeowner inspection report
findings into EPL.
ass Inspection Reminders
O&M and W Q staff mail inspection reminder letters to homeowners on an as needed basis. Inspection
reminder letters are set up as a Report in SOM cases in EPL. This Report generates a letter that has
property specific information such as the SOM case number, site address, last septic inspection date and
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 26 of 51
the required inspection frequency. These letters are typically sent to homeowners when there is a county
process that identifies that a septic system is overdue for a routine monitoring inspection.
Prior to 2020, O&M staff would send batches of inspection reminders to homeowners. These batch
reminders were sent to OSS overdue for inspection and were targeted to neighborhoods. Neighborhood
targeting is intended to both ease the scheduling of inspections fo r professionals and to encourage
neighbors to discuss septic monitoring. Batch letters have not been generated or mailed since 2020, due
to the Covid pandemic and the EPL database conversion.
O&M staff have designed an inspection reminder postcard and use this postcard as the new batch
inspection reminder tool. Postcards may receive more engagement than the previously used enveloped
letter inspection reminder. O&M staff began mailing out batches of postcards in July 2026. Postcard
inspection reminders are sent out to 200-400 homeowners at a time, targeting OSS in the MRA and
systems that have never received a professional inspection.
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Property Transfer Inspection Rem inders
A current and complete O&M inspection by a certified OSS professional is required when a property is
sold or there is a title transfer. O&M staff, review septic inspection records fo r all properties that have
been sold or the title transferred. If the sold property is developed, not on sewer service, and lacks a
current septic inspection report, a notification is mailed to the current property owner. The notification
informs new property ow~ers ofthe required septic inspection frequency.
Septic violations may be identified through review of property sales. lfthe sold property is developed and
' '\
there is no record of a valid septic permit, or if there is a deficient inspection report on file for the septic
system, O&M staff may initiate the SOM compliance process. See the Code Compliance and Enforcement
section below for information on SOM compliance. '
Certification of Septic Professionals
JC PH certifies septic professionals to provide services in the county excluding septic designers who are
licensed by the Board of Engineers and Profe ssional Land Surveyors (BRPELS). Professionals certified by
JCPH are pumpers, O&M technicians, O&M specialists, and installers. Sewage pumpers must be certified
to pum p sewage in the county, O&M technicians and O&M specialists who monitor and maintain systems
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 27 of 51
must be certified to work in the county, and any installer who installs OSS in the county must be certified
by JCPH.
Until 2024, JCPH required septic professionals applying for certification to pass a custom JCPH competency
test. JCPH now partners with Washington On-site Sewage Association (WOSSA) who provides and proctors
all testing as required for Jefferson County septic professional certifications. WOSSA also offers continuing
education classes that meet the requirements for professionals to obtain CEU credits required fo r
certificate renewal. County partnership with WOSSA fo r professional certification helps ensure that
professionals certified by JC PH are meeting standard benchmarks set by industry professionals across the
state.
The delegation from the state to the county to certify septic professionals may create a stronger working
relationship between the local health department and septic professionals. However, county professional
certification programs may also create regulatory boundaries fo r septic professionals who must become
familiar with each county's unique septic regulations, as well as obtain certification in all counties where
they perform work. This is a logistical and financial burden fo r these profe ssionals and may limit the
number of professionals available in smaller jurisdictions. Limited professionals may result in less
competitive prices and timely availability for homeowners obtaining OSS pumping, inspections and
installations. Septic professional certification by the State Department of Health would help alleviate this
problem. ·
O&M Inspector Auditing
JC PH has drafted policy and guidelines to implement routine, randomized perfo rmance audits of
authorized homeowner inspectors and certified O&M technicians and specialists. The intent of
implementing an audit program would be to ensure homeowner inspectors and professionals meet the
minimum perfo rmance standards. The core components of the proposed audit program would be
randomized report auditing, database review of inspection reports, site visits to verify report accuracy,
and fo llow up actions as required.
Code Compliance and Enforcement
O&M staff review deficient inspection and pumping reports submitted by certified professionals. Staff
triage deficient reports for compliance actions based on the fo llowing enforcement tier structure:
SOM enforcement tier list
SOM Tier 1 (High Priority) potential for human contact with sewage
• Septic system failed - sewage on ground
• Septic system failed - sewage backing up into structure
• Sewage being discharged on ground or to surface waters
• Unsecured tank risers
SOM Tier 2 (Moderate Priority) untreated sewage entering environment
• Leaking tank
• Drainfield not accepting effluent
• Effluent level in the tank above normal operating level
2027 055 LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 28 of 51
• UV light or ATU not functioning as intended
• OSS installed in groundwater
• ass installed without permits
• Any structure with unknown disposal of wastewater
SOM Tier 3 (Low Priority) all other deficiencies
• Un permitted connection to OSS, OSS connections over capacity
• Unpermitted com ponents added to permitted OSS
• Encroachment
• O&M inspection report with deficiencies not listed in Tier 1 or Tier 2, requires correction
• Unpermitted outhouse
W hen priority violations are identified, O&M staff send a Notice of Voluntary Compliance (NOVC) to the
property owner describing the deficiencies and corrective actions required. When the property owner
responds to the NOVC, O&M staff provide guidance on co mpliance requirements and necessary steps to
resolve the deficiencies.
If corrective action is not completed, JC PH may take additional enforcement actions. Depending on the
severity ofthe violation, this may include one or more ofthe fo llowing: offering a Voluntary Compliance
Agreement, issuing a Notice of Violation with civil penalty, issuing a Notice of Violationa nd order of
Abatement, recording a Notice to Title fo r Noncompliance to the property. If an NOV is issued, O&M staff
will create a code compliance case (COM ) in EPL to document the enforcement activities. Documenting
these activities through the COM facilitates appropriate record retention fo r code enforcement
documents and allows fo r staff time tracking fo r cost recovery.
The current configuration of EPL does not support tracking fo llow up compliance activities. O&M staff
track fo llow up activities via an Excel spreadsheet. To use EPL fo r follow up tracking, additional calendar
functions need to be developed by database vendor.
Tim eline
Goal Activities Deadline/
Due Date
Reduce the num ber of OSS • Work to determine motivations and Ongoing
that have never had an O&M barriers to O&M inspections.
inspection and increase the • Analyze homeowner responses from WQ
num ber of OSS that are mailers where social marketing questions
com pliant with O&M are used that can result in behavior
inspection frequency. change.
• Develop and implement enforcement
strategies fo r homeowners with OSS who
are not current with O&M inspections,
especially with systems located in sensitive
areas.
• Continue to improve inspection reminder
program.
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 29 of 51
Develop and implement septic • Develop the proposed audit program to By 2032
inspection audit program. include randomized report auditing, site
visits to verify report accuracy, and follow
up actions as required.
• Develop enforcement guidelines for issues
identified during audit of authorized
homeowners and certified professionals.
Audit financial assurance for • Contact all community OSS managers and By 2032
all community OSS request their financing mechanism data.
Determine if funding is appropriate and
require additional financial assurance if
needed.
P art 4 - H om eow ner Ed u cation
JCPH staff provide education, outreach and technical assistance to homeowners with septic systems. This
comes in the fo rm of social media posts, tabling at community events, answering direct inquiries, and
offering in-person septic education classes.
Customer Service
JC PH offers sanitarian hours every weekday morning to provide OSS technical assistance to the public.
Additional resources are available on the JCPH website, including OSS codes and policies, education
materials, fo rms and applications, funding resources, FAQs, and useful links for the proper monitoring and
operation of OSS. Online submittal of septic incentive and rebate applications, registration for septic
homeowner classes, and fee payments are also available through the JCPH website.
Customer Self-Service (CSS) portal is a feature of EPL that provides the public with on line access to county
permitting and land use approval records, including septic permits and SOM data. County staff can
configure which data fields are visible to the public in CSS. These fields include case status, last inspection
date, next inspection due date, required inspection frequency, OSS Fee Assessment category, and a link
to view professional inspection reports in OnlineRM E. Septic professional certification renewal and
homeowner inspection reporting are also available through CSS.
Homeow ner Education Classes
JC PH offers free in-person classes to educate homeowners about care and use of septic systems and how
to complete your own septic inspection. Classes are offered at community centers throughout east
Jefferson County. Copies of septic records such as record drawings and recent inspection reports· are
provided to homeowners. Homeowners who complete the course may be eligible to become authorized
inspectors of their own septic system.
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 30 of 51
Homeowner Inspection Program
JCPH allows homeowners with qualifying septic systems to become authorized to complete some of their
routine inspections. Inspection by a certified professional is required at a certain frequency based on the
type of system (see Appendix C). The program educates homeowners on how septic systems work, why
maintenance is important, and what users can do to extend the life of their septic systems. The program
also lowers the cost to homeowners to complete regular septic inspections. To become authorized,
homeowners must complete a training either online or in person. There are over 1,600 homeowner
inspectors currently authorized in Jefferson County. Since the program started, more than 2,300 property
owners have completed the training and become authorized.
Historically, online training and septic inspection reporting for homeowners was available through the
Septic DIV website. This website was developed and administered by a third-party contractor and was
integrated with Tidemark database. This website was not secure and JCPH lost access to this website when
the contractor was no longer available. Online reporting fo r homeowner inspectors was not available from
2022 to 2025.
Development and implementation of homeowner authorization training and reporting through EPL and
CSS was completed in 2026. Configuration of the new system required staff to review all homeowner
inspection records and transfe r data to Septic Homeowner Authorization (SHOA) cases in EPL. Authorized
homeowner data is now tracked through SHOA cases in the Profe ssional License module of EPL. Each
authorized homeowner's SHOA case is linked to the SOM case(s) they are authorized to inspect. An
authorized homeowner can access their SHOA case through CSS to download blank inspection reports,
upload completed inspection reports, and access reference materials to assist in completing an inspection.
Tim e line
Goal Activities Deadline/
Due Date
Develop and • Develop interface in EPL Navigator fo r By July 2027
enhance digital homeowners to train, test and become
resources fo r authorized homeowner inspectors
homeowners through CSS.
• Create an instructional video to assist
homeowners with setting up their CSS
accounts and submitti ng homeowner
inspection reports.
• Expand the resources on the JC PH
website to offer more visual aid charts
and maps to educate the public on
water quality and shellfish
improvements.
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 31 of 51
Part 5 - Funding Strategy
Sustainability and expansion ofthe O&M program requires development of long-term funding options in
addition to current fu nding sources.
ass Fee Assessment
The O&M program is primarily funded by an annual OSS fee, which was established by adoption of
Ordinance 05-1103-16. The OSS fee is assessed for all active OSS based on JCC 8.15.055 and collected via
property tax statements.
JCPH provides an annual report to the county Assessor's and Treasurer's offices detailing the parcels
where OSS have been constructed, recently identified, or decommissioned. The Treasurer's office uses
this data to apply and collect OSS fees via tax statements. The OSS fee is adjusted annually per Ordinance
12-1209-96, Section 4-Annual Fee Indexing and is based on the CPI-Win September of the current year.
Clean Water District Funding
Jefferson County established a CWD for shellfish protection in 2007. The CWD encompasses all of east
Jefferson County and was implemented due to environmental threats to co mmercial shellfish growing
areas. Failing septic systems within the CW D were identified as a primary suspected source of fecal
bacteria in area waters. The CW D has a per parcel assessment fee on land not served by a sewer
connection. This assessed fee supports the WQ PIC program.
Supplemental Grants
Jefferson County receives supplemental grant funding from other agencies including DOH and Puget
Sound Partnership (PSP). JCPH has a biennial contract with DOH fo r OSS LM P implementation. The funding
from this contract supports LM P reporting activities, database maintenance, O&M program
administration, education and outreach, staff professional development, and homeowner incentives and
rebates. JC PH prioritizes distributing these funds to the homeowner incentive and rebate program; under
the current contract, 70% of total funding is allocated to incentives and rebates.
PSP is the state agency leading the region's collective effo rt dedicated to improving the health of Puget
Sound. JC PH coordinates with PSP and Local Integrating Organizations (LIO) to develop LIO Action Plans
focusing on regional needs and priorities to improve management of OSS in our region. In 2024 PSP
advocated fo r and secured one-time funds fo r JC PH to implement the LIO Action Plan.
JC PH is fu nding education and outreach activities and septic rebates and incentives with PSP grant
funding. The septic incentive and rebate program periodically exhausts fu nding, and additional funding is
required to keep this program available.
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 32 of 51
O &M Pro g ram Rev en u e , G ran t M o n e y Rece iv ed an d Expe nd itures
2025 Revenue
OSS Fee Assessment $364,195
Foundational Public Health Services (FPHS) $88,500*
DOH OSS LM P Im plementation contract $11 8,024**
PSP OSS Program Improvement agreement $90,645**
Total Revenue $661,364
2025 Expenditures
ass Fee Assessment $396,211
FPHS $88,500
DOH ass LMP Im plementation $56,390
PSP OSS Program Improvement agreement $0
Total Expenditures $541,10 1
*Total award for all OSS activities
**Grant period January 1, 2025 -June 30, 2027
Financial Assistance for Homeowners
The high cost of septic repair and replacement is a barrier to septic failure correction. JCPH helps
homeowners identify available financial resources to co mplete necessary septic repairs. Staff frequently
refer homeowners to Craft3, a nonprofit lender that partners with Jefferson County to provide low-
interest Clean Water Loans fo r septic repairs. Funding may also be available to homeowners through
Habitat fo r Humanity East Jefferson County, Real Estate Professionals fo r Affordable Housing, and USDA
Section 504 Home Repair program.
For low-income property owners these resources are often inadequate to fund the replacement of a failed
septic system. There is a lack of consistent grant funding available to low-income property owners. JC PH
has previously administered septic cost share grant programs for qualifying property owners though
grants from EPA National Estuary Program (NEP) and Community Development Block Grants. JCPH plans
to partner with Jefferson County Conservation District to provide additional septic cost share grants
pending award from ECY. JC PH has limited staff time to administer these grant programs and additional
resources are needed to support low-income property owners.
JC PH has a Code Compliance Abatement fund that can be used to abate public nuisances. When property
owners are unwilling or unable to correct a septic failure that has been declared a public nuisance, JCPH
could use an abatement fund fo r septic corrections. Development of an OSS abatement program could
enable JCPH to contract with septic professionals to be on call fo r emergency abatement of failing OSS.
O&M Rebate Program
To promote septic system inspections and maintenance, JC PH provides reimbursement of funds directly
to homeowners in the fo rm of O&M incentives and rebates. This program helps cover the cost of
inspections, system locates, pumping, maintenance and minor repairs. JCPH updated rebate eligibility
requirements in 2025 to require all applicants to have a current O&M inspection to receive funds. In
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 33 of 51
addition, JCPH increased the maximum reimbursement amount from $350 to $1000 to address the
increasing cost of services. This program is not accessible to all homeowners because it requires upfront
payment for services and has a one to two month wait for reimbursement. Currently the O&M rebate
program is funded by the DOH OSS LMP Implementation contract and the PSP OSS Program Improvement
agreement. Rebates will be paused when this funding is exhausted.
WQ Rebate Program
WQ offers septic inspection and maintenance rebates for areas of potential pollution identified during
water quality monitoring. A portion of WQ rebates are funded by the Hood Canal Regional PIC (HCRPIC)
program. HCRPIC rebates are targeted at Hood Canal areas where there are known water quality issues,
such as the Duckabush River watershed. Rebate funds are also provided by the Chimacum-Hadlock PIC
Project grant (funded in part by ECY), ending in December 2026. A separate grant is pending from the NEP
which is budgeted in part to fund rebates and the setup of a WQ in-house lab.
Timeline
Goal Activities Deadline/Due
Date
Identify funding mechanisms • Develop a revolving grant fund to finance Ongoing
to provide grant funding to septic repairs. Create and adopt an
property owners for septic ordinance that assesses fees to properties
repairs. Lack of funding for with OSS that are delinquent on O&M
low-income property owners inspection frequency requirements. Fees
is a significant barrier to collected from this could be used to fund
completing septic repairs. OSS repairs through the revolving grant
fund.
Expand the incentive and • Explore additional funding sources . Ongoing
rebate program to make • Continually increase incentive and rebate
septic inspections and reimbursement amounts to keep up with
maintenance feasible for the rising cost of professional services.
more homeowners. • Consider adopting a Professional Service
Agreement (PSA) program similar to Clallam
County. Certified septic professionals could
opt into a PSA program for septic inspection
and maintenance cost reimbursement
directly from the county. A PSA program
functions like the septic incentive and
rebate program but alleviates the need for
homeowners to provide upfront payment
for services.
Develop a septic abatement • Contract with certified septic professionals By 2028
program. to be on call for emergency abatement of
failing OSS such as pumping and capping
tanks for use as holding tanks. This could be
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 34 of 51
funded through the Code Compliance
Abatement fund.
Part 6 - Marine Recovery Areas
Jefferson County is bound on the north by the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Clallam County; on the north and
east by Admiralty Inlet; on the east by Port Townsend Bay, Oak Bay, and the Hood Canal; on the west by
the Pacific Ocean; and on the south by Mason and Grays Harbor Counties. Jefferson County has 40
recreational shellfish beaches, 230 miles of marine shoreline, more than 800 lakes with more than 18
miles of lake shoreline, over 18,000 acres of commercial shellfish beds, over 9,000 miles of streams/rivers.
There is one incorporated city, Port Townsend, and one Master Planned Resort, Port Ludlow. There are
several smaller population centers in eastern Jefferson County, but Jefferson County is primarily rural.
Current Status
Low dissolved oxygen and fecal coliform bacteria in shoreline areas is a significant issue and may cause
degradation to shellfish growing beds. In the early 2000's, data suggested that OSS may be contributing
to the low dissolved oxygen in Puget Sound. In response to this, the WA legislature passed legislation that
was codified as RCW Chapter 70.118A, which required local health jurisdictions in the Puget Sound region
to designate MRAs with the purpose of enhancing local OSS programs in these areas to protect public
health and water quality. Jefferson County designated the Hood Canal MRA in order to guide development
and management of OSS in the Hood Canal area. JCPH submits a biannual report to WA DOH which parses
out data for both countywide and MRA OSS activities.
Since designating the Hood Canal MRA, research and studies have determined that properly functioning
OSS are not a significant contributor to low dissolved oxygen or fecal coliform bacteria in Puget Sound.
Jefferson County's MRA should be reassessed to focus on areas of the county where a deficient or failing
OSS may affect water quality. Revising the MRA boundaries will allow JCPH to develop a more targeted
approach to OSS development and management in the Hood Canal drainage area.
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 35 of 51
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Timeline
Goal Activities Deadline/Due
Date
Department • Continue to coordinate activities between O&M ongoing
program and W Q program s, share data, collaborate on
coordination. projects and com pliance cases.
Summary
JCPH plans to implement the recommended activities put fo rth in this updated LMP. Implementation and
continued expansion of OSS management by JCPH will require continued funding and staffing, with
necessary increases in financial sources and staffing. If these increases are not fo rthcoming, the O&M and
WQ programs will be limited in their abilities to expand services and may need to consider limiting some
services and support to the public. JCPH will continue building on existing efforts and leveraging
partnerships to make steady progress towards full implementation of the LMP.
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 36 of S1
2027 LMP Recommendations
JC PH makes the following recommendations to Jefferson County BOH to address the current challenges
associated with OSS management in Jefferson County:
Part 1 Database Enhancement
• Support funding and technical assistance to improve OSS inventory tracking, streamline data
input, and expand reporting capability.
Part 2 OSS Management Areas
• Support future phase development of PH sewer fo r both commercial and residential
connections.
• Advocate for fu nding opportunities for property owners with failing OSS to finance connection
to sewer when available.
• Request guidance from DOH regarding how to meet their requirement for OSS considerations
where sea level rise may impact horizo ntal separation to surface water.
• Support state and county agencies in pursuing further research into effects of sea level rise and
climate change on OSS and development in the county.
• Support data gathering fo r potential OSS alternatives to support areas where sea level rise may
impact adequate OSS to surface water separation.
• Determine if appropriate to designate Lake Leland as an Environmentally Sensitive Area.
Part 3 OSS Operations and Monitoring
• Replace vacant staff positions to handle OSS monitoring, education, surveys, data maintenance,
and potential additional analysis of MRA designation.
• Continue to track water quality monitoring data and activities in areas where OSS could pose
increased public health risks.
• Bolster the existing code enforcement program.
• Advocate for WA State DOH to be the regulatory agency that licenses OSS professionals to
improve interjurisdiction licensing.
Part 4 Homeowner Education
• None at this time.
Part 5 Funding LMP Strategy
• Advocate fo r sustainable funding resources for property owners to finance repair or replacement
of deficient or failing OSS.
Part 6 Marine Recovery Areas
• Review and revise the Hood Canal MRA boundary.
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 37 of 51
References
WAC Chapter 246-272A
https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=246-272A-0015
RCW Chapter 70.118A On-Site Sewage Disposal Systems-Marine Recovery Areas
https://app. leg. wa.gov /RCW /d ispo.aspx ?cite= 70.118A
DOH Additional Marine Recovery Area Guidance
https ://doh. wa .gov /sites/ defa u lt/fi les/legacy/Docu ments/Pu bs//33 7-085. pdf
JC UDC 18,30.180 On-site sewage disposal best management practices in critical aquifer recharge areas.
https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/JeffersonCounty/html/JeffersonCounty18/JeffersonCounty1830.
html
JCC Chapter 8.15 On-Site Sewage Code
https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/JeffersonCounty/#!/JeffersonCounty08/JeffersonCounty08.html
JCC Chapter 13.04 Connection to PHUGA Sewer System
https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/JeffersonCounty/#!/JeffersonCounty13/JeffersonCounty1304.ht
ml#13.04
JCC Chapter 18.18 Irondale and Port Hadlock UGA Development Regulation Implementation
https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/JeffersonCounty/#!/JeffersonCounty18/JeffersonCounty1818.ht
ml#18.18.030
Strait Ecosystem Recovery Network (ERN)
https ://www. co. jeffe rson. wa. us/ 107 5/ 4 704/Stra it-Priority-Areas-Project
Pollution Identification and Correction (PIC)
https://jeffersoncountypublichealth.org/1581/Pollution-ldentification-Correction
City of Port Townsend/Jefferson County
Climate Action Plan
JC Department of Community Development Comprehensive Plan
https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/1835/2025-Comp-Plan-Elements
Pacific Coast Marine Resources Committee
https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/1523/North-Pacific-Coast-Marine-Resources-Com
Clean Water District
https ://www. jeffe rsoncou ntypu bl ichea Ith .o rg/713 /Clean-Water-District
Jefferson County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance No. 18-1120-95
https://test.co.jefferson.wa.us/WeblinkExternal/DocView.aspx?id=181843&dbid=0&repo=Jefferson&cr=
1
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 38 of 51
2023 Jefferson County Sea Level Rise Study
https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/17291/Jefferson-County-Sea-Level-Rise-Study
2023 Big and Little Quilcene Rivers Comprehensive Flood Hazard Management Plan
https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/17290/Big-and-Little-Quilcene-Rivers-
Comprehensive-Flood-Hazard-Management-Plan
Water Utility Coordinating Committee
1997 Coordinated Water System Plan (CWSP)
WA DOH BEACH Program
https ://doh. wa. gov/ a bout-us/executive-offices/prevention-safety-an d-hea Ith/ e nvi ro n me nta 1-pu bl ic-
h ea Ith/ office-en vi ro n menta 1-hea Ith-an d-safety/beach-prog ram
The WA DOH supports the Shellfish Safety Information website for the public to access to check current
health safety conditions of shellfish beaches and marine areas before harvesting shellfish during the
allowed season. As part of the Washington Swimming Environmental Assessment, Communication, and
Health program (BEACH), WQ monitors enterococci levels only at Chimacum Beach, Quilcene Marina, and
other possible beach locations from May to September. Beach users are warned via signage and the WA
DOH website under the BEACH tab if there is an elevated risk for recreational contact illnesses.
Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee
https://www.jeffersonmrc.org/
The Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee (MRC) identifies regional marine issues, fosters
community understanding and involvement, and helps develop support to protect and restore marine
resources. Some of the Committee's projects have included forage fish habitat, restoring the native
Olympia oyster to Discovery Bay, and removing derelict gear from local waters. The MRC is an advisory
group to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and operates under the umbrella of the Northwest
Straits Commission. The MRC members are committed to working closely with homeowners, business
owners, recreational enthusiasts, commercial and sport fishers to reduce or stop the decline of the marine
habitat along the marine shorelines of Jefferson County.
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 39 of 51
Appendix A-Applicable LMP and OSS State and County Regulations
WAC 246-272A-0015:
(1) The local health officer for each Puget Sound county shall develop a written local management plan
to provide guidance to the local health jurisdiction regarding development and management activities
for all OSS within the jurisdiction. The department will review the existing OSS local management plans
for all Puget Sound counties within two years of the effective date of the rule. If the department
determines a plan revision is necessary upon review, the local health officer shall revise the local
management plan fo r all OSS within the local health jurisdiction consistent with subsection (2) of this
section.
(2) At a minimum, the local management plan fo r Puget Sound counties must specify how the local
health jurisdiction will:
(a) Progressively develop and maintain an inventory including the type and location of all known
OSS in operation within the jurisdiction;
(b) Identify any areas where OSS could pose an increased public health risk. The following areas
shall be given priority in this activity:
(i) Shellfish protection districts or shellfish growing areas;
(ii) Sole source aquife rs as designated by the EPA;
(iii) Areas in which aquife rs used for potable water as designated under the Washington
State Growth Management Act under chapter 36.70A RCW are critically impacted by
recharge;
(iv) Designated wellhead protection areas in Group A public water supplies under
chapter 246-290 WAC;
(v) Up-gradient areas directly influencing water recreation facilities designated for
swimming in natural waters with artificial boundaries within the waters as described by
the Water Recreation Facilities Act under chapter 70.90 RCW;
(vi) Areas designated as special protection areas under WAC 173-200-090;
(vii) Wetland areas under production of crops fo r human consumption;
(viii) Frequently flooded areas including areas delineated by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency or as designated under the Washington State Growth
Management Act under chapter 36.70A RCW;
(ix) Areas where nitrogen has been identified as a contaminant of concern including, but
not limited to, the marine waters of Puget Sound;
(x) Areas where phosphorous has been identified as a contaminant of concern;
(xi) Areas where sea level rise may impact adequate horizontal separations to surface
water; and
(xii) Other areas designated by the local health officer.
(c) Identify operation, maintenance, and monitoring requirements commensurate with risks
posed by OSS within the geographic areas identified in (b) of this subsection;
(d) Educate OSS owners about their responsibilities to perfo rm OSS operation and maintenance,
including information fo r owners to complete any inspection required by WAC 246-27 2A-027 0;
(e) Maintain reco rds required under this chapter, including all operation and maintenance
activities as identified;
(f) Enforce OSS owner permit application, operation, monitoring and maintenance and failure
repair requirements in WAC 246-272 A-0200 (2), 246-272 A-0260, 246-272 A-0270, 246-272 A-
027 5, and 246-272 A-0280;
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 40 of 51
(g) Describe the capacity of the local health jurisdiction to fund the local management plan,
which includes a summary of program expenditures by activity, source of funds, a strategy to fill
any funding gaps, and the ability to find failing and unknown systems; and
(h) Verify that the local management plan was developed in coordination with the
comprehensive land use plan of the entities governing development within the local health
jurisdiction.
WAC 246-272A-0015 states that local health jurisdictions will:
• "Enforce ass owner permit application, operation, monitoring and maintenance and failure repair
requirements."
WAC 246-272A-0025 Connection to public sewer system states:
(1) Upon the failure of an existing ass within the service area of a sewer utility, the local health officer
shall:
(a) Permit the repair or replacement of the ass only if a conforming ass can be designed and installed,
excluding ass designed in compliance with or proposing to use Table X in WAC 246-272A-0280; or
(b) Require connection to a public sewer system if the sewer utility allows the connection and has
adequate public sewer services available within 200 feet from where the existing building drain connects
to the existing building sewer, or where no building drain exists, within 200 feet from where the sewer
line begins, as measured along the usual or most feasible route of access.
(2) The owner of a structure served by an ass permitted as a repair under Table X in WAC 246-272A-
0280 shall abandon the ass as specified in WAC 246-272A-0300, and connect the structure to a public
sewer system when:
(a) Connection is deemed necessary to protect public health by the local health officer;
(b) An adequate public sewer becomes available within 200 feet of the existing structure, or in cases
where no building drain exists, within 200 feet from where the sewer for the building begins, as
measured along the usual or most economically feasible route of access; and
(c) The sewer utility allows the sewer connection.
(3) Local boards of health may require a new development to connect to a public sewer system to
protect public health.
(4) Local boards of health shall require new development or a development with a failing ass to connect
to a public sewer system if it is required by the comprehensive land use plan or development
regulations.
WAC 246-272A-0270 Operation, monitoring, and maintenance - Owner responsibilities.
(l)(k) At the time of property transfer:
(i) Provide to the buyer, all available ass maintenance and repair records in addition to the completed
seller disclosure statement in accordance with chapter 64.06 RCW for residential real property transfers;
(ii) Beginning February 1, 2027, obtain an inspection, as required in WAC 246-272A-0260(5), by a third-
party inspector authorized by the local health officer.
WAC 246-272A-0340 states:
Approval of installers, pumpers, and maintenance service providers.
(1) ass installers, pumpers, and maintenance service providers shall obtain approval from the local health
officer prior to providing services including, but not limited to, conducting inspections in accordance with
WAC 246-272 A-0260 and 246-272A-0270, within a local health jurisdiction.
(2) The local health officer shall establish procedures for approving ass installers, pumpers, and
maintenance service providers no later than February 1, 2025. These procedures must include, but are
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 41 of 51
not limited to, conducting inspections in accordance with WAC 246-272A-0260 and 246-272A-0270. The
local health officer may approve OSS installers, pumpers, and maintenance service providers through
reciprocity by other Washington local health jurisdictions.
RCW 70-110-040 created MRAs where additional OSS requirements may be needed to minimize OSS
impacts on the receiving waters. The intent is to:
• Enhance local OSS programs in MRAs by inventorying OSS, requiring the inspection of OSS,
repairing failing OSS, developing electronic data systems capable of sharing information regarding
OSS and monitoring these programs to ensure that they are working to protect public health and
Puget Sound water quality.
• The law requires the jurisdiction to establish an MRA where OSS are a significant factor
contributing to concerns associated with:
Shellfish growing areas that have been threatened or downgraded;
Marine waters that are listed on the 303(d) list for exceeding federal Clean Water Act
standards for low-dissolved oxygen or fecal coliform bacteria; or
Marine waters where nitrogen has been identified as a contaminant of concern.
RCW 70A-110-060 has special requirements for local health officers within county MRAs, including to:
• "Require that on-site sewage disposal system maintenance specialists, septic tank pumpers, or
others perfo rming on-site sewage disposal system inspections submit reports or inspection
results to the local health jurisdiction regarding any failing system; and
• Develop and maintain an electronic data system of all on-site sewage disposal systems within a
marine recovery area to enable the local health jurisdiction to actively manage on-site sewage
disposal systems. In assisting development of electronic data systems, the department shall work
with local health jurisdictions with marine recovery areas and the on-site sewage disposal
recovery area on-site sewage disposal electronic data system must be compatible with all on-site
sewage disposal electronic data systems used throughout a local health jurisdiction."
JCC Chapter 8.15 states:
8.15.055 055 Assessment Fee
(3) An annual O&M fee shall support implementation of the above items and provide support and
maintenance of a database system for the records of OSS permitting, installation, O&M and
communication with the responsible parties.
(4) To implement the requirements of the Jefferson County local management plan as adopted or
amended, each ass shall be charged the annual a&M fee as adopted in the department's fee schedule.
(5) The department's fee schedule shall be revised on an annual basis concurrent with budget adoption
by the board of county commissioners pursuant to Chapter 3.80 JCC.
(6) The annual fee shall be collected via the property owner's property tax statement to implement the
requirements of this chapter.
8.15.065 -Areas where 055 may pose a significant risk to public health.
The health officer may impose additional requirements to an OSS application beyond the minimum
established in this chapter and chapter 246-272 A WAC, and may deny the application, in any area where
an ass may pose a significant risk to human health and the environment. The health officer shall make
the fo llowing findings in their decision:
(1) The decision is made as a matter of professional judgment to protect human health and safety, and
the environment;
2027 ass LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 42 of 51
(2) The requirements and restrictions contained within the decision are prudent and necessary to prevent
or reduce the possibility of failure of an OSS, or to minimize any negative impacts of an OSS upon
public health and environmentally sensitive areas; and
(3) The determination is based on a review of available science by the department and other agencies
with expertise in making their determination.
8.15.090 Design Requirements for all 055 ,
(7) JCC 18.30.180 establishes best management practices for OSS that are located in special aquifer
recharge protection areas that are also located in susceptible aquifer recharge areas as designated by JCC
18.22 .310 . JCC 18.30.180 is no longer consistent with the minimum land area requirements of WAC 246-
272 -0320. Therefore, the fo llowing design standards consistent with Chapter 246-272 A WAC shall
preempt the best management practices of JCC 18.30.180 as to mitigating nitrogen and bacteria loading:
(a) lfthe property is one acre or larger, the OSS shall not exceed the nitrogen loading limits ofT able XII in
WAC 246-272 A-0320.
(b) If the property meets the minimum land area of Table XI in WAC 246-272 A-0320:
(i) The OSS shall not exceed the nitrogen limits established in Table XII in WAC 246-272 A-0320;
(ii) lfthe OSS is located in Type 1 or 2 soils, the OSS shall be designed to treat nitrogen to less than
or equal to 30 mg/L prior to final disposal; or
(iii) If the OSS is located in Type 3, 4, 5, or 6 soils, the OSS shall be designed with a shallow pressure
distribution disposal component, or designed to treat nitrogen to less than or equal to 30 mg/L
prior to final disposal if shallow pressure distribution is not feasible.
(c) If the property does not meet the minimum land area of Table XI in WAC 246-272 A-0320;
(i) The OSS shall not exceed the nitrogen limits established in Table XII in WAC 246-272 A-0320; and
(ii) The OSS shall be designed to treat nitrogen to less than or equal to 30 mg/L prior to final disposal.
8.15.120 Sewage Pumper
(10 ) The department reserves the right to observe and audit the activities of certificate holders.
8.15.130 O&M Specialist and O&M Technician
(8) The department reserves the right to observe and audit activities of certificate holders.
8.15.140 055 Installer
(12) The department reserves the right to observe, audit, or inspect the OSS and related activities of OSS
installer certificate holders.
8.15.145 Homeowner Inspection Authoriza tion
(8) The department reserves the right to observe, audit, or inspect the OSS and related activities of
homeowner inspectors authorized to co mplete inspections under this section.
8.15.147 Certificate or Authoriza tion Holders Subject to Suspension or Revoca tion
(1) All certificate or authorization holders are subject to established department audit requirements.
JC C C h a p te r 13 .0 4 C o n n e c tio n to P H U G A S e w e r S y ste m state s:
JCC 13.04.010 Connection - when required or permitted.
(1) Under JC C 18.18.060(4) this code describes when sewers will be considered to be "available" fo r the
purposes of turning off the transitional rural zoning in Chapter 18.19 JCC for the PHUGA. When sewers
are "available," urban growth area standards in Chapter 18.18 JC C apply. JCC 13 .02.01 0 defines "available"
and "availability."
(2) This section describes areas within the Port Hadlock UGA where the PHUGA sewer system is
"available," as described in JC C 13 .02.010 , where individual properties within those areas are required or
permitted to connect to the PHUGA sewer system. All individual properties where the PHUGA sewer
system is available are permitted to connect to the PHU GA sewer system, provided they pay the required
fees.
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 43 of 51
(3) Table 4-1 determines when properties within the PHUGA are required to connect to PHU GA the sewer
system.
(5) When connecting a new detached ADU to the PHUGA sewer system, all other structures with plumbing
on the same property are required to connect to the PHUGA sewer system at the same time. [Ord. 6-25
§ 3 (Appx. A); Ord. 9-24 § 3 (App. A (Exh. S)); Ord. 7-24 § 3 (Appx. A)]
JCC Chapter 15.15.080 Standards for Flood Hazard Reduction
(1) General Standards. In all areas of special flood hazards, the following standards are required:
(d) Utilities.
(i) All new and replacement water supply systems shall be designed to minimize or eliminate
infiltration of floodwaters into the systems;
(ii) Water wells shall be located on high ground that is not in the floodway;
(iii) New and replacement sanitary sewage systems shall be designed to minimize or eliminate
infiltration offloodwaters into the systems and discharges from the systems into floodwaters; and
(iv) On-site waste disposal systems shall be located to avoid impairment to them or contamination
from them during flooding.
(e) Subdivision proposals and other development involving: creation of 50 or more lots, or development
of an area five or more acres in size, whichever is less. Any proposal under this section shall:
(i) Be consistent with the need to minimize flood damage;
(ii) Have public utilities and facilities, such as sewer, gas, electrical, and water systems, located
and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage;
(iii) Have adequate drainage provided to reduce exposure to flood damage; and
(iv) Generate base flood elevation data if it has not been provided or is not available from another
authoritative source.
(f) Review of Building Permits. Where elevation data is not available either through the flood insurance
study, FIRM, or from another authoritative source (JCC 15.15.050(2)(b)), applications for development in
special flood hazard areas shall be reviewed to assure that proposed construction will be reasonably safe
from flooding. The test of reasonableness is a local judgment and includes use of historical data, high
water marks, photographs of past flooding, etc., where available. Failure to elevate at least two feet above
the highest adjacent grade in these zones may result in higher insurance rates.
JCC Chapter 18.18 Unified Development Code states:
JCC 18.18.060 - Development requirements and performance standards
(4) Sanitary Sewer Service.
(a) Sewer Service Area. The sewer service area is the same as the 20-year planning boundary of the
Irondale and Port Hadlock urban growth area. No development approval shall be given, and no building
permit issued, unless the proposed development complies with the provisions of this chapter. For
development under this chapter, as a condition of any new development approval or major modification
to an existing commercial, industrial, or residential use located within a sanitary sewer service area, as
identified in the adopted general sewer plan for the Irondale and Port Hadlock urban growth area, as
amended, the property owner must obtain confirmation of sewer availability from the PHUGA sewer
system operator prior to development approval. Sewers shall be considered to be available for the
purposes of turning off the transitional rural zoning in Chapter 18.19 JCC for the Irondale and Port Hadlock
urban growth area as described in JCC Title 13.
(b) Areas With Sewer Not Yet Available - Interim On-Site Septic Systems. If the proposed use or major
modification is located within the Irondale and Port Hadlock urban growth area but outside of areas where
sewer is available, then transitional rural development standards in Chapter 18.19 JCC apply.
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 44 of 51
JCC 18.18.120 - Site plan approval required in the Irondale and Port Hadlock UGA
In the Irondale and Port Hadlock UGA prior to the provision of public sewer or public water to a site, any
approval fo r a commercial, industrial, mixed use, multifamily, high density residential, or single-family
residential subdivision in the ULDR zone is required to include a site plan which:
(1) Com plies with the applicable health regulations and other Jefferson County development and building
regulations (e.g., critical areas, stormwater management, etc.);
(2) Provides fo r sanitary sewer connection and other utilities.
The site plan prepared under this section and reviewed and approved by the administrator shall address
the fo llowing: buffers, landscaping, traffic accessa nd parking standards, current septic and future sanitary
sewer provisions, height and scale in relation to surrounding uses and future uses, vegetation removal,
stormwater, potable water, and lot coverage.
Development of the site shall be consistent with the approved site plan. Minor modification to the site
plan may be allowed by the administrator; provided, that all other regulations and conditions placed on
the approval are met. [Ord. 9-24 § 3 (App. A (Exh. 4)); Ord. 9-09 § 2 (Exh. B); Ord. 3-09 § 5 (Exh. G)]
JCC 18.25.380 - Flood control structures
(1) Policies.
(a) The county should prevent the need fo r flood control works by limiting new development in flood-
prone areas.
(b) New or expanded development or uses in the shoreline, including subdivision of land, that would likely
require flood control structures within a stream, channel migration zo ne, or floodway should be
prohibited.
(c) Construction of new flood control structures should only be allowed where there is a documented
need to protect an existing structure and mitigation is applied, consistent with this program. New
development should be designed and located to preclude the need fo r such flood control structures.
(d) W hen evaluating the need for flood control structures such as traditional levees and/or dams,
opportunities to remove or relocate existing developments and structures out of flood-prone areas should
be pursued to the maximum extent feasible. Alternative measures, such as overflow corridors and setback
levees, that may have less adverse im pact on shoreline ecology should be considered befo re structural
flood control measures can be approved.
(e) Probable effects on ecological functions and processes should be fu lly evaluated fo r consistency with
this program befo re flood control structures are permitted.
(f) Flood control structures are a necessary and appropriate means of protecting existing development
only when all of the fo llowing are met:
(i) The primary use being protected is consistent with this program; and
(ii) Nonstructural flood hazard reduction measures are infe asible; and
(iii) W here such structures can be developed in a manner that is compatible with multiple use of
streams; and
(iv) Where shoreline resources such as fish and wildlife habitat and recreation are protected in
the long term.
(g) W hen proven necessary, flood control structures should be located, designed, and maintained in a
manner that:
(i) Minimizes adverse effects on shoreline ecology; and
(ii) Is compatible with navigation and recreation, especially in shorelines of statewide significance;
provided, that public safety and eco logical protection are fully addressed; and
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(iii) Incorporates native vegetation to enhance ecological functions, creates a more natural
appearance, improves ecological processes, and provides more flexibility for long-term shoreline
management.
(iv) Nonregulatory methods to protect, enhance, and restore shoreline ecological functions and
processes and other shoreline resources should be encouraged as an alternative to flood control
structures. Nonregulatory methods may include public facility and resource planning, land or
easement acquisition, education, voluntary protection and enhancement projects, or incentive
programs.
(h) The county should continue to develop long-term, comprehensive flood hazard management plans in
cooperation with other applicable agencies and persons to prevent flood damage, maintain the natural
hydraulic capacity of streams and floodplains, and conserve or restore valuable, limited resources such as
fish, water, soil, and recreation and scenic areas.
(i) Planning and design of flood control structures should be consistent with and incorporate elements
from adopted watershed management plans, restoration plans and/or surface water management plans.
(2) Shoreline Environment Regulations.
(a) Priority Aquatic. Flood control structures may be permitted subject to the policies and regulations of
this program and a conditional use permit if allowed in the adjacent upland environment.
(b) Aquatic. Flood control structures may be permitted subject to the policies and regulations of this
program and a conditional use permit if allowed in the adjacent upland environment.
(c) Natural. Flood control structures are prohibited.
(d) Conservancy. Flood control structures may be permitted subject to the policies and regulations of this
program and a co nditional use permit.
(e) Shoreline Residential. Flood control structures may be allowed subject to the policies and regulations
ofthis program and 1a conditional use permit.
(f) High Intensity. Flood control structures may be permitted subject to the policies and regulations of this
program and a conditional use permit.
(3) Regulations.
(a) Flood control structures shall be permitted only when there is credible engineering and scientific
evidence that:
(i) They are necessary to protect existing, lawfully established development; and
(ii) They are consistent with Chapters 15.15 and 18.30 JC C and the county Comprehensive Plan;
and
(iii) Nonstructural flood hazard reduction measures are infeasible; and
(iv) Proposed measures are consistent with an adopted comprehensive flood hazard management
plan if available.
(b) When permitted, flood control structures shall be:
(i) Constructed and maintained in a manner that does not degrade the quality of affected waters
or the habitat value associated with the in-stream and riparian area; and
(ii) Placed landward of the OHW M except fo r weirs, current deflectors and similar structures
whose primary purpose is to protect public bridges and roads; and
(iii) Placed landward of associated wetlands and designated habitat conservation areas, except
fo r structures whose primary purpose is to improve ecological functions; and
(iv) Designed based on engineering and scientific analyses that provide the highest degree of
protection to shoreline ecological functions or processes; and
(v) Designed to allow for normal ground water movement and surface runoff. Natural in-stream
features such as snags, uprooted trees, or stumps should be left in place unless they are actually
causing bank erosion or higher flood stages; and
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 46 of 51
(vi) Designed to allow streams to maintain point bars and associated aquatic habitat through
normal accretion so that the stream can maintain normal meander progression and maintain
most of its natural storage capacity.
(c) When permitted, dikes and levees shall be limited to that height required to protect adjacent lands
from the predictable annual flood unless it can be demonstrated through hydraulic modeling that a
greater height is needed and will not adversely impact shoreline ecological functions and processes.
(d) Flood control works are prohibited on estuary or embayment shores, on point and channel bars, and
in salmon and trout spawning areas, except for the purpose of fish or wildlife habitat enhancement or
restoration.
(e) Flood control structures and stream channelization projects that damage fish and wildlife resources,
recreation or aesthetic resources, or create high flood stages and velocities shall be prohibited.
(f) Use of solid waste such as motor vehicles, derelict vessels, appliances, or demolition debris;
construction of flood control works is prohibited.
(g) Flood control structures shall not adversely affect valuable recreation resources and aesthetic values
such as point and channel bars, islands, and braided banks.
(h) The county shall require flood control structures to be professionally engineered and designed prior
to final approval. The design shall be consistent with the Department of Fish and Wildlife Aquatic Habitat
Guidelines and other applicable guidance and regulatory requirements.
(i) No flood control structure shall be installed or constructed without the developer having obtained all
applicable federal, state, and local permits and approvals, including but not limited to a Hydraulic Project
Approval (HPA) from the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
(j) Removal of beaver dams to control or limit flooding shall be allowed; provided, that the project
proponent coordinates with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and obtains all necessary permits and
approvals from the state.
(k) To determine that the provisions of this section are fully addressed, the county may require one or
more technical studies/reports at the time of permit application for flood control structures unless the
county determines that issues are adequately addressed via another regulatory review process. Technical
reports required pursuant to this section shall address the following:
(i) An analysis of the flood frequency, duration and severity and expected health and safety risks
as a rationale and justification for the proposed structure.
(ii) A hydraulic analysis prepared by a licensed professional engineer that describes anticipated
effects of the project on stream hydraulics, including potential increases in base flood elevation,
changes in stream velocity, and the potential for redirection of the normal flow of the affected
stream.
(iii) A biological resource inventory and analysis prepared by a qualified professional biologist that
describes the anticipated effects ofthe project on fish and wildlife resources.
(iv) Proposed provisions for accommodating public access to and along the affected shoreline, as
well as any proposed on-site recreational features.
(v) A description of any proposed plans to remove vegetation and revegetate the site following
construction.
(I) To ensure compliance with the no net loss provisions of this program, the county may require the
proponent to prepare a mitigation plan that describes measures for protecting shoreline and in-stream
resources during construction and operation of a flood control structure. The required mitigation shall be
commensurate with the value and type of resource or system lost. Mitigation activities shall be monitored
by the proponent to determine the effectiveness of the mitigation plan. In instances where the existing
mitigation measures are found to be ineffective, the proponent shall take corrective action that satisfies
the objectives of the mitigation plan. [Ord. 7-13 Exh. A (Art. VII§ S)]
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 47 of 51
House Bill 1181- Engrossed Second Substitute
Sec. 1. (14) Climate change and resiliency. Ensure that comprehensive plans, development regulations,
and regional policies, plans, and strategies under RCW 36.70A.210 and chapter 47.80 RCW adapt to and
mitigate the effects of a changing climate; support reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and per capita
vehicle miles traveled; prepare for climate impact scenarios; foster resiliency to climate impacts and
natural hazards; protect and enhance environmental, economic, and human health and safety; and
advance environmental justice.
(15) Shorelines of the state. For shorelines of the state, the goals and policies of the shoreline
management act as set forth in RCW 90.58.020 shall be considered an element of the county's or city's
comprehensive plan.
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 48 of 51
Appendix B - Work Item Authorizations
8.15.147 - Table 1
Certificate or Authorized Person
W ork Item Pumper O&M Technician O&M Specialist Installer Resident
owner
M e asu rin g le ve ls of yes yes yes yes yes
slu d g e, scu m an d liq u id in
ass co m p o ne nts
C lea n scree ns yes yes yes yes yes
V isua l evaluatio n of ass yes yes yes yes yes
co m p o n e nts
In sp ect an d re p o rt th e yes yes yes yes yes1
co nd itio n of ass
co m p o n e nts, m o n ito rin g
po rts an d the su rfa ce
ab o ve th e
drain fi e ld /d isp o sa l area
R eco rd info rm atio n su ch yes yes yes yes yes1
as: cycl e /do se co u nter,
o p e ratin g ho u r m e te rs, o r
w ater m eters.
Exp o se po rtio n s of ass fo r no yes yes yes yes
up d ated site plan
H yd ro je tt ing yes yes yes yes no
Excav ate fo r jettin g yes yes yes yes yes
P u m p any tan k/ pump yes no no no no
chamber
Repair or replace UV light no no yes yes no
un its
R ep a ir o r rep lace no no yes2 yes2 no
co m p o n e nts of a
pro p rie tary treatm e nt
un it
D eco m m issio n in g no no no yes no
R e p air or rep lace tig htlin e no yes yes yes yes
or cl e an o uts
R e p air o r rep lace access no yes yes yes yes3
or in sp e ctio n po rts
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 49 of S1
Excavate to install sweeps no no yes yes no
or end caps
Install and repair septic yes yes yes yes yes
tank lids, risers and
baffles
Install and repair yes yes yes yes yes
distribution box risers
Install or adjust flow no yes yes yes no
distribution devices in a
distribution box
Replacing/ Repairing no yes yes yes no
existing D-Box/splitter
device
Replace or repair no no yes yes no
manifo lds with same
configuration
Replace or repair no no yes5 yes5 no
manifolds with different
configuration
Adjust flow in a manifold no no yes yes no
Replace pumps with same no yes yes yes no
specifications as existing
pump
Replace floats no yes yes yes no
Test high-level alarm no6 yes yes yes yes1
Replace electrical panels no no no no4 no
Alter cycle/dose counters no no yes5 yes no
or operating hour meters
Collect samples for waste- no6 no6 yes no6 no
strength sampling
1 If authorized homeowner inspector.
2 If authorized by proprietary product manufacturer,
3 Resident owners may not perform work non-proprietary product portions of the ass.
4 Unless approved by Washington State Labor and Industries requirements.
5 Requires the department's approval prior to altering.
6Unless otherwise approved by the department.
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 50 of 51
Appendix C
8.15.150 -Table 2: Frequency of O&M Inspection Requirements
Conventional w/Pump, Pressure Aerobic Treatment
Conventional Gravity - No Pump Distribution, Mound, Sandfilter, Other Unit(ATU),
Public Domain Technology Proprietary Device
Time
Frequency of
Frequency of Inspection - Every 3 Years Frequency of Inspection - Every Year Inspection - Every
Year
05S1 Not Within Risk 05S1 Is Within Risk 0S51 Not Within 0S51 Is Within Risk
Category2 Category2 Risk Category2 Category2
All Sites
Year 1 N/A N/A HO or OM or DES OM or DES 3OM or DES
Year 2 N/A N/A HO or OM or DES HO or OM or DES 3OM or DES
Year 3 HO or OM or DES HO or OM or DES HO or OM or DES HO or OM or DES 3OM or DES
Year 4 N/A N/A HO or OM or DES OM or DES 3OM or DES
Year 5 N/A N/A HO or OM or DES HO or OM or DES 3OM or DES
Year 6 HO or OM or DES OM or DES OM or DES HO or OM or DES 3OM or DES
Year 7 N/A N/A HO or OM or DES OM or DES 3OM or DES
Year 8 N/A N/A HO or OM or DES HO or OM or DES 3OM or DES
Year 9 OM or DES HO or OM or DES HO or OM or DES HO or OM or DES 3OM or DES
Yearl0 N/A N/A HO or OM or DES OM or DES 3OM or DES
Year 11 N/A N/A HO or OM or DES HO or OM or DES 3OM or DES
Year 12 HO or OM or DES OM or DES OM or DES HO or OM or DES 3OM or DES
Above schedule repeats for the life of the OSS
HO= Homeowner with inspection authorization
OM = O&M specialist or O&M technician
DES = 055 designer
1 OSS - includes all components of an 055 including tanks, transport lines, treatment and disposal components.
2 Risk categories include any one of the following elements:
• Setbacks - O5S with components not meeting the current required setbacks to a well or surface water.
• Shorelines - 055 with components within 200 feet of ordinary high water.
• Floodplain - sites with 055 components mapped by FEMA as being within a 100-year floodplain.
• Waiver - OSS with components not meeting the current required setbacks to a well or surface water.
• 055 replacement or repairs not meeting current code at the time of permitting.
3 OM or DES= Professionals inspecting proprietary devices shall have authorization by the manufacturer to monitor and maintain these
treatment units.
2027 OSS LMP Update BOH DRAFT 08/06/2026 Page 51 of 51
Jefferson County On-Site Sewage System
Management Plan
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Introduction
History of On-Site Sewage Management in Jefferson County
Legal Authority
Part 1: Database Enhancement
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Activities
1.2.1 Current OSS Database
1.2.2 Adding & Updating Records in the OSS Database and Identifying
Unknown OSS
1.2.3 Jefferson County's Current O&M Requirements ,.,.
1.2.4 The Current Database System for Maintaining O&M records
1.2.5 Ways in which OSS and O&M are Currently Used within Jefferson County
1.2.6 Additional or Planned Changes (If Made to the Data Systems)
1.3 Resources Necessary to Implement Data Components of Plan
1.3.1 Enhancements to Hardware and Software
1.3.2 Data Personnel
1.4 Timeline
1.5 Summary of Database Activities
Part 2: Identification of Sensitive Areas
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Activities
2.2.1 Description of Jefferson County Environment
2.2.2 Current & Past Water Quality Activities
2.2.3 Designating Sensitive Areas
2.2.4 Coordination with Planning Entities within Jefferson County
2.3 State Environmental Policy Act Review
2.4 Resources
2.5 Timeline
2.6 Summary and Prioritization of Activities
Part 3: Operation, Monitoring, and Maintenance in Sensitive Areas
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Activities
3.2.1 Current Operations, Monitoring, and Maintenance (O&M) Requirements
Common to All Areas in Jefferson County
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3 .2 .2 S e ns itiv e A re a O &M R e q u ire m e n ts
3 .2 .3 E n fo rc e m e nt A c tiv itie s
3.3 Changes and Improvements
3.4 Resources
3.5 Timeline
3.6 Summary
Part 4: Marine Recovery Strategy (MRAs)
4.1 Introduction
4.1.1 Definition of MRAs
4.2.1 Legal authority for MRAs
4.2 Activities
4.3 Marine Recovery Area On-Site Strategy (3SHB 1458, Section 5)
4.3.1 Identification of MRA
4.3.2 Evaluation of OSS to Ensure Proper Function
4.3.3 Determination and Repair of Failing Systems
4.3.4 Additional Requirements within MRAs
4.3.5 Identifying Unknown OSS in MRAs and Ensuring Proper Function
4.4 Electronic Data System of OSS within a MRA (3SHB 1458, Section 6)
4.4.1 Reporting Failing Systems in Jefferson County
4.4.2 Ensuring Electronic OSS Data Systems for Each MRA are Compatible
within Jefferson County (addressed in Part One)
4.5 DOH Contracts with Jefferson County for Marine Recovery Area
4.5.1 Description of Jefferson County's current capacity and estimated need
(personnel, financial assistance, hardware and software, etc.) to meet certain
goals
4.6 Resources
4.7 Timeline
Part 5: Education,
5.1 Background
5.2 Activities
5.2.1 Current Education
5.2.1.1 Public classes & events
5.2.1.2 Educational Forms & Handouts
5.2.1.3 Links to external resources
5.3 Planned Education
5.4 Current Reminders
5.4.1 Initial Installation Introduction
5.4.2 Periodic Notification
5.5 Planned Reminders
5.6 Measured Effectiveness
5. 7 Resources
5.8 Timeline
5.9 Summary and Prioritization of Activities
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~p ~e n d ic e s
A p p e n d ix A : D a ta b a s e & R e la te d O &M D o c u m e n ts
A.1 Map using data from Accela database through Crystal Reports to GIS
through Excel spreadsheet- Assigned Work Areas
A.2 Map of section of eastern Jefferson County with parcel identification numbers
A.3 List of septic system types from Accela database
A.4 Webpage with data from Accela database
A.5 Examples of Crystal Reports from Accela
A.6 Map of portion of eastern Jefferson County of sites with toilets per Assessors
database
A. 7 List of Parcel tags and Report of a Parcel "tag"
A.8 Table 1 - Monitoring frequency requirements per JC 8.15
A.9 Crystal Report on monitoring inspection results
A.10 Map of City of Port Townsend Service Area
A.11 Map of DOE 303(d) listed sites
A.12 Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance Onsite Sewage System requirements
A.13 PUD Monitoring Contract example
A.14 Current Monitoring Agreement (as of June 2007)
A.15 JC Policy 04-01 Evaluation of Existing Systems for Building Permit
Application
A.16 Septic Pumpers Report
A.17 Pollution Identification and Correction Protocol (PIC)
Appendix B: General Maps
B.1 Jefferson County Jurisdictional Boundaries
B.2 Jefferson County WRIAs and water bodies
B.3 Population Density
B.4 Jefferson County Critical Areas:
a) Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas
b) Flood zones
ESA checklist
Appendix C: Education Materials
C.1 Assessment tool for education efforts - questionnaire and results
References
List of Contacts
Data Sources
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1E x e c u tiv e S u m m a r}'i
As required by Chapter 246-272A WAC, Jefferson County Public Health has
completed a Sewage Management Plan (SMP) that describes the on-site
sewage program as it now stands in Jefferson County, and what improvements
will occur over the next 5 years. Additionally, this SMP describes the obstacles
and issues facing Jefferson County as it moves forward to implement the Marine
Recovery Areas, as designated herein, in Hood Canal. Jefferson County is
embarking on a journey through this SMP that will eventually lead to a stronger
and more effective Environmental Health Department, improved water quality
throughout Jefferson County, more education opportunities for residents and
homeowners about their on-site sewage system (OSS), and improved operation
and maintenance for all existing and future OSS.
At this time, Jefferson County Public Health has inserted language from this SMP
into the soon-to-be-approved Jefferson County On-Site Sewage Code.
Additionally, Jefferson County Public Health will submit this SMP to the Jefferson
County Board of Health during their July meeting for review. From there,
Jefferson County Public Health will hold a public meeting regarding this plan. By
August this SMP will be adopted by the Jefferson County Board of Health, and
implemented thereafter.
Introduction
History of On-Site Sewage Management in Jefferson County
Permitting began in 1970
Permitting Database began in 1990
Total Number of sites served - approximately 13,500
Total number of sites with septic record - 12,564
# of years of monitoring program - 20 years
# of years with pump reports - 7 years
Acres of approved shellfish beds - 17,932
Acres of conditionally approved shellfish beds - 78
Acres of prohibited shellfish beds - 1,739 ( closed due to proximity to sewer
outfalls and marinas)
Acres of restricted shellfish beds - 50 acres out of 8,500 in Discovery Bay, 200
acres elsewhere.
Sites on 303(d) list for fecal coliform - Chimacum Creek for the main stem and
the mouth, Mats Mats Bay north end.
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Legal Authority
In July 2005, the State Board of Health adopted new on-site sewage system
(OSS) rules. These required Jefferson County to write a plan for the development
and management of all OSS within its jurisdiction. Then, inMarch 2006, the
Legislature added a new section to Title 70 RCW relating to the management of
OSS in marine areas (Third Substitute House Bill 1458).
The intent of the rule and legislation is to provide greater assurance that existing
OSS are not causing public health problems, either through inadequate operation
and maintenance or outright failure. By writing the Plan, Jefferson County is
developing and enhancing processes to: inventory all OSS, identify sensitive
areas throughout Jefferson County, including Marine Recovery Areas, establish
Operation, Monitoring and Maintenance (O&M) needs in the designated sensitive
areas, inform homeowners of needed maintenance and develop procedures for
identifying and repairing failing systems.
Jefferson County is required to develop and submit this plan to Washington State
Department of Health (DOH) by July 1, 2007.
Part 1: Database Enhancement
1.1 Introduction
Jefferson County utilizes several databases to record and track information on
properties/parcels within its jurisdiction. WAC 246-272A-0015 ( 1) contains
elements that must be addressed in this plan. This part of the plan details how
Jefferson County will meet the following elements:
(a) Progressively develop and maintain an inventory of all known OSS in
operation within the jurisdiction;
(f) Maintain records required under chapter 246-272A WAC including all
operation and maintenance activities as identified.
1.2 Activities
1.2.1 Current 055 Database
Description
The existing database Jefferson County uses for both permitting and monitoring
information is Accelas' Tidemark/Advantage, previously known as "Permit
Plan".
• JC implemented the use of this database in 1990 with a basic program
that was customized to meet local needs/requirements.
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• The System is used fo r all perm itting and com plaint cases incl uding
building, shoreline, road access/use, subdivision, septic. There are
currently 16 case types in the system .
• Customization - The system allows substantial customization for existing
case types, adding case types, modifying or adding to screen elements,
adding supporting data tables.
• Capacity -The system has unlimited capacity for additional case types,
cases and users. Case types can be designed and added by local staff to
meet specific needs such as stormwater, utility, violations. Additional
elements can be purchased from the vendor such as web access and
wireless.
Importing and Exporting Data
• Import - Data tables can be populated from other county databases to
assure consistency and that the most current data is available to staff and
the public. An example of this is the importation from the Assessors
AS400 database- the parcel table of Tidemark is updated daily with
current owner name and address and legal description as well as land use
codes, school district and adding newly created parcels.
• Export - Tables can also be exported to other programs/formats. For
example a report can be created using Crystal Reports (the Accela
reporting tool) which can then be saved in an excel spreadsheet that can
be used to create a map. See Appendix A.1 for example.
Data Storage & Back-up
• All data are stored on an SQL server.
• Backup of data occurs daily with 2 weeks of backup retained at all times.
• Security
• System security is accomplished through the use of passwords.
• Security is also controlled by allowing access to only certain parts
of the database by different types of users. There is read only as
well as a variety of levels that limit access to editing or adding of
activities, data entry, etc.
Maintenance
• The parcel table is updated daily via the AS400
• Correction or updating of parcel numbers occurs as staff is notified by the
Assessors Office that changes have occurred. This system is imperfect
and dependent on staff availability and knowledge to accurately correct all
cases associated with the previous parcel numbers.
• Correction of data is done as staff identifies it. The daily update of the
parcel table only impacts new cases entered. The existing cases are
"historic" and can only be corrected manually. If an error was identified
that impacted a group of cases that have some common characteristic or
field such as everything that was in planning area 7 that needed a specific
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c o r r e c t io n t h a t c a n be do n e th ro u g h a s p e c ia l sc rip t by th e sy ste m
ad m in is tra to r o n ly . T h is pro te c ts th e in te g rity of c a s e da ta .
• A us e rs g ro u p th a t in cl u d e s m e m b e rs fr o m a ll de p a rtm e n ts tha t us e the
sy s te m is c o n v e n e d re g u la rly -m o n th ly to qu a rt e rly a s ne e d s cha n g e .
• T h e da ta b a se a d m in is tra to r att e n d s m o st us e r gro u p m e e tin g s a n d gu id e s
po ss ib le c ha ng e s to the sy s te m . T h is pro v id e s c o n s is te n c y a c ro ss
d iff e r e n t c a se ty p e s fo r a c tiv itie s/a c tio n s bu t a llo w s fo r c a s e
in d iv id u a liz a tio n a s ne e d s a ris e .
N u m b e r o f R e c o rde d O S S a n d T o ta l O S S
• A c c o rd in g to th e A sse ss o r's A S 4 0 0 da ta b a s e the re a re 18 ,5 8 8 im p ro v e d
pa rce ls in Je ff e rs o n C o u n ty . S o m e of th e s e co nta in stru c tu re s tha t do no t
p ro d u c e w a s t e w a t e r a n d s o m e c o n ta in m o re tha n o n e struc tu re pro d u c in g
w a s t e w a t e r . F u rt h e r a n a ly s is m a y b e w a r r a n t e d . A p p r o x im a t e ly 3 ,8 8 0 o f
t h e s e p a r c e ls a r e s e r v e d b y t h e P o rt T o w n s e n d s e w e r s y s t e m a n d 1 ,1 6 0
a r e s e r v e d b y t h e P o rt L u d lo w s e w e r s y s t e m . T h e r e fo r e , a s s u m in g t h e
r e m a in in g p a r c e ls a r e s e r v e d b y a n o n s it e s e w a g e s y s t e m , the re a re
a p p ro x im a te ly 13 ,5 0 0 O S S in J e ff e rs o n C o u n ty .
• A s o f J u n e 2 0 0 7 ·th e re a re 11 ,3 6 4 s e ptic re c o rds in th e A cce la da ta b a s e
a n d a p p r o x im a t e ly 1 ,2 0 0 pa p e r re c o rd s to be e nte re d .
• T h e D a ta b a s e co n ta in s re c o rds fo r s e v e ra l c a te g o rie s o f sy s te m s :
• "K no w n S y s te m s " fo r w h ic h pe rm its w e re is s u e d be tw e e n
19 7 0 a n d 2 0 0 6 . T he s e c o u ld be ne w , re p a irs/up g ra d e s , o r
e x p a n s io n s .
• "U n k no w n S y s te m s fa ll in to tw o c a te g o rie s 1:
✓ Sites for which only a sanitary survey was conducted,
no other permit record exists. These consist of visual
observations and reflect what the resident described
to the inspector.
✓ Sites where systems were installed before 1970, prior
to permit requirements, for which an evaluation of the
existing septic system (EES) were completed. These
vary in the level of detail of evaluation. Some identify
detailed system component locations and some
include only inspection of the tank and a visual
inspection of the probable drainfield location.
• A status is assigned for each case and can be reported
✓ A=approved to install,
✓ F=finaled/complete,
✓ C=Cancelled,
✓ N=Not finaled (either installed before permit
requirements and only an EES has been done, a
monitoring inspection was completed, or the system
was permitted but no record of completion is on
record),
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✓ V=violation (system has major noncompliance issues
and the owner has been notified in writing),
✓ !=incomplete (some portion of the system is not yet
installed or a condition of the permit has not been
met.
• Based on the above information there may be up to 1,000 parcels
that have septic systems for which we have no knowledge at all.
These could be categorized as "assumed", an OSS that has no
records but through GIS analysis and OSS can be assumed to exist
on a parcel.
Reporting the Location of OSS
Each system is tied to a parcel#, a tax id#, and is linked to the GIS parcel layer,
See Appendix A.2 for sample.
• The system does not pinpoint the location of the OSS within a parcel.
"Asbuilt" or record drawings are used along with physical observations
during inspections to verify system location on a parcel.
• Some inaccuracies occur when a parcel number is changed due to
subdivision or alteration of lot configuration. See maintenance section
above.
Calculating OSS Age
The case number reflects the year the system was permitted, i.e. SEP75-00001
was the 1st case entered/permitted in 1975.
• The date the system was finaled/completed is recorded to the case and
can be reported. This may not reflect the date the system was put into use
as there may not have been a building connected to a completed system.
• Historic data - Individual Cases retain all historic data from the time the
case was added to the database. Data can be changed or added to an
individual case but is not modified when updates of owner or other
elements are updated to the parcel data table creating a stable/historic
record.
• A Septic case consists of an individual onsite sewage systems that
most commonly includes the tank/s, treatment unit (if required) and
disposal component. An OSS that serves a separate residence will
have a separate case unless it shares all system components
including the tank/s.
• If a component is added, a treatment unit or if a new drainfield or
tank is required, a new case number is assigned and all old case
info is physically filed to the new case and cross referenced in the
electronic case record as well as the paper file.
• All information regarding an individual system is contained in the SEP
case including monitoring data.
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C apacity to R epo rt O S S T ype
• T he type of a s s is recorded fo r each case that is perm itted.
U n p e r m itt e d /u nknow n system s are assum ed to be conventio nal gravity
f e d a n d re c o r d e d a s s u c h .
• A d d iti o n a l fi e ld s a r e u s e d to f u rt h e r cl a s s if y th e a s s type . T hese ide ntify
if th e O S S is re s id e n t ia l o r c o m m e r c ia l, in d iv id u a l o r c o m m u n ity ,
a lt e rn a t iv e o r c o n v e n t io n a l.
• S e p t ic s y s t e m s ty p e s a r e cl a s s ifi e d in th e d a t a b a s e , s u c h a s "c o n v e n t io n a l
tr e n c h " o r "s a n d fi lt e r/p r e s s u r e tr e n c h /g r a v e ll e s s c h a m b er" ,see Appendix
A.3 for full list.
Data Fields Used In Permitting and the a&M Database
Systems for which a permit was issued contain the following information at a
minimum:
✓ Primary parcel number
✓ Size of lot
✓ # of gallons designed/approved or number of bedrooms
✓ Type of system- conventional trench, mound, tank only, there are
84 combinations.
✓ The length, width, depth of disposal component
✓ Soil type and application rate of sewage to the soils
✓ Water supply serving structure/site
✓ Size of septic tank or trash tank if present
✓ Previous evaluations-septic permits, wet season evaluation,
subdivision review
✓ Waiver/variance applied for and whether state or local
Many data points from the onsite sewage cases are available for viewing on the
Jefferson County website. See Appendix A.4 for example.
Reporting and Evaluating the Data
• Crystal Reports provides a high degree of flexibility in reporting database
information. Reports can be generated by defining parameters by land
area (lot size), system type, soil type, land use zoning, staff, etc.
Examples are provided in Appendix A.5
• GIS layers can be created by exporting data from the permitting data base
and intersecting them with data from other sources. For example a map
was created that showed all the parcels that the AS400 lists as having
toilet facilities with the parcels that we have some record of an onsite
sewage system. This may allow us to see how many and where parcels
were located for which we have no records. See Appendix A.6. Further
assessment of this particular Assessor field revealed that it is not
consistently filled out so will not provide an accurate representation of
unknown systems but the concept of using other databases info to inform
our evaluation of areas is useful.
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1.2 .2 A d d in g a n d U p d a tin g R e c o rd s in th e 0 5 S D a ta b a s e & Id e n ti fy in g
U n k n o w n 0 5 S
Methodology of Adding Records
All ass records and permit data generated since 1991 have been entered into
the database as part of the permitting process. Paper records exist for cases
back to 1969. Additionally the following methods are used to create a case and
add data on other existing systems:
• Cases are added as previously unknown systems are evaluated and
assigned a number - SEPyr-00000. Jefferson County Code 8.15 and
Policy 04-01 dictate when systems will be evaluated. This process brings
those unknown systems into the records and the monitoring program for
future periodic monitoring.
• Cases for which some paper record exists are actively added when the
connection can be verified and tied with a high degree of certainty to a
parcel. Through a grant from the Washington State Department of
Ecology a substantial effort was made in 19--- Many records were entered
including several large subdivisions along the waterfront. An emphasis
was placed during this time on entering the records along the shoreline.
Approximately 1,200 paper records have yet to be entered. Some of
these will be very difficult because there are no identifying elements; no
addresses, no property dimensions or plot plan and no detailed location
information. These will be retained in the existing filing system, "section,
township, and range" category, until some future assessment provides a
high degree of certainty and allows them to be attached to a parcel.
Updating Existing Records
• Cases for systems that connect to sewer are cancelled.
• Monitoring report data is entered into the case file for an ass.
• As parcels are subdivided or combined a report must be generated and
the cases manually updated. This is a cumbersome but essential
process. Corrections and changes are made at the time a subdivision is
completed or as inconsistencies are observed. See Maintenance section
above.
Relationship between cases
• Each case type (building, septic) stands alone and can be formatted and
added to without altering or interfering with other case types. Additional
"pages" or "fields" can be added to a case as needs arise, i.e. a field for
GPS latitude/longitude, a "page" for pumper reports or sampling data at a
parcel or system can be added to the septic case.
• Links can be made between cases where needed through activities or
data tables. For example completing an activity in the building case such
as "final approval" can add an "a&M inspection required" activity to the
associated septic case, or if there is a well on the site as identified through
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the U tility S e rv ic e R e v ie w (o u r w e ll s e a l in s p e c tio n c a s e ) c a se th is da ta
c a n b e in cl u d e d a u t o m a tic a lly w h e n the se p tic c a s e is e n te re d .
• C a s e s c a n b e g ro u p e d t o g e t h e r b y a p ro je c t n u m b e r .
• A ll c a s e s a s s o c ia t e d w it h a p a r c e l c a n b e v ie w e d t h r o u g h s t a n d a r d s e a r c h
t o o ls .
• In d iv id u a l p a r c e ls c a n b e "t a g g e d " w it h s p e c ia l in fo r m a t io n s u c h a s
"s h e llfi s h p ro t e c t io n d is t r ic t", "fr e q u e n tl y fl o o d e d ", o r "v io la t io n ". T h e s e t a g s
c a n p la c e a h o ld o n a p a r c e l t h a t k e e p s f u rt h e r p e r m it s fr o m b e in g is s u e d ,
t h e y c a n p r o v id e a w a rn in g /in fo a s t o t h e s t a t u s /c o n d it io n o n t h e p a r c e l f o r
c o n s id e r a t io n w h e n p e r m itt in g o r e v a lu a t in g a p a rt ic u la r a r e a , o r a r e p o r t
c a n b e r u n t o id e n t if y a ll c a s e s w it h a p a rt ic u la r t a g . See Appendix A.7
for example)
1.2.3 Current Operations and Monitoring Requirements
In 1987 Jefferson County Board of Health signed an MOU with the Jefferson
County PUD#1 to monitor all "alternative" onsite sewage systems in Jefferson
County. Approximately 1,000 systems were under monitoring contract
requirements at the time of code revision in 2000. Systems were monitored
based on system type ( complexity) every year to two years for the first 5 years
and then every 10 years thereafter.
September of 2000 - Jefferson County Code 8.15.150 Onsite Sewage Code was
revised. It requires that all onsite sewage systems be monitored periodically at
the schedule adopted in Table 1. See Appendix A.8 for Table 1.
• New systems
• Conventional gravity or pump to gravity permitted as of 9/2000 are
subject to a permit condition that states the required monitoring
frequency. For sites over 1 acre, greater than 200' from a shoreline
and not subject to a waiver, the system must be monitored every 6
years. Sites less than one acre, systems less than 200' to a
shoreline or subject to an approved waiver must be monitored
every 3 years. It is the responsibility of the property owner to
contract with a private provider or the Health Department for the
monitoring.
• All other systems are subject to a permit condition that requires
entering into a contract for monitoring the system with an approved
monitoring entity. The frequency varies from 1 to 3 years based on
the above criteria. The currently approved entity is the Jefferson
County PUD #1. The contract must be signed prior to final approval
of the onsite sewage system permit.
• All systems generating waste water of greater than residential
strength must be inspected annually per permit condition and/or
contract.
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• E x is tin g sy s te m s
• J e ff e rs o n C o u n ty C o d e 8 .15 .15 0 (6 ) re q u ire s th a t a ll e x is tin g
sy s te m s no t c u rre n tly un d e r a P U D m o n ito rin g c o n tra c t s h a ll b e
e n te re d in to th e m o n ito rin g pro g ra m a t th e e a rlie s t o f th e fo llo w in g
d a te s :
✓ At time of sale
✓ Upon Application for certain building permits as per Policy
04-01 adopted by the BOH
✓ Identification that the site is in an Marine Recovery Area as
designated by the JCBOH
Recording Monitoring data
• A Monitoring Report is completed after each inspection on forms
developed by the Health Department.
• Inspections by the PUD are entered directly into the database and they
enter an activity for the next required inspection
• Private certified O&M Specialists submit the report and Environmental
Health Staff enter the data into the database and enters an activity for
the next required inspection.
• Pumper reports are currently submitted to the Health Department but
are not entered into the database. These reports do not currently
constitute a valid monitoring inspection since they only evaluate the
tank.
• Monitoring inspection reports submitted by private contractors provide the
following information at a minimum:
✓ Parcel Number;
✓ Name, Mailing address, and phone number of the property owner;
✓ Site address;
✓ System type;
✓ System details such as depth of scum and sludge, condition of
baffles, screens, electrical controls, pump operation, ponding,
drainfield disturbance, etc.
✓ Description of whether or not a problem was identified;
✓ Description of action/s needed;
✓ Date of inspection;
✓ The inspectors name, address and phone number.
• The same information is supplied by the PUD.
• Ten points of information are entered into the database:
✓ Date of inspection
✓ ID of inspector (Health Dept, Private, PUD)
✓ Was there a problem identified?
✓ Did the septic tank need to be pumped?
✓ Did the pump chamber need to be pumped?
✓ Was infiltration into the system (tanks) noted?
✓ Was there a problem with the electrical controls?
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✓ Was residual pressure noted as the end of the lines?
✓ Was there any disturbance observed in the area of the system
components?
✓ Notes
Generally, a yes answer denotes that action is required, excepting in the case of
noting the presence of residual head. The last area is for comments/explanation
of conditions. It may be noted here that the house has not been occupied for
some X amount of time, explain that the alarm was not working, the drainfield
has a driveway over it, etc.
1.2.3 Monitoring Inspection Tracking and Record Maintenance
The same database is used for tracking O&M as for permitting. The monitoring
information for a system is simply another "page" of the OSS case.
• Since 2000 every inspection has been entered.
• Records from 1988 to 2000 are filed in individual files at the PUD and
copies are on file at the Health Department.
• The Database creates a report identifying which systems are due for
inspection. Any time period can be specified, i.e. due in the month of
December, due in 2007. The report can be broken down additionally by
planning area. '
• The database creates an inspection report and mailing labels based on
the criteria specified above.
• These lists can be used to send inspection reminders, general system
maintenance info, etc.
• O&M providers, designers and pumpers are required by JC Code 8.15 to
report "failure" with 24 hours to the local jurisdiction.
• Letters are sent where major defects or problems are noted on the
inspection report.
1.2.4 Evaluating Monitoring Inspection Data
• Reports are developed from the data including general statistics on
number of inspections completed for a specified period of time in a
specific area. They can also detail areas of problems, how many tanks
needed to be pumped, etc. These can be crossed with system type,
planning areas, watershed areas, proximity to shoreline, designer or any
other parameter that has been entered into the system. See Appendix
A.9 for an example.
• Information from these reports is provided to the Board of Health and
informs decisions on funding, allocation of staff resources, policy
development and code revisions.
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1.2.6 Changes proposed/planned
Jefferson County is working on the following as time and funds allow:
Planned changes to Data system
• Add database activity to document all notices sent to property owner as
follow-up to monitoring inspections.
• Add "page" to case file for inspections other than complete monitoring
inspection such as a pumpers report.
• Develop ability to enter data remotely-wireless connection.
• Develop system to scan forms that will fill in data points in data base.
• Continue to improve the updating of case files as parcel numbers change.
Planned changes to monitoring program
• Develop mechanism to inform holders of current PUD monitoring contracts
that monitoring is now required by private contractors due to PUD decision
not to continue their participation in the monitoring of individual onsite
sewage systems.
• Develop enforcement mechanism for unsatisfactory, incomplete or absent
monitoring report for both homeowner and certified persons.
• Develop system for certifying homeowners to monitor their own systems.
• Develop system that will allow monitoring professionals to enter data into
the system.
1.3 Resources Necessary to Implement Data Components of
Plan
1.3.1 Enhancements to Hardware and software
Upgrade database to newer version that allows online reporting.
Development of an online reporting system for O&M Inspectors.
Obtain equipment required to enter data remotely through a wireless connection.
1.3.2 Data Personnel
An increase in the time required for entering data is anticipated during the switch
from PUD inspections to private sector prior to the implementation of the online
system.
Staff time is required to develop the reports, add necessary fields to cases, and
coordinate with the database administrator regarding online reporting and access
to the system.
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1.4 Timeline
The following timeline outlines prioritized activities to enhance the O&M
database:
Goal Activities Deadline
Complete database records Enter records Ongoing
for all existinq paper files
Upgrade database Coordinate with Accella December 2008
Purchase upqrade
Create reports and forms Assign and train staff on Ongoing
necessary to implement database and reporting
private monitoring program system.
Create reports and forms
Complete transfer of PUD Revise Code, develop Ongoing
monitoring to Private agreements, contact
Inspectors existinq system owners
Develop online reporting Create Report and Funding required.
system coordinate with database
administrator to imolement
Part 2: Identification of Sensitive Areas
2.1 Introduction
This section describes how Jefferson County identifies sensitive areas where
OSS could pose an increased public health risk. It describes how this
information is integrated into the OSS program and how Jefferson County Public
Health coordinates with other local planning processes regarding sensitive areas.
The physical and demographic characteristics of Jefferson County are provided
here.
This part of the plan satisfies the following elements of WAC 246-272A-0015 (1 ):
(b) Identify any areas where OSS could pose an increased public health risk.
The following areas shall be given priority in this activity:
• Shellfish protection districts or shellfish growing areas;
• Sole source Aquifers designated by the US EPA;
• Areas in which aquifers used for potable water as designated under the
Wa. State Growth Management Act, Chapter 36.70A RCW are critically
impacted by recharge;
• Designated wellhead protection areas for Group A public water systems;
• Up-gradient areas directly influencing water recreation facilities designated
for swimming in natural waters with artificial boundaries within the waters
as described by the Water Recreation Facilities Act, Chapter 70.90 RCW;
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• A re a s de s ig n a te d by th e de p a rt m e n t o f e c o lo g y a s s p e c ia l p ro te c tio n
a re a s un d e r W A C 17 3 -2 0 0 -0 9 0 , W a te r q u a lity sta n d a rd s fo r g ro u n d
w a te rs o f th e sta te o f W a s h in g to n ;
• W e tla n d a re a s u n d e r pro d u c tio n o f c ro p s fo r hu m a n c o n s u m p tio n ;
• F re q u e n tly flo o d e d a re a s in cl u d in g a re a s de lin e a te d b y th e F e d e ra l
E m e rg e n c y M a n a g e m e n t A g e n c y a n d o r a s de s ig n a te d u n d e r th e W a .
S ta te G ro wt h M a n a g e m e n t A c t, C h a p te r 3 6 . 7 0 A R C W ;
• A re a s w h e re nitro g e n ha s b e e n id e n tifi e d a s a c o n ta m in a n t o f c o n c e rn ;
a n d
• O th e r a re a s d e s ig n a te d by th e lo c a l he a lth o ff ic e r su c h a s M a rin e
R e c o v e ry A re a s .
(i) A s s u re th a t th e P la n w a s de v e lo p e d to c o o rd in a te w ith th e Je ff e rs o n C o u n ty
C o m p re h e n s iv e P la n .
2.2 Activities
2.2.1 Description of Jefferson County Environment
Jurisdictional Boundaries
Jefferson County is bounded on the north by the Strait of Juan de Fuca and
Clallam County, on the north and east by Admiralty Inlet, on the east by Port
Townsend Bay, Oak bay and the Hood Canal, on the west by the Pacific Ocean
and on the south by Mason and Grays Harbor Counties WA. See Appendix B.1
for map of Jefferson County. Annual precipitation in eastern Jefferson County
ranges from 18" in the northern part to 70" in the southeastern part.
Land Use-
• 1808 square miles, 18th largest of WA. State 39 counties. The Olympic
National Park and National Forest comprise approximately 65% of the
1.16 million acres of land.
• Nearly 96% of the population resides in eastern Jefferson County.
• There are more than 250 miles of marine shoreline, more than 367 miles
of river and stream shoreline and more than 18 miles of lake shoreline in
eastern Jefferson County. See Appendix B.2 for map of water bodies.
• There is one incorporated city, Port Townsend, and one Master Planned
Resort, Port Ludlow.
• There are several small population centers as noted below but Jefferson
County is primarily a rural county.
Demographics
• Population- between 1980 and 2002 the population increased by two-
thirds, from 15,965 to 25,953. Since 1980 Jefferson County population
growth has generally exceeded that of Washington State.
• The largest sources of employment are the Health Care and Social
Assistance sector with 18% of county wide employment and the
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A c c o m m o d a tio n a n d F o o d S e rv ic e s e c to r w ith 14 %. 2 Marine trades and
education are strong elements in the community as well.
• With a total land area of 1808 square miles the population density is just
14.4 people per square mile but given that the Olympic National Park and
National Forest comprise 1,175 square miles that leaves just 633 square
miles for the population to reside, resulting in a population density of
approximately 41 people per square mile.
Population3
Census Designated Total population 2000 Estimated pop. By 2016
Place
Jefferson County 25953 39,397 (Watterson
Report)
Port Townsend 8325
Port Hadlock 3467
Port Ludlow 1953
Marrowstone 876
Brinnon 831
Quilcene 632
West End 599
• Race and Ethnicity- 91 % white non-Hispanic in 20004 (Washington State
is about 79% white non-Hispanic)
• Education- nine out of 10 adults had a high school education or more in
2000, three out of ten had 4 or more years of college. Less than half of the
18-34 year olds reported some post-secondary education. 5
• Poverty - The term characterizes people and households which may lack
the financial resources to meet basic needs such as food, clothing and
housing. It is generally measured by the annual federal poverty index.
From 1989-1999 the proportion of all Jefferson County residents living
below 100% of the federal poverty index decreased by 3% from 14% to
11 %. However, the poverty rate among families increased from 9% to
11 % during this period. At below 200% of the federal poverty index a
household is considered low income and is eligible for assistance. The
2000 US Census identifies 28% of Jefferson County residents as low
income.6
• Household income- Jefferson County median income is at about 80% of
the state average. By the late 1990's increases in housing prices were
nearly the same as the state resulting in an "affordability gap". 7
• Jefferson County's median age is 47.1, older than in Puget Sound,
Washington State and the US. 8
Drainage
• Storm water - In 1999 the county adopted the DOE Stormwater Manual
for the review and implementation of stormwater projects. In 2006 the
Jefferson County Stormwater Management Plan was adopted.
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• W a te r s h e d pla n n in g ha s be e n c o m p le te d fo r th re e o f Je ff e rs o n C o u n tie s
w a te rsh e d s .
✓ Quilcene -Dabob - plan completed 1989
✓ Ludlow - plan completed 1994
✓ Discovery Bay- plan completed 1998
• Jefferson County is involved in planning for Water Resource Inventory
Areas (WRIA) See Appendix 8.2 for map of boundaries.
✓ WRIA 17-Quilcene-Sno Basin
✓ WRIA 16-Dosewallips-Skokomish
✓ WRIA 20-Soleduck-Hoh
• Geology and Soils vary from excessively well drained to poorly drained.
Eastern JC consists of relatively low, rolling to moderately steep, glacial
terraces and long, narrow valleys in the northern sections. The southern
section consists of moderately steep to steep glacial terraces and very
steep, rough, broken mountain foothills that drop to the shoreline. 9
Population density
Residential and commercial lands were largely formed along historic
transportation corridors. 10 The north eastern quadrant of the county including the
communities of Port Townsend, the Tri-area (Port Hadlock, Chimacum, Irondale),
and Port Ludlow contain over 76% of the population. See Appendix 8.3 for
population density 1990.
Water supply
• Surface water is the water supply for the City of Port Townsend and those
in their service area of approximately 9,000 people. The water is supplied
from the Big Quilcene and Little Quilcene Rivers. The watershed
protection is supplemented by an MOU between the City of Port
Townsend and the US Dept. of Agriculture, the US Forest Service and the
Olympic National Forest. See Appendix A.10 for Port Townsend water
service area map.
✓ Ground water is the primary supply for the remaining 17,000+/-
residents.
✓ Group A Public water supplies- 71 systems
✓ Group B Public water supplies- 123 systems
✓ A mix of individual drilled and dug wells, springs and surface waters
serve the remaining population.
Water Quality
• Ground water quality is good- shallow or poorly constructed water supplies
may experience coliform contamination, some public water supplies have
occasional coliform present samples, and some areas have high chloride
(conate and sea-water intrusion), iron and/or manganese concentrations.
• Surface water quality varies from good to threatened; some water bodies
are on the Washington State 303(d) list. A map depicting 303(d) listed
water bodies in Eastern Jefferson County is found in Appendix A.11.
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• F o r the ye a r 20 0 6 G ro u p A the S ta te D O H re p o rt e d no ac ute c o lifo rm
vio la tio n s a n d 5 no n-a c u te vio la tio n fo r gro u n d w a te r. T he re w e re no
vio la tio ns re p o rt e d fo r s u rf a c e w a te r.
2.2.2 Current and Past Water Quality Activities
The division of Water Quality is housed within the Environmental Health Division
and is responsible for evaluating water resources. They coordinate efforts where
State or local water quality monitoring results indicate a threatened or degraded
status. They are involved in the following activities to assure the continued
health of ground and surface waters.
• Land conservation and preservation - Through its Conservation Futures
Fund, Jefferson County contributed to the protection of more than 150
acres of open space in East Jefferson Coutny. Projects totaling an
additional 230 acres were awarded funding in 2007 but have not been
implemented. The conservation futures tax levy collections, authorized
under RCW 84.34.230, are an important means of retaining community
character and accomplishing open space policies and objective of the
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan. Projects include wildlife corridors,
viewscapes, sustainable forestry and agriculture, or culturally significant
lands such as the Chimacum Creek Estuary, Sunfield Farm (a school and
community farming project), the Quimper Wildlife and Tarboo Creek
corridors and the Tamanawas Rock Sanctuary. Fee-simple acquisitions
are held by Jefferson County or the City of Port Townsend. Conservation
easements are created and held in Partnership with the Jefferson Land
Trust.
• Salmon Recovery Planning is accomplished via the Hood Canal
Coordinating Council Lead Entity and recently formed North Pacific Coast
Lead Entity. The lead entities offer a local process for developing and
ranking salmon recovery projects for the Salmon Recovery Funding Board
(SRFB) review and funding. Jefferson County has protected and restored
75 acres of floodplain and adjacent uplands in the lower Dosiwallips River
for the purpose of salmon recovery via Secure Rural Schools Title Ill,
SRFB, and WS DOE funds. Future acquistions may also include flood-
prone parcels on the Duckabush River.
• Shellfish Biotoxin monitoring and education- The County has a volunteer
program for collection of shellfish samples during the months of May to
September. Beaches are posted as necessary and news releases and
public information are published in the local newspaper seasonally.
• The Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee (MRC) is a citizen-
based effort to identify regional marine issues, foster community
understanding and involvement, recommend positive action, and develop
support to protect and restore marine resources. The Committee's
projects include sponsoring research on forage fish habitat, restoring the
native Olympia oyster to Discovery Bay, and removing derelict gear from
local waters. The MRC is an advisory group to the Board of County
Commissioners and operates under the umbrella of the Northwest Straits
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C o m m is s io n . T h e M R C m e m b e rs a re c itiz e n v o lu n te e rs w h o a re
c o m m itt e d to w o rk cl o s e ly w ith o th e r c o m m u n ity m e m b e rs -h o m e o w n e rs ,
bu s in e ss o w n e rs , re c re a tio n a l e n th u s ia s ts , c o m m e rc ia l a n d s p o rt fis h e rs -
to re d u c e o r sto p th e d e c lin e o f th e m a rin e ha b ita t in o u r e c o lo g ic a lly ric h
c o rn e r o f th e w o rld .
• C h im ic u m C re e k P ro je c t - P o rt io n s o f C h im a c u m C re e k a re o n W S D O E
3 0 3 (d ) list fo r e x c e e d in g fe c a l-c o lifo rm a n d te m p e ra tu re lim its . J C P H h a s
pa rt n e re d w ith th e J C C o n s e rv a tio n D is tric t to re s to re w a te r q u a lity
th ro u g h o u t th e w a te rs h e d a n d brin g th e e n tire stre a m in to c o m p lia n c e .
P rim a ry a c tiv itie s o f th e re s to ra tio n w o rk in cl u d e :
✓ Agricultural best-management practices;
✓ Sanitary surveys of residences with septic systems;
✓ Riparian buffer fencing and tree-planting;
✓ Water quality monitoring;
✓ Public education and outreach
• Discovery Bay Project- Fifty acres (of 8,500 acres in Discovery Bay) of
commercial shellfish-growing area in Discovery Bay have been
downgraded to Restricted as of May 2007, due to elevated fecal-coliform
levels in the marine water. JCPH is the lead entity on the Closure
Response Plan to identify and control sources of bacterial pollution in
Discovery Bay and the Salmon-Snow watershed. This includes:
✓ Monitoring fresh and marine waters to help identify pollution
sources;
✓ Conducting sanitary surveys of shoreline and streamside
residences with septic systems;
✓ Tracing and eliminating illegal discharges;
✓ Fencing livestock out of waterways and building off-stream
waterings; and
✓ Providing outreach and education to area residents.
• WRIA 16 (Skokomish-Dosiwallips) watershed management plan was
completed in July 2006. The planning unit is currently developing a
detailed implementation plan that will result in a road-map for turning plan
recommendations into reality.
• WRIA 17 (Quilcene-Snow) planning unit completed it's watershed
management plan in January 2006. A detailed implementation plan is
being developed and in-stream flow rule making for the WRIA is being
pursued by the WS DOE and its contractors.
• WRIA 20 (Sol-due/Hoh) watershed management plan is nearing
completion for drainages in the west end of Jefferson County. The plan
may be approved in the fall of 2007.
• Beach monitoring - As part of Washington Swimming BEACH (Beach
Environmental Assessment, Communication, and Health) program, JCPH
monitors enterococci levels at Chimacum Beach and Quilcene Marina
from May to September. The Port Townsend Marine Science Center also
monitors the swimming beach at Fort Worden. This allows us to warn
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be a c h us e rs, bo th th ro u g h sig n a g e a n d th e B E A C H w e b p a g e , if the re is
a n e le v a te d ris k fo r re c re a tio n a l-c o n ta c t illn e ss e s .
• La k e M o n ito rin g - D u e to re c e nt blo o m s of to x ic c y a n o b a cte ria (b lu e -
g re e n a lg a e ) in a re a la k e s , JC P H is m o n ito rin g pu b lic -a c ce ss la k e s fo r
to x ic c y a n o b a c te ria th ro u g h o ut the g ro w in g s e a so n . La ke s a re m o n ito re d
vis u a lly un til the be g in n in g s of a blo o m a re s e e n , a t w h ic h tim e sa m p le s
a re ta k e n fo r la b o rato ry id e ntifi c a tio n of s p e c ie s an d to x in s . La b re s u lts
s h o w in g h ig h c e ll c o u n t s o f po te n tia lly to x ic s p e c ie s , o r d ire c t to x in
d e t e c ti o n s , t r ig g e r w a rn in g s o r cl o s u r e s p o s t e d a t t h e la k e s a n d o n th e
J C P H w e b p a g e .
2.2.3 Designating Sensitive Areas
Areas Where OSS May Pose an Increased Threat to Public Health
Jefferson County has identified areas where OSS may pose an increased threat
to public health; however, it is important to note that there is currently no data
that indicates the relative contribution of OSS to degraded water quality in
sensitive areas. The areas that have been identified are as follows:
• Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas - Jefferson County has delineated Critical
Aquifer Recharge Areas in the Unified Development Code.11 These are
considered when evaluating land use permit applications. Standards as
described in the UDC 18.30.180 are applied to onsite sewage systems in
these areas that address the treatment and removal of nitrogen from the
waste stream.
✓ Sole Source Aquifers as designated by the US EPA- Marrowstone
Island has been classified as a sole source aquifer and is classified
as a Critical Aquifer Recharge Area
✓ Group A well head protection areas
• Frequently Flooded Areas - Areas that are defined as being in the 100 year
floodplain per the Federal Emergency Management maps are required to
meet special standards for the onsite sewage system. These standards are
intended to assure that treatment continues when the area is flooded. See
Appendix A.12 for specific language in code.
• Properties within 200 feet of a shoreline
• Properties within 200 feet of a class 1 or 2 wetland
• Water bodies listed on the DOE 303(d) list for fecal coliform excedences
• Shellfish Protection Districts if used to target limited/specific areas
• Marine Recovery Areas
Jefferson County will add to this list if data show that OSS pose increased public
health risks in an area of the county. The Jefferson Water Quality Division tracks
water quality monitoring activities in the county and assists in coordinating efforts
to diagnose problems and take corrective actions.
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M e th o d s fo r Id e n tifyin g S e nsitive A re a s in Je ff e rso n C o u n ty
Je ff e rso n C o u n ty U n ifie d D e ve lo p m e nt C o d e (U D C ) go ve rn s the de sig n a tio n of
e nv iro n m e nta lly se n sitive a re a s in cl u d in g C ritica l A q u ife r R e cha rg e a re a s,
W e tla n d s , a n d a re a s w ith in the 10 0 yr flo o d pla in . A cco rd in g to th is se ctio n the
C o u n ty w ill de sig n a te the lo catio n a n d exte n t of e nviro n m e n ta lly se nsitive a re a s
"b a se d up o n be st ava ila b le in fo rm a tio n fr o m q u a lifie d pro fessio n a l so u rce s".
M a p s a re ava ila b le via ha rd co py a n d the C o u n tie s w e b site at
www .co .je ff e rso n .w a .u s . T h e se m a p s are fo r a d viso ry pu rpo se s o n ly .
E n v iro n m e nta lly se nsitive are a s th a t are no t m a p p e d bu t tha t m e e t the crite ria
are still re g u la te d an d are a s tha t a re m a p p e d bu t do no t m e e t th e crite ria a re no t
reg u la te d .
D e sig n a tio n of en yiro n m e n ta lly se n sitive a re a s is pa rt o f the C o u n tie s U n ifie d
D e ve lo p m e n t C o d e , a la n d use co d e , a n d is no t co n n e cte d to th e lo ca l o n site
se w a g e co d e 8 .15 exce p tin g th a t the lo ca l co d e do e s re q u ire co m p lia n ce w ith
othe r sta te an d lo ca l co d e s.
A re a s m a y a lso be de sig n a te d ba se d o n te stin g re su lts o r listin g by an o th e r
ag e n cy if re vie w e d a n d a p p ro ve d by the JC B o a rd of H e a lth .
A re a s excl u d e d fr o m co n sid e ra tio n
• Je ff e rso n C o u n ty ha s no up -g ra d ie nt a re a s dire ctly in flu e n cin g w a te r
re cre a tio n facilitie s de sig n a te d fo r sw im m in g in na tu ra l w a te rs w ith a rtificia l
bo u n d a rie s w ith in the w a te r as de scrib e d by the W ate r R e cre a tio n
Fa cilitie s A ct.
• Je ff e rso n C o u n ty do e s no t ha ve an y w e tla n d a re a s un d e r pro d u ctio n fo r
cro p s fo r hu m a n co nsu m p tio n .
2.2.4 Coordination with planning departments within jurisdiction
• Land use and development applications including subdivision, building, and
stormwater are reviewed by Environmental Health Division staff for
compliance with state and local onsite sewage code and policies.
• Environmental Health Division staff is included in the meeting notices for
planning documents such as the Shoreline Master Program, the Flood
Damage Prevention Ordinance, the Unified Development Code (includes
sections on activities in and around areas identified as environmentally
sensitive such as wetlands, critical aquifer recharge, salt water intrusion
zones).
• Local planning codes, Comprehensive Plan and implementing ordinances are
reviewed by Environmental Health Division staff for compliance/consistency
with state and local onsite sewage codes and policies.
• Environmental Health Division and/or Water Quality Division has staff on the
following committees
✓ Utility Coordinating Committee - drinking water
✓ Marine Resource Committee
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✓ Water Resource Inventory Committees, 16, 17, 20
✓ Shoreline Master Program Advisory Committee
• This plan and the local onsite sewage code are provided to Jefferson County
Development Review staff for comment.
2.3 State Environmental Policy Act Review
The Washington State Environmental Policy Act requires state and local
agencies to consider likely environmental consequences from proposed policy
and implementation. Jefferson County's OSS Management Plan will undergo a
SEPA Review in which Jefferson County Environmental Health Division will use a
checklist to determine if there are any significant adverse impacts from the newly
adopted plan.
2.4 Resources
Jefferson County is currently working with a consultant to do a Clean Water
District for all of eastern Jefferson County. The consultant is responsible for
public outreach and education regarding the Clean Water Plan and developing
the framework for funding options.
2.5 Timeline
Goal Activities Deadline
Develop mapping tools to Coordinate with JC Ongoing
facilitate provision .of Information Services to
information to homeowners develop maps
and OSS designers
Complete adoption of Clean Coordinate with Consultant December 2008
Water District to provide
stable funding source for
ongoing assessment of
water quality and corrective
actions
2.6 Summary and Prioritization of Activities
Essential to completing the tasks and goals outlined in the plan is the adoption of
the Shellfish Protection District to provide a stable funding source. The Water
Quality Division will work to track water quality monitoring data collected in the
county to determine sensitive area needs.
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Part 3: O peration, M onitoring and M aintenance in
Sensitive Areas
3.1 Introduction
This section of the plan will review existing operations, monitoring and
maintenance requirements in Jefferson County. It will also review considerations
for areas identified in this plan as environmentally sensitive. Considerations
include initial installation standards as well as ongoing O&M standards.
Enforcement of these standards will be discussed.
This part of the plan is intended to fulfill the following elements of WAC 246-
272A-0015 (1) Developing the written plan and (7) Implementing the plan.
(1) (c) Identify operation, maintenance and monitoring requirements
commensurate with risks posed by OSS within the geographic areas
identified in (b) of this subsection;
(g) Enforce OSS owner permit application, operation, monitoring and
maintenance and failure repair requirements defined in WAC246-272A-
0200(1 ), 0270, 0275 and 0280 (1) and (2).
(h) Describe the capacity of the local health jurisdiction to adequately
fund the local OSS plan, including the ability to find failing and unknown
systems.
(7) (a) Ensure additional maintenance and monitoring of the OSS;
(b) Provide dedicated easements for inspections, maintenance, and
potential future expansion of the OSS;
(c) Place a notice to title identifying any additional requirements for OSS
operation, maintenance and monitoring; and
(d) Have an inspection of the OSS at the time of property transfer
including the preparation of a "record drawing" if necessary.
3.2 Activities
3.2.1 Current operations, monitoring and maintenance requirements in
Jefferson County.
Monitoring Requirements
The advisory group involved in the local code revision of September 2000
recommended a risk based approach to the monitoring requirements. They
determined that sites that are adjacent to the shoreline and whose system is
within 200' of the shoreline would require a higher monitoring frequency than
others. The group also required a higher frequency where lot size is less than 1
acre. It requires that all onsite sewage systems be monitored periodically at the
schedule adopted in JCC 8.15 Table 1. The requirements are as follows:
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• C o n v e ntio n a l g ra v ity o r pu m p to g ra v ity pe rm itt e d as o f 9/2 0 0 0 a re s u b je c t
to a pe rm it co n d itio n th a t sta te s the re q u ire d m o n ito rin g fr eq u e nc y . F o r
s it e s o v e r 1 a c r e , g r e a t e r t h a n 2 0 0 ' fr o m a sh o re lin e a n d no t s u bje c t to a
w a iv e r t h e s y s t e m m u s t b e m o n it o r e d e v e r y 6 y e a r s . S it e s le s s t h a n o n e
a c r e , s y s t e m s le s s t h a n 2 0 0 ' t o a s h o r e lin e o r s u b je c t t o a n a p p ro v e d
w a iv e r m u st be m o n ito re d eve ry 3 ye a rs . It is the re s p o n s ib ility of th e
pro p e rt y ow ne r to c o n tra c t w ith a priv a te pro v id e r o r th e H e a lth
D e p a rt m e nt fo r th e m o n ito rin g .
• A ll othe r sy s te m s a re su b je c t to a pe rm it c o n d itio n th a t req u ire s e nte rin g
in t o a c o n t r a c t fo r m o n it o r in g t h e s y s t e m w it h a n a p p ro v e d m o n ito rin g
e n t it y . T h e fr e q u e n c y va rie s fr o m 1 to 3 ye a rs ba s e d o n the a b o v e crite ria .
T h e c u r r e n t ly a p p ro v e d e n t it y is t h e J e ff e r s o n C o u n t y P U D #1 . T h e
c o n t r a c t m u s t b e s ig n e d p r io r t o fi n a l a p p ro v a l o f t h e o n s it e s e w a g e
s y s t e m p e r m it.
• A ll s y s t e m s g e n e r a t in g w a s t e w a t e r o f g r e a t e r t h a n r e s id e n t ia l s t r e n g t h
m u s t b e in s p e c t e d a n n u a lly p e r p e r m it c o n d iti o n a n d /o r c o n t r a c t.
Im p le m e n t a t io n o f M o n it o r in g R e q u ir e m e n t s
T h e m e t h o d s o f im p le m e n t in g t h e m o n it o r in g r e q u ir e m e n t v a r y w it h t h e s y s t e m
t y p e a n d w h e n it w a s p e r m itt e d /in s t a ll e d .
• S y s t e m s b e in g p e r m itt e d c u r r e n t ly :
• C o n v e n t io n a l g r a v it y s y s t e m s o r p u m p t o g r a v it y a r e s u b je c t t o a
p e r m it c o n d it io n t h a t s t a t e s t h e m o n it o r in g r e q u ir e m e n t s .
• C o n t r a c t s h a v e b e e n r e q u ir e d fo r a ll n o n -c o n v e n t io n a l s y s t e m s u p
t o J u n e 2 0 0 7 . T h is c o n t r a c t w a s w it h t h e J e ff e r s o n C o u n t y P U D
a n d w a s r e c o r d e d t o t h e p ro p e rt y . See Appendix A.13 for
example of contract. PUD staff completed the required periodic
inspections as required by the code and entered the information
into the database or an owner could have a certified O&M
Specialist complete the inspection and submit the report to the PUD
for recording and entering the information.
The PUD has determined that they will no longer be doing the
monitoring of on-site sewage systems as of January 2008. In
anticipation of this change, as of June 2007, the PUD is no longer
completing and recording a contract on installed systems. The
current practice is that a "Monitoring Agreement" is recorded to the
property that states the owners responsibility to have the system
monitored at the frequency required in the local code, Table 1. See
Appendix A.14 for an example of the agreement.
• A notice is placed to the title where monitoring/maintenance are
required by a manufacturers authorized representative.
• Systems permitted or installed prior to O&M requirements adopted either
in 1987 or in 2000 are enrolled in the monitoring program beginning at the
following times:
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✓ Time of Sale
✓ Application for certain building permits per JC Policy 04-01
See Appendix A. 15 for policy.
✓ When site is identified as being in a Shellfish Protection
District or a Marine Recovery Area
✓ Identification that an ass is used as a community OSS
✓ Identification that the system has received a waiver or
variance from on-site sewage codes.
Additional System Monitoring
Septic Pumpers are required to submit a report on a form approved by Jefferson
County following system pumping. See Appendix A.16 for sample. This report
identifies:
✓ General condition of the septic tank
✓ Sludge and scum measurements
✓ Indications of flow back from the drainfield (may indicated problem
with effluent infiltration into the soils or seasonal influence of ground
water)
✓ General condition of the pump chamber if present
✓ Other comments as necessary
Permit Review and Design Standards
• Review for proximity to environmentally sensitive areas (ESA) is completed
for septic applications for new systems, repairs, modifications or alteration
and tanks only (connecting to existing systems or community systems). ESA's
include critical aquifer recharge areas, wetlands, shorelines and flood plains
as well as others regulated through the Jefferson County Unified
Development Code. See Appendix B.4 ESA mapping and checklist.
• All applications include a site inspection to verify site conditions.
• Design standards apply to all systems to facilitate monitoring and
maintenance of onsite sewage systems.
✓ Watertight risers to grade on septic and pump tanks
✓ Risers to grade on distribution boxes and other flow splitting
arrangements
✓ Monitoring ports to the infiltrative surface on non-conventional
systems where applicable.
✓ Monitoring ports to distribution pipes for flushing and measuring
flows
✓ Cycle/dose counters where a pump is required
✓ Pump run time meters
✓ Audio and visual alarms where a pump is required
3.2.2 Sensitive Area O&M Requirements
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3.2.3 Enforcement Activities
Jefferson County has limited resources for enforcement and operates on the
general concept of "voluntary compliance". In other words once a property owner
is notified of a deficiency or problem we make every effort to enable the owner to
comply without aggressive enforcement actions. Education is a strong
component of this system, both on a community wide and site specific basis.
Information and Guidance
Many opportunities exist for homeowners to obtain information about the status
of their OSS. The strength of this portion of our system is essential in the long
term success and acceptance of monitoring requirements. A homeowner who
understands where their system is and how it works understands the value of
monitoring it on a periodic basis to assure proper function. Several opportunities
exist for the homeowner in this area.
✓ The "record drawing" and basic O&M info is provided at the time of
installation,
✓ All onsite sewage case records are being scanned for access by the
homeowner or other public,
✓ Classes are held regularly through out the community (see Education
section for full discussion),
✓ Staff is available everyday to answer questions, provide existing records
and guidance to a property owner,
✓ Monitoring reports and follow-up letters, when necessary, are provided to
homeowners and buyers,
✓ County "data base tools" are accessible on the public website. These link
to permit information where a homeowner can see when the last
inspection was done and when the next one is due.
✓ Written information/ pamphlets are available in the office and can be
mailed,
✓ The public health website contains access to all pamphlets and forms.
Compliance Review
There are several opportunities for review of the status of monitoring of a system.
✓ All building permit applications are reviewed for compliance with the
conditions of the onsite sewage permit. If an inspection of the system is
required or if major items required correction based on the last monitoring
report the building permit approval will be withheld until the required
inspection or corrections are satisfactorily remedied.
✓ Most land use applications are reviewed by the Health Division for
compliance with conditions of the OSS permit. Similar action results as
above if non-compliance is noted.
✓ Submitted monitoring reports are reviewed. If major items are noted as a
"problem" - surfacing sewage, high level of effluent in tank or drainfield,
etc. a follow-up letter is sent to the owner requiring corrective action. The
permit may be placed in a "violation" status until corrections are made.
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✓ Inspectors (O&M Specialist or Designers) are contacted if any
inconsistencies with previous information is noted.
Enforcement Tools
• WAC246-272A includes in the definition of failure non-compliance with
standards stipulated in the permit.
• JGC 8.15 defines violation to include cases when:
✓ An authorized person fails to submit the required reports to the
Health Division
✓ A certified or licensed person fails to report with 24 hours any non-
functioning onsite sewage component that could result in human
contact with sewage
✓ An owner fails to complete required O&M inspections
• JGC 8.15 provides for the use of civil penalties for violation of the code up
to $513.00 per day for each continuous day until corrected. A ticket is the
tool to utilize this section.
• JGC 8.15 provides for criminal penalties.
• Certificate holders (local Installers and O&M Specialists) are subject to
administrative enforcement actions that may include suspension and
revocation of certificate after a hearing with the Health Officer or Board of
Health.
• Property owners are subject to administrative enforcement that includes
placement of a Notice to Title "if the Health Officer finds than an owner
has failed to comply with the requirements of this regulation, AND all
administrative remedies have been exhausted, AND the case has been
forwarded to the Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney for further action,
the Health Officer may record a Notice of Potential Uncorrected Violation
finding on the title of the property with the Jefferson County Auditor."
• JGC 8.15 provides for abatement actions where all other tools have failed
to result in compliance and there is clear evidence of public health risk.
3.3 Changes and Improvements to O&M and Design
Monitoring requirements will be updated to comply with current state WAC246-
272A. Jefferson County will continue to assess this program and adopt more
stringent monitoring requirements if evidence establishes the need.
The operations and monitoring section of the local onsite sewage code is being
revised at this time and will be removed from JGC 8.15 to a stand alone
document. During this process the requirements of WAC246-272A-0270 (1 )(d)(I)
and (ii) will be met. We will assure a complete evaluation of the system
components and/or property to determine functionality, maintenance needs and
compliance with regulations and any permits at least once every three years for
all systems consisting solely of a septic tanks and gravity OSS and annually for
all other systems unless more frequent inspections are specified by the health
officer.
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A s y s te m to e n a b le ho m e o w n e rs to be c o m e c e rt ifi e d to in s p e ct the ir ow n sy s te m
is e n v is io n e d . T h e re w ill be so m e lim ita tio n s to th is tha t re la te to in s p e ctio n s
re q u ire d at tim e of sa le , w he re the re a re no re c o rd s fo r th e sy s te m , w h e re no 3rd
party monitoring has been done or where the site is in a Marine Recovery Area.
These details will be addressed in the revisions.
Monitoring and maintenance inspections
• An inspection is required at the time of sale. Jefferson County does not
currently have the capacity to track all home sales. Two improvements are
targeted in this area.
✓ Creation of a report from existing databases to list all home sales and
compare it with monitoring inspection reports submitted.
✓ Currently the code simply states that inspection is required at the time of
sale. The goal is to modify this language to require the seller to submit
proof of a current monitoring report by an authorized person prior to the
transfer or sale of property.
• Septic pumpers are required to submit a report for each tank/s that are
pumped. Our goal is to develop a system to enter this data into the system to
recognize the value of this maintenance activity on the system and provide
the info for the permanent record.
• Develop a certification system for homeowners to complete some of the
inspections on their own system.
• Enable homeowner to see the data that is entered from the inspection
reports.
• Develop a system to randomly audit monitoring reports to assure maximum
consistency between inspectors and accuracy in reported observations.
Permit Review and Design Standards
Currently practices are adequate to protect the sensitive areas and allow
monitoring and maintenance of systems.
Enforcement Activities
Efforts will be prioritized as noted:
✓ Sensitive areas as described in 2.2.3.
✓ Sites where monitoring reports identified problems that indicate failure.
✓ Sites where monitoring reports identified problems that are likely to result
in failure.
3.4 Resources
Jefferson County does not have additional resources to comply with most of the
above referenced changes and improvements. We are currently involved in
establishing a Shellfish Protection District, "Clean Water District" for all of east
Jefferson County. A consultant has been retained to complete this process.
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C o m p le tio n of th is w o rk w ill a llo w fo r m a n y of the re q u ire d o ng o in g ele m e nts to
be suc ce ssfully ca rrie d o u t as w e ll as th e id e n tifie d cha n g e s an d im p ro ve m e n ts.
3.5 Timeline
Goal Activities Deadline
Develop report to facilitate Coordinate with JC December 2008
tracking of home sales and Information Services and
monitoring reports received the JC Assessors office on
data access
Complete adoption of Clean Consultant retained to December 2008
Water District to provide complete all activities and
stable funding source for public information
ongoing assessment of components for adoption
water quality and corrective
actions
Expand use of existing Coordinate with database December 2009
permitting database to administrator
enter pumping reports
Develop system for Coordinate with JC December 2009
accessing monitoring Information Services
records in database for the Division and Database
public administrator
Adopt revisions to O&M Create revised code December 2008
section of local code language, review by
advisory group and BOH
3.6 Summary
Jefferson County will work aggressively to complete the revisions to the
operations and monitoring section of the onsite sewage code and move to
adoption of the new code. Subsequently a homeowner certification process will
be developed and implemented for those interested in this approach. Jefferson
County will continue to review siting, design and monitoring requirements for
OSS in areas where these systems pose an increased risk to the public health.
Emphasis will continue to be placed on informing homeowners about their
systems and creating opportunities for them to properly operate and maintain
their systems.
Part 4: Marine Recovery Areas
4.1 Introduction
4.1.1 Definition of MRA s
A Marine Recovery Area, as defined under RCW 70.11 BA.020, is " ... an area of
definite boundaries where the local health officer, or the department in
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c o n s u lta tio n w ith th e he a lth offi c e r, de te rm in e s tha t ad d itio n a l re q u ire m e nts fo r
ex is tin g o n -s ite se w a g e dis p o sa l sy s te m s m a y be ne c e s sa ry to re d u c e po te n tia l
fa ilin g sy s te m s o r m in im iz e ne g a tiv e im p a c ts of o n -s ite se w a g e dis p o sa l
sy s te m s ."
4.1.2 Legal authority for MRAs
In July 2005, the State Board of Health added a new requirement in the revised
On-Site Sewage Systems WAC 246-272A regulations. Washington's local health
officers must plan for the development and management of all OSS within their
jurisdiction. This planning requirement clarifies and strengthens OSS
management practices in sensitive areas as defined by the Areas of Special
Concern under the previous regulation. More detailed planning requirements
apply to the twelve counties bordering Puget Sound. The new regulations
require Puget Sound local health officers to:
• Develop or enhance an OSS database
• Identify sensitive areas within the jurisdiction
• Designate Marine Recovery Areas
• Identify Operation and Maintenance (O&M) requirements for sensitive
areas
• Provide education and reminders
• Enforce OSS requirements
• Describe capacity to fund OSS plan
The 2006 legislation directed the Department of Health and Jefferson County's
health officer (as well as the other 11 Puget Sound counties) to take further
actions to reduce fecal coliform bacteria pollution and the degradation and loss of
marine life in Hood Canal and other marine waters in Puget Sound caused by
low-dissolved oxygen conditions. DOH directed the agencies to reduce the input
of human-influenced nutrients, especially nitrogen, into marine waters.
Marine Recovery Areas (MRAs) must be designated when the Jefferson County
health officer determines that existing OSS are a significant factor contributing to
concerns associated with the degradation of shellfish growing areas, marine
waters listed by the Department of Ecology (Ecology) for low-dissolved oxygen
levels or fecal coliform bacteria, or marine waters where nitrogen has been
identified as a contaminant of concern.
The legislature directed Jefferson County's health officer to develop an on-site
strategy for marine recovery areas that must specify how Jefferson County will
do the following by July 1, 2012, and thereafter:
• Find existing failing systems and ensure that system owners make
necessary repairs, and
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• F in d un k no w n sy ste m s a n d e n s u re th a t th e y a re in s p e cte d a n d
fun c tio n in g pro p e rly , a n d re p a ire d if ne c e s sa ry .
T h e m a rin e re c o v e ry a re a o n -s ite stra te g y w ill be in c o rp o ra te d in to J e ff e rs o n
C o u n ty 's O n -site S e w a g e P ro g ra m M a n a g e m e nt P la n . T he re m a y be
ad v a n ta g e s to pre pa rin g th e strate g y firs t so it c a n be us e d in the de v e lo p m e nt of
the m a n a g e m e nt pla n . A ft e r the P la n ha s be e n a p p ro v e d by the lo c a l bo a rd o f
he a lth , th e he a lth off ic e r m u s t s u b m it a c o p y of the P la n to D O H an d to all
e n t itie s re s p o n s ib le fo r la n d us e pla n n in g an d de v e lo p m e n t re g u la tio ns in
J e ff e r s o n C o u n t y fo r r e v ie w . D O H w ill r e v ie w t h e P la n fo r c o m p le te n e ss .
4.2 Activities
Other than routine O&M of OSS in all Jefferson County, there have not been any
extraordinary activities to the writing of the plan regarding O&M.
4.3.1 Identification of MRA
There were two main components considered when Jefferson County
established a Marine Recovery Area in Hood Canal: the marine areas as
described in the statute (ARZ-1) and land areas with on-site sewage systems
that may affect water quality in those marine areas. The first step was to utilize
the best available scientific and technical data in an analysis of potential
geographic boundaries. The second step was to present data on both water
quality and the status of on-site systems to the health officer, the Jefferson
County BOH, and the advisory group for MRA designation.
The three data sources required for consideration are:
1) Shellfish growing areas that have been threatened or downgraded by
DOH,
2) Marine waters that are listed by Ecology for low-dissolved oxygen or fecal
coliform (303(d) list), and
3) Marine waters where nitrogen has been identified as a contaminant of
concern by the local health officer.
Shellfish growing areas that have been threatened or downgraded by DOH.
Each growing area contains a series of sampling stations. Samples are collected
over time from each station and tested for fecal coliform to determine water
quality at those locations. The results of these fecal coliform tests drive the
classification of the growing areas according to National Shellfish Sanitation
Program (NSSP) standards. When these standards are not met, a shellfish
growing area is downgraded to a lower category. The four classifications, from
best to worse, are "Approved," "Conditionally Approved," "Restricted" and
"Prohibited."
If water quality at one or more sampling stations indicates worsening water
conditions over time but has not yet exceeded NSSP standards, those sampling
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statio ns m ig h t re c e iv e a sta tus o f "C o n c e rn e d " o r "T h re a te ne d ." A "T h re a te n e d "
statu s m e a n s tha t a po rtio n of th e gro w in g a re a w ill be do w n g ra d e d if w a te r
qu a lity do e s no t im p ro v e o r w o rse n s . T h re a te n e d w a te r qu a lity at sta ti o n s in
H o o d C a n a l w a s o n e of the c o n s id e ra tio n s w he n d e te rm in in g the M RA o u tlin e d in
this P la n .
A no the r c o ns id e ra tio n w a s th e do w ng ra d e of a g ro w in g are a . W he n a po rt io n of
a g ro w in g a re a cha n g e s to a w o rse cl a s s ifi c a tio n it is co n s id e re d "D o w n g ra d e d "
a nd is in cl u d e d in th e de te rm in a tio n of a M a rin e R e c o v e ry A re a . T he S h e llfi s h
pro g ra m pu b lis h e s a n n u a l re p o rt s of g ro w in g a re a s lis tin g a ll the do w ng ra d e s
a nd th re a te n e d a re a s fo r th e ye a r. A ny g ro w in g a re a w ith a cl a s s ifi c a tio n of
"C o n d itio na lly A p p ro v e d ," "R e stric te d ," o r "P ro h ib ite d " s h o u ld be co n s id e re d in a n
M R A a n a ly sis w ith th e un d e rs ta n d in g th a t a g ro w in g a re a w ith o ne of th e se
de s ig n a tio n s w o u ld no t a u to m a tic a lly le a d to a n M RA , bu t w o u ld be a v e ry
s ig n ifi c a n t re a so n fo r s u c h c la s s ific a ti o n .
M a rin e w a te rs th a t a re liste d by th e D e p a rt m e nt of E c o lo g y un d e r s e ctio n 30 3 (d )
fo r lo w -d is so lv e d ox y g e n o r fe c a l c o lifo rm ba c te ria .
A no th e r w a y th e M RA in Je ff e rso n C o u n ty w a s id e ntifi e d is the lis tin g o n the
D e p a rt m e nt o f E c o lo g y 's 30 3 (d ) lis tin g fo r lo w -d is s o lv e d ox y g e n a n d fe c a l
c o lifo rm ba cte ria .
M a rin e w a te rs w h e re nitro g e n ha s be e n id e n tifi e d a s a c o nta m in a n t of c o n c e rn
by the lo c a l he a lth off ic e r.
R C W 70 .11 B A.0 4 0 (1) (c ) d ire c ts th e lo c a l he a lth off ic e r to pro p o s e a m a rin e
re c o v e ry a re a fo r th o s e la n d a re a s w h e re e x is tin g o n -site se w a g e d is p o sa l
sy ste m s a re a sig n ifi c a n t fac to r c o n trib u tin g to c o n c e rn s a sso c ia te d w ith m a rin e
w a te rs w h e re nitro g e n ha s be e n id e n tifi e d a s a co n ta m in a nt of c o n c e rn by the
lo c a l he a lth off ic e r.
H o w e v e r, un lik e (1)(a ) an d (b ), in R C W 70 .1 1 8 A.0 4 0 (c ) the re are no state w id e
m o n ito rin g da ta fo r nitro g e n in m a rin e w ate rs to he lp in the de te rm in a tio ns of a
po s s ib le M RA . T h e s ta tute re q u ire s J e ff e rso n C o u n ty to m a ke a ju d g m e nt a b o u t
m a rin e a re a s kn o w n to be at ris k fr o m nitro g e n c o n ta m in a tio n a n d c o n s id e r th e
po te n tia l c o n trib u tio n fr o m a s s to the pro b le m . A t th is tim e , Je ff e rso n C o u n ty
c o n s id e re d th e lo w -d is so lv e d o x yg e n is s u e s in H o o d C a n a l s ig n ifi c a n t e no u g h to
cl a ss ify H o o d C a n a l a s a M RA , bu t w e are d u b io u s a b o ut th e c o rre la tio n be tw e e n
a s s s a n d lo w D O . H o w e v e r, as th e nitro g e n /lo w d is s o lv e d ox y g e n is s u e s
be c o m e cl e a re r w ith m o re da ta , it m a y be ne c e ss a ry fo r the he a lth off ic e r to
c o n s id e r de -cl a s s ifyin g the a re a .
4.3.2 Evaluation of 05S to Ensure Proper Function
In the Hood Canal MRA, Jefferson County will conduct a field assessment of
existing ass along the entire Hood Canal shoreline from Tala Point to the
southern county line using the Ecology-approved Protocol for Pollution
Identification and Correction (PIC) See Appendix A.17 for the P/C protocol.
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B e fo re c o n d u c tin g fie ld w o rk, th e o bje c tiv e s of th e s ite vis its (s u rve y ) w ill be
d e fi n e d . G e n e r a ll y , th e s u rv e y s w ill be us e d to de te rm in e fun c tio na lity of the
O S S . F ie ld w o rk w ill in cl u d e do o r-to -d o o r sa n ita ry s u rv e y s , re s id e nt in te rv ie w s ,
ed u c a ti o n , dy e te stin g as ne c e ss a ry , an d s u rf a c e w a te r m o n ito rin g to id e n tify
failin g sy s te m s a n d pro v id e ba s e da ta fo r m e a s u rin g s u c c e s s . Je ff e rso n C o u n ty
w ill utiliz e C C W F fun d s to c o n d u c t this w o rk ov e r a 3-4 ye a r pe rio d .
E v e n if a n ev a lu a te d sy s te m is fo u n d to be fun c tio n a l, bu t no t O &M fr ie nd ly ,
Je ff e rs o n C o u n ty w ill ad v is e ho m e o w ne rs to in s ta ll O &M c o m p o n e nts (s u c h a s
ris e rs o n a ll ta n k s a n d at the d-b o x , m o n ito rin g po rt s a t ne a r an d dis ta l e nd s of
dra in fi e ld le g s , tim e rs an d c o u n te rs fo r s y s te m s w ith pu m p s an d o utle t ba ffl e
filte rs fo r a ll s e ptic ta n k s) in o rd e r to pro v id e th e ho m e o w ne r w ith the m e a n s to
c o n d u c t m o re th o rou g h O &M in s p e ctio n s o n th e ir s y s te m . Je ff e rs o n C o u n ty w ill
pu rsue gra n t fun d in g to pro v id e fi n a n c ia l as s is ta n c e to ho m e o w ne rs to pe rf o rm
up g ra d e s o n the ir sy s te m s , a s w e ll as w o rk w ith S h o re B a n k E n te rp ris e s o r othe r
fin a n c ia l in s titutio n s to a ss is t w ith fun d in g th e s e up g ra d e s .
4.3.3 Determination and Repair of Failing Systems
If an OSS is identified as failing per the definition of failure in WAC 246-272A and
in Jefferson County's local OSS code, the homeowner will be provided with
information about ShoreBank Enterprises low-to-no interest loan program to
repair their failing OSS. Information about other financial assistance options will
be provided when known. If voluntary compliance cannot be obtained, then
further enforcement action will be taken, up to and including abatement.
All repaired OSS in the designated MRA will be required to meet current state
and local code, and will be O&M friendly. All repaired OSS that require pumps
will also be required to have timers and counters, meet manufacturers O&M
requirements, meet State Recommended Standards and Guidance (RS&Gs),
and have monitoring ports installed throughout the system. Repaired systems in
a designated MRA will have to strictly follow Jefferson County O&M
requirements. Active and aggressive enforcement of the O&M requirements will
be mandatory in the designated MRA.
4.3.4 Additional Requirements within MRAs
A current monitoring inspection report by a cerified 3rd party must be on file prior
to a property sale within the MRA boundary as in other areas of the county.
Additionally, Jefferson County will require the following for any new OSS installed
within designated MRAs:
Standard gravity and pump-to-gravity OSS
For new standard ~ravity and pump-to gravity system located within a designated
MRA, a certified 3r party O&M Specialist must conduct an O&M inspection at the
third year of operation (the 1st inspection). After the third year, an O&M
inspection will be required every 3 years and/or at the time of sale. All standard
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an d pu m p -to -g ra v ity sy s te m s to be in s ta lle d w ith in a de sig n a te d M R A w ill be
in s ta lle d w ith a &M fr ie nd ly m o n ito rin g po rts , ea s ily a c c e ss ib le lid s w ith ris e rs ,
an d o u tle t ba ffle fi lte rs.
A lte rn a tiv e a n d pro p rie ta ry sy s te m s
A ll ne w a n d ex is tin g alte rn a tiv e a n d pro p rie ta ry sy s te m s in a de s ig n a te d M RA w ill
ha v e to m e e t th e fo llo w in g a d d itio n a l re q u ire m e nts :
1) T im e rs a n d c o u n te rs w ill be m a n d a to ry o n a ll s y ste m s .
2 ) S tric t ad h e re nc e to a ll m a n u fa c tu re rs O &M re q u ire m e n ts , a n d S ta te
R S &G s , w ill be re q u ire d fo r a ll pro p rie ta ry sy s te m s .
3 ) S t r ic t a d h e r e n c e to , a n d e nfo rc e m e nt of, the O &M s c h e d u le w ill be
m a n d a to ry .
4.3.5 Identifying Unknown OSS in MRAs and Ensuring Proper Function
Each year, Jefferson County identifies previously unknown systems through
established practices. Information on these systems is added to the database
and, over time, the percentage of unknown systems within Jefferson County is
reduced. In order to find all ass within the Marine Recovery Areas by 2012,
Jefferson County will employ the following strategy. This strategy operates
programmatically for all parcels within the designated MRA as well as on the
individual properties. Jefferson County's strategy develops a prioritization of
activities with potentially high-risk situations taking precedence. The following
outline lists Jefferson County's MRA on-site strategy:
✓ Within each newly defined MRA, Jefferson County will develop a known,
assumed and unknown OSS data set using parcel data and permitting
data as is currently in progress for countywide O&M monitoring.
✓ Jefferson County will identify property owners and request information
regarding their OSS by mail or in person. This may include as-builts,
O&M records, building permits or other pertinent information.
✓ Jefferson County will prioritize the developed areas within a MRA where
ass data is missing in order to identify why the data gaps exist and
prioritize work efforts (such as conducting sanitary surveys) to fill in those
data gaps.
✓ Jefferson County will update the electronic database and paper records as
new information becomes available. As required by RCW
70 .11 BA.060(2), Jefferson County will assure that the data compiled within
the MRA will be compatible with the OSS data systems used throughout
Jefferson County.
Once the Jefferson County BaH and the community agree with the strategy
herein, Jefferson County will begin to conduct field assessments of existing ass
within the MRA. Before conducting fieldwork, the objectives of the site visits
(survey) will be defined. Generally, the surveys will be used to determine
functionality of the ass. Fieldwork will include door-to-door sanitary surveys,
resident interviews, education, dye testing as necessary, and surface water
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m o n ito rin g to id e ntify fa ilin g sy s te m s a n d pro v id e ba se da ta fo r m e a s u rin g
s u c c e ss . F e c a l c o lifo rm ba c te ria c o n ta m in a tio n fr o m othe r s o u rce s s u c h as
sto rm w a te r ru n o ff an d a n im a l w a ste (in cl u d in g fr o m ho b b y fa rm s ) w o u ld be
us e ful in fo rm a tio n fo r fu rt he r in v e stig a tio n .
T he Je ff e rso n C o u n ty M RA stra te g y a d d re sse s c itiz e n pa rt ic ip a tio n v ia ed u c a tio n
eff o rt s . T he s e eff o rt s in cl u d e pu b lic m e e tin g s , d ire c t m a ilin g s , pre s s re le a se s ,
ne w s p a p e r art icl e s , pu b lic in fo rm a tio n ad v e rtis e m e nts, c o m m u n ity ev e n ts (fairs ,
m a r k e t s, etc .), w o rks h o p s o n o n -site se w a g e sy ste m O &M , pro v id in g
h o m e o w n e r s w it h c o p ie s o f t h e ir O S S r e c o r d s , a n d pro v id in g te c h n ic a l ad v ic e
a n d in fo r m a t io n b ro c h u r e s o n O S S m a in te n a n c e .
J e ff e r s o n C o u n t y w ill m a n a g e O S S d a t a w it h in t h e M R A via th e ex is tin g O &M
d a t a b a s e s y s t e m . T h e s t r a t e g y a d d r e s s e s d a t a m a in t e n a n c e in re la tio n to
e n s u r in g t h a t O S S s a r e n o t f a ilin g w it h in t h e M RA s . D a t a m a in t e n a n c e in cl u d e s :
r e p o r t c o lle c t io n , d a t a e n t r y , v e r ifi c a t io n o f d a t a a c c u r a c y , e n s u r in g t h a t d a t a is
s h a r e a b le , m e c h a n is m s in p la c e t o r e c o v e r c o s t s , li n k in g O &M r e p o rt s t o p a r c e l
d a t a , a n d t h e a b ilit y t o fo llo w -u p w it h p r o b le m s t h a t a r e id e n t ifi e d . O &M d a t a w ill
a ls o b e u s e f u l in t h e p e rf o r m a n c e e v a lu a t io n o f O &M p r o v id e r s w it h in t h e
ju r is d ic t io n .
4.4 Electronic Data System of OSS within a MRA (3SHB 1458,
Section 6)
4.4.1 Reporting Failing Systems to Jefferson County
Report Submission
An OSS maintenance specialist, septic tank pumper, or other person performing
O&M on an MRA' will submit reports to Jefferson County Public Health via mail.
Eventually, online submissions via a web-based system will be available.
Unsatisfactory Reports
When a report is submitted as "unsatisfactory" by an O&M specialist, the record
will be tagged within the database. The tagging may be linked to any prescribed
actions. Unsatisfactory reports in any area will place the record on a notification
list where the owner will be sent a notification that such a report is on file, details
of the issue that caused the report, and instructions on what is needed to
address the concern. This notification will include a mail-back form for the
homeowner to fill out how the issue was resolved. The homeowner will continue
to receive such reports until the issue is resolved and updated in the database.
Additional Activities & Tools Needed in Finding Failing Systems
Currently, Jefferson County is planning on hiring staff and the tools necessary to
follow-up with unsatisfactory reports, up to and including technical advisory visits.
Enforcement activity beyond notification and tagging of the case will not be
pursued for non-failing unsatisfactory reports.
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C o o rd in a tio n w ith D O H
J e ff e rs o n C o u n ty w ill be w o rk in g w ith th e D O H to de v e lo p co m m o n fo rm s a nd
pro to c o ls to fac ilitate the s h a rin g o f da ta o n M RA s.
4.4.2 Ensuring Electronic 05S Data Systems for Each MRA are Compatible
within Jefferson County (addressed in Part One)
OSS data systems for the Hood Canal; MRA is compatible within Jefferson
County. Jefferson County will work with other agencies, as applicable, that
maintain OSS data to ensure that the data systems are as compatible as
possible.
4.5 DOH Contracts with Jefferson County for Marine Recovery
Area
4.5.1 Jefferson County's current capacity and estimated need (personnel,
financial assistance, hardware and software, etc.) to meet certain goals
Jefferson County will not be able to meet the goals outlined in this Plan without
financial assistance to provide more personnel and software. Specifically:
1) Additional long-term and stable funding for additional Full Time Employees
(FTEs) to conduct sanitary surveys of OSS in the Hood Canal MRAs is
needed. Without additional personnel, the needed sanitary survey work in
the Hood Canal MRA cannot be performed. Funding sources could
include local and state funding, or a combination of both. Current funding
levels do not allow for increased FTE to conduct the necessary work
outlined herein.
2) Workspace is a severe limitation for the Jefferson County EH department.
A stable funding source will be needed to include funding for renting more
work space to add FTE. Until a new or additional workspace can be
identified and secured, adding FTE is not possible.
3) Additional and short-term funding must be secured to complete the
document scanning task that must be done as soon as possible. A full
time FTE for approximately one year would be enough to complete the
task.
4) More funding is needed to have the current database upgraded to meet
the reporting expectations of DOH. The funding source would be used as-
needed to perform customized data retrieval/queries for OSS in the Hood
Canal MRA.
If DOH can secure funding and contract with Jefferson County for these high
priority items, then implementing this Plan would be possible within given
timeframes. Otherwise, this Plan will not be able to be implemented and the
goals outlined herein will not be achieved.
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4.6 R eso urces
Puget Sound Partnership, Ecology and DOH will continue to provide technical
assistance to Jefferson County on issues related to the shellfish protection
districts and closure response strategies.
4.7 Timeline
The following timeline outlines the steps necessary to develop and implement a
Marine Recovery Area strategy:
Requirements Activities Deadline
1. Define MRA Boundaries 1. Jefferson County
within Jefferson County proposes a MRA in Hood
(RCW 70.11 BA.040) Canal within Jefferson 1. July 1, 2007
County jurisdiction
2. Present data on both
water quality and the
status of OSS to BOH,
BOCC, OSS Technical
Advisory Groups, WRIA
17, and Closure Response
Teams. 2. July 19, 2007
2. Develop MRA OSS By July 1 2012, Jefferson
Strategy for Designated County will find existing Strategy due by
MRAs failing OSS and repair July 1, 2007
(RCW 70.11 BA.050) those systems to code and
locate/identify unknown
OSS and ensure that
functionality.
3. Require O&M Jefferson County will utilize
Professionals to Report on existing OSS electronic Ongoing
all Failing Systems Found data systems and will
Within MRAs (RCW maintain records for all
70.11 BA.060) OSS within designated
MRAs.
4. DOH Responsibilities DOH will:
(RCW 70.11 BA.070) • Review Jefferson
County's Sewage Sewage management Plan
Management Plan for due to DOH by
completeness July 1, 2007
• Within 30 days, approve
the MRA Strategy or
suggest changes
DOH will assist Jefferson
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County in:
• Enhancing OSS
electronic data systems
via funding
5. DOH Contracts with Jefferson County details
Jefferson County to steps towards the
Implement the Plan progressive improvement July 1, 2012
(RCW 70.118A.080) of:
• Increasing the
percentage of OSS
represented in the
database accurately
• Increasing the
percentage of OSS
receiving
inspections within
the appropriate
service intervals
• Finding failing OSS
and making needed
repairs
• Finding and
inspecting unknown
oss
6. Financial and Technical The Department of Ecology
Assistance shall provide financial and
(RCW 90.48.595) technical assistance to July 1, 2007
Jefferson County for
Pollution Identification and
Correction programs within
current and future
designated MRAs.
ShoreBank Enterprises or
other financial institutions
will provide low-to-no
interest loans to
homeowners with failing
OSS to repair their OSS.
Priority will be given to low-
income and financially
distressed homeowners
7. 3SHB 1458, Sec. 11 DOH report to Legislature
(this section not codified) on progress made toward December 31, 2008
MRA designation and
strategy implementation
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4.8 Sum m ary
Jefferson County will embark on an aggressive and encompassing effort to
identify existing OSS within designated MRA, determine functionality, and assure
proper records about the OSS is recorded on an enhanced and easily-queried
database system.
Part 5: Education
This part of the Plan describes the OSS education activities that the Jefferson
County Environmental Health Division conducted prior to the establishment of the
new state law, and the activities that the Division plans to conduct to support the
provisions of this Plan. This section relates to the following elements of WAC
246-272A-0015(1 ):
d) Facilitate education of homeowners regarding their responsibilities under
this chapter and provide operation and maintenance information for all types
of systems in use within the jurisdiction;
e) Remind and encourage homeowners to complete the operation and
maintenance activities as identified; and
h) Describe the capacity of the local health jurisdiction to adequately fund the
local OSS plan, including the ability to find failing and unknown systems.
5.2 Activities
5.2.1 Current Education Program
The following section details the current methods Jefferson County
Environmental Health uses in educating the public about the risks of OSS to
public health. JC Code 8.15.150 ( 4) states that the Health Officer shall be
responsible to make available written guidance on the proper maintenance and
operation of the OSS to the owner. Information shall be made available at the
Health Division and the JC Department of Community Development locations
and shall be mailed on a periodic basis to owners of OSS by the Health Officer or
his/her designated representative. This is fulfilled by workshops, mailings, web
accessible pamphlets and links, and written information at selected locations as
detailed below:
5.2.1.1 Public classes & events
Analysis of monitoring reports informs development of class content as well as
highlighting areas for which we need to develop additional written or web
available material. Crystal Reports allows us to evaluate monitoring information
in relation to other fields within the Accela database. Reports can be generated
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by de fi n in g pa ra m e te rs by tim e pe rio d of in s p e c tio n , in s p e c to r, pro b le m id e ntifi e d ,
la n d a re a (lo t s iz e ), sy s te m ty p e , s o il ty p e , da te of in sta lla tio n , etc .
• C la s s e s a re pro v id e d to ho m e o w ne rs th ro u g h A sso c ia tio n m e e ti n g s ,
a d v e rt is e d e v e n t s a n d a s p a rt o f o t h e r g r o u p s s u c h a s W S U s ' W a te r
W a t c h e r s , R e a lt o r s t r a in in g s , a n d S h o re S te w a rd s . F ro m 20 0 1-2 0 0 5 , 5 1
cl a s s e s /w o r k s h o p s w e r e p ro v id e d t o 1 ,2 9 1 p a r ti c ip a n t s .
• P a rt ic ip a t io n in s c h o o l s p o n s o r e d e v e n t s s u c h a s c a re e r da y s a n d s c ie n c e
cl a ss e s .
• C la ss e s sp o n s o re d a n d he ld lo c a lly a re pro v id e d to o ns ite se w a g e
p r o f e s s io n a ls -d e s ig n e r s , in s ta lle rs, pu m p e rs a n d O &M S p e c ia lists . T he se
r a n g e fr o m t r o u b le s h o o t in g sy s te m pro b le m s , e le c tric a l c o n tro ls , drip
ir r ig a t io n s s y s t e m s a n d c o d e r e v is io n s .
• T V - v id e o -A 3 0 m in u t e s p o t w a s p r o d u c e d f o r t h e lo c a l c a b le sta tio n o n
w a t e r q u a lit y a n d O S S .
• P u b lic W o rk s h o p s co o rd in a te d w ith othe r w ate r qu a lity im p ro v e m e nt
pro g ra m s su c h a s th e H o o d C a n a l S a n ita ry S u rve y P ro je ct.
• A s pa rt of th e H o o d C a n a l S u rv e y P roje c t J e ff e rs o n C o u n ty s ta ff ha s
c o nd u c te d 3 0 s ite v is its fo r "s e pti c s of c o n c e rn ". T h e se s it e s are in the v ic in ity
o f s a m p lin g s it e s t h a t h a v e e -c o li h it s . T h e s e s ite v is its c o n s ist of re v ie w in g
th e O S S w ith the o w n e r, pro v id in g th e m a c o p y of a n y re co rd s w e ha v e o n
th e ir s ite a n d pro v id in g te c h n ic a l as sis ta n c e to the ow n e rs of the sy ste m . D y e
te s ts a re a ls o us e d in s o m e ca s e s to dia g n o se pro b le m s . H o m e o w ne rs a re
pro v id e d w ith sy ste m o p e ra tin g in fo rm a tio n a n d re p a ir fi n a n c in g o p tio n s .
5.2.1.2 Educational Handouts, Technical Assistance
• Professional and technical staff are available for site specific and general
information regarding OSS.
• Pamphlets on:
✓ "Taking Care of Your Septic System"
✓ "Getting Approval on Your Property"
✓ "Rate Your Septic System Knowledge"
✓ "Septic Tank Additives"
✓ "Inspecting Your Septic Tank"
✓ "Myths and Truths About Septic Systems"
✓ Low interest loan programs
✓ Understanding and Caring for Your X System (provided by DOH)
• Direct mailing - At the time of system installation, upon completion:
✓ Conventional systems - Since 2000 - The current owner is sent an
"asbuilt/record drawing", a sticker with installation info and "do's
and don'ts", a pamphlet on caring for the system, and a memo from
the Public Health Department.
✓ Non-conventional systems - The designer is required to provide the
"asbuilt/record drawing", the installation report and an operations
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and m a intenance m anua l that is specific to the ir system to the
ow ne r.
• M o nitoring inspectio n repo rt s are pro vided to the propert y ow ne r upon
com ple tio n of each inspectio n by the inspecting entity.
• Scanned R ecords - Jefferson C o unty has begun an extensive , long term
project to scan all onsite sew age records. T his w ill allow a reductio n in the
use of paper copie s and facilitate the pro visio n of records to ow ne rs and othe r
interested part ie s. W hile the entire record is scanned only a portio n is placed
on a site that is availa ble to the public. It consists of:
✓ initial application,
✓ permit and conditions,
✓ approved design,
✓ "asbuilt/record" drawing and report,
✓ soil logs
5.2.1.3 Webpage and Links to external resources
• Jefferson County Public Health Webpage provides the above pamphlets in
pdf format, forms, owner and professional information, lists of currently
certified installers and O&M Specialists.
• Links to external websites are located on Jefferson County's Environmental
Health webpage including: WSU Cooperative Extension and Jefferson County
Conservation District, King County Metro, WS DOH, Northwest Onsite
Training Center (Puyallup). (see appendix for screen shots)
5.3 PLANNED EDUCATION
Response to homeowner classes targeted to properly operating and maintaining
their systems is extremely positive. Workshops were given to several homeowner
groups from September-October 2002. A postpaid postcard was sent to 85
workshop participants in May of 2003 with seven questions regarding the
workshops. The goal of these workshops is to modify or reinforce best practices
regarding operation of their septic system. Questions ranged from the basic -
"was the workshop useful?" to "describe one thing you do differently as a result of
attending the workshop". The return rate was 37 %. On a scale of 1-10, 10 being
the best, 85% rated it 8 or higher, 94% felt it should be continued, 97% shared
the info with others and 88% listed at least one thing they do differently. See
Appendix C.1 for questionnaire and results)
• Future educational/outreach possibilities include: increasing the number of
public advertisements, general educational mailings, and operations and
maintenance classes. Four to seven classes per year are planned. Class
size ranges from less than 10 to more than 60.
• One of the local designers has developed a homeowner open book "quiz" that
he requires the homeowner to take and pass prior to signing off on the
system installation. The quiz can be answered entirely from his design and
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the ho m e o w ne r m a n u a l he pro v id e s . H e ha s s u g g e ste d the c o u n ty c o n s id e r
m a k in g th is a re q u ire m e n t fo r a ll s y ste m s .
• T he fo llo w in g bro c h u re s/pa m p h le ts a re in d e v e lo p m e n t fo r "H o w to H ire a
S e p tic D e s ig n e r" a n d "U n d e rsta n d in g Y o u r In s p e c tio n R e p o rt ".
5.4 Current Reminders
5.4.1 Initial Installation Introduction
• Direct mailing - At the time of system installation, upon completion:
✓ Conventional systems - Since 2000 - The current owner is sent an
"asbuilt/record drawing", a sticker with installation info and "do's
and don'ts", a pamphlet on caring for the system, and a memo from
the Public Health Department.
✓ Non-conventional systems - The designer is required to provide the
"asbuilt/record drawing", the installation report and an operations
and maintenance manual that is specific to their system to the
owner.
5.4.2 Periodic Notification
A post card is used to remind homeowners that an inspection is due. When
major items of concern are noted on the inspection report a follow up letter is
provided to the owner with a list of licensed designers or installers, whichever is
necessary based on the conditions noted.
5.5 Planned Reminders
Jefferson County plans to continue the practice of sending reminder notices to
homeowners to conduct or hire a professional to conduct O&M on their OSS.
Based on feedback from the advisory group we plan do develop a series of brief,
concise materials that review do's and don'ts, trouble shooting system problems
and others items as they are identified. The scanning project will allow all
homeowners to access their permit documents information on-line. This process
has been underway for over a year, and records for cases from 2000-2002 are
available now.
5.6 Measured Effectiveness of Targeted Outreach
The postcard questionnaire was a useful tool and provided valuable information
as to what elements of the classes was most effective. This tool will be used in
this context and with other outreach methods in the future.
5.7 Resources
Current resources for educational outreach include county funds for further
homeowner education and systemic reminders for O&M inspections. Additional
resources needed to implement activities as outlined in Part 5 include:
Onsite Sewage Management Plan
8/20/2007
page 43 of 46
1. A dd itio n a l fun d in g to de v e lo p an d s e nd re m in d e rs , po s ta g e co sts , sta ff c o sts ,
an d m is c e lla n e o us c o sts to tra c k a n d dis s e m in a te in fo rm a tio n ;
2 . A dd iti o n a l fu n d in g to as s is t Je ff e rs o n C o u n ty in de v e lo p in g m a te ria ls fo r
ed u c a tio n pre se n ta tio n s , o u tre a c h s e ss io n s , etc . M a y in cl u d e fun d in g fo r
vid e o pro d u c tio n , bro c hu re s , pa m p h le ts , an d othe r m a te ria ls .
3 . A dd itio n a l fun d in g to hire a M a s te rs -tra in e d ed u c a tio n/o u tre a c h s p e c ia list to
ass u re pro p e r m e ssa g in g a b o u t O &M .
5.8 Timeline
The following timeline outlines prioritized activities to conduct education and
outreach efforts regarding O&M of OSS:
Goals Activities Deadline
Educate homeowners on • Classes ongoing.
their responsibilities and • Published articles in
provide O&M information local papers
for all types of systems in • Develop written and web
use in Jefferson County available info
fWAC 246-272A-0015(1 )l
Remind and encourage Reminder postcards ongoing.
homeowners to complete
O&M inspections
fWAC 246-272A-0015(1 )l
Joint community classes Continue to respond to Schedule already confirmed
with WSU Co-op Extension requests as contacted. for 2007.
Target special education • Develop education Updating education
materials to residents in materials in consultation materials and initiating
sensitive areas and Marine with newO&M public events and classes
Recovery Areas requirements for shall occur in the
sensitive areas subsequent months after
• Update O&M database establishing sensitive areas
to place educational and MRAs and their
notifications on O&M associated O&M details.
schedule for sensitive
area and MRA residents
• Host educational
activities in sensitive
areas and MRAs.
Onsite Sewage Management Plan
8/20/2007
page 44 of 46
5.9 S um m ary and P rio ritizatio n of A ctiv ities
Jefferson County will continue its current program and plans to augment its OSS
O&M education program in providing educational materials, reminders and
notification, holding public meetings and classes, attending and presenting at
homeowner's meetings and community events independently and jointly with
WSU Cooperative Extension, and providing access to resources for community
and O&M specialists. The number of classes and reminders and the date when
records will be available online is controlled by available funding.
References
1 The Washington State Legislature defines "unknown system" as an OSS that was installed
without the knowledge or approval of the local health jurisdiction, including those that were
installed before such approval was required.
2 www .ofm.wa.gov/datebook/county
3 US Census 2000
4 2003 Health of Jefferson County, Jefferson County Health and Human Services
5 Ibid.
6 Ibid.
7 Ibid.
8 Jefferson County Housing Action Plan, adopted Oct. 2006
9 Soil Survery US Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service, 1975
10 Jefferson County Surface Water Management Plan, adopted 2006
11 UDC, adopted 2000
List of Contacts
Linda Atkins R.S., Environmental Health Specialist 3, Jefferson County Public
Health
Mike McNickle M.P.A.,R.S., Deputy Director, Jefferson County Public Health
Jim Pearson, Lead author on JC Surface Water Management Plan, Jefferson
County Public Works
Michelle McConnell, JC Associate Planner, Lead for Shoreline Master Program
Update
Doug Noltemeier, Senior GIS Analyst, JC Central Services Dept.
Pat Perriman, Cartographer/GIS Analyst, JC Assessor/ JC Central Services Dept
Brent Butler, Jefferson County Lead Associate Planner, Lead on Port Townsend
and Jefferson County Housing Action Plan, 2006
Onsite Sewage Management Plan
8/20/2007
page 45 of 46
D a ta S o u rc e s
Health of Jefferson County 2003, Analysis by Dr. Christiane Hale, PhD, MPH and
Kellie Ragan MA. Editor Kellie Ragan MA. Technical Editor Dr. Tom Locke, JC
Health Officer.
Behaviorial Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) 2001
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan, 1998 and 2004 update.
Watterson Report, January 1995. Referenced in Comprehensive Plan page 3-3.
2000 US Census
Jefferson County Onsite Sewage Code 8.15
Jefferson County Onsite Sewage Policies
Jefferson County Unified Development Code (UDC) adopted 2000
Onsite Sewage Management Plan
8/20/2007
page 46 of 46
Jefferson County
Board of Health
V.
New Business
Item 2
OWL 360 YCCTPP* Mini Grant Presentation
[No hand-out]
Healt
* Youth Cannabis & Commercial Tobacco Prevention Program
A ugust2 0 ,2 0 26
Jefferson County
Board of Health
V.
New Business
Item 3
Sc outing A m e ric a Y C CTPP Mini Grant Presentation
[No hand-out]
It
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J e ff C o S o c c e r C lu b Y C C T P P M in i G ra n t
P re s e n ta tio n
[N o h a n d -o u t]
bl He
August20,2026
Jeffe rso n C ou n ty
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Item 5
Je fferson C ou n ty S uppo rt s for C hildre n w ith A utism
S pectrum ID iso rder
alt
August20,2026
~
PublicH~
Jefferson County Programs
Highlight Presentation
H ighlighted prog ra m s:
• School Autism Medical Review Team (SMART)
• Intellectual and Developm ental Disabilities (IDD)
Fo c u s:
Illuminating how these programs support
children who are or may be experiencing
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
T o d a y w e 'll re v ie w :
• W h a t/W h o is SMART
• How SM ART serves residents
• Lifelong supports for
residents with ASD
Introducing:
C y n de Marx
Jefferson County Coordinator for:
• Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN)
• School Medical Autism Review Team (SMART)
Contact: CMarx@co.jefferson.wa.us or 360-385-9431
W h a t is S M A R T ?
A state-supported
partnership between:
• Schools
• Medical providers
• Community partners
To improve local access
to ASD assessments
P a rtic ip a tio n Ste p s :
• A fam ily connects with their school district or a birth-three services provider
• A sch o o l a n d /o r B -3 p ro v id e r d o cu m e n ts developmental concerns
• A s a p p ro p ria te , sch o o l/p ro v id e r re fe rs fa m il y to SM A R T (Cynde M arx)
• SMART contacts fam ily to gather information
• SMART collaborates with school/provider to review information
• SM A R T m a tc h e s child with a local provider for ASD evaluation
• SM A R T p ro v id e s fa m il y w it h in fo rm a tio n a b o u t a d d it io n a l re so u rce s
Origins and Trajectories:
• SMART began in Lewis County in 2010
• Jefferson County's team launched in 2024 with a single provider
• The Jefferson team expanded in 2025 by adding a second provider, Dr. Bower
• The Jefferson team continues to slowly grow while building community trust
C o m m unities do better w h e n
system s w ork tog eth e r to pave
clea r path s to th e su p po rts
e v eryon e needs to th rive.
Introducing:
Dr. Melin-da Bow er
• Naturopathic Doctor at Jefferson County Public Health
• Center of Excellence (COE) for Autism Evaluation
Dr.B o w e r's SM ART Role
• Completed Autism Spectrum Disorder COE training in Dec. 2024
with support of SM ART
• Accepts SM ART referrals for ASD evaluations for patients with
Medicaid insurance
• Encourages all school districts to join the team, learn more about
ASD evaluation, and communicate about children who may benefit
from an evaluation
Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
(IDD) Coordinator
Bonnie Obremski
• Moved to Jefferson County in 2014
• Began at Jefferson County Public Health
as a communications specialist in 2021
• Moved to IDD Coordinator role for
the county in Nov. 2024
Contact:
BonnieO@jefferson.wa.us
(360) 385-9410
Supports funded by the state and county are available for
residents with an IDD diagnosis, who meet all eligibility criteria.
No-cost supports may include but are not limited to:
• Birth to Three services
• In -school w orkplace readiness supports for ages 14+
• Caregiving & family- supports
• H o u sing sup p orts
• Th e rap ies
• A ssistive technolog ies
• C o m m un ity inclu sio n
• Sup p orte d e m p loym e nt
Call to Action
• Tell families, schools, providers about SMART and services
for residents with intellectual/developmental disabilities
• Encourage providers to participate in SMART training
Thank You!
C'-• u,
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Je fferso n C o u n ty
B o a rd of H e a lth
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A u g u st2 0 ,2 0 2 6
J e ffe rs o n C o u n ty
B o a rd o f H e a lth
V II.
A g e n d a P la n n in g
I
August20,2026