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Home My WebLink About04 April _=-~':, UJJ':" ,.}" ';SL1,(.?/"'/J'/ ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HEALTH EDUCATION COMMUNICABLE DISEASE CONTROL PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING VITAL STATISTICS ~ ~~ JEFFERSON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT 602 SHERIDAN PORT TOWNSEND, WASH. 98368 (206) 385.0722 HEALTH BOAR.D STAFF MEMBERS: BOARD MEMBERS: cynthia Howarth, Director Environmental Health Irene Senior-pomeroy, Acting Director of Nursing Kathy Stafford, Administrator J. Peter Geerlofs, M.D. Health Officer B. G. Brown, Chairman Larry W. Dennison, Member George C. Brown, Member citv of Port Town~end Representative: Karen Chang MINUTES: APRIL 25, 1989 Chairman B.G, Brown opened the meeting at the appointed time. Commissioner Larry W. Dennison and commissioner George C. Brown were both present as well as Kathy stafford, Linda Atkins, steve Rice and Dr. Peter Geerlofs. Commissioner George Brown came in late. City Representative Karen Chang was also present. Six interested County residents were also present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: commissioner Dennison moved to approve the minutes of the March 21, 1989 meeting as read. Chairman B. G. Brown seconded the motion in the absence of Commissioner George Brown. The motion carried by a unanimous vote. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT, Administrator Kathy Stafford discussed the following: - Health Board Meeting Minutes: April 25, 1989 Page: 2 Organizational Chart: The Health Department staff developed an organizational chart at their Retreat which they will submit to the Board for approval. Dental Contract - Clallam Jefferson Community Action Council: This contract amends the previous one, Kathy Stafford reported, to include pass through money for a mobile dental unit. CAC has also agreed to pay $15.00 per hour for administrative services provided by the Health Department. The contract will be presented for the Commissioners approval at their next meeting. Dental Contract - Cyndi Newman: This is the contract for the dental hygienist to do the work on this contract, Kathy Stafford reported. The contract will be presented for the Commissioners approval at their next meeting. Facility: Kathy Stafford reported that she has heard that the Olympic Area Agency on Aging has determined that they will be moved out of the Multi Services building by June 1 and she advised the Board that she just wanted to make sure that the Health Department's space needs are considered when that space is re-allocated. NURSES REPORT, The monthly statistics are attached to the meeting agendas, Kathy Stafford noted and then she introduced Irene Senior Pomeroy who is the Acting Director of Nursing. Hiring of Director of Nursing - Status Report; The Director of Nursing position has been advertised at the University of Washington and in the Port Townsend Leader as well as sent to all of the local Health Departments in the State. Two applications have been received to date. The deadline for submitting applications is May 1, 1989. Kathy Stafford asked that one of the Commissioners serve on the search committee. Communi ty Heal th Nursing Advisory Board: Irene Senior-Pomeroy reported that she has one applicant for the six vacancies on this Advisory Board. She will give a report next month after the Advisory Board's first meeting. Dr. Geerlofs added that one suggestion made by the staff at the Health Department retreat was to consider expanding the Advisory Board to represent all the sections of the Health Department. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIRECTOR'S REPORT, The following items were discussed: Environmental Heal th Staffing: Food Specialist Salary: A salary increase was given to the part time food specialist earlier this year, Kathy Stafford reported. A survey was done of the salaries paid by other Counties for equivalent position which was presented to the Board. The Food Specialist has presented education workshops for Health Board Meeting Minutes: April 25, 1989 Page: 3 numerous groups, food services inspections are being done on a more frequent schedule than in the past, inspection of public pools and spas and shellfish testing. The 1989 budget includes enough funding to pay this position $9.50 per hour and the Department is requesting that the salary for this position be raised to that level. The survey was then discussed. The Board directed Kathy Stafford to send a payroll status change form for their consideration. Addi tional Personnel: The letter submi tted by Cynthia Howarth requesting additional personnel for the environmental health section was discussed. Kathy Stafford added that this position is needed to help provide the following services: managing volunteers for shellfish collection, inspections of public pools and spas, more phone calls, the need for an environmental health person in office to take phone calls, help Planning with the Water Quality grant septic failures, etc. At the Health Department staff retreat the consensus was that the area that needed the help most in the department was the environmental health section, Dr. Geerlofs noted. His concern is that the Director doesn't have time to manage the section and keep up with the workload too. Commissioner Dennison stated that the request submitted didn't have a listing of the work that is being done, how much time it takes, and the priority assigned to each activity, which is the information he would like to have to make a decision on the request. The Department and the Board need to decide what activities will be added over the basic services offered by the department. Kathy Stafford stated that a daily activity log is kept and that information can be compiled. Commissioner Dennison stated that he doesn't doubt that there's a need for more personnel, but, to know the best way to accommodate that need requires that information. A report will be submitted at the next meeting as requested by Commissioner Dennison. The discussion continued regarding the management of the environmental heal th section and the need to allow more time for management. On Site Sewage Disposal: Policy on Continuing Education for Licensed Septic System Designers: Kathy Stafford reported that letters were sent to all the licenses septic system designers and they all agreed that continuing education is needed and that they would be willing to attend training sessions. Since this information was received in a favorable manner, Kathy Stafford asked that the Board adopt the policy requiring continuing education for licensed septic system designers. This policy would make continuing education a requirement for renewal of a designer license. Health Board Meeting Minutes: April 25, 1989 Page: 4 Commissioner Dennison moved to approve the policy requiring continuing education for licensed septic system designers. Commissioner George Brown seconded the motion. steve Rice added that these people need to be kept aware of new technology and changes in regulations. The Chairman called for a vote on the motion which carried unanimously. 90 Day Repair Policy for Failing Septic Systems: The 90 day repair policy for failing septic systems, Kathy Stafford advised, allows time for the property owner to resolve their problem. Changing the wording of the policy was discussed because the threat of prosecution intimidates some people. The policy doesn't need to state what will happen at the end of the 90 days, Chairman Brown stated. This policy will be re-worded and brought back before the Board at the next meeting. Sewaqe Disposal Requirements for Additions, Alterations, Repair, and Remodels to Existing Structures - Policy: Planning and Building Department Director David Goldsmith explained that a policy was drafted to help determine when a building permit for an addition, alteration, repair or remodel is sent to the Health Department for further review. Drain fields are sized by the number of bedroom units. If there is a change in the size of bedroom space then the Health Department will review the proposal. The policy states '~n evaluation of an existing system may be required prior to the issuance of a building permit for alterations, additions, repairs, or remodels to existing habitable structures when in the judgement of the Environmental health Division, the alteration, addition, repair, or remodel will add to the load on the existing septic system or when the size and ability of the existing system is unknown. If upgrades to the sewage disposal system are necessitated by the evaluation, the certificate of occupancy will be withheld until the system upgrade is completed." All building permits are sent to the Health Department for review, David Goldsmith added. Many times the review is done with a Sanitarian over the phone if the addition is simple. He then asked that this policy on repairs and remodels be adopted by the Board. Commissioner Dennison moved to adopt the policy as presented for additions, alterations, repair and remodels to existing structures. Commissioners George Brown seconded the motion. The motion carried by a unanimous vote. Request for Variance from the 90 Day for Repair Policy; Mr. Araki, Paradise Bay: Mr. and Mrs. Araki were present when Steve Rice reported that Mr. Araki was given 90 days to make the necessary repairs to his failing septic system. Mr. Araki stated that he is in agreement with good ecology and strict enforcement of health rules and regulations. Ten years ago he moved into his residence and found that effluent from his septic tank was emptying onto the beach. He applied for a permit and put in a septic Health Board Meeting Minutes: April 25, 1989 Page: 5 system on his property at that time. That septic system is supposedly breaking down now. He challenges the notion that the system is totally breaking down. He talked with Janet Welch (former County Water Quality employee) who suggested several remedies including: Digging test holes and checking them during rainy season; and the installation of a curtain drain to direct storm water runoff away from the septic system. Mr. Araki added that there are several areas in the county that pose a far greater danger to public health than his problem. He requested to be allowed to do a thorough study on an alternative system between now and when his system breaks down. He has contacted a sanitarian about designing an alternative system which he would submit to the Health Department. If his current system fails he will fix it immediately. Mr Araki urged the Board to rescind the 90 day time requirement for repair of his system. Steve Rice explained that Mr. Araki's property is located on Paradise Bay. The drain field is ponding and there is effluent around the D box which means the effluent is not being treated by the drain field. Janet Welch wanted to try a repair by putting in a curtain drain to keep water away from the area. Cynthia Howarth contacted Mr. Araki about how much the system was used, Steve Rice reported. He also contacted Mr. Araki and asked him to dig a soil profile hole in the drain field so that the Health Department could determine what was happening in that area. The Health Department file indicates the septic system was installed in clay soil, which is not the most desireable. After the curtain drain was installed there was still effluent around the D box and the curtain drain was not doing what it was hoped it would, Steve Rice added. A biomat was formed on the bottom of the drain field because the effluent was not going down through the soil as it should. This is a septic system failure and where the effluent is going now, is not evident, but it is not being treated. There are suitable soils in another area of the property that are suitable for an alternative system, Steve Rice concluded. Mrs. Araki stated that there is no wet spot where the drainfield is now because fill was placed over the it. Steve Rice responded that putting fill over a drainfield is not correcting the problem. The effluent is not being treated. Mr. Araki stated that the system has been working up to now and he sees no danger to the public because there is not effluent on top of the ground. The septic system drainfield is 100 to 150 feet away from the waterfront. Mr. Araki added that he feels the effluent is being accepted by the ground to a certain extent. He reported that the bank shows no indication of effluent, but there may be some water from the curtain drain, he has no way of knowing where the water is coming from exactly. Health Board Meeting Minutes: April 25, 1989 Page: 6 Steve Rice recommended that Mr. Araki dig a hole down slope from the drainfield to see if the soils are treating the effluent. Mr. Araki asked that if the location of the drainfield is changed how he can be assured that the effluent won't flow down to the water. Steve Rice stated that an alternative system will treat the effluent itself before the water goes out into the ground. The best solution is to install an alternative system per the rules and regulations. Chairman Brown asked if it is reasonable to approve Mr. Araki's request for a variance from the 90 day repair requirement? Commissioner Dennison stated that giving a variance from the 90 days is acceptable but a time frame needs to be set to allow Mr. Araki to provide the information needed on his system. Mr. Araki stated that this year is his 50 year wedding anniversary and he will have to spend money on that and added that he would be willing to put money into an alternative system next year. Dr. Geerlofs added that first it must be determined if there is a health risk created by this failing system. Chairman Brown added that first a determination must be made that the effluent is contaminating the surrounding area. More information is needed to determine the degree of the system failure. Commissioner Dennison moved to extend the 90 day repair period an additional 60 days to allow Mr. Araki and the Health Department to determine the extent of the problem. Mr. Araki stated that he would dig the holes necessary if the Health Department will show him where they want them. Commissioner George Brown seconded the motion. The motion carried by a unanimous vote. Septaqe Disposal at the County Landfill: Public Works Director Gary Rowe explained that more septage has been received at the landfill than was anticipated when the closure costs for the lagoon were estimated. A request was received from a disposal company that had not previously dumped here to do so because neighboring dump sites are closing down or not accepting out of county septic tank wastes and more requests are being received every month. A list of the quantities received over the past few years was submitted by Gary Rowe. The concern is that more sludge is being accepted into a lagoon will have to be closed at some point between now and 1989. closure plan costs was estimated on a specific amount of volume. contents of the lagoon will have to be treated and handled in manner. that The The some A policy of not accepting out of County septage is being requested, Gary Rowe added because neighboring counties have the same problems and they are not accepting septage in Sequim, Forks or Port Angeles. Health Board Meeting Minutes: April 25, 1989 Page: 7 Kitsap County just adopted a policy to not accept septage from outside their County plus they raised their dumping fee. The draft closure plan, Gary Rowe continued, was to bailout the lagoon and spread the contents out over the area that will be closed and mix it into the soil. The Health Department or the Department of Ecology may require that the septage in the lagoon be treated which would cost money that the County doesn't have. The plan for handling septage currently being followed, will have septage treated at the Port Townsend secondary sewage treatment facility which will be on line in 1991. What to do with the septage until that time is the problem. Bremerton will not accept septage from outside Ki tsap County. The closest place that will accept septage is in Tacoma. The plan was that a variance would be requested to allow the lagoon to accept septage until the Port Townsend sewage treatment plant is on line, but these increased volumes may change that plan. Commissioner George Brown asked where the extra septage is coming from? Gary Rowe reported that it is hard to say if it is all coming from out of the County or if the local haulers have been doing more business. Commissioner Dennison stated that he is more concerned that pumpers might have to haul to Tacoma and pay $.09 per gallon to dump septage. Gary Rowe stated that setting up an alternative treatment system for a two year period is not cost effective because of the capital outlay for such a system. A manifest checking system would have to be established to stop pumpers from out of the County from dumping at the landfill. The best alternative choice was to ask for a variance to accept in County waste until the Port Townsend plant comes on line, Gary Rowe added. Commissioner Dennison asked if any of the alternative treatment systems are reasonable? Gary Rowe responded that the Soil Organics disposal method is estimated to cost $.07 per gallon plus the County would have to provide the land for the treatment. This method of treatment is not preferred by the State Department of Ecology or the Health Department. Composting treatment is not a good method of treating septage because effluent would run of the si te and so a system would have to be developed to treat the effluent which would mean this is not a cost effective method of treating septage. The Solar Aquatics system is immature and needs to be researched further. On a short term basis the only reasonable option is to continue to operate the lagoon and to prevent further compounding of the situation by not accept septage from out of the County. Chairman Brown asked what the Board's feeling is on accepting out of County septage with the information that Gary Rowe has presented. The Solid Waste Advisory Committee recommendation is that if the County Health Board Meeting Minutes: April 25, 1989 Page: 8 not accept out of County septage, but if the decision is to allow this then it should be done under an interlocal agreement with the other counties to cover a portion of the cost for disposal of the waste and accept the liability for the disposal of that waste. Commissioner George Brown asked if Gary Rowe could check with Kitsap and Clallam counties to see if they would be willing to do this. Commissioner George Brown moved to adopt a policy that septage will not be accepted from outside of Jefferson County effective June 1, 1989 unless an intergovernmental agreement can be secured from the County of origin. Commissioner Dennison seconded the motion. The Chairman called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by a unanimous vote. A letter will be sent to neighboring counties advising them of this policy. They will have the choice to pursue an intergovernmental agreement. Agness Walker asked how the origin of the septage will be monitored? Gary Rowe reported that the manifest on the dump truck will have to include the name and address of the homeowner whose septic tank was pumped and then the home owners will be called on a random basis to verify the information from the manifest. Mrs. Walker asked if the County would consider charging a higher fee for out of county septage and then only allow them to dump a specified amount per a limited time frame? Chairman B. G. Brown explained that those items could be defined in the intergovernmental agreement. Mrs. Walker asked if June 1 was a realistic time frame to allow two counties to work out an agreement? Chairman B. G. Brown reported that an interlocal agreement doesn't have to be complicated. Mr. Milton Foss stated that if the County is interested in taking care of the sludge problem and if the County is interested in his system, that is used in Troutdale Oregon, he would get all of the necessary permits. Dr. Geerlofs asked why Mr. Foss's system isn't approved in Washington? Mr. Foss stated that he has never asked for approval in Washington. Mr. Foss urged the Board to look at his process. Myron Offstein reo Declaration of a Health Hazard in the Cape George: Myron Offstein explained that the State Department of Ecology will conduct a thorough review of the declaration of health hazard in the Cape George area at the request of the County Health Department. This would allow the County a chance to review this declaration. Mr. Offstein added that there is not a severe public health hazard at Cape George. People in the Cape George area are now more aware and are pumping their septic systems like crazy. They are also very upset. Mr. Offstein asked that the Board and the Health Officer read the letters he presented from the State Department of Ecology as well as Health Board Meeting Minutes: April 25, 1989 Page: 9 a report of fecal coliform counts from "shotgun" samples taken by an amateur. Nothing is running down to the beach from the Colony. Commissioner Dennison stated that Dr. Geerlofs was asked to take a look at the situation in the Cape George area. Dr. Geerlofs added that it is the professional opinion of the Health Department that there is a significant problem in the Cape George area as well as a significant potential problem. After discussion of the problems in the Cape George area, Dr. Geerlofs stated that the Health Department has no problem with asking the State Department of Ecology and Department of Social and Health Services to review this declaration. Commissioner Dennison moved that the Health Department write a letter to the State Department of Ecology requesting a review of the health hazard declaration, as requested by Mr. Offstein. Commissioner George Brown seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. MEETING ADJOURNED JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH ~man Member ~.~~ George &. Brown, Member COMMUNICABLE DISEASE CONTROL PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING VITAL STATISTICS ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HEALTH EDUCATION JEFFERSON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT 802 SHERIDAN PORT TOWNSEND, WASH. 98368 (206) 365.0722 February 24, 1985 TO: Jefferson County Board of Health Jefferson County Courthouse Port Townsend, WA 98368 Cynthia Howarth, Ph.D. c,~ Director of Environmental Health 802 Sheridan Port Townsend, WA 98368 FROM: SUBJECT: Continuing Education - Jefferson County Licensed Septic System Designers and Installers Pursuant to the discussion at the Board of Health meeting on February 22, 1989, annual continuing education will be required of all designers and installers licensed in Jefferson County. This will be in the form of a meeting presented jointly by our Department and the Washington State Department of Health and Social Services. If attendance is not possible on the date scheduled, the individual may meet separately with our Department and attend another DSHS conference presented elsewhere in the State during the same calendar year. This policy will go into effect upon signature. ~ Chairman 4-;)/)-89 Date .Ad-~ I i~ c-. J..~P--c.~ ~ii:E~-~;y-) JEFFERSON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SERVICES POLICY STATEMENT NUMBER 1 - 89 PROGRAM: On Site Sewage Disposal SUBJECT: Alterations, Additions, Repairs, Remodels, Construction/Certificate of Occupancy and New Effective this date, the following procedure shall be adopted concerning residential dwellings utilizing on-site sewage disposal systems. 1. Alterations, Additions, Repairs, or Remodels/Certificate of Occupancy An evaluation of existing systems may be required prior to the issuance of a building permit for alterations, additions, repairs, or remodels to existing habitable structures when in the judgement of the Environmental Health Division, the alteration, addition, repair, or remodel will add to the load on the existing system or when the size and ability of the existing system is unknown. An evaluation will be required when the alteration, addition, repair or remodel will add to the number of bedrooms or add to the number of plumbing fixtures. If upgrades to the sewage disposal system are necessitated by the evaluation, the certificate of occupancy will be withheld until the system upgrade is completed. 2. New Construction/Certificate of Occupancy The completed installation of an on-site sewage disposal system is considered a component of final inspection. The certificate of occupancy for a completed structure will be withheld until the on- site sewage disposal system upgrade or initial installation has had final approval by the Health Department. The Health Department will notify the Building Department in writing each time an on-site sewage disposal system has been finalized. This notification will become part of the building permit file for reference by the building inspector. This policy is effective April 25, 1989 and shall remain in effect until amended or repealed by action of the Jefferson County Board of Health. Health Department Peter Geerloffs, Jefferson County Health Officer 6/'~ B.G. Brown, Chairman Jefferson County Board of fi/ jJ . f."-?- wn, Chairman County Commissioners 15 n:r, (ji~ 00,fl'" ""'''''.:!..' ~~: ~ ~/17Iz1 Ii [)I!l'( lor CIIRISTINE O. GREGOIRE ~ 'lAir OF VVASHINCTON DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY :UII! _~I()!) ['\-11 . (lii-mpid, l-1/asl1ington 4aSO-]-[J7/1 . (..:'06) .r:jtl-{)()()(l April 14, 1989 Myron G. Offstein 90 Victoria Loop Port Townsend, WA 98368 Dear Mr. Offstein: Thank you for your letter to Larry McCallum dated April 9, 1989 regard- ing your concerns about the Jefferson County Health Departnlent Declara- tion of Public Health Hazard related to the proposed Cape George sewer system. Mr. McCallum now works with a different program within the Department of Ecology, and I will respond to you directly. The process for determination of a severe public health hazard begins when the local county health department recognizes and documents the problem. The documentation must be submitted to the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) by the local county health department. This report must include: . A statement of the problem . How the problem impacts public health . How the problem meets the severe public health hazard criteria. . Documentation of problem - sampling results . Actions being taken on the local level to mitigate the problem The Jefferson County Health Department's declaration of public health hazard will be jointly reviewed by DSHS and Department of Ecology's Water Quality Financial Assistance Program staff to determine whether the county health department report meets the criteria for a severe public health hazard. A severe public health hazard is a situation in which t.he potential for illness exists, but illness is not occurring or imminent. If remedial action is not taken, a severe public health hazard may become a public health emergency. The criteria used to determine a severe public health hazard are that the potential contamination of a source of drinking water exists, or contamination is present on the surface of the ground in such quantities and locations to create a potential or public contact. Furthermore, the problem must generally involve a serviceable area including, but not Myron G. Off stein Page 2 limited to, a subdivision, town, city, or county. Also, the problem cannot be corrected through more efficient operation and maintenance of an existing wastewater disposal system(s). The Department of Ecology and DSHS will conduct a thorough review of the deClaration of health hazard at t.he,:equest _()ft~e~-unt:yh"~~t.hd,,-,,,aE1:-:- merit". Concurrenoe or denial (){" "loc.al" declaration is based solely on d()cWm~rited public health impacts and exclude any funding considerations. If severe health hazard criteria are met, a letter will be sent from the Department of Ecology to the public body applying for funds and the local county health department. An application with documentation can then be submitted and the proposed project will receive maximum priority points for funding. However, no funding will be offered until a severe hnalth hazard is verified and concurred with by DSHS and the Department of Ecology. H you have any questions regardinq this matter. plf,ase call me at (206) 459-6028. Sincer.ely, /lg/Jz1n~ Karl W. Senunes Plullning & Policy Section Water Quality Financial Assistance Program KWS: hof (CERTIFIED COpy )wgr 16 April 1 989 Cape George Sewer Commissioners CG SO " 1 SUBJECT: Refutation of Public Health Hazard Imposed on Cape George ( For Public Record) I have usually found it wise never to invade U1e parameters of another's field of expertise and discipline Unless of course, such intrusion was neccessitated because of material prOblems for me or mine. Today this letter is that kind of exception I surely haven't the training and especial skills that a medIcal doctor has achieved, but in the instance of Dr. J. Peter Geerlofs I find much of which to be highly wary and suspect! I refer to his letter of 28 Sept 88 of which I presume you have a copy. I have no need to inform you that Dr. Geerrlofs was asked by Cape George Sewer CommIssioner Ralph Anderson specifically' to create a Health Hazard letter for the commissioners, inasmuch as three years of work had never produced a viable t1ealth reason to support" justification" to Ecology for grant money for your sewers. An associate of mme at Cape George, Myron Offstel'\ r\Js written to you also on matters pETtinent to tht' (Jpe George sewer problem, complete with verIfication triat col1forrl sampl1ng on our beacrles prove that trlere exists no contamination i tell you thiS because in and with tU2 letter he has newspaper CllPP1l\95 and mmutes of the Healtrl Dept meetings to amplify and further prove my cornrnents I s,hant iJother. you v,nth ti.le materi31 already Hi your hancis. Inste3d, permit me to make comments only as we ;]11 peruse trle at oresaid 28 Seot Jetter (rorn the doctor. ( included herein) In para 1, the doctor Q~_'LS'f mdicates that he m3de thIS tour of the Colony in response to a sj)eclfic request. to institute a rlazard notice. Had such a request not been made, I doubt that thE' doctor would have ever stepped onto our property. In para 2,...he indiccltes tr.at he IS prepared to ,. declare a publiC hea1trl h3zard existed".. "based on the follOWIng criteria.' (R3ther th3n repeat hiS reasoning per se and consuming your time, may I merely answer ttlern?) - - ......._- 2 1) There exists no "documented high failure rate" here. We have at Cape George over 300 perfect Iv functioning sanitary systems His letter was predicated upon two systems! That surely doesn't indicate" high fai lure"i 2) "The effecLunder these conditions" on nearby shellfish habitats." The effects are nm There are no indices of anyone ever becoming ill from eating the shellfish from these proximate habitats They are consumed continually by the residents and guests ( The good doctor admits to never being on the beach, nor was he on this day. ) He follows with more" relevant (7) criteria" 1) Soil conditions are not perfect, true. But the factor of 300 perfect systems versus two bad ones certainly negates the attitude that proper care and design is innefectual At the district meeting Dr. Geerlofs admitted to never having any j)rior exposure to septic systems and their workings, and then admitted that" the whole peninsula has the same bad soil" "and that areas far distant from us ( Kala Point) also experience fai I ing systems! 2) Not bemg a geologist any more than the doctor, I cannot dispute the deserlption of the soil make-up ( Whatever it is, it works well rlerei ) 3) We are near bluffs, agreed. However, no commercial shellfish beds are in " close proximity" Samples of salt water ( marine) were made on several succesive years some IOta 12 years ago by EPA They showed no contamination, thus EPA could not give us a grant Samples of fecal coliform have been ta~:en recently by the sewer commission The biologist at the laboratory in Port ,A,ngeles, and another local licensed biologist confirm that the reaejmgs give Cape George beaches ^^ Extraordinary"' 4) The doctor notes from peru'3ed fi les in 1988" that a " number of system repairs have been. done" Certainly there have been a "number". People have been living rler.e for 30 years or so... and the recor'js will show every one. How large is the number" He gives no clue. Remember, he is the one that shut down on Hie area with a health haza~d for two systemsl Less than one percent! Further, the lots at Cape George vary greatly in size, from several acres iii some areas.. to many many 18,000 to 24,000 square footages. There are some smaller Jots in the Vll1age, but to imply that 10,000 feet is the nor'm is an absolute falsehoodl _.>,~.~..,.,= ,,;;,;:;,,;.~<rr:::::r'r;~';=T:::O:::;:C::::-' 3 5) 1 he doctor uses his" language" loosely! In a continually growing area, I would agree that there are surely some, but not many..systems that were installed prior to 1970. That's almost 20 years agol 6) "Between the months of November and January" actually leaves only Decemberl Assuming U'lat our protagonist meant that "including" these three months the rainfall IS 7 inches.....1 concur. The records "'Ie become privvy to from the health department show no great increase in faIlures during those months. In fact in a year there few, not many, ( Actually we get eleven more inches in other months for a total of 18"1 ) 80th "few" and "many" are totally un-meaning without qualification. ( Like saying" He's kinda sick "7) A check with the department only last week brought forth the fact that only three fai lures have occurred in 88-89. Again, and I'm sorry if I sound "picky"..but the phrase "Most area residents complain....'. ete. is unbecoming to any professional1-1.J writing ..and in this case is an outrageous errorl I've been here a dozen years.. and I ''Ie neither heard the cries nor smelled the problem. Pure,deliberate flctionl The doctor follows with the paragraph stating that Without the esablishment of a sewer district in this area, on-sIte sewage disposal systems repairs and upgrades will continue as they are currently Why knock success? 29""? We have, remember. 300 'IS the..t#o he foun,j? New construction 7 It's booming The health department, despite your "hazard"letter, is treating every new applicant as always...courteously and as an individual case There IS almost a teeming surge of new 110mes gomg up right now....under the ageas of the proper ( [1'3 usual ) rules and regulations of hIS own health department I Since hiS letter statmg that new construction will be limited etc, we have had ttle i)iggest home bui lding that we've experience(jl While the doctor ( wo:-f(lng I 0 houl'~. a month as the Hea!th Offlcer, and as (j hospital computer sales representative all other times ) refuse,:, adamantly to rescind the Health Hazard Letterqno one in the rest of ' the real worJQ" believes that this is Justifiable for us. And I'm certain you gentlemen are accuteiy aware of th,3t facti i believe 1t lmportant for you to remember that our" constituency" , or those who believe a", I, numbers several hundreds of Cape Georgians Indeed, we had handily defeated this entire proposal only 2l few montrls ago I A massive and costly campaign ( uSing tactics I shall not elucidate 4 upon) was mounted and received, this second time, a small majority This is a very bitter and devisive item in a community such as ours, primarily because of the type of system, presentation, an\i tt-le failure of you commissioners' to a!low public access to your actions and planning papers. Indeed the CGSC was criticzed by the judge and fined in court only a few weeks ago for your lack of public cooperatIOn. And also charged for the court and attorney costs. All of us at Cape George are fully aware t~lat there Will be an eventual need for sewers We would choose to pursue the selection and development of another and better type of system. We truthfully want sewersubut proper and workable sewers, honestly presented and honestly built! We believe this project to be a shameful. provable facade, unjust and dearly expensive to all of us who are justifiably proud of a provably healthy communityi Your qualifying "justification.' to Olympia was predicated upon a deliberate sham! It would be our sincere !lope that, whatever the cost in errors antj funds to this point, you would reallze that this effort IS indeed a travesty, predicated upon a sem'5 of unethical and quite possibly, QrOVJ)Q.!;Llllegal foundations. And, triat continuatIOn down this espeCial I-oad will surely see us all in costly litigation Remember, gentlemen, you ggt yourselves into this game .an(j it's a Clame in which you'd bette'- "know when to hold 'em.uand krovv wiien to fold ern It could well turn out to tIe a huge pot, but With no winnersl Thank you for your c1ttention Jnd courtesle'5 Very truly yours, ,.. --\ ~1r{1~ lG t{om'adka'-I'l' cA~,,-_ 9 April 1989 lIr. Larry ttcCallaa Departllent of Ecology tater Quality Financ1al Ass1stance progru !:Iail Stop PV-11 OlYIP1a, fA 98501-8711 RI: CAPE GEORGE SEWER SYS'rnI Door nr ncCnllna I should like to br1ng to your attent10n a matter of deep concern to Ile and to several hundred residents of Cape George Colony. Port Tovn~end. A~ you are aware I aa sure. there has been auch controversy concerninq the very nltd at such a syste.1 In the tille f ralle of 20 Septellber 88 the CGs& was in dire need of .justication. for 50lle desired grant aoney froll your headquarters. For sOlle three years the coDissioners had had no capacity to provide such a requireaent, desp1te IllI.llY failed atteapts. This problell was solved ( to their satisfaction at least ) by requesting that the County Health Officer ( an eaployee of the county for ten hours per Ilonth) provide sOlle relief so they could proceed vith their project. I enclose a copy of the Jefferson County Health Departaent ainutes of their 20 Sept. 88 Ileating. Please note the discussiona taking place concerning the problea involved. ( pages 1 am 5 ). The statellant by Dr. Geerlofs on page 6 is the primary issue. Based on th1s one request by the sewer district ( in trouble vIa h1s cooperation ) a Declaration of Public Health Hazard was issued. This was forwarded to you as justification of need! Even the engineers Gray am Osborne vere not able. Iluch earlier-on, to justify a local need, thouqh they attellpted to do so. In &y 1970 270 questionnaires were sent to residents of the Quillper Peninsula, asking for response to septic problella of their own or perhaps of neighbors. 6~ responded. or these, 3~ indicated some problems, either with their own 1mits of( of neighbors. Thus, 67X of 280 is i8i respor~ant5. 32X ot i81 is 58. Thus 58 of 270 had 5om~ proble. in lIlind of their own or neighbors. This totalB only 2~of the entire group. And it Ilust be cona1dered that one bad systell laY veIl have been reported by Ilore than one person closs therebyl This obviously was an insufficient nUJlber for the engineers' purposes am there was no follow up nor further inquiry as to possible corrections. etc. In Uay of 1986 a dye test was conducted by the Sewer Commissioners throuqhout the whole of Cape George. The results were totally worthless to their case, inaslluch as no dye shoved up. as all effluent was ass11lilated and no leakage occurred. Fecal colifor. tests were conducted in October 86, and February and I1a.rch 87, The results ( tiS interpreted by a laboratory am two independent biologists ) indicate that our beaches vere Class .AA Extraordinary. I 2 'lbere are several ( few ) ditchell with a tendency to .pool. on occassion because of concave construction, plus the fact that their llillter drain pipes were higher than the subject ditch. 'ithin aatter of several days said poolinq 1s gone, as the earth absorbs the vater. There truthfully exists at Cape George no e.eraencv nor hazard. Ie vere subjected to this absurdity soley to attelll.pt to comply with your requirelll.ents that there BE ONE for 1Y:!t1ticaUQn. T!Q systems, that can and should be corrected by their owner:!. i5 a lII.in\lte percentaae of 3PO other perfectly functioninq systelll.sl ( Of sOlll.e concern also. is the fact that the 3&lII.e Health Departlll.ent has not forced any correction of the few systelll.s (2) that were declared hazardC'iI3 SOlle seven aonths aao II In view of the above information, we feel strongly that rather than giv1n;J grant money surely needed elsewhere to Cape George, you thoroughly exalll.ine into the situation. The Health Hazard declaration was one of ~Qlicited accoaodation for a recruired iust1tication. and assuredly and provably not a true picture of the condition, such as YOU vere entitled to. ( As ",911 as our residents!) Thank you for your time and hopefully, concern. Sincerely, ]'..... ,) 'i, ;,.1 ",-""\'l-L "'-/ _ ( I I , / / /' 1- , / I (. . _~ y..... ,___'i.~...... l ......... / < nyron G Offstein (exhibits enclosed) COpy: Andrea Beatty Rinker Director Dept. of Ecology J~re~THfSt: TEs:nDoNE BY R ALP/-f !iIYPEF-C.W 6&PcG&Y<C-c-E C;EL'-'Er~ G~MM., Tf~'xftHo SIit4pLE f'vIETHO{> I).;A5f\16(- fbNE pEf.!. \"Vri-C i7?,-;).o/-o1f5 I /"\ f+ Hi E M FI- II C Pt 1- FC'R (-'\ cLIi N~ol Fc'L-Lo u..EO.' _______ i ! I_L"_HI L~I 'oJ E;;- f< [3,)" I NDS vI,,-.< r I f)l, 'N 11'/ [);'TC:Ji L '0 T/.;)7 P'"L U) ()c E rc j) E L fJ,. /;V(: 6I<PS) v '-=-0:" H/'UYOfo:. LCl'JLI-IV[ (j'/,/'C{ i~lC, ,O'N. TABLE B , ,_. . , ) .!!..~ ~P-- ,', o [-',_Sc'g e,F r) FS 'Y r:: ,1P-71-/ d2 r vi-)re;'.:. ~TlclY fA IT!(IN/-) ,L.f-/CI'-T Ii !<-ICO, - FECALCOt.lFORM TEsr-rn:-SULTS-- FOR CAPE GEORGE SAMPLES i I I Sample llill Sample Location & Sample toca tion Descriotilm Fecal Coliform Test Re5ults 'I \ 10/15/86 ] 0/15/86 10/15/86 10/15/86 02/23/87 02/23/87 02/23/87 02/23/87 02/23/87 02/23/87 1 11 III IV Beach Beach~>~' n (~~.'i i fd Beach Beach 0/1 00 ml 'N (- 1!''1'' 350/100 m! ---S'O/joo O1! 0/100 ml l : -1 I I l , , I' 2' 3' 4' 5' 6' ,I 03/03/87 03/03/87 03/03/87 03/03/87 03/03/87 03/03/87 03/03/87 03/03/87 03/03/87 03/03/87 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Beach 0/ I 00 m! Beach 0/100 ml Beach 10/100 ml Beach 0/100 ml Beach 40/ I 00 m! Beach 3'0/100 ml f)/TLr-{-" /,,\0 L i 5,1-.:''1' "Lt.RR{-'cr~:""> 'Lot /'Is,; By(c'RnM< "fW/N 150/100 m! Vi Street ,) ,Te 'r 100/100 m! \C Street D iT' 1'1 300/100 ml '0'Lot PCI~ ,.( ]40/100 m! \I'Lot i'IIL d 300/100 m! v'Lot r>,-(L ,.j 20/100 m! CLot (,> ,7, ,1 0/100 ml ( Lot ,,, i/"( 10/100 ml C. Lol/ ,i,' 2,100/100 ml ..- N/ A 'U. . Not S~mr!cd' C>fi Y -'I I J 03/17/87 03/17/87 03/17/87 03/17 /87 03/J7/87 03/17/87 03/17/87 03/17/87 03/17/87 03/17/87 03/31/87 03/31/87 03/31/87 03/31/87 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 CLot HC'L1Sh'i V Street f) ere '1 1/ Street P <'Ie 'I If N/A 0 i7U/ \/ Lot. 'i / { Ii \,' Lot P,i' '-i' c: Lot P,T'- 'I ( N/A P '7'- '7 L Lot.' ,1', / ' ( ':' .', - L ,'~lc i 1..1 . ~/ ! ~ 01 biT" '-j 6,800fjOO rol 0/100 m1 0/100 ml Not Sampled- oR'{ 4,300/100 ml 2,000/100 m! 0/100 rol Not Sampled' ,-,RY 500/1 00 ml 0/100 m! -, _I :1 J .-, J 11 12 13 14 C Drainage Pipe \I' Drainage Gully Beach ,SUNS (i Edge of Park i'l flU! i}ffA'r--:.. 60/100 ml 60/100 ml 0/100 ml 0/100 m! · No standing water present Note: A heavy rain occurred on March 2, 1037. The March 17th samples were " I T I ~ I I I I II - ~ (.un I I T I I T .ff!1 ~ I ''''''~ ~. i( ~ LI-! j-' II T .-' /OJ ~I _' 0'-' ~ j" y~r\-&lr 1-\~\V '>. 'i~ \ --~ p: ---- .! = _ ~ ~y>~~ " '" ., L ~, · ~ ;; \- >' \1 r % t-~, ~! r " Y""" r- -.\. '( ~\ I A\'\ ,.. ~ 1. OJ " ,.vY'~ ~ 'w r ~ _ '-~, :; :;:., \ \ ii.\">' ..I', S ~ {~-@ ell , \. ~ c::; '( ,- 9l. I '" o i[ y If I '---. '~i/" __[ ...L l. ll~:: J:[:c-S l~ ;~ .~nj l2j ,~ -"~~-~-\,k'~,- 1_ II "\" I!\l( <> ~ .8 . ~ f ~~'" IT ..0- ~--- ",0 So r---; !- _IL\ _ ~ : I~K- t\- Q F!~~ --i'~ cL ; tQ !-t ~~ ~~ '\ ~ ,-,\-" tit~ 1i'-'" '!;;::, !-@ g. :- j"( "-J ' ~\' !_~ : ~~ . ~ ,~~Il, , ~ -G I I r-~0" \L \0" \J)-i~ . --= '.. . ~(j - \ '.....-1 -<:::::: t.o€Jf2 \ ~ 1[\ Q,O '-- \. ~"I t ~ - ~(\\ ... -' \' >l!L l'~~ 4. ~ ~ \:'JJJi: ~H41\\L ~ 1 ~ v I \..J.)::; H~ ~-Q:91A'%~~ '.-::<'7'- t=:==\ \:-..'~\ [). ~ ~ a ~ \' \.0 (\;,)"",vo ~ ' cv fll'; ~, ' '\-6 ~ " v;~~ ~~ -- '., ell .~ ~ ~&; r-\8L Co ~;3.o.,:: \- \, co · 0 ~ '-- -; ~\ ~ "/; .' \ r----:: 'A .,0. ~. q.^ - ~ \ boo . oJ"" =;;:, - .... - \ _ '" ?'" ~ r ~ '..' ~ I ~~ -.-: ~AU V tt;. r-- 8 J'MOO<} -' ~- ti:1 ~! '-' '- I' ~ it' I '\.1- 0:: 7\--' ~ ~ ~. ~.:/ ..., ~ 1,f- ..~) !t~?-. - I I;: """' I);' I / '-f4-_UO' (I' )0'>'," " { II ~ 1"0""- - f.i T _ = ~~f---" / -\ 'Ai'" I ~ '" ' - 1/ I I I I rr.>IIOI"T "17 ~ 0 ~~ -i-t ~~ ~ ~~o :,.~ ~&, -;:.a ' - i1 .1 . I ~ Colon ----- ~l \ J - : \ 1- 'ill-tt IIJJ~ ~~ r;!, ~~~ ~'::C. ( co~E.{\'( LOCAT, :OLlFORf ~ W^T(R SlltP 3 ~ 0 0:: 0 II) ~ 11 - .:: o l) c 0:: UJ .. ;; ,< UJ 0 (f) 0. UJ ~ CJ 0:: · o · UJ ~ CJ UJ C- od: <) c:l!:) 02 u..t- (fJ (fJuJ zt- o~ ~c::: <:0 <Ju.. 0- ,-1 ~o '-.) U-J .-l.-l o..<l: ~u <l:uJ (fJu.. l' fl'/(. q7J-~lll-U45 (:R ,ni~II-l+o(L Water Quality S'anrlards W.\C 173-201-045 General water use and criteria cJasses. The following criteria shall apply to the various classes of surface watL:rs in the state of Washington: /<,_L. ," Xl! I Class AA (extraordinary). :-,t.pF~...L (a) Gt:neral-characteristic, Water tluality of this c1a:;s vi-J.r~ ~ shall markedly and uniformly exceed the requirements r IT' for all or substantially all uses. '4. t1 /I (b) Characteristic uses. Charal:tcrislic uses shall in. elude. bUI not be limited to. the fol!owing: I il Water supply (domestic. industrial. agricultural), (II) Stuck watering. (iii) Fish and shelllish: Salmonid migration. reanng. spawning. and harvesting. Other fish migration. reanng. spawning, Jnd har'.csting. Clam, oyster. and mussel rearing, spawning. anu harvesting. Crustaceans and other shellfish ((;rabs. shrimp. cray- fish. scallops. etc.) re::rring, spawning. and harvesting. (il') WildliFe habitat. (v) Recreation (primary contJct recreation. sport fishing. boating, and aesthetic enjoyment). (....i) Commerce and navigation. ,~, (C) \OVater quality criteria. ,;~!.;Jt <~ (iJ. Fecal ~oliform organisms. , *' (r\) rrcshwater teeal colltor.m .9:rganisms shall nuL - exc~cd a geometrIC mean' value.: 01 2Q organJsrTis71~ ~,l,.lth not more than IU percent 01 samples exceedIng -rrnr-:;rgani,ms! 100 mL. * (1)) \tf:Hine water - fecal coliform orgJnism~ shall not exceed J. geometric mean value 01 H-organism~/IOO mL with not more than 10 percent of samples cxc.:eding ......... 43 I)rglnisms/ I 00 mL. ~\ (i,) Dissolved oxygen. (,\) Frcshv.r;ltcr- dissolved oxyg...:n sh31J cx:cccd 9. '\ mg/ L. (8) \1;lrinc Water - dissolved \.))(ygcn sn;lIJ ..;xcced 7.0 mg/ L. \\;ht.:n natural conditions. sU"':tJ as upwelling. oc~ C:Jr. causi'lg the di~solved oxygen to be depressed near or below 7.0 :ilg/L. natural dissolved oxygen kvels can bl.: ...."degr:\Li~d ~)y up to 0.2 mgjL by man-caused activities. -=-- {iii:1 TOlal dissolved gas Sh;11l not c,xceeli 1] 0 percent uf SJLUf3ti0f1 at any point of sampk ...::ollcctlnn. (j,.1 T crnpcrature shail nUl ~xccl.:d ! 6.0oC (fresh,va- ter) or 13J)OC (marine water) due to human activities. T!.:m~w;;lttlrC in...:reases shall not, at any time. exceed l"';;:':;_~ I,T..:...:;) (fresnwater, or t=8,/(T --l.) {marine water). \\ '..:n i1Jlur:.:1 conditions <:xcccd 16.0oC (freshwater) ;lno ~.ooC (marine water). no tC:T1pcraturc increase will b~ :li:l)'.\l..:d ',\ hiJ.:~ \vlil raise the receiving Water ~cmpcr;j- tun; by :;r:..:atcr than o.Joe. Fl.lr purposes hereof. "t" reprc~cnts the maximum pcrr1l1,>.~iblc :emperJturc increase i1lt-.:asur..;d at a dilulion lOne boundary: J.nd "T~ represents the background tl;m- perature J,> measured at 3 point or points un:lt'fcucd bv the di."..;ha:-gl.: and represent;ltivc of the highest ;.unbien"t \Vater It.:mpcr:lturc in the vicinity of the disch;lrge. Pril\'iJcd thal tc:mpcraIUrl.: int.:rease resulting from nonpllllll s,)urcc activitil.:s 'ihJJl ;lot ..;xcel.:d 2.~ac. anJ ~ . (.,-CCI-'C, /~IL' I\'IE/:)/,[" ~/(L)(h r 'At)!'-'/ r) J.....f."'-:. (. 'J..... I (, I c" 'I, Sf} :.. S~C" ( . Ie, jeh. '-'-1111 w.C-p"1 --~"""" -.. - n_...__ _~ the max.imum water temperature :-ohall not exceed In.Joe (fr..;sl!w;lLer). ".\ (v) pH sh;lil be within the range or 6.5 to 3.5 (Fresh- water) or 7.0 to X.S (marine.:: water) with :l mJn--causcd "variation within :l rJnge of lc:\s than 0.:; units. -~ (vi) TurbidilY shJ.J1 nut exceed 5 NTU over back- ground turbidity when the background turbidity is 50 NTU or less. or have more than a 10 rer...::cnt increase in turbidity when the b;lCkground turbidity is more th.tn ~O ('<TU. "" (vii) Toxic, radioactivL". or dt:1ctL:riuus material L'on- ccntralions shall be below those whit.:h Illay aJvasely JITet.:t charJelcristi<..: wata uses. cause acute or chmnic conditions to lhe JqualiJ.: biota, or advL:rscly a.fI'I.::ct public health (see WAC In 201 ,047). ..). (viii) AC:\lhctic values shall not be il11rain.:d by the prcsence nf m:.Jlcri~t!s llr lheir eJTccts. excluding thuse of natuf;ll origin, whid, offr..:nd the scns..;s of sight. sl11e1l. ~ch, or taste. If4, 2.) Class A (excellent I. (a) lll.:::ncr;ll ...::haraClcflstic. \Va!cr yuality of this class shJl1 mt:::r.::t or c."'(cccd th!; rcquirclT1l:nts for all or substan~ tially :.111 us(:s. lb) Characteristic uses. ChafJctcristic uses shall in- c1udl;, but ntlt be lilllilr..:d to, the fnllowing: (i) Water supr1y (dornc.,>lic, industrial. agricultural). (ii) Stock watering. (iii) Fish and shelllish: Salrnonid migrJtion. rl.::arlng. sp;lwning, and harvl.:sting. Other fish migration. rearing, spawning, and harvesting_ Clam, o}'\tcr. Jod mu....scl rearing, -"pawning. and haf\/...:sting. Crustaceans and other shdlfish (cr.tbs, fish, scallops. de.) rc;[r:n~, sra\l,ning, :H1(.1 (il') Wduld'c habilal. (v) RCl:feation (prirn;lry cunlllCl n.:crc;Jlioll_ sport fish In!!. boating. and aesthetic t.:njojlllcnt). (vi) CUII1rT1t.:rcc and navigation. (C) \V;ller quality criteria. fJ) Fecal <,;oliform orl.!;:lflisms. . (t\) rfl;~hwatcr r~~cal l.;u!lrorm organlsm\ shull n()~ c,'u.:ccll a 'gculT1ctr:e n1can value' 01 I no ..(~::.::i~,n~~JQ,0 '. m1.. '",ith noll11orc th:ln !n rerct.:nt of .'..;ample.'i cxccedin~ . 2-'1.0. ~}rg:a n isms;' I 00 rn L. .- (B) ,\1J.rinc water .., fcc;d coliform organisms shall nul e,'l;ccl.:d :.: geomelric 111L:;111 ',allle of 1.~ urgani.'>tn'>/ I Of) mt. wllh nOll1l11n: lhan ;0 Dercent 01" 'i;Jmplt;s cXl;I:L:uing .r; ()rg:lni."IlTI.'ijlOn mL. (iil Di."I:.0Jvt:d 0.:.;ygcn. (A) Fr:.:shwatt.:r - dis.,>ulvcd oxygen shall cxcccu S.D mg!L (B) :vbrinc water - di\solvcd oxygen shall cxceeu 6.0 mg/I.. When natural conditions. .luch ~IS upwcHing. LJl.:- cur. (.;ausing the dis.solved uxygcn lo be u<-:rn:sscd near or below (i.O rng/L. n:llural di.'i.'iolvcd Ilx.ygcn k;\'ds C;1n be degraJed by u!"' 100.2 ill!;/!. by rnancau.'iCU Jl..:livjti.;;.s. (iii) Towl disso!v("u ga'i'ihall nul cxcr.:cd 110 rt.:rccnt of saturation ;.J[ :Iny pllilll uf :..;amplc collcclJOn. ( shrimp. <.:ray- hJrvc.'itin~ II. (1 non Cj..... · , L .=. .;l..?:tc. c~ <-"- - ~.: ! / / I Heal th Board Minutes: September' 20, 19BIJ Page: (+ Wellness Grant: The contract for this grant was prepared by the Hospital. Mary Catlin turned the contract over to Commiusioner Dennison for further review, Commissioner B. G. Brown thanked Mary Cat] in for her .lOrk wi th the Heal th Oepartment on behalf of the Health Board and the Board of Commissioners and wished her well in her new endeavors. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Cape Georqe Sewer District: Hick Miklich turned the meeting over to Ralph Anderson to explain what the C~pe George Sewer District is requesting of the Health Board. Mr. Anderson explained that there are many failing on-sit~ sewer systems in the Cape George area and that is the reason that the Cape George Sewer District was formed. The Sewer District includes Cape George Colony and the Cape George Village area, but excludes the Cape George Highlands. During the past three years, the district has developed a grant proposal to be submitted to the State Department of Ecology to help fund design and construction of a sewer system. The Cape George Sewer District will purchase a share of the new facility planned for sewage treatment by the City of Port Townsend and Jefferson County. Mr. Anderson further explained that the reason this matter is on the Heal\ ' Board agenda today is because the Sewer District received a letter fromtri.;'. State Pepa,rt:ment of Ecology asking ,them for a letter from the County Health', Offj,cliIJ' "peclaring a public health emergency of public health hazard exists~ in the Cape George area for the Sewer District to be considered for II'rant funding. This letter needs to be receiyed by the State Department of Ecology 'be-foI.ethe end of the month. - , Rick Miklich stated that Dr. Geerlofs needs to declare the cape George area as an area that is a public health hazard. The soils in the area are classified as moderate or severe for installation of on-site sewage systems. The area was platted in 1964 and each site is considered on its' own merits for approval of an on-site sewage system. There is not any data on how many systems have failed or are failing in this area. Dr. Geerlofs asked how many failing systems there are in the Cape George area? Rick Miklich stated that there are systems in the area that have failed and been repaired, but that it would take some research to determine how many. Making a determination on how many systems have failed based on how many have been repaired may not provide accurate information because some ot the sys terns that are failing have not been reported to the County. 'f.! ' ..; ';-:1' . /' Health Board Minutes: ~eptember 20, 1988 Page: 5 commies ioner Oennison sugges told tha t the Gept ic tank pumpers be aeked for information on failing septic systems in this area. Chairman H. G. Brown stated that tor anyone to put together enough information to give Dr. Geerlofs the information he needs to declare the area a health hazard would take longer than the State has given the Sewer District as a deadline. Commissioner Georg" Browll utated that he 1",,10 it iB unfair for the ~tate to make this requirement of the Sewer District now, after working with them for the past several years. Chairman B. G. Bro~m stated that the key here is "health hazard" and an~ decision to decrare-the~area-sucnnas-fo-b-e -l5a-sea-on-fii-cr;----He--aadecl tha C _.. __ _____~.._..___.n._'..'...d^___._______.. __.__.._...~_..___,._~......_..__~._...~' --there are people-rn~the~Cap-e- George Colony wh-o feel that they don I t have a problem wi th their septic system and it the Heal th Of f icer declares that th",::e is, they may _ leg~ll'Y_'~~<.I~~~l1g,e t~C1~_~~~J~~~_mil)a ~iol1_~-g~~~c:L~()E:~og~- 1.1.'. U.,ulullil tll.h.hlU LlI"L h", ntH::Ut.I LO Ut:,~, al. velL.V minilllulII, evid"mctI ot ilL -least one---fiiTling system. Ile said that he would have nott"oublo saying that- --thel's---is--a--he-oillth hazard if there- is at least one failing system. - The Department needs to do more research into this matter and provide the Health Office with the information that they have and if at all possible the countj will help the Sewer District in anyway that they can obtain this grant funding. Auditor Mary Gaboury asked how much funding Halph Anderson explained that- 50% of the expected from the State DOE grant. The construction is estimated to be $5 million grant funding. is at stake for this project? $460,000 tor design costs was total project cost including with half of that to come from Ralph Anderson will provide the Health Department with as much information as he can about failing systems in the Cape George area. Commissioner Dennison suggested that a letter be written to the State Department of Ecology about the way this grant funding is being handled. Solid Waste Enforcement Grant: Hick Miklich reported that advertiSing is being done to find a person to till the Solid Waste Enforcement Technician position created by this grant funding. COSMOS 1900: An orbiting Russian satellite is about ready to crash to earth. A report about this eventuality was distributed as well as a contingency plan i:\ case the crash site is in Jefferson County, which is a very remote . .....- ,/.~ \ '- "-.. \.,. ~~c ._"",,-... W M. SlJGARMAN ~ STATE Of WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES OIympi.l. W.shlngron 9850HXJ95 May 22, 1987 TO: local Health Officers and Oi rectors of Envi ronmental Health FROM: John A. Beare, M.D., M.P.H., Chief Office of Oi sease Prevention and Control, LP-17 ~J' Eric W. Slagle, Chief I Office of Environmental Health Programs, lO-11 SUBJECT: ECOLOGY RATING SYSTEM - WASTEWATER CONSTRUCTION GRANTS Ecology has asked us to define public health emergency and public health hazard for use in their construction grant rating system. Here. are the definitions that we are proposing.' Please' call either of us by Friday, May 29, if you have suggestions for modifying these definitions. Public Health Emergency A public health emergency is a situation in which acute illness is occur- rfng or is imminent, and remedial action is befng taken by state and local health authorities. ~"-. Public Health Hazard A public 'health hazard isasitu.tion"in which the potential for illness , , exists';'?'b1it,'ts not:o~cuuing oriml1!illent. If remedial action is not taken, ", puISne ne'lth hazai'd may become ~ public health emergency. Telephone Numbers Or. Beare: 753-7520, SCAN 234-7520 Eric Slagle: 753-5955, SCAN 234-5955 Thanks! JAB:EWS:clu cc: Bob Rolfs If C' r" t, .:/VEO MAY26 '87 !}FF. cOt.wn. ~AL TI-I DEPT, .Q!lo . , I'!IIIlKIIIA(I .~<~ QIAN8I1N __ DAn ... , JPfIISOJI. c.ouMJ1'. _OMlIAI: The regulor Il\ORlhlY rMelin9' ,oIlhe Jellet10n Counly.80Cll'll..Qf H.plth ore sc;hedulecl for. iMll!kdT _clay of .veryll\O""'.Oll*to~';ne con- flicls, the March Health .~ m..llog isbeillll.cl\Qn~I9'~ 25,1989. .' . '. Them..lings co"veftll QI..1Qo.m. "n the b""""tIf\t. Con!er- Room of thtl Jelferson County Multi.Services BuiIclin90I.802Sh~. Pori Town- send,WA. ,.... ~ to!Inty Board ofCt/\lImiuionefs Georlle C.Brown,Chairman 1062-4.19 -------------------------~ Affidavit of publication STATE Of WASHINGTON) COUNTY Of JEffERSON) n. FRANK w. GARREO. being IWorn, say' ke is the publisher ot lh. Port T oWMend/Jeftenon County leader. a we.kly newspaper which hO$ b..n .'Ioblished. publilhed in the inglish languog8 and circulaled continuously 01 Q we.Kly neWlpop.r in ,h. lown of Port T own..nd. in laid County Gnd $Iate, and for general circulation in loid (ounly for more than six (6) monlh, prior to Ih. dale of lh. fint publlcotion of t"- NolKe h.reto 01- loch.d. and lhal the laid Port T ownMnd/JeHenon Caunly leader wos on the 271h do)' of June 19.1. approved 01 0 legal newlpoper by tM Suptlrior Courl of lQid JeHenon County, and that anne.ed is true copy of the Public Notice Change of meeting date Jefferson County Board of Health as il appeared in Ihe regular Qnd enlire issue of said paper ihelf and not in 0 lupplemenl IMreof for 0 period of two conwcutiv. we.ks, beginning on Ihe 12th April 89 .19_. day of and ending on Ihe 19 t taoy of Apr il 19~, and Ihol said newspaper was regularty diltribuled 10 its subscribers during all of this period. Thai 1M full amount of s 2 7 . 5 0 .' ha. boon paid in lullll :OlhO '000 01 S5.50 po"alumn in~~ion(J ~ ! '0 Subscribed and sworn to be~'~~-.'I-hi;.,J~9t!by of 1>hrfi ~~- c__-:-: ....89 ____t..-" ,