HomeMy WebLinkAbout02 February
COMMUNICABLE
DISEASE CONTROL
PUBLIC HEALTH
NURSING
VITAL
STATISTICS
ENVIRONMENTAL
HEALTH
HEALTH
EDUCATION
JEFFERSON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
802 SHERIDAN PORT TOWNSEND, WASH. 98368
(206) 385-0722
HEALTH BOARD
Minutes: February 17,
1987
BOARD MEMBERS:
STAFF MEMBERS:
B.G. Brown, Chairman
Larry W. Dennison, Member
George C. Brown, Member
William J. Glasser, M.P.H.
Mary Catlin, D.O.N. and
Administrator
J. Peter Geerlofs, M.D.
CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
REPRESENTATIVE:
Glenn Ison
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Chairman B.G. Brown called the meeting to order in the
presence of all Board members, staff members with the exception of Dr.
Peter Geerlofs, Health Officer and the City Representative present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
meeting were approved by motion
Commissioner George Brown.
The Minutes of the January 20, 1987
of Commissioner Dennison, seconded by
NURSING SERVICE REPORT:
Mary Catlin reported the following
past month:
Director of Nursing/Administrator,
regarding Nursing Services for the
*
The Department is still searching for a Nurse Practitioner.
*
There are still a number of rash and fever cases in the Chimacum
School District, which are not measles.
*
There is a film that is being used in rural Washington, to provide
school age children with information about AIDS. Ms. Catlin asked
if the Board would support a preview of this film for the parent
Health Board Minutes: February 17, 1987
Page: 2
organizations of the County's school districts. After discussion
of the need to start such a program, the public health role in
this issue and the possibility of developing an informational
program with the hospital, the Board concurred that Ms. Catlin
proceed to preview the film and develop a program as suggested.
*
With regard to the Department's coverage of newborns, the Hospital
is discharging a large percentage of mothers six hours after
delivery. Mary explained to the Hospital representative that the
home visits made by the Health Department are aimed at high risk
infants and are done within the first two weeks they are home.
This visit is not a substitute for the teaching that has
traditionally been done at the hospital. The hospital may be
doing their own home visits in the future.
Family Planning Request for Use of Facilities: Ms. Catlin submitted a
site use request explaining more about the Family Planning proposal to
use the Health Department facilities for evening clinics. This
proposal would help the department provide better services for Sexually
Transmitted Disease (STD) patients through the use of the Nurse
Practitioner that works with Family Planning. Commissioner Dennison
moved that the Board endorse the Nursing Director's request to seek
community approval (public and medical) of the Family Planning request
to hold evening clinics in the Health Department facilities.
Commissioner George Brown seconded the motion.
Health Advisorv Board: The members to serve on this Board would
ideally come from groups that use the services of the Health Department
(Schools etc.) and people with special backgrounds like financial
services. A resolution to create this Board will be developed,
setting forth the function of the Board, terms of office of the
members, etc. Commissioner Dennison moved to direct the Nursing
Director to draft a resolution and bylaws for an advisory board.
Commissioner George Brown seconded the motion.
Environmental Health Section Move to Courthouse: Ms. Catlin submitted
a cost estimate for this proposed move.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIRECTOR REPORT: Bill Glasser reviewed
his monthly written report and noted the following:
*
There were 127 telephone inquires regarding sewage disposal during
the month of January. This averages five inquires on this subject
every day.
*
Francesca Keep has been hired to help with the Food Sanitation
Program.
Proposal to Administer Proqram to Approve Class IV Water Systems:
Approval of Class IV (two to nine hookups) Water Systems is presently
handled by the State Department of Social and Health Services and Mr.
Health Board Minutes: February 17, 1987
Page: 3
Glasser is requesting that the Health Department take over the approval
process which would help expedite the processing of these applications
and in turn clear up many sewage disposal permits that are waiting for
this approval. The local Health Board would take over the
responsibility of granting variances. Mr. Glasser estimates that to
administer this program would require another half time employee and
asked the Board to take this proposal under advisement. He would work
up a proposal outlining program components, needs assessment, resource
demand, cost of administration and a proposed fee schedule. The
proposed fees could cover approximately 60% to 70% of the cost of the
program.
After discussion of the fees DSHS charges for this approval, the length
of time for DSHS approval, the possibilities for staffing this
position, and the number of sewage disposal system permits that such a
program would effect, Chairman Brown stated that he would like some
more information from DSHS on their program. Commissioner Dennison
asked that cost figures be developed for the options available
regarding the administration of this project.
Chairman Brown stated that if another Sanitarian is hired that he be
hired to do whatever needs to be done. Priority for the Sanitarians
workload needs to be developed. If a part time sanitarian is hired to
do just this work, Chairman Brown added, that would be a poor use of
man power. Bill Glasser will have a proposal prepared for presentation
at the next Health Board meeting.
Response to the Sartain Situation: Bill Glasser reported that he and
Janet Welch made a site inspection of the Sartain property in Quilcene
(Lords Lake Road) on January 8, 1987. The following findings were made
by Mr. Glasser:
* Setback from the Little Quilcene River, in Mr. Glasser's
opinion, is 75 feet and is acceptable for protection of
public health. This setback will be made a matter of record.
* The system mayor may not be partially installed in fill.
The system is subject to annual performance monitoring and
the Sartain's will install inspection ports in each lateral.
* The area to the north of the existing drainfield will be set
aside as a reserve drainfield.
* Primary and reserve drainfield areas shall be beyond the 100
foot protective radius of the existing well head.
* An accurate "as built" of the septic system will be provided
by the installer.
No further action is deemed necessary or appropriate, Mr. Glasser
concluded.
Request for Variances Re: Hunt Property at Bridgehaven; June
& Thor Bjornstad: Bill Glasser explained that Mr.& Mrs. Bjornstad's
property (Lot 16 Division 2, Bridgehaven) was not approved for a sewage
disposal system because of a lack of usable area, and because the
septic system was to be installed in fill material. Mr. Bjornstad is
Health Board Minutes: February 17, 1987
Page: 4
requesting approval for a designed sewage disposal system which
requires that the Board grant the following variances: 1) Ten foot
variance from lot width (Ordinance 1-69). The lot is less than the
required 70 feet across, 2) 600 square foot variance from total lot
size. The lot is less than 9,000 square feet, 3) Setback variance of
forty feet. The setback from the drainfield and the boat canal is less
than the required 100 feet, being actually 60 feet by Mr. Glasser's
measurements, and 4) Installation of septic system in other than
native soils.
Mr. Bjornstad stated that the only variance that was mentioned to him
was the one required from lot size. Almost all of the lots in the
plats of Bridgehaven Division 1 and 2 are sixty feet wide and
approximately the same area as this lot. Division 2 was approved as a
subdivision in 1964, and there are over thirty houses built in this
area on essentially the same size lot.
After discussion of the setback from the bulkhead and how it was
measured, Bill Glasser reported that the drainfield could be situated
on the lot in such a manner that will meet the 75 foot setback. The
lot size variance and native soils variance were then discussed.
Chairman Brown noted that the precedent for installation of septic
systems in this soil has been set by the number of previous systems
approved in this area. Commissioner George Brown moved to approve the
variance from lot size as requested, which will include width and
square footage. Commissioner Dennison seconded the motion.
Proposed Policy reo 3efferson County PUD #1; Performance
Monitoring for Alternative Systems: Performance monitoring is
required on all alternative sewage disposal systems approved for use in
the County, Bill Glasser reported (Sand filter systems, mound and
pressure distribution systems). The Health Department doesn't have the
staff required to do this monitoring and Mr. Glasser is proposing that
this responsibility be transferred to Jefferson County PUD #1. This
has been done in the past by a contractual arrangement with the
property owner and the PUD. Bill Glasser will discuss this proposal
with Jefferson County PUD #1 and develop the necessary legal
documentation that will make this a requirement of the procedure for
approval of an alternative system.
MEETING ADJOURNED
JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
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B. G -Brown, C airman
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ar~: . Denn1son, Member
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George Brown, Member
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VI. David Goldsmith, Administrator
Jefferson County Health Department
1302 Sheridan
Fort Tovmsenc, .,;2. 936$
Dear I-i'. Goldmith:
Re: Application for Sewage Disposal Permit"Lot 16, Bridgehaven.
Also John Hayes' letter of July 11, 1980 on sa~e subject.
~ince our meeting on October 29, 19$6, I have researched the subject
matter through avail2.ble material in the Seattle Public Library. I
have studied the State Rules and Regulations for on-site sewage dis-
posal and have also read pertinent parts of the U. S. Environmental
Agency's design manual on on-site disposal systems. I consulted w~th
my friend Robert Seabloorn, Professor of Sanitary Engineering at the
University of Washington who offered several helpful suggestions.
Finally I cor~erred with David Lenning of the State Department of
Health in Ol)~pia. During my conversation with Mr. Lenning I refrained
from mentioning the location of the subject lot, asking only interpre-
tations of specific paragraphs in the State Rules and Regulations
booklet.
In view of the above, I now am in a better position to co~nent on
the reasons for rejecting the ori~inal application, as outlined in
Mr. H2.yes' letter of July 11, 19$0.
1.
Lack of useable area for initial and reserve drainfield area.
2.
Please refer to the submitted drawing showing the proposed
on-site sewage disposal system. From personal inspection of
your soil log holes I have determined that the soil type is
between type 2 and 3 as classified in the State hules and Re-
gulations booklet on pg. 14. Using the more conservative fi-
gure gives 0.8 gal. of effluent per day per sq. ft. of infil-
trative surface area and using 120 gal. per day as specifiea
on page 18 of the manual for a one bedroom house, it follows
that 150 sq. ft. of infiltrative area is required. Using a
30" wide trench, 60 lineal ft. of trench is required. "":e pro-
vide two runs of 35 ft for a total of 70 lineal ft. Area for
future replacement drain field is also indicated. The spacing
between trenches is 7 ft. which is adeouate to meet ~tate re-
quirements and the drain field co~~ences 75 ft. from the bulk-
head wh~ch you indicated at our meeting as being acceptable.
All other separation distances of both the septic tank and the
drain field have been met as per State requirements.
The lot has been filled to a depth of 32-)6". Sewage dispo-
sal systems must be placed in original soils, not fill.
The depth of fill mentioned is in error. Following is a de-
scription of the fill operation as it took place. (Snapshots
showing various phases of the oper2.tion will be provided).
A mixture of clay and loam had been d~ped on the site when
the boat canal was dredged. At that time the site elevation
was probably 2-3 ft lower than the present grade. All the
clay and loam soil was scraped away by a bulldozer and stock-
piled on adjoining lots. This operation removed all the soil
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dOh~ to the mean high water elevation, which was about
6-7 ft below the present site grade. At this level a sandy
loam soil was encountered. Sand fill was brought in by truck
and the site was filled to within 12-18" of the present site
level. Then the original clay and lo~ that had been scraped
awey was spread over the top for~ing the existing surface. As
can be seen by your soil logs, three show compact sand under
the top strat~~ of clay and loam. Hole #1 is in the north-
east corner of the lot, close to the road, where evidently
the original soil was not renoved in order to safeguard a-
gainst undermining the existing road. The proposed drain
field is in the area sho~ing ccnp&ct sand. Interestingly,
when I di"c\Jssed the matter 0:; fill \dth ;',1'. Lenning he said
that undera.situation such as I aescribed it was probable
that the State woulci allow an exception, subject to further
reviei'; .
3. T~e site was previously denied on ~ugust 1, 1975.
l~.~~" 0_. cc~r7'(, ~ ~ ul~iL~r,...t:~l1C:' b:>: since tl:.,~ ClL~Y :".llC. .io,:--:.
f::Cl2. e.::::.L~,l..SCi Oll t..L~; ,~::.t.(_. L.~~ i"ill. ol_Grcticn 0.e~,cri=tcc~ l.~:H.>.:;r
i..:> ',::;~ "GLi.=: 0:11y i:\-..:-_Y t8 ;-,::-:-Lt-~ t-~:~:: cite 'Tp?rcEEblsn, s.!lC 1'.'~;ere-
2S c. fill i? not fe~'lerc;~lly &llo',:ecl by tile ~tate Hegulations,
this was not knovm to the owners and Lr. Lenning' 0, stater:1ent
mal:es it probable that the fill as installed 1';ill meet the
State requirements.
~he gross land area of the lot- from the bulkhead to the centerline of
the road and 60 ft wide is 8,400 s~. ft. This is considerably less
tha~ S~ate requirements for subdivision lots approved after June 30,
ISoL. .I\~nether to anpl" these rules to subdivision lots a~nroved be-
fore the above date' is' up to the locc.l health officer, Lr".. Lenning
said. r.o11ever, since more than 30 disposal systeffi~ have been installea
in Briagehaven, most of them on similar dimensioned lots, this should
not be a problem.
V:ith the above explanations and clarifications and with the drawing of
the proposed on-site sewage disposed systeD, which by the .ray bears
Professor'Seabloom's seal and si~nature, we believe we have fulfilled
your re2uest and hope that you "fill re-exar:ine the original application
for on-site sewage disposal on Lot 16, Bricgehaven.
Very truly yours,
~rt~v~- ,C't~4-tr~
B. Thor ;~tad
for
J.if1.; Gilbert Hunt, owner of Lot 16
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February 10, 1987
Jefferson County Board of Commissioners
802 Sheridan
Port Townsend, Wa 9368
Gentlemen:
We hereby repectfully petition the Board of County
Commissioners to grant an area requirement variance for
Lot 16, Division 2, Bridgehaven.
The gross land area of Lot 16 is 8,400 sq. ft., which
is slightly less than the requirement of 9,000 sq. ft.
However, since more than 30 permits have already been
issued for Bridgehaven lots, most of them being the same
size as Lot 16, we hope you will grant this variance re-
quest for Lot 16.
Bill Glasser, Director of Environmental Health, has
arranged for me to be heard at your regular meeting on
February 17, 1987.
~t:1Y ~o~W
B. Thor B~ad
for
N/Ii Gilbert Hunt, owner of Lot 16.
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Jefferson County Health Department
Site Use Request
Request:
For Port Townsend Family Planning to use the Health
Department facilities for an evening clinic site.
Purpose: To increase the access to women's health care for low
income women in Jefferson County.
- to improve the coordination and quality of existing family plan-
ning services, pregnancy detection and referral, early continuous
prenatal care, diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted
diseases, and access to WIC Nutrition Program for pregnant women.
Background: In 1986 Family Planning estimates that 111 Jefferson
County women had to travel to Port Angeles to receive exam
services since there is no local site providing uncompensated
women's health care to low income women. The Health Department
could provide clinic space to meet this need.
Both the Port Townsend Family Planning and the Health Department
currently provide pregnancy detection, counseling and referrals.
There is duplication of incomplete services since neither site is
currently doing female internal exams. Coordination would
provide a complete service in one site instead of three. With
less duplication of services more time could be spent on pre-
vention.
The Health Department is mandated to provide services for
sexually transmitted diseases (STD). We can not meet the
acceptable community standard in providing this service:
::!~ :
- with the increasing complexity of concurrent infections and
drug resistance in STDs it is preferable to have a nurse
practitioner screen and diagnose STDs rather than have a
R.N. diagnose and treat under M.D. protocols. This improves the
quality of care and decreases the county's liability for
malpractice.
- the H.D. is not doing
diagnose STD in women.
practioner training.
female exams which are necessary to
The H.D. lacks supplies, equipment and
Cost to County: This p~oposal is budget neutral. Family
Planning is paid for by Title XX for low-income women. They
also use a sliding scale and have fund raising projects. A
sliding scale for STD diagnosis, treatment and counseling
could be used though no patient would be denied treatment for
inability to pay.
Administration, practitioner time and supplies for family plan-
ning clients would be provided by the Family Planning Program.
They plan to use volunteer receptionists. The H.D. would supply
1
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space during evening hours (estimated 2-4 times a week), gonor-
rhea and syphilis lab supplies, incubator, STD forms, and pay
practioner time by the hour for gonorrhea and syphilis patients.
This is what the H.D. currently provides and pays for.
Phase One: Invite community input from County Commissioners, and
the Medical Society. Invite other practioners providing
uncompensated care to clients to be involved. Confirm
administrative plans, service, billing, referral, publicity, and
logistics.
Phase Two: Family Planning begins using the H.D. clinic space
for their clients. STD clients are handled by the H.D. in the
customary way. Begin estimation of increased demand for STD
services generated by Family Planning Clinic and the H.D. budget
impact. (Current case load is 12 patients a year.)
Phase Three: Family Planning and STD services are both available
to clients attending the evening clinic within monies budgeted
in 1987 for STDs.
As the potential health benefits and cost-effectiveness of
this plan outweigh the disadvantages, we request immediate
approval to begin community discussion.
Thank you for your consideration
~~
Mary Catlin
DNS
2