Problem Statement:

On-site Sewage Disposal Systems (OSS) are routinely implicated as the primary contributor of non-point sources of pollution that threaten ground and surface waters, and the functional status of most OSS remains unknown. ABSTRACT

: The importance of routine operation and maintenance (O&M) for on-site septic systems (OSS) has long been recognized. Since 1995, Washington State’s on-site septic system regulations have required routine O&M. The responsibility for carrying out this task was split between the OSS owner and local health officer. A number of hurdles prevented smaller rural health jurisdictions from fully enacting the intent of these regulations. In Grays Harbor County, the O&M program is limited to performing loan reports upon request, conducting existing system evaluations before issuing building permits, requiring pumpers to submit a list of properties pumped, inspecting food service facilities with OSS on an annual basis and providing educational materials to OSS owners. While this method of O&M allows a number of systems to be inspected, it does not ensure that all systems are inspected on a periodic basis. Of the approximately 10,000 OSS in Grays Harbor County, approximately 100 (or 1%) are physically inspected annually under the current O&M program. In recent years, a number of concerns relating to the impact of OSS on the environment have been raised, including increases in the number of alternative systems being permitted, increased contamination risk to potable water supplies, and growing classification downgrades in shellfish harvesting areas. These examples reinforce the immediate need for a comprehensive and systematic O&M program to be initiated by the County. By using a systems thinking approach to explore and define the nature of present limitations and by developing an action plan to implement corrective actions, the County is enhancing and expanding the O&M program. By implementing the 10 Essential Services in Environmental Health Grays Harbor County is ensuring a meaningful and sustainable program. Numerous challenges still remain in enacting an expanded O&M program. Political, economic and social barriers must be overcome before an expanded program can become a reality. Harnessing support from local stakeholders and educating both top decision makers and OSS owners are essential in implementing a successful O&M programs in smaller health jurisdictions with limited resources and where the public health significance of failing OSS is not readily recognized.

Goals and Objectives

Program Goal:

The goal of this project is to address community concerns associated with non-point source pollution by assuring that septic systems are properly operating and maintained. The gap between our current reliance on enforcement activities for OSS in obvious failure and our ability to implement a systematic O&M program is widening.

Health Problem:

Grays Harbor is currently listed under section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act as not meeting water quality standards for fecal coliform bacteria because of inadequate controls of point or nonpoint sources.

1 Elevated fecal counts and/or nutrient loading in water (Surface and ground) has resulted in the temporary closer of shellfish harvesting areas, advisory posting at coastal recreational areas, building development delays, and a number of other events due to concerns with the effects on human health.

Outcome Objective:

To better ensure the reduction of human exposure to untreated wastewater on the surface of the ground, in surface water, groundwater, and food sources.

Determinants

:

• Number of OSS inspected in a given period of time. • Number of OSS in failure as defined by Washington Administrative Code Section 246-272A-0010. • Levels of fecal coliform bacteria in surface and/or groundwater.

• Nitrate Levels in groundwater.

• Number of OSS owner’s educated in the proper operation and maintenance of their OSS.

Impact Objective:

To reduce fecal loading in local waterways and to halt the elevation of nitrate levels in sensitive ground waters by addressing inadequately operating OSS, and to educate owners on the proper operation and maintenance of their OSS.

Contributing Factors:

Increase the number of OSS physically inspected by trained personnel on an annual basis. To identify OSS in failure to and to the extent necessary ensure that systems are properly repaired.

To work within the current political climate by educating decision makers and developing capacity and resources.

Process Objectives:

Create a local ordinance and associated policy(s) in order to expand the current O&M program.

Develop a database for tracking O&M activities and to provide a central location where program effectiveness can be reviewed. Conduct trainings, send mailings or otherwise increase the awareness of OSS owners on the importance and procedures of proper O&M.

Develop a system for acquiring resources ensuring adequate capacity.

Systems Analysis Approach

The “Shifting the Burden” archetype demonstrates a reliance on an easy fix that provides instant gratification and demonstrates the tension between the long term solution which more appropriately addresses the underlying problem.

Goal - Provide assurance that OSS are not threatening the health of the community and/or the environment

SHIFTING THE BURDEN

Quick Fix - Existing System Evaluations for building permits. Respond to complaints Problem Operational status of most OSS unknown Most OSS not maintained Long Term Solution - Ensuring the safe and reliable operation of all OSS The prospect of punishment keeps the system functioning Side Effect - Enforcement – Require repair of obvious system failures only (sewage on the ground)

My

septic system has worked fine for years without being inspected. I cant afford to pay for this. We already have a system in place to address failures of septic systems I need to protect the investment I made in my septic System and preserve my property value. Septic systems continually receive the blame for Env. Public Health concerns.

Future Outcomes

The value of a comprehensive systematic O&M program is to proactively protect human health by ensuring the reduction of exposure to inadequately treated wastewater. By achieving the project objectives of increasing the number of systems inspected on an annual basis and decreasing the fecal loading into surface water and nitrates into groundwater, a known non-point source of pollution will be better understood locally and associated concerns adequately addressed. The ultimate outcome is the safe and reliable operation of all OSS in Grays Harbor County.

References

1.

Washington State Department of Ecology Environmental Assessment Program.

Grays Harbor Fecal Coliform Total Maximum Daily Load Study.

Olympia, WA. June 2000. Available at: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/0003020.html

Acknowledgements

Robbin Rose, MPH, REHS

Mentor, Washoe County District Health Department (retired)

F. Paul Easter

Director of Public Services, Grays Harbor County

Mike Burnheine

Environmental Health Specialist, Grays Harbor County

Special Thanks to Leaders Without Borders