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May 9, 2025

Environmental Health

Director: Keith Higman

SEWAGE
Download the Skagit County on-site sewage code here.

On-site Sewage System Permits

The Health Department administers the Sewage Program at the Skagit County Planning and Development Serives Building [located at 1700 E. College Way, Mount Vernon, WA.; (360) 416-1320]. Site evaluations and permit applications for Individual On-site Sewage Disposal Systems and Community On-site Systems with flows under 3500 gallons per day are reviewed for compliance the with the regulations. (e.g. Skagit County Code 12.05)

The purpose of the on-site sewage program is to protect public health by regulating the treatment and disposal of sewage in a manner that minimizes the potential for public exposure and impacts to ground and surface water quality. The regulations provide for the proper location, design, installation operation, maintenance, and monitoring of on-site septic systems. Sewage regulations have been in effect in Skagit County since 1958. Regulations have become more restrictive over the years; however, at the same time, sewage treatment and disposal technologies have advanced in such a manner than there are now many more options for sewage disposal, and many sites that were once unbuildable due to sewage disposal restrictions, can now be used.

Services Available [at 1700 E. College Way - (360) 416-1320]

New and repair OSS permit application reviews and permit issuance
Installer Certifications
Records of previously installed OSSs
Complaint investigations
Low interest loans (Information and applications may be obtained from the Skagit County Treasurers Office) (360) 416-1750

Can I Install my own system?

All on-site Sewage systems shall be constructed by an approved (certified) Installer except the Health Officer may allow: The resident owner of a single family residence to install the OSS for that single family residence:

1.) The OSS is a conventional gravity system.

2.) The single family resident/property owner is limited to installing no more than two installations in any consecutive five (5) year period. (SCC 12.05.140)

Sewage related Links:

Washington State Department of Health Waste Water Management Program: www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/ts/waste.htm

Washington On-site Sewage Association: www.wossa.org

National Small Flows Clearinghouse: www.nsfc.wvu.edu

Biosolids Management

Municipal Sewage Disposal

The Health Department follows up on complaints of surfacing sewage in areas served by Municipal sewers to identify the source of a sewage release and facilitate corrective action.