Welcome to Skagit County

July 29, 2008

Skagit County Health Department proposed Marine Recovery Areas and Sensitive Areas to address unknown on site sewage systems

SKAGIT COUNTY - Marine Recovery Areas and Sensitive Areas are proposed by the Skagit County Public Health Department to address the thousands of unknown on site sewage systems in the Skagit and Samish River Watersheds. The Health Department does not know if these septic systems are working acceptably, or if they actually exist for every resident living in the watershed. What we do know is that the water quality of the numerous creeks flowing into the Skagit and Samish Rivers are impaired due to fecal coliform contamination. In addition marine water quality data indicates the recreational and commercial shellfish growing areas are closed or are threatened with closure due to this contamination. An on site sewage system that is working properly will protect water quality and public health.

There are an estimated 20,000 on site sewage systems in Skagit County. Of these 20,000 nearly half are unknown and only 3,000 have had recent inspections. The purpose of the plan is to prevent public health hazards and risks, and to improve, restore and preserve water quality, and to get all the septic systems in Skagit County known and working acceptably by year 2012.

For more information about the Marine Recovery Areas and the On Site Sewage Management Plan go to the skagitcounty.net, or contact the Skagit County Public Health Department at 360-336-9380 or email health@co.skagit.wa.us

The On Site Sewage Management Plan proposing the Marine Recovery Areas and Sensitive Areas was approved by the Skagit County Board of Health October 9, 2007 and became effective October 16, 2007. The plan was written as required by Washington Administrative Code 246-272A, On Site Sewage Rules and Regulations, and Chapter 70.118A, Revised Code of Washington, Marine Recovery Areas.