On-site Sewage Section:

On-site Septic System applications are now accepted online via our permit portal (SmartGov) and need to be submitted electronically. We will no longer accept paper applications with the exception of drawings.

Ensuring the proper design, installation and maintenance of On-Site Sewage System (OSS).

If you are seeking to construct a new residence or modify an existing residence, please contact a Permit Coordinator who can ensure you complete all applicable paperwork. Also, all on-site sewage disposal systems (septic systems) in Grays Harbor County must be designed by a Washington State licensed On-Site Designer or Professional Engineer, (see link below for a listing). You may want to speak with your designer or engineer prior to submitting your application.

PERMITS/AS-BUILT DRAWINGS: Call (360) 249-4222 or e-mail EHD@graysharbor.us to request a copy of your permit/as-built. Please have your parcel number and address ready to serve you efficiently. Please let us know if you have called before and left a message with another Environmental Health Specialist so we don't duplicate the work in searching your permit information.

Property Sales:  At this time, Grays Harbor County does not have any requirements for septic system inspections for point of sale transactions for private homes.  Other Counties in our State may have local codes that require inspections of septic systems.  Locally and regionally realtors, lending institutions, FHA, VA or other government agencies may require a Pumpers Report from a licensed septic tank pumper.  

Kristina Hollatz, R.S.
Environmental Health Specialist III
On-Site Sewage / Water Lab
Eric Khambatta, R.S.
Environmental Health Specialist III
On-Site Sewage / Water Lab


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Low Interest Loan Program for Repairs of On-site Septic Systems
Grays Harbor County Environmental Health and nonprofit lender Craft3 are partners in the regional Clean Water Loan program to offer affordable loans to repair or replace failing septic systems and, if approved by the county, to connect to municipal sewer systems.

Loan features include:

  • Finances the full cost of designing, permitting, installing and maintaining your septic system.
  • Competitive interest rates and no up-front costs.
  • Highly inclusive for a range of incomes and property types (including commercial and non-owner occupied).
  • Deferred payment options may be available for homeowners with lower incomes.
  • All loans include a $2,000 reserve to support the system’s ongoing health.

Learn more and apply at www.Craft3.org/CleanWater. You can also contact Craft3 at CleanWater@Craft3.org and 888-231-2170.  Learn more about Craft3 impacts at www.craft3.org and www.craft3.org/videos. Craft3 is an equal opportunity lender, provider, and employer. Not all applicants will qualify.  Craft3 NMLS ID#390159


ON-SITE SEWAGE SYSTEM APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

WARNING! Failure to provide all the information requested may delay review of your application. Please read Application packet carefully. The following information is provided to help you prepare the site for inspection by an environmental health specialist. All new Septic Permit Applications must be submitted with design.

Site Preparation:
Two test holes are required per site. The test holes must be located in, or adjacent to, the areas designated as the primary and the reserve drainfield. Holes must be 2' wide and 6' deep with a ramp cut into the ground for gaining access into the hole. If holes dug in non-sandy soils do not have an adequate ramp, or if the spoils of the holes are too close and present a safety hazard, the site will not be evaluated.

Adequate directions to the site must be provided on the permit application. Clear access and on-site markings must be present to lead the inspector to the test holes. The property corners, accessible route to the test holes, and the test holes themselves must all be marked with flagging tape. Holes may be covered with plywood or other materials, but it is not required.

Call before you dig. Requirements: when digging greater than 12 inches. Call 8-1-1 to avoid running into underground utilities.

Warning! The installation of a septic system requires the commitment of a section of your property. Please consider carefully the location that you have chosen.

Horizontal Setback Requirements for System Components

Item Requiring Setback
Primary and Replacement Drainfield (ft.)
Septic Tank and Pump Chamber (ft.)
Well or suction line
100
50
Water supply line under pressure
10
10
Surface water
100
50
Building foundation
10
5
Property line or easement line
5
5
Curtain drain or culverted ditch:    
    A.  Up gradient from system component
10
--
    B.  Down gradient from system component
30
5

Septic System Types

Conventional Sewage Septic System
Gravity

In a conventional gravity fed drainfield, the septic tank effluent uses the force of gravity to flow to the drainfield through large diameter (4") pipes. A standard drainfield is a series of trenches (3 feet wide) or a bed (10 feet wide) dug 10-24" below the natural grade. A traditional trench consists of 6" of rock under a 4" perforated pipe, running the length of the trench. The pipe is covered with 2 inches of rock, a non-biodegradable fabric, and a minimum of 6" of soil cover. Allowing the effluent to slowly trickle from the pipes out into the gravel and down through the native soil provides acceptable treatment of harmful bacteria, viruses, and nitrates.

Advanced Sewage Septic Systems
Pressure Distribution

In a pressurized drainfield, the addition of a pump and a pump tank distributes septic tank effluent evenly throughout the drainfield The pressure system also regulates the flow of effluent to the drainfield The pump can be set to deliver a controlled amount of effluent over a controlled time. This controlled dosing helps prevent the drainfield from becoming overly saturated and prematurely failing. This system also uses alarms to alert the homeowner of high levels of effluent.

Mound and/or Sand Filter
A mound or sand filter system is a type of design that is used where the water table is high or the soil is too restrictive to provide adequate treatment. A mound or sand filter is constructed of "ASTM C-33" sand that will treat the effluent before it reaches the restrictive layer. The effluent is distributed evenly throughout the bed by pressure, and then trickles through the ASTM C-33 sand before coming in contact with the plowed native soil (mound), or being collected and pumped to a shallow drainfield (sand filter).

Glendon Biofilter
A Glendon pod system is a type of above-ground septic system that includes a septic tank, a pump tank and the actual pods, which are usually 17’ by 20’ mounds of sand with concrete basins inside. The treatment process starts when waste enters the septic tank and begins to settle. As the tank fills, effluent enters the pump tank through an outlet in the septic tank. Further settling occurs and effluent is pumped at timed intervals to a splitter which evenly distributes the flow between the pods. The effluent is transported to the basins in the pods and disperses over the edge of the basin.

Aerobic Treatment Unit
Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs) provide aerobic biological decomposition of wastewater constituents by mechanically bringing the wastewater in contact with air. ATUs come in different configurations and sizes, and incorporate a variety of approaches, including air pumps, air injectors, lift pumps and biological-contact surfaces (such as pipes, fabric, grids, gravels, and rotating disks). ATUs may also require UV light or chlorine tablets to destroy harmful pathogens prior to discharging effluent into the soil, usually through a pressure drainfield ATUs will also be required to have an operation and maintenance agreement with a third party for the life of the septic system to ensure long term system performance.

If you need additional information, application forms, or has any questions about septic systems, please call (360) 249-4222. Office hours are Monday thru Friday 9:00am to 12:00 & 1:00pm to 4:30. Additional information about septic systems, including technical publications on the different types of septic systems, can be found at the Washington State Department of Health website at following link.

Wastewater Management Washington State Dept. of Health

EPA - Frequent Questions on Septic Systems 

Grays Harbor County Public Health