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Property owners jam Tuesday into a Cowlitz County commissioner hearing about a proposed law governing the installation and use of septic systems. Bill Wagner / The Daily News

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Public turns up nose at septic tank law

Tuesday, September 16, 2008 11:53 PM PDT

By Tony Lystra
tlystra@tdn.com

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Cowlitz County commissioners stalled plans for a new septic system law Tuesday after scores of rural residents protested that the ordinance would prove invasive and costly.

The law would require septic owners to have their systems inspected at least every three years, and in some cases annually, by a private contractor.

County officials estimate there are 10,000 septic tanks throughout the county. The inspections, which would affect about 40 percent of the county's residents, would cost around $125, they said.

Commissioners were surprised Tuesday morning when property owners began crowding into a public hearing about the proposed law. Before long, the commissioners' chambers were packed, and nearly 90 people were watching a video feed across the hall. One woman said word of the ordinance had even rocketed through the county's churches.

"It was absolutely amazing," said Commissioner Axel Swanson. "That's the most I've ever seen" at a county hearing.

Based on the outcry, the county's Building and Planning department will probably redraft the portion of the law that requires the inspections, Swanson said during an interview after the hearing.

"They're going to have to go back,

put their heads together and rewrite it," he said.

Other aspects of the ordinance, which govern design and installation of the systems, are expected to remain largely untouched, Swanson said.

The Building and Planning department recruited a panel of mostly septic professionals earlier this year to write the new law. Mike Wojtowicz, the department's director, said the county needed to catch up with state rules governing septic system design and maintenance.

The options following Tuesday's hearing, he said, are for the county to hire its own inspectors; to ask state health officials whether the inspection regimen must be enforced; to host classes where landowners can learn how to do their own inspections; and to even fight the rules in the Legislature.

Commissioners said Tuesday that the law is intended to make sure septic systems aren't leaking and causing health hazards.

But residents said the septic professionals who drafted the ordinance had essentially codified their services into law. The property owners protested that forcing them to hire a professional to inspect their systems would open them up to the risk of fraud. They compared the scenario to taking a car to a bad mechanic who gouges the owner for repairs that aren't needed.

"We have let the fox in the hen house right now and that scares the living daylights out of everyone in this room," Kalama resident Tom Kramer said.

Brian Hewitt, one of the septic designers who served on the committee, said the inspections would help prevent more expensive problems in the future. The systems can only handle so much use, he said, and most aren't fitted with meters and alarms telling owners when they're being overloaded.

"I feel for all the people that are here that don't want to pay these fees and feel that we're infiltrating into their private life," Hewitt said.

But, he said, the ordinance is not as draconian as people are making it out to be. "I haven't heard anybody say, 'We're going to kick them out of their house,' or, 'We're going to give you two months'" to fix a problem, he said.

Still, some property owners suggested that septic systems aren't so complex that they require scheduled, professional care. When the toilet won't flush, the yard gets soggy or something starts to stink, they said, people know they've got a problem.

"I don't want my government telling me that I shouldn't have stuff floating in my front yard," Kelso resident Pat Palmer said. "I think I'm wise enough to take care of that myself."

When critics questioned whether the county has the staff to enforce the ordinance, commissioner George Raiter said compliance with the rules would be "voluntary." A report of each inspection, county officials said, would be sent to the Building and Planning department. It would be reviewed and filed.

State Representative Ed Orcutt, a Republican from the 18th District, noted that the inspections aren't triggered by any sort of problem, such as seepage into a stream or a complaint from a neighbor, and suggested he'd support a new septic bill outlining specific cases where inspections could be required. In the meantime, he said, the county should "push back on the department of health," which required the standards in the first place.

As it's written, Orcutt said, the ordinance would be "punitive in nature" and would be difficult for people on low and fixed incomes to afford. Unemployment is high, he pointed out, and prices are steep.

"This is not the time to be putting additional burdens on the citizens of this county," Orcutt said.

The room erupted into wild applause.

Atrucker wrote on Sep 17, 2008 1:20 AM:

" I think there is a large failure rate of septic systems west of Longview.
I used to catch alot of fish in those canals and sloughs west of the city. Now try to catch any thing in those open sewers , even carp stay away.
Not many years ago we caught alot of crappie out there . Now it's just crap with out the pie . So the message here is clean it up and it will be better all around . Se ya fishin then . "

loudly wrote on Sep 17, 2008 4:03 AM:

" Democrat politicians were surprised! That's a first. I thought Demo's were too dumb to know that they are hurting our local populace. Again, I call on all democrats to have at least one moral thought. That thought should lead to action and that action should be their resignations and disbanding of the hurtful demo party.....The demo party has done nothing but hurt us in Cowlitz County! Maybe in Nov. we will see a change. It's now obvious that Raiter nor Johnson have our best interests in mind. "

feistyone wrote on Sep 17, 2008 4:21 AM:

" I encourage everyone to write or call the health department over this issue. It is ridiculous especially at a time like this. Like Orcutt said, it puts additional burdesn on the citizens of this county. I for one, will not allow anyone from the county on my property if they are involved in this matter. Seems the county, state, city, or government always have their hands in our pockets. "

kiowa wrote on Sep 17, 2008 6:17 AM:

" A big thank you to those who attended, from me, who could not get off work to attend! I applaud all of you! "

Kalama river resident wrote on Sep 17, 2008 6:43 AM:

" A big thank-you to all that were able to show up and throw a big wrench into the spokes of this plan!! "

bigSIS wrote on Sep 17, 2008 6:46 AM:

" Yesterday's BLOG comment..."Only grey heads were there...at the On-Site Seweage System meeting." Well, I'd just as soon have grey on my head vs grey matter between my ears!

In todays article, it is too bad the reported did not get up & go out into to the hallway...! Room B had way over 100 (as U can see by today's picture - that was only one half of the room!), room A had as many & 25+ were standing in the hallway! TDN ya missed the boat on the math question! We had the County staff from the Accessor's office to Operations department scrambling to get us chairs!

Nothing was written about Brian Baird by the TDN reporter in today's paper. He sent a note around 2pm saying he heard "Cowlitz County citizens were upset!" So let's hope the Commissioners have heard us too!

OH YES! The reason the GREY heads were there...because the meeting was at 10am...! Most of us at that meeting were retired and feel we can help YOU that work ......make a stink! Which BTW tells me the author of yesterday's comment must be rich....OR unemployed; thus we are supporting his laurels cause he was there at 10am!

Mark your calendar...another Citizen's meeting on OSS is planned 7pm - Oct. 7th! AGAIN...let's fill the County Admit. Bldg. (across from the Kelso Post Office) Do U want to see the 23 page proposed document? http://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/buildplan/enviro health/default.htm "

anotion wrote on Sep 17, 2008 7:37 AM:

" I'm all stoved up here. May I please have permission to take a dukey... "

mia wrote on Sep 17, 2008 7:44 AM:

" I hope the commissioners got the message we don't want government involved in so much of our private lives. It is unfair that rural residents are inspected while many city sewers and lines running to them are not
inspected. "

My Kids' Mom wrote on Sep 17, 2008 7:54 AM:

" So this is what Building and Planning have been working on? Oh...now I know why it took 4 months for my short plat. The county took up about 3 of those months. Another thing...so the county told me what kind of septic to put in and how to do it and who to hire and now that it's pushing 3 years old now, I'm supposed to be concerned that it could be overused and failing? So why are they the ones giving me advice? "

overeducated wrote on Sep 17, 2008 7:54 AM:

" Okay, Cowlitz County we have heard from the paranoid and uneducated. If there is anyone in this county who is not blind to the environmental issues we are causing, show up on October 7th at 7pm and let them know.

Ignorance has once again reared it's head. "

My Kids' Mom wrote on Sep 17, 2008 7:59 AM:

" Oh, and thank you to you all who attended the meeting. I know that I appreciated it very much. "

anotion wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:01 AM:

" re: Atrucker, I'd be pointing my finger at the sewage treatment plant out west and not the septics. I also used to fish coal creek slough alot. I'm sure taking crappie out of there by the 5 gallon bucket load didn't help that population at all either. At least I saw that more than once....Asians filling up their buckets with anything they caught. I caught a couple mutant trout right off Pacific Way right there next to the treatment plant. Ha! Don't ask why I was fishing there. I sure wasn't eating them. "

Rural Citizen wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:56 AM:

" I am so proud of all you folks who turned out to protect the rights of all of us yesterday. I couldn't come because I had a roofing crew at my house and I was the only one home and had to be there.

I was so angry I was calling all my neighbors to get anyone who could go to go.

Note to the commissioners: You had better get a clue who you work for. The same thing goes for the health department.

Everyone around knows a new septic with all your damn new permission tags costs $20,000 to $60,000. The bad report itself will make it impossible to sell a house too. I hope we all got the name of these contractors who were in on this one. We need to avoid doing business with them and run them out of our town.

Why do I say that? There is only one word that describes when a BUSINESS goes to the GOVERNMENT to whip up a law to make them some money on the backs of unwilling citizens who are being reduced to peasantry. It's called FASCISM. Our fathers fought against this in WWII and we don't want it coming home to our very nation. Corporate owned government BY DEFINITION is FASCISM.

Zeig Heil to the septic companies. Get out of our town. "

Gondolapete wrote on Sep 17, 2008 9:02 AM:

" If people would do more of this, you would be amazed at what you can accomplish. "

longview citizen wrote on Sep 17, 2008 9:03 AM:

" To "loudly" How is this a democratic problem. You obviously do not watch television. Look at our economy!!! We are in a mess and look who is in the big house. Oh yes but of course this is from the Clinton era (yeah right). I think it is time the working (and trying to survive) citizens woke up and started voting for the folks (regardless of party affiliation) that can fix this country. I certainly hope everyone looks at ALL aspects of the candidates regardless of if they are local state or national we all must make some wise and serious choices!!! "

Gondolapete wrote on Sep 17, 2008 9:13 AM:

" The democrats are in control of the house and senate, and its the democrats who block every sort of common sense legislation. And then for 8 yrs we have had a president it acts just like a liberal democrat. Yesterday the biggest scam of a bill this decade was just passed by the dems, their so called energy bill. Once again its a do nothing, gain nothing bill, but promises the Sun!!!! "

Kaijakoira wrote on Sep 17, 2008 9:28 AM:

" While they're at it, legislators should also mandate that all livestock be toilet trained. Also, I would greatly appreciate it if the Audubon Society folks would start putting little diapers on birds to keep them from fouling up cars with their "deposits." "

ann123 wrote on Sep 17, 2008 9:29 AM:

" i live in the county, where do they get off telling me i have to do this it is my land i bought and paid for it. not them. i take great pride in my home. i am a responsible person i do not need the county telling me what to do. And having to pay them on top of it. they cant even get permits issued in a timely manner do you really think they have the kowledge to get this done. i do not think so. we need to vote these people out of office. no wonder no one wants to build in cowlitz county. i think we have the worst reputation in the state of washington. "

DUH wrote on Sep 17, 2008 10:55 AM:

" $125.00 every 3 years compared to my $60.00 a month??? Whaaa. Cry me a friggin river. "

viper wrote on Sep 17, 2008 11:26 AM:

" It's called greed ! the county and state are just looking for new ways to produce revenue to dig a little deeper in your pockets . and the professionals who wrote it just want to be assured they will be able to rob everyone in the future
contractors should not be writeing our laws!
when all it is intened to do is put money in there pockets .once it is mandated they will rasie there rates and the price will be to high for anyone to do and then the county or state will fine you for everyday that it's not done
you don't have to be a seeing eye dog to see where this is headed, and if there is NO current problems then why is it needed ? just another pocket grabber for the goverment :Viper "

Hershey's Squirt wrote on Sep 17, 2008 12:03 PM:

" Thank you, DUH! You said it... "

Anonymuse wrote on Sep 17, 2008 12:05 PM:

" My question would be is the pun as a title intended?

"Public turns up nose at septic tank law"

I bet even Jay would get a laugh out of that one. Who's line it is anyway? This is not Comedy Central more along the lines of Blue Collar Comedy Tour... "

My Kids' Mom wrote on Sep 17, 2008 12:11 PM:

" DUH, actually my sectic cost about $12,000. County residents pay for septic/sewer in a different way. We either pay for it right up front or it get's figured into our mortgage payment but make no mistake, it's getting paid for one way or another. This is mostly an issue of what's right and wrong in our minds. Not to mention the unnecessary expense, time and hassle. "

skibum wrote on Sep 17, 2008 12:14 PM:

" I have a $25,000 mound system at my place. It's the nicest (and most expensive) pile of poop you will ever see. However, I can't seem to get the deer and elk to quit pooping in my yard. I am certain that they are ruining the environment around my house. We really need to get rid of all the wildlife that keeps pooping on the ground which in turn kills all of the fish that keep pooping in the water. "

justice4all wrote on Sep 17, 2008 12:17 PM:

" Thank you to everyone that showed up to say NO Way. The commissioners should have had county residents, someone from the health department and maybe a septic system specialist, (if such a position exists) on the committee. To ask those that would be most enriched by the law to write the law was just giving blessing to hiway robbery. My family has lived in the Coal Creek area for almost 40 years. My parents have had to updated their system every time they have applied for a building permit. Country folks don't like polluting their own back yards so we get the system pumped regularly, about every 10 years has worked for us. Never a stink or back up and thats with 6 people in the house. Everyone knows that if you have an inspection done the "specialist" will say it needs pumped or updated. To become a specialist you just have to work in the industry as a designer, installer, or pumper. Maybe we need a few republicans to come in and evaluate the performance of the democrats. Bet they would be able to point out lots of flaws. Its they way it works in our country. Those that want the job find the faults. "

DUH wrote on Sep 17, 2008 12:46 PM:

" My Kids' Mom... In the years I have lived in and owned my home I have paid nearly double your $12,000 initial cost for getting rid of waste. That includes your $125.00 every 3 year charge. If you don't like it, Hook up to sewer and pay the monthly bill. You people just want to have your cake and poop it too. "

~:sturgeon:~ wrote on Sep 17, 2008 1:05 PM:

" ...again i ask..has the puget sound still treated positive for starbucks coffee and cooking spices in late December?(harming wildlife) And while I'm at it...how about the little river that runs past the singing winds campfire grounds, dose that still test positive for ecoli disease? (from cow poop)this is where the state needs to focus. not on our overstrained pocketbooks!!!! "

Blarney wrote on Sep 17, 2008 1:16 PM:

" Inspection is an excellent idea and long over due. However, repairs to existing septic systems are cost prohibitive for most people especially now. So, if Cowlitz County has decided to bring our area up to the 21st century then some sort of subsidized program should be introduced in the form of low interest loans along with strict regulations imposed on businesses that do the kind of work necessary. Compliance through regulation will ensure maximum performance and prevent price gouging. "

reality wrote on Sep 17, 2008 1:27 PM:

" Hey "My Kids' Mom" - Sounds like your complaining about having to pay anything to get rid of your waste. Typical Cowlitz County hillbilly attitude... "

anotion wrote on Sep 17, 2008 1:30 PM:

" re: skibum. That sounds like one heck of a fine poo pile you've got there. I reckon I wouldn't mind takin' a gander at that there piece a work. I'm in the market for a nice spread and will need a nice pile o' poo as well. Congrats on acquiring such a nice mound. On the other hand, you're right! These damn aminals are pooing everywhere!! And don't forget, the crawfish are pooping in them waters too! But it all comes out in the end literally...it all goes to the ocean. The oysters help filter the ocean floor...and we eat em'! Nummers!! "

Rosey Glasses wrote on Sep 17, 2008 1:34 PM:

" I thank all of those that attended the meeting that I didn't hear about until it was too late to get home for (am out of town for a few weeks). You know DUH! You may enjoy living in town paying for all your services, but many of us enjoy living out in the sticks. We moved out there so we wouldn't have to deal with people like you griping about dog poop. You may like to pay for your sewage, water and what not; while putting up with neighbors that tell you what you can have in your yard and what you can't; along with government officials that come out and tell you that you can't have that old car in your back yard or dog poop. We moved out there, put in our septic systems, drilled our water wells and installed pumps; and yet a few of us are trying to install wind/solar power to elliminate that bill also. It is our property, and as long as it is not bothering anyone else or poluting the water systems, there is nothing wrong. Who are you to tell us we should take this type of action by our government sitting down? If I weren't out of town during this meeting, I would have been there telling these people that any one coming to my home without proper authorization by ME would be treated as a two legged coyote! Get the picture yet? Have a nice day.. "

DUH wrote on Sep 17, 2008 2:00 PM:

" You sound mighty tough there Rosey. Don't let them on your property. I don't care. Maybe if you refuse them access they might just condemn your property. Then where are ya? "

justa_name wrote on Sep 17, 2008 3:40 PM:

" loudly...sorry i must have missed the memo. i didnt know this article was DEM v.s. REP......get over it!!!!! "

LongviewFam wrote on Sep 17, 2008 4:27 PM:

" Whether or not it is a problem any of us have, I appreciate the fact that people were mobilized on ANY issue enough to take a stand and SHOW UP. Democracy, baby. Gotta love it. "

sickened wrote on Sep 17, 2008 4:36 PM:

" If you don't live in the country, you don't know the struggles we've gone through to get permits. It took me 6-months just to get a permit to build our "pole" garage, not to mention the hoops they made us crawl through. How are they going to manage all of the extra burden from this change? It will just push the regular permits out a nother 6-months.
What is going to happen when we try to sell our home and they won't let us sell it without getting a new septic system? People can't afford that and there will be more foreclosures added to the current ones. Look at it as a future ghost town. "

momof4 wrote on Sep 17, 2008 7:17 PM:

" Hey Duh if your paying 60.00 just for sewer you are a Duh! "

DUH wrote on Sep 17, 2008 7:36 PM:

" Wow. That's mighty bright of you momof4. That take you all day to come up with that? "

whatsinaname wrote on Sep 17, 2008 9:21 PM:

" i dont need any septic inspector sniffing around my yard. these septic inspections, like the phony car inspections in other states are worthless, and an injection of money into the septic companies bank accounts. they are going say i need a new septic tank even if the one i have is perfectly fine. i think that the authors of the new law are connected in some way to a septic company. "

toledoone wrote on Sep 17, 2008 9:22 PM:

" DUH is a typical liberal. They think that if they think it is right then you should pay.

If you pay the 125 every three years I am sure global warming will stop. "

boo275 wrote on Sep 18, 2008 8:26 AM:

" DUH, help me with the math here... You say you have paid twice the 12,000 in sewer costs but only pay 60 a month? Lived there over 33 years? Even if you have, which I doubt, you weren't paying 60 dollars 30 years ago. Septic coss are high enough without adding a $125 tax every three years.......... "

DUH wrote on Sep 18, 2008 9:03 AM:

" Was that supposed to hurt toledoone? It didn't. Toledoone, if you really are from Toledo, you don't even live in Cowlitz County so it doesn't affect you. Whether it's right or wrong isn't what I am getting at. You people think that $125.00 every 3 years is going to kill you. I pay 3 times that every year and I'm not crying about it like you people. All you people saying "They aren't coming on my property to inspect" must have something to hide. Like maybe you know that your septic systems aren't up to par. If I had a septic system that was leaking I would want to know about it. The $125.00 is a lot cheaper than the fines you could possibly face for having a faulty system and not doing anything about it.And yes I agree that it's a pretty low way that they are going about making this thing go. I say, If they're going to require inspections, then the home owner should be able to pick the company that comes to inspect. Then you can either take in or mail a copy of the results to the county. I agree with you that if the county does the inspections the it leaves the door wide open for problems. "

Kelso Guy wrote on Sep 18, 2008 9:06 AM:

" It doesn't matter, part of having a septic system is not having to pay the $60 a month bill for sewage treatment. Most people take care of their septic by treating it regularly, and are careful about what goes into it so that it lasts a lifetime. Most people also get their system inspected every few years as well. But by making it a law you are inviting higher prices (cause now you have no choice). If a septic fails you and your neighbors are gonna know it and will have to deal with it. I can't imagine that someone would continue to use a septic that was leaking and reaking. "

swan wrote on Sep 18, 2008 12:06 PM:

" Regardless of whether the Septic Ordinance gets passed, there is a requirement by the State that the systems be inspected annually or every three years depending on the type of system (WAC 246-272A-0270). For those of you that would prefer that this not be a required professional inspection or County inspection, as is being proposed in the Ordinance, due dilligence will be necessary by homeowners to ensure that they are maintaining their systems. A class is being offered on Oct. 28, 6:30-8:30pm that is being put on by the Washington State University Extension at the Cowlitz Co. Administration Building, Room 300 (Cost $5). This class will discuss how to maintain your septic tank for a long life and how to avoid major problems. Though this class will not certify you for the proposed inspection requirements in the Septic Ordinance, it would be beneficial for citizens to attend, by demonstrating an alterntative means towards meeting the intent of State law. "

mole wrote on Sep 18, 2008 1:39 PM:

" just because you pay to flush,does not give you the right to impose undue/unwanted laws,when in fact my septic system makes no odor,can you say that?I SMELL THE SEWAGE BY COAL CREEK AND THAT COMES FROM YOUR TOILETS!!!! "

My Kids' Mom wrote on Sep 18, 2008 2:35 PM:

" reality: I was not complaining in my comment, I was informing DUH that my septic system was not free and that it doesn't just "appear" out of nowhere. He seemed confused. In my opinion it's more "hilbily" to call people names based on a 3 sentence "informative" statement. "

bigSIS wrote on Sep 18, 2008 3:44 PM:

" If those of you want to see the meeting at it's best, It will be aired on KLTV Sat. 20th @ 3am, Sun. 21th @ 7pm or you can purchase the complete DVD of the BOCC meeting that was taped on the 16th. I am not an employee of the station...only want people to be informed - if they want it. I live in the county and do not get cable and feel the same as all who do not have it either...but yet not having cable.....that is another issue too! :} AND I am complaining! ALSO the meeting on Oct. 28th is not about OSS it is on "HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR SEPTIC!" I just hung up from the WSU - the person in charge of this meeting...which was planned months ago! The $5.00 (not per person/a family fee) is to cover speaker costs only. The meeting/training will not discuss any ruling or regs covering any WAC policies! PERIOD! "

bigSIS wrote on Sep 18, 2008 6:22 PM:

" If those of you want to see the meeting at it's best, It will be aired on KLTV Sat. 20th @ 3am, Sun. 21th @ 7pm or you can purchase the complete DVD of the BOCC meeting that was taped on the 16th. I am not an employee of the station...only want people to be informed - if they want it. I live in the county and do not get cable and feel the same as all who do not have it either...but yet not having cable.....that is another issue too! :} AND I am complaining! ALSO the meeting on Oct. 28th is not about OSS it is on "HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR SEPTIC!" I just hung up from the WSU - the person in charge of this meeting...which was planned months ago! The $5.00 (not per person/a family fee) is to cover speaker costs only. The meeting/training will not discuss any ruling or regs covering any WAC policies! PERIOD! "

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