Commissioners approved Cowlitz County’s controversial septic system ordinance Tuesday with little of the turmoil or angst of previous meetings. Only four people attended the public hearing, and the lone speaker favored the regulations.

Previous meetings have packed the commissioner’s hearing room and once even spilled out into an adjoining room.

The regulations were first drafted after complaints the department wasn’t interpreting state law consistently, said Mike Wojtowicz, the county’s building and planning director. That meant one inspector might approve a system that wouldn’t pass muster with another inspector.

In addition, he said, officials must protect the public from failed systems, which pollute the area around them.

Residents, though, blistered a section of the original ordinance that would have required professional inspections every one or three years, depending on the type of system. Residents said it favored industry too much and was too expensive. A citizen’s advisory committee was then established to re-evaluate the regulations.

The new regulations allow homeowners to inspect their own systems if they choose, which officials and committee members said is as lenient as they could be under state requirements. The county also is offering classes at least once a quarter to teach homeowners how to inspect and maintain their septic systems.

Much of the previous public comment also focused on property rights, with residents urging and in some cases demanding the commissioner defy state requirements.

Commissioner Axel Swanson said Tuesday he believes the county has done a good job balancing the rights of homeowners against public health and safety needs.

The vote was unanimous. The ordinance becomes effective in 90 days.

Related articles:

County moves closer to approving septic system ordinance  (Sept. 1)

County commissioners postpone septic vote as opponents pack Tuesday meeting  (Aug. 18)

County ready to unveil new septic system rules  (Aug. 11)