On-Site Sewage

On-Site Sewage System Program

The On-Site Sewage System Program (OSS) has regulatory oversight for all on-site sewage systems in Whatcom County. We perform a wide variety of activities to carry out this oversight that include:

• Certification program for OSS Pumpers, Installers and Operation and Maintenance Specialists
• Complaint investigations
• Enforcement of OSS Codes, e.g. Whatcom County Code, WCC 24.05 and Washington Administrative Code, WAC 246-272A
• Final Construction inspections
• Homeowner education and notification regarding proper Operation and Maintenance of their OSS
• Permit Issuance
• Site Application review for new, repaired or expanded OSS
• Subdivision, Boundary Line Adjustment and Conditional Use review
• Survey inspections of OSS in sensitive areas

OSS Documents

• OSS Permit Process (PDF)
• Seven Ways to Save Thousands of Dollars in Septic System Repairs Brochure (PDF)