HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026/01/27 - BOH PacketMason County Public Health
415 N 6th Street, Bldg. 8, Shelton WA 98584,
Phone: (360) 427-9670 ext. 869 ❖ Fax: (360) 427-7787
If special accommodations are needed, please contact McKenzie Smith at (360) 427-9670 ext. 589 or at
msmith@masoncountywa.gov.
MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
January 27, 2026
11:00 a.m.
Commission Chambers
411 North 5th Street
Shelton, WA 98584
DRAFT AGENDA
1. Welcome and Introductions Chair
2. Approval of Agenda – ACTION Board Members
3. Resolution to Set Meeting Dates – ACTION Board Members
4. Elect Officer Positions – ACTION Board Members
5. Approval of November 2025 Minutes – ACTION Board Members
6. Health Officer Report Dr. Steve Krager
7. Administration Report Dave Windom
a. Board positions
b. Fiscal
c. Pilot Program
d. Interlocal Agreement for Acting Health Officer Coverage – ACTION
8. Environmental Health Report Ian Tracy
a. January 2026 Report
b. On-Site Standards
9. Community Health Report Melissa Casey
10. Other Business and Board Discussion Board Members
11. Public Comments
12. Adjourn
RESOLUTION NO. 26-01
A Resolution Setting the 2026 Meeting Dates for the Mason County Board of Health
WHEREAS, the Public Health and Human Services department supports the administrative
requirements of the Mason County Board of Health and provides public notice; and,
WHEREAS, the Board of Health meets regularly to address the public health needs of Mason County;
and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mason County Board of Health that the meetings
for 2026 will be held at 11:00 a.m. on the following dates:
January 27, 2026
March 24, 2026
May 26, 2026
July 21, 2026
September 22, 2026
November 10, 2026
DATED this 27th day of January, 2026.
ATTEST
McKenzie Smith, Clerk of the Board
MASON COUNTY, WASHINGTON
BOARD OF HEALTH
MASON COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Darrin Moody, Hospital District #1
Eric Onisko, City Council
Pat Tarzwell, Commissioner
Randy Neatherlin, Commissioner
Sharon Trask, Commissioner
Peggy Van Buskirk, Hospital District #2
Sneha Gunda, Squaxin Island Health Director
MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH PROCEEDINGS
411 North 5th Street, Shelton, WA
November 12, 2025
Attendance: Sharon Trask, County Commissioner; Darrin Moody, Hospital District No. 1; Eric Onisko, City of
Shelton Mayor; Peggy VanBuskirk, Hospital District #2; David Windom Public Health Director; Ian Tracy,
Environmental Health Manager, Christopher Pinkston, Executive Assistant; and Dedrick Allen, MasonWebTV
1. The Chair called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m.
2. Approval of Agenda
No quorum.
3. Environmental Health
a. Draft OSS Code Enforcement Deferral Policy
4. Other Business and Board Discussion
No other business or discussion.
5. Public Comments
Constance Ibsen, Lower Hood Canal Watershed Coalition, asked for a report on the questions that the
Prosecuting Attorney had. Darrin shared that the Prosecutors ensure that the policy coincides with the
RCWs and WACs and is easily understandable by both the County and the public.
An individual shared his history with the code enforcement process and issues with a neighbor
violating the code. Codes must be enforced or amended to be enforced. A written policy that explicitly
states that code will not be enforced will open the County up to lawsuits.
Patrick Burke shared frustrations around the County neglecting to enforce sanitary regulations costing
him and his neighbor tens of thousands of dollars. The issue with his neighbor has been going on for
over three (3) years. The County needs to go in another direction towards stricter sanitary regulations.
A vagrant law is needed in addition to a vigorous abatement program which will allow the County to
remove code offenders from their property, clean it up, and sell the property.
Another individual asked what funding mechanism the County has for enforcement and wondered if
the County’s desire to not enforce is because there is no money to do it. Darrin recommended that
specific questions be directed towards County Commissioners or County staff.
Dave Butts discussed the property on Highway 3 where the trailer caught fire, and several shacks were
built. However, there are no permits and the septic is bad.
Constance asked that all twelve (12) counties that are on the Salish Sea redo their 2007 local
management plans for septic. A thoughtful review of regulations needs to go to the State Board of
Health for approval. Constance distributed a March 27, 2025, memo from Pacific County regarding
notice of updated On-Site Sewage System Regulations.
6. Adjourned at 11:18 a.m.
ATTEST
_______________________________
McKenzie Smith, Clerk of the Board
MASON COUNTY, WASHINGTON
BOARD OF HEALTH
MASON COUNTY, WASHINGTON
_______________________________
Darrin Moody, Hospital District #1
_______________________________
Peggy Van Buskirk, Hospital District #2
_______________________________
Randy Neatherlin, Commissioner
_______________________________
Pat Tarzwell, Commissioner
_______________________________
Sharon Trask, Commissioner
_______________________________
Eric Onisko, City Council
_______________________________
Rachel Armas, Squaxin Island Health Director
From the Director’s Desk
January 2026
Welcome to the New Year!
Here’s hoping that everyone had a great holiday season!
2026 is starting off with some financial concerns. The Governor’s proposed budget has as much as a 50-
million-dollar cut to the Foundational Public Health Services fund. Part of this cut is due to a legislative
change last year that reclassified some vape products as nicotine products and removed them from the
fund that supports some of the FPHS budget. There are at least three possible solutions to that problem
being brought forward in the legislature, and they should have hearings the week of Jan 20.
With that said, the legislature isn’t bound to follow the governor’s proposed budget and will most likely
develop alternative budget proposals. It’s not likely that concrete proposals will be presented until after
the mid-February budget forecast.
What does that look like for Mason County? The Executive Leadership Committee for the Washington
State Association of Local Public Health Officials is working on an allocation formula for the distribution
of cuts across all LHJs. We’re trying to avoid the situation last June, where some of the smallest LHJs got
the heaviest cuts. At this point, we won’t have a firm idea until the legislature acts.
One program to watch is the Rural Health Transformation Project, which the federal government is
leading. Washington will receive over 180 million dollars in the first year to stand up programs to
increase access, develop the workforce, invest in technology, and increase the efficient delivery of
healthcare in Washington’s rural counties.
On a good note, it looks as though flu season is leveling off and is well below the levels for last year.
David Windom, MSHS
Welcome to the New Year!
2025 Financials
Through Sept
Public Health
Cash Flow past Three Years
-1,500,000
-1,000,000
-500,000
0
500,000
1,000,000
1,500,000
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2023 - 2025 Cash Flow
2023 2024 2025
Fund Balance
0
200000
400000
600000
800000
1000000
1200000
1400000
1600000
1800000
2000000
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2025 Fund Balance w/out investments
2025
Goal
Fund Balance
$0
$1,000,000
$2,000,000
$3,000,000
$4,000,000
$5,000,000
$6,000,000
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2022
2023
2024
2025
Fund Balance with Opioid and FPHS investments
2025 Revenue
0
500,000
1,000,000
1,500,000
2,000,000
2,500,000
3,000,000
Federal
Dollars
State Funding Permits Fees County
Contribution
Transfer in
Mental Health
Opioid
Settlement
Misc Revenue Investment
Earnings
Budget vs Received
Budgeted YTD
Budgeted Revenue by Source
Federal Dollars
State Funding
Permits
Fees
County Contribution
Transfer in Mental Health
Opiod Settlement
Clean water district
BUDGETED
Revenue YTD by Source
Federal Dollars
32%
State Funding
34%Permits
10%
Fees
8%
County Contribution
7%
Transfer in Mental Health
2%
Opioid Settlement
4%Investment Earnings
3%
Revenue YTD
Expense by Sector
Salary and Wages
50%
Benefits
21%
Supplies
2%
Services
20%
Intergovernmental
0%Internal Charges
7%
EXPENDED
Expense 2025
$0
$500,000
$1,000,000
$1,500,000
$2,000,000
$2,500,000
$3,000,000
Salary and Wages Benefits Supplies Services Intergovernmental Internal Charges
Budgeted vs Expended
Budget Expended
Total Expense 2025
0
500000
1000000
1500000
2000000
2500000
3000000
3500000
4000000
TOTAL SALARIES & BENEFITS OPERATING INTERNAL CAPITAL OUTLAY
Total Expense
Budget total total expense
BARS Report from DOH, 3 Years Behind
County Gov
3%
Fees & permits
27%
DOH
1%FPHS
3%
State Assist to County
6%
Other State
5%
Fed through DOH
37%
Fed Other
19%
BARs Report 2021
County Gov Fees & permits DOH FPHS State Assist to County Other State Fed through DOH Fed Other
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Budgeted 719, 431, 777, 563, 434, 434, 438, 438, 438, 451, 451, 451, 376, 376, 376, - 376, 376, 376, 376,
Received 719, 431, 777, 563, 434, 434, 644, 441, 451, 175, 451, 195, 376, 376, 376, - 376, 376, 376, 376,
-
100,000.00
200,000.00
300,000.00
400,000.00
500,000.00
600,000.00
700,000.00
800,000.00
900,000.00
County Contributions
Budgeted Received Linear (Received)
1
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR ACTING HEALTH OFFICER COVERAGE BETWEEN
WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
AND ___Mason County__________
Agreement made by and between Washington State Department of Health (“Department”) and Mason
County (“LHJ”) pursuant to RCW 39.34.080.
WHEREAS, there may be periods when the position of Local Health Officer (“LHO”) for the LHJ is vacant
or the incumbent LHO may be absent or incapacitated and unable to fulfill the responsibilities of the
LHO, and it is imperative that the responsibilities of the LHO that require timely public health action be
fulfilled for the LHJ during these periods; and
WHEREAS, in its sole discretion and per its guidelines and process, the Department may agree to the
appointment of a Department Regional Medical Officer (“RMO”) or other qualified Department
employee (referred to collectively as “Designee”) to serve as acting health officer for the LHJ to fulfill the
responsibilities of the LHO during a vacancy or period of absence or incapacity.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS MUTUALLY AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Designation of Authority.
a. Pursuant to RCW 70.05.080, [insert name and title of Designee] will serve as acting
health officer for the LHJ as requested by an authorized official for the LHJ, provided
that:
i. This Agreement has been fully executed by the Department and the LHJ and is in
full force and effect;
ii. The local board of health or official responsible for appointing the LHO has
appointed the Designee to serve as acting health officer for the LHJ;
iii. The LHJ has complied with the Department’s guidelines and process for
requesting LHO coverage;
iv. The Department has approved the request for LHO coverage in writing; and
v. The Designee has consented to serving as acting health officer as requested.
b. This Agreement covers any and all LHJ requests for acting health officer coverage during
the term of this Agreement. For acting health officer coverage to be effective, the
Department must separately approve each request in writing, including the duration of
coverage, and the Designee must separately consent to each request. The local board of
health or official responsible for appointing the LHO must ensure that an appointment
of the Designee to serve as acting health officer is in effect with respect to each request
for coverage. One appointment may apply to multiple requests.
c. The Department retains full authority and discretion to approve or deny any request for
acting health officer coverage.
d. The Designee shall have the same duties, powers, and authority as a regularly appointed
LHO while serving as acting health officer and will exercise such duties, powers, and
authority in accordance with applicable law and under the direction of the local board of
health or, if any, the LHJ’s administrative officer.
2
e. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Designee shall have the discretion
to decline to take any action that the Designee is requested or directed to take,
including, but not limited to, actions that, in the Designee’s judgment, can be delayed
until the appointment of a permanent LHO in the case of a vacancy or return of the
incumbent LHO without jeopardizing the public health or do not protect or promote the
public health.
f. The Designee’s authority to serve as acting health officer will terminate when this
Agreement expires or is terminated, the Designee’s appointment by the local board of
health or official responsible for appointing the LHO expires or is terminated, a
permanent LHO is appointed in the case of a vacancy, the incumbent LHO is no longer
absent or incapacitated and is able to fulfill their responsibilities, when the Designee
revokes their consent, the Department rescinds its approval, or when the Department’s
specified duration of coverage expires.
2. Indemnification/Hold Harmless/Insurance. The LHJ shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless
the Designee and the Department and its officers, officials, employees, and volunteers from any
and all claims, injuries, damages, losses, or suits, including attorney fees, arising out of or in
connection with the performance of this Agreement, except for injuries and damages caused by
the willful and wanton negligence of the Designee or the Department or its officers, officials,
employees, or volunteers. The LHJ must provide liability insurance coverage for the Designee
that is equivalent to the coverage provided for the LHO.
3. Term. The term of this Agreement shall commence on the date this agreement is executed by all
parties and shall remain in effect for one calendar year, unless terminated earlier per the terms
of this Agreement. The parties may extend the term of this Agreement by written mutual
agreement.
4. Termination. Either Party may terminate the agreement at their sole discretion. Termination
shall be effective as provided in written notice provided by the terminating Party, though no
earlier than upon receipt of written notice by mail or email, or within three days of the mailing
of the notice, whichever occurs first.
5. Extent of Agreement/Modification. This Agreement, together with any attachments or
addenda, represents the entire and integrated Agreement between the parties and supersedes
all prior negotiations, representations, or agreements, either written or oral. This Agreement
may be amended, modified, or added to only by written instrument properly signed by both
parties.
6. Notices.
Notices to the LHJ shall be sent to:
The following mailing address:
________415 N. 6th, Shelton WA. 98584_______________________
Or the following email address: dwindom@masoncountywa.gov
3
Notices to the Department shall be sent to:
The following mailing address:
Washington State Department of Health
1610 NE 150th St
Shoreline, WA 98155
Or the following email address:
Receipt of any notice shall be deemed effective upon actual receipt or three (3) days after
deposit of written notice in the U.S. mail with proper postage and address, whichever occurs
first.
7. Property and Equipment. Upon termination or non-renewal of this agreement, all property
purchased by the LHJ in furtherance of this agreement shall remain the property of the LHJ and
all property purchased by the Department in furtherance of this agreement shall remain the
property of the Department. All property shall be returned to its owner upon termination or
non-renewal of this Agreement.
8. Filing. The LHJ shall be responsible for complying with the requirements of RCW 39.34.040 with
respect to this agreement.
9. Authority to Bind Parties and Enter Into Agreement. The undersigned represent that they have
full authority to enter into this Agreement and to bind the parties for and on behalf of the legal
entities set forth below.
Mason County Washington State Department of Health
_______________________________ _____________________________
Signature Signature
_______________________________ _____________________________
Name Name
_______________________________ _____________________________
Title Title
_______________________________ _____________________________
Date Signed Date Signed
Environmental Health (EH) Report – Mason County Board of Health
January 27, 2026
From Ian Tracy, Environmental Health Manager
Water Quality
The State Department of Health will be upgrading 14 acres of shellfish growing area from
conditionally approved to approved in Lilliwaup. A contract to conduct pollution identification
and correction work in Hood Canal is being drafted. It is expected to go before the Board of
County Commissioners for approval over the next few months.
Solid Waste
Our Local Solid Waste Financial Assistance grant with the Department of Ecology previously
covered 0.75 FTE to conduct solid waste code enforcement. Due to inflation, wage increases, and
other financial costs, it now covers only 0.5 FTE. Additionally, one of our solid waste code
enforcement staff members is on extended leave with an expected return on April 1st.
On-site Septic
The On-site Septic Code Enforcement Deferral Policy, which was scheduled for a special meeting
in November 2025, will not be moving forward. The Department will continue to enforce the
regulations as written, with the resources we have available.
EH Annual Operating Permit Renewals
EH is in the midst of completing our annual renewals for food establishments, swimming pools, and
on-site septic contractor licenses. For 2026, we implemented a new renewal process that allows
applicants to submit documents and pay their fees online. Previously, the only options were to
renew in person at our counter or by mail.
Attachment: 2025 Annual Report
Environmental Health 2025 Statistics
2025 1st
Quarter
Data
2025 2nd
Quarter
Data
2025 3rd
Quarter
Data
2025 4th
Quarter
Data
Total/
Current
2024
Annual
Data
Water Recreation
Pools 16 16 16 16 16 16
Seasonal Pools 13 11 11 11 11 13
Spas 4 4 4 4 4 4
Seasonal Spas 1 1 1 1 1 2
Total Inspections 1 10 8 0 19 18
Drinking Water
Group A Sanitary Survey 13 13 16 26 68 44
Special Purpose Investigation 0 0 0 0 0 1
Group B Approval 1 2 2 2 7 4
Well Construction Inspections 32 23 25 16 96 117
2 Party Well inspections 17 11 16 16 60 45
Well Decommission Inspections 1 1 1 0 3 6
Food
Annual Food Establishment 239 242 245 247 245
Mobile Food Establishments 24 26 29 33 27
Street Vending Establishments 1 3 5 5 -
Temporary Event Establishments 27 78 130 135 132
Temporary Event Inspections 3 49 24 36 -
Number of inspections conducted 76 197 73 100 249 495
Number of Reinspections conducted 4 2 4 1 9 -
Pre-Operational inspections 3 16 8 7 34 -
Complaint Inspections Conducted 1 1 2 1 4 -
New Food Worker Cards 786 852 906 740 2432 3459
Replacement Food Worker Cards Issued 67 8 3 0 70 -
Vector
Rabies calls 8 3 16 4 31 21
Rabies specimen tested 0 0 3 2 5 3
Rabies specimen tested positive 0 0 0 0 0 0
Solid Waste
Complaints Received 36 19 23 25 103 111
Complaints Closed 29 28 25 22 104 34
Civil Infractions Issued 8 3 8 6 25 21
Current Enforcement Case Load - - - -292 -
Facility Inspections 0 4 1 8 13 23
Facilities permitted 21 1 0 0 22 9
Permit fees
Fees. Contract with DOH & ECY.
Funding source
Fees. FPHS
Ecology grant. Fees. FPHS.
All County contribution.
Environmental Health 2025 Statistics
2025 1st
Quarter
Data
2025 2nd
Quarter
Data
2025 3rd
Quarter
Data
2025 4th
Quarter
Data
Total/
Current
2024
Annual
Data
Professional Certification
Pumpers Certified 28 1 0 1 30 33
Installers Certified 96 6 6 2 110 110
O&M Specialists Certified 45 2 0 1 48 49
Onsite Sewage Systems
New System Applications submitted 109 149 138 83 479 479
New System Permits Issued 94 113 131 82 420 462
Tank Only Permits 15 23 33 13 84 80
Repair/Replace Permits 14 21 23 9 67 82
Finals Conducted 33 16 16 21 86 130
Preapplication Conferences 8 17 15 11 51 35
Environmental Health Reviews 2 1 0 1 4 4
Short Plats 0 0 1 0 1 6
Large Lot Subdivisions 0 0 0 1 1 3
Boundary Line Adjustments 6 2 0 12 20 19
Complaints Closed 34 40 42 41 157 150
Complaints Received 37 53 47 30 167 207
Current Enforcement Case Load - - - -71 -
Number of Civil infractions 15 15 11 20 61 20
Homeowner workshops 0 1 1 1 3 3
Blitz Mailings 0 37,609 0 0 37609 25227
Deficient OSS 1108 1012 1171 1134 1134 938
Overdue Maintenance 18,932 17,851 19,499 19,460 19,460 18,619
OSS records on file 28,274 28,313 28,410 28,447 28,447 28,150
Water Quality
Water Samples analyzed 170 238 171 201 780 983
Water Quality Surveys Closed 56 10 14 35 115 70
Water Quality Surveys 12 10 27 47 96 353
Mailings 0 0 169 0 169 137
Miles of shoreline sampled 0 4.26 4.52 3.53 12.31 4
Public Meeting/education 1 3 0 0 4 1
Shellfish
Bi-weekly Jarrell's Cove 5 5 6 6 22 26
Oysterfest Booth 0 0 1 0 1 1
CWD parcel fees. Various grants.
Consolidated Contract: DOH.
Funding source
Fees.
Fees. FPHS. DOH.
Environmental Health Briefing
TO: Mason County Board of Health
FROM: Ian Tracy, Environmental Health Manager
DATE: January 27, 2026
ITEM: Revisions to Mason County Onsite Standards
SUMMARY: The Onsite Sewage Advisory Committee met on December 9th, 2025, and voted to
amend two sections of the Mason County Public Health On-site Standards policy. This policy is
adopted as code under Mason County Code 6.76.060.
The first section clarifies language regarding the design of pump systems and was unanimously
approved. The department supports this change.
The second change was to remove a section that prohibits drainfield reductions in Mason County.
This was voted 5 in favor, 2 opposed, and 1 abstained. The department does not support this
change. We propose the following alternative language:
Drainfield reductions may be allowed in limited circumstances for repairs using products approved
by the State for reduction, provided a local waiver is obtained.
REQUESTED ACTION: Review changes policy, discuss, and if appropriate, vote to approve
changes.
ATTACHMENTS: Mason County Public Health On-Site Standards
ENFORCEMENT ALTERNATIVES
Background: Mason County Environmental Health has found that circumstances occur where
owner/occupants are unable to install a septic system per MCC6.76.065(1). Typically, this is on undersized
lots that were platted prior to the standards established in WAC 246-272A. The Mason County Board of
Health has chosen to defer enforcement action when the following criteria are met:
• The property is owner-occupied, and the residents are living in RVs or tents. No homes or
permanent dwelling units are present.
• The residents are utilizing accessory holding tanks or chemical toilets for the storage of all
sewage generated on the property.
• Sewage is regularly removed by Mason County Certified OSS Pumpers and disposed of at
locations that are approved by WA Dept. of Ecology.
• No other public health threats are identified.
Property Owner requirements:
• Pump all chemical toilets or tanks at regular intervals to prevent overflow.
• Provide receipts for all pumpings to the department within 30 days of service.
• Allow the department to inspect the property within 30 days of receiving request. Requests to
inspect will typically be in response to complaints of improper sewage disposal.
• Notify the department within 48 hours if a sewage spill occurs.
• Sign an agreement provided by the department acknowledging the conditions of enforcement
deferral.
The Department shall record a notice to title informing the public that the property will be posted for Non-
Occupancy if the property is sold or transferred to new owners. The non-occupancy will be lifted once the
property has a permitted septic system installed. The new owners will be responsible for paying the cost of
recording the notice lifting the Non-Occupancy.
Mason County Public Health
On-Site Standards
Revised January 1st, 2022
Revised January 1, 2022
Page 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION ONE: PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS 3
A. Criteria For Test Hole Number And Location 3
B. Criteria For Test Hole Dimensions 3-4
C. Final Approval 4
SECTION TWO: DESIGN AND INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS 4
A. Use of Recommended Standards and Guidance for Performance 4
B. Septic And Pump Tanks 4-5
C. Drainfield Requirements 5
D. Curtain Drain 6
E. Winter Observations 6-7
SECTION THREE: RECREATIONAL VEHICLE HOLDING TANKS 7
SECTION FOUR: OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE 8
A. O&M Frequency 8
B. Terrelift 8
C. Transfer of Ownership 9
SECTION FIVE: GRAVITY SYSTEMS 9
Revised January 1, 2022
Page 3
SECTION ONE: PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS
A. Criteria for Test Hole Number and Location
A minimum of 2 to 4 test holes is required per site, depending on the location of the reserve repair
area.
If the reserve area is located interior to the primary system (Example A, below), a minimum of 2
test holes is required.
If the reserve area is located contiguous to the primary system (Example B, below), a minimum of 3
test holes is required.
If the reserved area is located in an area separated from the primary system (Example C, below), a
minimum of 4 test holes is required.
Primary
x
x
Reserve
Example A:
Two Test Holes
Primary Reserve
x
x
x
Example B:
Three Test Holes
x Reserve
x
x
x
Primary
Example C:
Four Test Holes
B. Criteria for Test Hole Dimensions
The holes are generally excavated by a backhoe, but hand dug holes are acceptable when dug to
proper dimensions and with adequate spoils pile setback. Test holes only need to be dug into the
restrictive layer. When a restrictive layer is not identified during test hole excavation, test holes
must be dug a minimum of 5 feet deep. The reason for this depth is to verify that the site can
accommodate a 2-foot deep drainfield with an additional 3 feet of vertical separation.
Excavator requests for test holes shallower than 5 feet (without encountering a restrictive layer) due
to site-specific concerns such as soil sloughing characteristics and access to the site by children or
animals will be considered by Public Health on a case-by-case basis. Public Health will work to
identify ways to meet the excavator's concerns other than digging shallow test holes, such as
arranging to meet the excavator on site so the holes can be immediately covered.
In some cases hand dug test holes may be preferred by the applicant or designer. Hand dug test
holes might be preferable for sites that have a shallow restrictive layer or sites where construction
equipment could damage the usable soil. In such cases, the test holes need to be dug a minimum of
5-feet deep or into the restrictive layer, whichever is shallower.
Test holes must be 2 feet wide, and long enough for an entrance ramp. The ramp must be no
steeper than 1 foot vertical to 1.5 foot horizontal. If the hole is deeper than 4 feet, a platform must
be constructed at the 4-foot depth to allow the inspector to complete the test hole inspection while
standing no deeper than 4 feet deep.
If test holes cannot meet the above criteria, prior approval is required from Public Health.
Revised January 1, 2022
Page 4
The toe of the spoils pile must be 2 foot from the test hole.
C. Final Approval
The system installation will be verified as complete and within current code when a record drawing
(as-built) is signed by both the installer and Public Health and Public Health signs off in the permit
database.
SECTION TWO: DESIGN AND INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
A. Use of Recommended Standards and Guidance for Performance, Application, Design and
Operation & Maintenance.
Washington State Department of Health (www/doh.wa.gov) has established guidelines for various
on-site technologies. Although these guideline documents have not been formally adopted as
regulation in Mason County, they are considered by Mason County Public Health to be valuable
technical guidance. Therefore, on-site system designs shall adhere to the guidelines.
B. Septic and Pump Tanks
Install only approved two-compartment septic tank with a minimum volume based on the number of
bedrooms in the home, as follows:
Number of Bedrooms
Working Capacity of Tank (in Gallons)
1-2 1,000
3-4 1,200
5+ Add 250 Gallons per Bedroom
Must have an appropriately sized two-compartment septic tank followed by an appropriately sized
pump tank.
1 ft
5 ft
4 ft
Ramp slope = 1 ft vertical to 1.5 ft horizontal
Note: Safety is a legitimate concern of both backhoe operator and Public Health
staff. Holes should be excavated with a 5-foot deep end and a 4-foot deep shelf. The
end of the shelf should then be ramped up to the ground surface. This allows staff to
enter and exit the hole via the ramp, and to examine the 5-foot sidewall without
going deeper than 4 feet by standing on the shelf.
Revised January 1, 2022
Page 5
Pump vault systems in a single compartment septic tanks are not allowed.
24” risers (minimum) required over each compartment of a septic tank. Single compartment tanks
greater than 1000 gallons shall require 24” risers at each end of the tank. Risers shall be a minimum
of 24” with an effective opening no smaller than 18”. Pump tanks shall be 2.5 times the design flow
with a minimum of 1000 gallons in flood capacity.
Grease traps shall be 2.5 times flow of the kitchen wastewater and not counted toward septic tank
size.
C. Drainfield Requirements
Pipe
For sewer distribution lines ASTM 3034 pipe and fittings.
For gravity systems, 4-inch ASTM 2729 rigid pipe or better is required for drainfield
piping.
For pressure and other distribution systems, use Schedule 40 or better.
Valve and Distribution Boxes
Valve and distribution boxes must have a barrier material placed under component.
Cleanouts and Observation Ports
Ports must be anchored properly.
End of lateral pipe must be accessible in the observation port and have threaded caps.
Observation ports must be installed in a valve box or equivalent at finished grade.
Time Dosing, Elapse Meter, Event Counter
Time dosing, elapse meter and event counter shall be required for all systems using a pump. Systems consisting of a septic tank and gravity drainfield shall require metered
water.pressurized drainfields. Excluded from this requirement are lif t pumps that are prior to the main septic tank and/or pump tank. Pump to gravity systems may be installed with on-demand controls.
Electrical Box
The installer will be responsible for assuring that an electrical schematic is left in the
electrical box of the residence. If the electrical box has not been installed at the time of
installation, the installer will leave the schematic at the site along with the record
drawing (as-built).
Reduction
No drainfield reduction will be allowed.
Onsite Systems with Greater than 2,000 GPD and Less than 3,500 GPD Shall Require:
Pressure distribution.
Annual operation and maintenance.
All of the Recommended Standards and Guidance for pressure distribution must be
followed. The required drainfield area shall be split into two 50 percent drainfields. A
third 50 percent drainfield shall be constructed initially in order to provide for
alternation (long term resting). A reserve area equal to an additional 50 percent is
required. Where facilities have an automatic resting cycle like a campground, the
requirement for three 50 percent drainfields may not be necessary. A 100 percent
reserve is required when a third 50 percent drainfield is not required.
Barrier Material
Geotextile (filter fabric) is required as a barrier material for all systems except systems
using gravelless technology.
Revised January 1, 2022
Page 6
D. Curtain Drain
The following illustration represents a typical curtain drain.
灰
E. Winter Observations
A winter monitoring program will be conducted after completion of the appropriate application
form and payment of fees. Monitoring will be performed by a Licensed Designer (with 3 quality
assurance inspections by Public Health).
A minimum of 2 observation ports will be installed in locations representative of a cross section of
the proposed drainfield area. Recommended monitoring port design will consist of a vertically
oriented section of 4-inch diameter perforated pipe, wrapped in filter fabric and bedded in clean,
washed drain rock or pea-gravel that has been back filled into a 12 to 24 inch test hole. The
drainpipe should be capped and flagged so as to be easily visible to Public Health staff.
Revised January 1, 2022
Page 7
Winter observations will take place during the months of January to March. The frequency and
timing of observations will be dependent on site characteristics, and on rainfall characteristics that
occurred during the monitoring period. The designer will submit a minimum of 6 observations
along with USDC rainfall data for the area during the period of January to March. The observations
will record the date and time of observation, and the depth to water.
Monitoring results will not be considered valid when the rainfall for the period of observation did
not exceed 80% of the ten-year average rainfall for the area during the six-month period of October
to March.
SECTION THREE: RECREATIONAL VEHICLE HOLDING TANKS
Holding tanks for Recreational Use Vehicles are permitted through a state and local waiver process.
A. Application Requirements
An Onsite Sewage Application form and Plot Plan
Completed State and Mason County Waiver forms
B. Waiver Requirements
A 1200-gallon tank from the Washington State Department of Health List of Registered
On-Site Treatment and Distribution Products , risers to the surface and an audio-visual
alarm.
A letter from the property owner stating that the owner agrees to have the tank
inspected annually and pumped as needed.
A copy of a recorded Notice to Future Property Owners of Recreational Use Holding
Tank on the property deed. This form must be completed, notarized, and recorded with
the Mason County Auditor. A copy of the recorded document must be submitted to
Mason County Public Health prior to permit approval.
A Mason County Certified installer must install the tank, request a final inspection, and
provide a completed a Mason County Record Drawing (as-built) form.
Revised January 1, 2022
Page 8
SECTION FOUR: OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
A. O&M Frequency
All on-site sewage systems require operation and maintenance care in order to function
satisfactorily over an extended period of time. The following table summarizes minimum O&M
frequency needed for each type of system, and the homeowner's options for who can perform the
work:
System Type
Conventional
Gravity
Conventional
Pressure *
Open-bottom
Sandfilter *
Mounds *
Sandfilter *
Aerobic
Treatment Units
Glendon
Recirculating
Gravel Filters
Sub-surface Drip
Community
Drainfields
Non-
residential
Commercial
Inspection Frequency
Every 3 years Annually Annually Annually Annually
(Waste–strength
testing may be
required)
Approved Service Providers
Homeowner
Pumper
Homeowner
Pumper
Operation &
Maintenance
Specialist
Homeowner
Operation &
Maintenance
Specialist
Operation &
Maintenance
Specialist
Proprietary
Device
Licensee
Operation &
Maintenance
Specialist
* Mason County Public Health recommends a Certified Operation and Maintenance Specialist inspect
these systems.
Tanks should be pumped as needed. Frequency depends on age of system, number of people using
system, size of tank, what you put into the system, and other factors.
B. Terrilift
Terrilift is not allowed for maintenance or repair of an on-site sewage system.
Revised January 1, 2022
Page 9
C. Transfer of Ownership
As per Mason County On-Site Regulations 6.76.070, when a property contains and/or is served by
an on-site sewage system, an inspection service report by a certified operations and maintenance
specialist is required within 12 months prior to the sale of property or transfer or ownership. The
inspection service report shall include the status and findings of all system components at time of
the inspection and use the form prescribed by the director.
SECTION FIVE: GRAVITY SYSTEMS
Pipe
4-inch ASTM 2729 rigid pipe or better is required for drainfield piping.
4-inch ASTM 3034 rigid pipe or better is required for sewer distribution piping.
Trenches
Divide flow equally between trenches by using a distribution box (D-box) located at or
above the uppermost trench.
Stepdowns are not allowed.
Bed Pipe Layout
Interconnect laterals at the ends to form a closed loop; level entire closed loop. Use
minimum of 2 laterals. Lateral separation must not exceed 3 feet. Separation of outer
lateral from edge of bed excavation must not exceed 24 inches.
Design layout so the outer lateral is separated from edge of bed excavation by a distance
equal to 1/2 the separation between laterals.
Distribution Box
Distribution boxes (D-boxes) are required in order to achieve equal distribution of
effluent on sloping sites and on flat sites where more than two drainfield laterals are
utilized.
Install D-boxes on undisturbed or compacted soil. Effluent must be tightlined a
minimum of 3 feet from each outlet of a D-box, except where the D-box is located on
the interior portion of a bed design.
The outlets of the D-box must be water leveled by the installer prior to the final
inspection by Public Health.
Distribution box construction must allow unobstructed view of all outlets, in order for
Public Health to verify proper installation.
Public Health recommends use of Dial-a-Flow or equivalent for easy, precise
equalization of D-box outlet flow.
Community Health
Report
SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER 2025
APPOINTMENTS
(Sept-Dec)
1,756
DOC Prison Produce Share Program:
77 WIC families received a bag of fresh
vegetables, recipes, storage instructions, a
cutting board, and measuring spoons
Breastfeeding Class & Support Group:
14 mothers and their children attended the
monthly breastfeeding support group
Annual breastfeeding rate
increase in 20255%
WOMEN INFANT AND CHILDREN (WIC)
Monthly Caseload
September: 845
October: 858
November: 855
December: 841
Community Health
Report
SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER 2025
WOMEN INFANT AND CHILDREN (WIC)
After School Snack Program:
3,724 snacks distributed
Recognition
Rachel Hook was honored to be
chosen for the National USDA
WIC Workforce Advisory Board.
She attended the first meeting on
October 16, 2025; meetings are
held quarterly.
Community Partnerships & Grants
Assisting with the Hope Plaza formula and diaper drive in partnership with Faith
Lutheran Church and Mason Matters
Collaborating with Mason Matters and Hope Plaza on grant opportunities
DOC Produce Share will begin again in the Spring
SUBSTANCE USE PREVENTION COALITION
Voluntary Responsible Kratom Sale Agreement Project has been completed.
Data will be tabulated in January 2026, and certificates will be completed
and posted on the Mason County website. The agreement is intended to
promote safe, responsible kratom sales in Mason County.
New Social Norms Ads have been running on the Little Creek Casino
electronic billboard. The same ads are on the Shelton Cinema screens, and
county middle and high schools have been provided with social norms
posters.
The Mason County Substance Abuse Coalition and the Shelton Lions Club
have partnered to provide 10 kickballs to every K-5 school in Mason County
featuring positive prevention messaging.
Community Health
Report
SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER 2025
The Challenge
Increase in obesity rates
Food insecurity compounded by reductions in WIC and SNAP benefits
Lack of dentists in Mason County for Apple Health
Dental cavities remain one of the most common chronic conditions in children. Poor dietary
habits—particularly the consumption of sugary foods and beverages—are a significant
contributing factor
Target Audience
Elementary and middle school students (ages 5-12) in
schools, after-school programs, and community centers
WIC participants
Participants of Public Health Mobile Medical service
Objectives
Increase nutrition literacy in school-aged children with an emphasis on the relationship
between healthy food choices and dental health
Enhance practical skills such as managing food budgets and food preparation
Refer participants from adjacent Public Health programs, such as WIC and Mobile Medical
services, to a resource that will support their long-term health and wellbeing
HOMELESS RESPONSE
SYSTEM
The Department of Commerce granted Mason County an extension through
February 2026 to adopt and submit the 2025-2030 Local Homeless Housing Plan.
The public hearing will be continued at a date TBD pending the revised draft
incorporating public comment and feedback received at the December 9 hearing.th
The final annual update for the 2019-2024 local plan was submitted to Commerce
in December 2025 and can be found on the Mason County website under Housing
& Homeless > Reports.
Community Health
Report
SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER 2025
Washington Attorney General’s Office Sues HUD
AG Brown sues over HUD policy that would put more people into homelessness
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Nov 25 2025
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is illegally upending
supports for tens of thousands of Americans experiencing housing insecurity or
homelessness with abrupt changes that will limit access to long-term housing and other
services, according to a lawsuit filed today by a coalition of states co-led by Washington
Attorney General Nick Brown.
HUD is drastically changing its Continuum of Care grant program in violation of
congressional intent by dramatically reducing the amount of grant funds that can be
spent on permanent housing and project renewals and putting new unlawful
conditions on access to the funding. These requirements include that providers only
recognize two genders, mandate residents accept services as a precondition to obtain
housing, and punish providers in localities that do not enforce strict anti-homeless
laws, all barriers that are in contrast to HUD’s previous guidance and Congress’s
approval.
Community Health
Report
SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER 2025
HEALTH EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
In the months of September through December, there were a total of 77 social
media posts, with an average engagement rate of 5.63%
We have completed our collaboration with Mason Health and have the final version
of the 2026 - 2028 Community Health Needs Assessment available
COMMUNICABLE DISEASE AND
NOTIFIABLE CONDITIONS
Chlamydia – 45 cases
Other STI (Gonorrhea, Herpes, Syphilis, HIV) - 24 cases
Tuberculosis Cases
Our office continues to “rule out” 2-3 possible TB cases per month.
Animal Bites – Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
Bat and dog bite calls have diminished since summer. Our office works closely with
Environmental Health if the animal needs to be tested for possible rabies. We have had
no positive results for rabies during this period of time. When a dog's vaccination history
is unclear or unavailable, we work with the healthcare provider to decide whether to
recommend Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP).
Bats
Bat calls are at their highest during the summer months. We still receive calls during the
Fall. These calls involve bats in seasonal cabins, bats in bedrooms, bats that the cat has
brought in, and dead bats that children pick up. The WA Department of Health has an
algorithm for assessing what to do with the bat if there has been a bite or possible
exposure. We work closely with Environmental Health if a bat needs to be sent out for
rabies testing. We had no positive bats during the Fall season.
ATTENDANCE ROSTER
LOCATION
MEETING
CITY, STATE
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ON
*Attendance rosters are subject to the Public Records Act; RCW 42.56