### Meeting Overview The Whatcom County Council Public Works & Health Committee met on February 25, 2025, to discuss proposed amendments to county septic system regulations (AB2025-149). The committee voted unanimously to recommend that the full council hold a public hearing on the ordinance before taking action, citing the potential impact on housing costs and the importance of public input. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Onsite Sewage System (OSS):** Also known as septic systems, these are individual wastewater treatment systems typically used in rural areas not connected to municipal sewer systems. **AB2025-149:** The agenda bill number for the ordinance that would amend Whatcom County Code 24.05 to align with new state regulations for septic systems. **Nitrogen Reduction Device:** New equipment required by state law for certain septic systems to reduce nitrogen levels in groundwater from human waste breakdown. **NSF Testing:** National Sanitation Foundation testing that certifies how much nitrogen a septic system can remove from wastewater. **Technical Advisory Group:** A five-person industry group including designers, installers, pumpers, and specialists that provided input on the proposed code changes. **Local Health Jurisdiction (LHJ):** Whatcom County Health Department's role in regulating and permitting septic systems under state authority. **Envision Connect:** The software system used by the county to track licensed septic installers and communicate regulatory updates. **Public Hearing:** A formal meeting process requiring newspaper notice where the public can comment on proposed legislation before council votes. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Jon Scanlon | Committee Chair | | Ben Elenbaas | Committee Member | | Mark Stremler | Committee Member | | Barry Buchanan | Council Member (attending) | | Todd Donovan | Council Member (attending) | | Kaylee Galloway | Council Member (attending) | | Tyler Byrd | Council Member (online) | | Hayli Hruza | Health and Community Services Department | | Cathy Halka | Clerk of the Council | ### Background Context The Washington State Department of Health updated regulations for septic systems, creating an April 1, 2025 deadline for local jurisdictions to adopt compliant codes. The new requirements primarily focus on nitrogen reduction to protect groundwater quality, particularly for new construction, expansions, and subdivisions. While most changes align with state mandates, Whatcom County has proposed some local variations, such as defining "minimum useable land" to exclude building foundations and driveways rather than all surface features. The committee had previously discussed these changes two weeks earlier, with questions raised about housing cost impacts. Staff provided additional analysis showing potential cost increases ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars for new septic installations requiring nitrogen reduction systems. However, these costs would primarily affect new construction rather than existing system repairs. ### What Happened — The Short Version Committee Chair Scanlon opened by noting they had discussed this item two weeks ago and requested additional cost analysis, which was provided. Health Department representative Hayli Hruza explained the April 1 deadline and summarized the cost-benefit analysis. Council Members questioned whether existing septic systems would be affected (generally no, unless completely rebuilt) and why no public hearing was scheduled. After discussion about public input importance and legal notice requirements, Ben Elenbaas motioned to recommend a public hearing at the earliest legal opportunity, likely March 11. The motion passed 3-0. Council members concluded by praising staff's thorough process while acknowledging they should have caught the public hearing issue earlier. ### What to Watch Next - Public hearing scheduled for March 11, 2025 full council meeting with proper legal notice - Council vote on the ordinance following the public hearing - Implementation timeline to meet the April 1, 2025 state deadline for compliance ---