The letter from Mr. Kenneth J. Wolf that appeared in the Aug. 11 edition raised a number of important questions about the new Island County regulations for operation and maintenance of septic systems. He, and a number of other letter writers, asked why such rigid requirements, with harsh penalties for non-compliance, are necessary when clear evidence of persistent problems is not available to the public.
It may be an example of the Island County Health Department convincing two commissioners to impose these new rules because they can, rather than because they are needed. They should remember the old adage: “Nothing is too difficult (or expensive) for the ones who don’t have to do it.” Island County Commissioner Mac McDowell has made the sensible proposal to determine whether any septic systems are failing based upon the water quality monitoring programs already in place. With that evidence the Health Department could survey the septic systems in the affected drainage basin and require correction with appropriate fines for non-compliance. Instead, they now require all property owners to conduct unnecessary inspections in the off chance that a problem may exist. That is another example of intrusive government exceeding its mandate, i.e. service to the public.
These excessive requirements will need another county employee to monitor the program, acting as a “policeman” who will issue a ticket if we exceeded the time allowed between inspections. Guess who will pay that paper pusher’s salary. The new regulation will also guarantee a great deal of free income for septic installers who go into the inspection business. Government should not provide such largess for a particular business.
It is important to protect the waters of Puget Sound but there are ways to do that which are less draconian and onerous to those who live near the shoreline. If a septic system is properly installed and not abused by the home owner, it will operate for decades without causing any problems. If inspections are deemed necessary they should be required less frequently. A period of five to 10 years between inspections would be sufficient, with water quality monitoring used to identify any problems needing attention during the time between inspections.
The heavy hand of government must be applied to coerce citizens only when needed. This isn’t one of those times. The new regulations need to be revised to balance the needs of the environment with reasonable obligations for property owners.
James K. Johnston, Ed.D.
Oak Harbor
