With the exception of the properties located within Pt. Roberts Marina Estates and Oceanside Estates Condominiums, all properties within Pt. Robert require the use of an onsite sewage disposal system which is commonly referred to as a SEPTIC SYSTEM. You will frequently see and hear the phrases, PERKED - SEPTIC PERMIT DESIGNED and others. These terms relate to a property's current status regarding SEWAGE DISPOSAL. There are several different types of sewage systems available depending upon soil structure and/or ground water table. The cost of these systems vary. The four basic systems are as follows:

• Standard in ground system, non-mechanical and least expensive system available.
• Pressure System, may or may not require a pump tank, the drain field area may be somewhat elevated (a portion of the drain field lies within the natural soils). Least expensive of the mechanical systems.
• Pressure Mound, mechanical (pump tank) with elevated drain field (drain field is installed in a mound of sand above the natural grade and soils). Cost more than a Pressure System.
• Sand Filter, mechanical (pump tank) with elevated drain field (drain field is installed in a contained bunker or bladder and is layered with different courses of sand and gravel. It is installed in most cases above the natural grade and soils). More expensive than a Pressure Mound.

The process of qualifying a property for a SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM is as follows:

Soils Test ("Perk Test")

A licensed designer will conduct a soils test by digging several holes on the property in the most logical area for the Septic System to allow for a proper building site, driveways, setbacks, etc. Keep in mind that the best area soil-wise might be an area that conflicts with home placement, location of driveway etc. The designer will also find and show an area for a future drain field (reserve area) in the event the present drain field fails. It is not unthinkable to put in double drain fields, as this will allow one field to rest and switch off between the two, this greatly reduces the chances of drain field failure.

The designer will advise Whatcom County Health Department of the soils evaluation, and the Health Department will conduct a site inspection of the property to confirm the results of the test. If the County Health Department agrees with the designers findings they will then approve the property for sewage disposal use.

This permit is issued after a licensed designer gives Whatcom County Health Department a detailed diagram showing the properties previous approved soils test, the size and location of the drain field and septic tank. This design must meet Whatcom County Health Departments approval. The Health Department will then issue the Sewage Disposal Construction Permit. This permit shows the location of the drain field, septic tank, proposed location of the dwelling to be constructed and the number of bedrooms that the septic system is approved for. This permit allows the owner to install the septic system.

Once a Construction permit is issued for a specific septic system, any change to the septic system and/or the number of bedrooms the house will have, a redesign must be done by a licensed designer and submitted for approval of the Whatcom County Health Department.

When Buying an Existing Home

When buying a home Purchasers are encouraged to have a septic system inspection by either  a licensed Septic Designer/Contractor or the Whatcom County Heath Department. This inspection is done in two parts, first the inspection ports on the top of the tank will be unearthed for a visual inspection of the tank, second a flow test will be conducted using dye and running water through the system to see if the drain field is working properly. The current cost for this test is approximately $142.00 for a Health Department Inspection and $107.00 for a Designer/Contractor Inspection 

For more detailed information about Septic systems and the permit process contact: 

Whatcom County Health Department
509 GIRARD STREET
BELLINGHAM, WA 98227
PH (360) 384-1565

This material is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be considered a complete discussion of these matters. It is distributed with the understanding that Point Roberts Realty Inc., is not rendering legal, or professional advice on this matter and assumes no liability whatsoever in connection with its use. It is recommended that you should consult with the Whatcom County Health Department and/or a Licensed Designer in Whatcom County.