Spokane Regional Health District
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Drinking Water | Food Safety | Waste/Septic | Environmental Public Health | Injury Prevention | Emergency Response

Liquid Waste / Solid Waste

Protecting the public’s health and safety, as well as the Spokane/Rathdrum Aquifer and the public’s drinking water supply are the primary objectives of the Solid and Liquid Waste programs, operated by the Environmental Health division. Proper waste handling helps prevent pollution and problems with animals and insects. (509) 324-1560. 2008 Fees

Liquid Waste – Septic Systems

Inspections & Permits
Septic system designs for single family homes, small businesses, and apartment buildings (systems less than 3,500 gallons per day) are reviewed for compliance with regulations, permitted, and inspected after installation. Fees vary based on the size and type of system. The Department of Health and the Department of Ecology enforce regulations for larger sewage systems.

New on-site sewage systems and systems located over the Spokane/Rathdrum Aquifer are tracked and issued a renewable three-year permit by the Health District. On-site sewage system inspection and maintenance is required, prior to permit renewal.

Proper maintenance of septic systems is important to avoid system failure. A booklet and video, “Homeowner’s Septic Tank System Guide” with a record-keeping folder are available by calling (509) 324-1560, ext. 1. A fact sheet developed by WSU Cooperative Extension, Properly Managing Your Septic Tank System is also available.

  • Septic System Installers
    Installers are permitted annually by the Health District. The permit process includes an application, payment of applicable fees and other requirements specific to the property.
    Current Installers List
  • Septic System Designers
    Designers of on-site sewage systems must have an On-site Wastewater Treatment System Designers license from the Department of Licensing to operate in Washington State.
    Current Designers List


    Designers must notify the Spokane Regional Health District prior to final inspection. 
    Final Inspection form: email to scarson@spokanecounty.org or fax to (509) 324-3603

Septic System Locations
The Liquid Waste program provides as-built drawings showing the location of the septic tank and drain field or other on-site sewage disposal system for a specific address or tax parcel number. To request an as-built drawing, call the automated request line at (509) 324-1546.

Solid Waste - Garbage

Solid Waste Facility Inspections & Licensing
All solid waste facilities and septic tank pump trucks in Spokane County are licensed annually and periodically inspected by Environmental Health staff, according to the Solid Waste Handling Standards. This includes facilities and organizations involved in solid waste storage, collection, transportation, treatment, utilization, processing and final disposal. Fees are assessed, based on the type of facility and/or solid waste activity.

Reporting Complaints
Complaints of improper or illegal solid waste, animal waste or garbage on the ground are investigated. The Environmental Health division works closely with the Department of Ecology to ensure solid waste regulations are followed. Solid waste includes garbage, rubbish, ashes, industrial wastes, demolition and construction wastes, abandoned vehicles or parts, discarded items, wood waste, medical waste, tires, recyclable items, sewage sludge and septage (from septic tanks).
Call (509) 324-1560, ext. 3, to file a complaint.




 

 
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Spokane Regional Health District • 1101 W. College Ave • Spokane, WA 99201
(509) 324-1500 (Available 24 hours for health emergencies) • TDD (509) 324-1464
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