§ 24.30.240. Wetlands—On-site sewage disposal systems—Maintenance, repair and replacement.

A.

Maintenance of approved functioning septic systems is allowed as recommended by the Thurston County Health Department.

B.

Failing Sewage Disposal systems. Failing on-site sewage disposal systems in wetland buffers shall be remedied through the method that results in the least impact to the wetland and buffer, including relocation to an alternate site. This may require methods and/or systems that provide a higher level of sewage treatment. Replacement of failing, or substandard, sewage disposal systems shall not be allowed within the wetland or wetland buffer unless there is no alternative site available outside of such areas to accommodate the facilities. Clearing of existing vegetation to remedy a failing sewage disposal system shall be minimized. The approval authority may require the applicant to demonstrate that due to physical constraints (e.g., topography, soil conditions, or the site's configuration), another configuration would not allow the development to occur without intrusion or with less intrusion in the wetland and/or buffer than the proposal.

C.

If the failing sewage disposal system must be replaced with a new on-site sewage disposal system within a buffer, it shall be located on a portion of the site that has been previously disturbed by development and as far from the wetland as possible. If a suitable disturbed area is not available to accommodate the on-site sewage system, it shall be located where it would be least harmful to the wetland and buffer, as determined by the approval authority.

D.

Replacement of sewage septic systems for new development shall be considered a new septic system under TCC 24.30.230.

(Ord. No. 14773, § 3(Att. B), 7-24-2012)