(PIC) Protocol Manual - Kitsap Public Health District

Kitsap Public Health District
Pollution Source Identification and Correction: Protocol Manual
Meeting the owner/occupant
If the owner or occupant (must be over 18) is there, provide a brief introduction about your visit,
whether it be the reasons for the PIC project, the problem alleged in a public complaint, or deficiencies
noted in the certified pumpers or maintenance specialists report.
The PIC inspection form includes a checklist of topics that the inspector should address when
performing the property inspection for a PIC project. Using this form, provide the owner or occupant
with a copy of their OSS records (when available). This is used to provide an overview of their system.
Ask whether they have been experiencing problems with odors, soggy spots, or water backing up into
the house. Make site-specific suggestions to protect their OSS investment (i.e. conserve water, route
surface or ground water away from OSS components, reduce waste strength, do not use harmful
chemicals, and prevent physical damage to the system like driving on storing heavy equipment on the
drainfield).
It is important that the inspector walk over the drainfield during PIC project inspections since this will
enable the inspector to assess its condition. Use this as an opportunity to educate the owner/occupant
about the signs of septic system problems/failure, as well as what a properly functioning drainfield
should look like.
The purpose for the PIC property inspection is to provide education to the owner/occupant
about their septic system including an inspection of the OSS (walk over the drainfield to assess its
condition and rate the system based on this inspection). Inspectors use their best judgment regarding
access to the drainfield, in some situations if it is heavily overgrown with dense vegetation such as
blackberry bushes, they may not be able to assess the drainfield and should note this on the PIC
inspection form.
During the property inspection, PIC staff should also assess other land use practices during their
conversation with the owner/occupant, e.g. pet waste disposal, if livestock are present, how is manure
managed, the use of fertilizers, composting and any other practices that could impact surface waters.
This is a good time to identify whether the property is upland, streamside, on a marine shoreline, drains
to stormwater systems, or has potential FC sources. The information from the property inspection
should be recorded on the PIC inspection form. Following the inspection, PIC staff will assign a rating to
the OSS. Table 2 provides the criteria for rating the onsite septic system.
Revised 04/23/2013 36