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Planning & Public Works

Posted on: November 10, 2021

New septic-to-sewer conversion process

Septic-to-sewer conversions now require Health Dept. approval

Effective September 15, all sewer projects that involve a septic-to-sewer conversion require approval from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department before a sewer permit may be issued. This is to help ensure that septic systems are properly decommissioned.

A new application and review process

When applying for a sewer service permit that will result in the decommissioning of an on-site septic system, a decommissioning application must also be submitted to the Health Department for review. The application must be submitted before any septic tank pumping occurs.

The sewer permit will be issued after you complete these steps: 

  1. Pay fees
  2. Receive approval from both the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and Pierce County Planning & Public Works
  3. Notify the sewer review engineer

Documentation required with Health Department submittal

Apply to decommission the septic tank using the Health Department’s online permit system. Once you have created an account or logged in, choose "On-Site Sewage," then “Septic Tank Decommissioning” from the left-hand menu options. Please notify [email protected] after the decommissioning application has been submitted to the Health Department.

Completing the septic-to-sewer process

Upon completion of the permitted work, schedule a sewer inspection and upload a Septic/Pump Tank Decommissioning Certificate to your online Health Department application, or email a copy to [email protected].

If you have questions about this new requirement, please contact Troy Serad, Pierce County Planning & Public Works, [email protected] or Maureen Walker, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, [email protected].

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