Editor,

This is to add additional context to the article regarding a Camano Island neighborhood’s effort to build a collaborative septic association to address aging septic systems and potential contaminants. As part of our surface water quality monitoring program, Island County Public Health takes an adaptive management approach to prioritize staff time and resources when investigating causes of pollution from septic systems. Environmental Health steps up regulation of onsite septic systems in regions with poor testing results. Our surface sampling team is guided by our Watershed Planner, who works with staff to investigate sources of contamination after finding high levels of bacteria in a water body. Once a problem area is identified, staff systematically sample water tributaries upstream of the contamination to find areas contributing to high levels of E. coli. A response plan is then implemented with the property owner.

This issue is not just local. With over 2,500 miles of shoreline in Puget Sound, Island County is but a fraction of the problem needing to be addressed in Washington state. Aging septic systems are also susceptible to rising sea levels. Much of Puget Sound has historic beachfront communities such as Maple Grove. Many older cabins and homes originally had gravity fed systems without the innovation seen in septic infrastructure technology. The Large Onsite Septic System (LOSS) proposed by the Maple Grove community and regulated by the State Department of Health is one important strategy to address aging infrastructure, build resiliency and help protect the double nexus of public health and the equally important water quality in our Salish Sea.

Local homeowners and neighborhood associations need financial assistance to make the necessary upgrades to improve aging septic systems. Although not mentioned in the article, Maple Grove Ventures was able to access an important resource in Washington state, Craft 3 financing. Washington state needs to continue investing in programs like this and assure pending federal investments in infrastructure and climate change mitigation reach rural counties. Protecting Puget Sound must continue to be a priority for local and state government.

Janet St. Clair, Island County Commissioner

Shawn Morris, Director of Island County Public Health