Environmental Health

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June 20, 2025

Environmental Health

Director: Keith Higman

Skagit County Solicits Public Input on Proposed Revisions to Skagit County Code Chapter 12.05 Relating to On-Site Sewage Systems

The proposed revision is to clarify procedures and requirements for on-site sewage design, installation and inspections, update educational requirements and levels of expertise for on-site sewage providers, update language concerning proper operation and maintenance of on-site sewage systems, and otherwise clarify language.

View the proposed code here.
View the proposed revisions to Chapter 12.05 On-Site Sewage Code presentation to the Board of Health here.

Skagit County Board of Health is soliciting public comment on the proposed revisions to Chapter 12.05 Skagit County Code. Your views for or against the adoptions of the proposed revisions are invited by attendance, email, mail, or hand delivery.

How to Comment

1. Public written comments may be submitted:

  • by email to septic@co.skagit.wa.us
  • in person or by mail to Skagit County Public Health, 301 Valley Mall Way, Suite 110, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.
    Please identify the comments with the subject: “Proposed OSS Code Comment.” All written comments must be received prior to July 25, 2025, to be considered.
2. Public comments on the proposal may be made during the Public Hearing.
  • The public hearing will be held on July 28, 2025, at 2:30 pm, or as soon thereafter as possible, in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room, Skagit County Administration Building, 1800 Continental Place in Mount Vernon.

    View the notice of public hearing here.
Skagit County Public Health Schedule of Charges (effective February 1, 2025)


The Skagit County Board of Health approved revisions to the Public Health Schedule of Charges on January 14, 2025. The revised schedule of charges take effect February 1, 2025.  The schedule will apply to fees in 2025, 2026 and 2027.


Safely Dispose of Unwanted/Expired Medicine
Safely drop off or mail-back your unwanted/unused medicine for free! Learn more here..


Food Safety Recalls
From caramel apples to walnuts be aware of food safety recalls.
 [Recalls]

Flooding and other Emergencies
Click here for emergency information for all hazards. | En español
Septic Systems Assistance
Financial Assistance for On-Site Septic Systems
Learn more about financial assistance available for on-site septic system owners here
Recreational Shellfish Harvesting
Before harvesting shellfish, remember to always check the current beach closures posted on the Shellfish Safety Map or the Marine Biotoxin Bulletin or by calling the Marine Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-5632.
Wildfire and Smoke Information
For current recommendations and monitoring information see the Washington Smoke blog 

Particulates from wildfire smoke can have serious health impacts, particularly for those with heart or lung conditions and asthma.  at Washington State Department of Health provides guidance on hazards from wildfire smoke and COVID-19.

Public Health Insider from King County
Bat Exposure
Home page | Bats can carry rabies.  Avoid contact with bats.
Drinking Water
Planning & Development Services now handles water availability review.
Drinking Water Safety
Home page | Keep drinking water safe in an emergency.
Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response
Home Page | Help your family, friends, and workplace be prepared and safely survive an earthquake, flood, or other emergency event. Understand the role of Environmental Public Health in responding to an emergency.
Food Safety
Home Page | Are you interested in starting a food service, selling food at a market or an event, holding a fund raiser, or just want to serve safe food in your home? Find out about permitting requirements for serving food to the public and many food safety topics.
On Site Sewage Program
Home Page | Obtain the information you need to understand, protect, and maintain your on-site septic system. Treating sewage properly on your property prevents pollution of our waterways!
Recreational Water
Home Page | Toxic algae blooms in lakes, beach water quality, swimming pool permitting.
Shellfish Safety
Home Page | Learn about where to harvest shellfish free from biotoxins and bacterial pollutants and what you can do to ensure the safety of marine waters.
Solid and Hazardous Waste
Home Page | Understand the requirements for storing, disposing, composting, or recycling the waste streams that your home or business may produce. Submit concerns or questions on illegal dumping or garbage accumulation.
Vectors, Living Environments, and Animal Bites
Home Page | Critters in our natural environment and inside our homes and work spaces can impact our health.
H5N1 Avian Influenza Information
A strain of H5N1 avian influenza has been detected in wild and domestic birds in many parts of the U.S., and has been identified in Washington State. For more information on the current activity across the country, please see USDA’s 2022-2023 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and CDC’s Bird Flu Current Situation Summary. Public health officials are working closely with local, state, and federal partners to monitor bird flu in Washington.

The following Environmental Health services are available at the main Public Health office at:

301 Valley Mall Way, Suite 110
Mount Vernon, WA 98273


Our main phone number is 360-416-1500

  • Food permit applications and payments
  • Food worker cards
  • Shellfish safety
  • Pools & spas
  • Recreational waters- safe swimming and toxic algae
  • Garbage or junk vehicle complaints
  • Solid waste & toxics compliance and education
  • Bats and other Vectors
  • If you need on-site sewage system permitting & information or drinking water quality permitting & information, these services are available at 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon.


    new location
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    The following Environmental Health services are available at the main Public Health office at 700 South 2nd Street in downtown Mount Vernon. Our main phone number is 360-416-1500:

  • Food permit applications and payments
  • Food worker cards
  • Shellfish safety
  • Pools & spas
  • Recreational waters- safe swimming and toxic algae
  • Garbage or junk vehicle complaints
  • Solid waste & toxics compliance and education
  • Bats and other Vectors
  • If you need on-site sewage system permitting & information or drinking water quality permitting & information, these services are available at 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon.


    new location
    Enlarge View