A recent article in the Whidbey-News Times alleges that a homeowner first noticed problems with his septic system during a county required inspection. I find it hard to understand how any homeowner could fail to notice that effluent had been escaping from the septic tank for quite some time onto the lawn where the owner’s dog plays. Some years ago, when I noticed a similar problem at my home, I called a repairman and had the pump replaced. I did not need a county inspection program, or the threat of fines, to make me do it!

County staff indicates that although the deadline has passed for county residents with septic systems to have them inspected, 85 percent have not complied! But Island County Public Health is moving forward with compliance and enforcement efforts. That means that unless something changes soon we all will be required to stick our heads in our septic tanks each year to see if everything is OK, or pay hundreds of dollars each year for an inspection, of face fines of $25 per day, even if we regularly pump and maintain our septic system.

We have John Dean to thank for this mess since his was one of the two votes to adopt this unreasonable county ordinance. However, I don’t expect serious enforcement until after the November elections.

Dick Caldwell

Coupeville