Comprehensive Evaluation and Update of the County's Onsite Wastewater Treatment (Septic) Systems Regulations

• Department: Community Development Agency
• Category: Professional Services
• Project description:

  The Community Development Agency (CDA) is soliciting proposals from a qualified consultant to conduct a comprehensive evaluation and update of the County’s septic systems regulations. Marin County wastewater treatment is largely served by sewer districts, but portions of the county, concentrated mainly in West Marin, are dependent on septic systems.

  The State of California regulates water quality and maintains adopted policy for OWTS compliance. (Visit the State Water Resources Control Board’s OWTS webpage for more information.) The current OWTS policy was adopted in 2023.

  Given Marin’s diverse topography, varied soils, and proximity to water: the bay, ocean, and many creeks, Tier 1 OWTS are not feasible in all locations. The County is required to develop a Local Agency Management Program (LAMP) in order to set minimum standards to approve alternative systems that still meet water quality standards.

  With a severe lack of affordable housing in all areas of Marin, including the rural areas served by OWTS, and the County is seeking to adopt regulations that will minimize cost burdens on property owners and allow for expansion of housing opportunities.

  A draft LAMP is available, but needs to be reviewed, brought through public engagement, and considered for approval by both the County Board of Supervisors and the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board.

  A separate but associated work task would be as-needed support for review of complex septic proposals that require special expertise not within County staff qualifications.

• Issue date: Friday, February 7, 2025
• Submission due by: Friday, March 14, 2025, 5:00 pm

See Comprehensive Evaluation and Update of the County's Onsite Wastewater Treatment (Septic) Systems Regulations for full details.