The San Juan County Health and Community Services Department is now accepting registrations for its 2009 septic tank inspection classes. Last year’s classes filled quickly and organizers maintained a lengthy waiting list for many sessions.

The classwork takes two and a half hours and graduates are certified to perform state mandated inspections on septic tanks on all properties that they own.

State law has varying inspection requirements depending upon the type of system in use and San Juan County is now phasing in enforcement of those requirements. The Health Department will begin sending notifications of the annual inspection requirement to owners of mound, sand filter and pressure distribution systems in 2009. Beginning in 2011, it will notify the owners of gravity systems that their systems require inspection forms to be filed every three years.

Certified inspectors charge up to $550 for performing the inspections and the county charges a $20 filing fee for the inspection reports. In 2008, more than 250 people took advantage of the county’s training classes. The classes are free, but advanced registration is required.

Anyone wishing to register for the classes should contact the Health Department at 360-378-4474.