WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. -- Whatcom County Council members this week did not appear to support tougher rules for septic systems.

The County Health Department has expressed concerns that the current voluntary inspection program for septic systems in the county is not effective, and has proposed new fines and fees to enforce inspections.

Councilman Sam Crawford says he would be reluctant to increase taxes for owners of septic systems.

He says the Health Department has yet to prove that septic systems are contributing to specific environmental damage.



Crawford says the Council did not reach any decisions on septic systems, and will continue to work on a solution to the Heath Department's concerns.

About 28,000 families in Whatcom County rely on private septic systems.