FAQ - by Division

Engineering...

Road Operations...

Utilities...

Solid Waste...

Stormwater...

Engineering

Road Operations

Q: Why do we chip seal the roads?

A: Chip seal is used to preserve roadways approximately every seven years. Although the roadway generally appears to be in good shape at seven years industry research suggests that the road deteriorates, or becomes pot holed, ridged, etc, very quickly after the seven year period. Our crews restore the roads by applying oil and rock chips, reducing need for more intensive and expensive treatments.

Q: When will the chip seal be cleaned up?

A:  About a week after we place the oil and rock we come back with a sweeper and sweep up all the excess rock. We will pile it near where it is swept. Excess oiling rock can be used by members of the public on a first-come first-served basis.

Q: When will my Road be plowed?

A: The road plowing schedule varies based on many factors. First we plow major roadways and school bus routes so people can get to work or school. Then we prioritize residential areas based on how many people use those roads. How often the roads are plowed depends on how fast snow is falling. If snow is falling quickly we may have to stay on the main roads longer to be sure they are clear for emergency response as well as general traffic. The Snow and Ice Policy lays out the routes, plan and hours of operation on the Policy page, here.

Q: It is a nice day and my road has de-icer still visible on it. Why can I still see it and how long will it be there?

A: What you are seeing is actually the sticking agent, an organic sugar compound, such as beet juice. The juice sticks the salts to the road until a significant rainfall happens, providing continuous de-icing during multi-day cold spells. Cowlitz County minimizes decier by placing the compound only in the lanes of travel, or where the tires drive. Overall about 25 gallons of deicer per lane mile are used in a typical deicing activity. Click here for information related to deicer compounds.

Q: Who do I report a dead animal on the roadway to?

A: Dead animals are removed by Cowlitz County Humane Society. Their number is (360) 577 - 0151.

Q: How do I report a road sign that has either fallen or been knocked over?

A: Call (360) 577 - 3030 or use this form to notify our office. The sign will be repaired as soon as possible.

Utilities

Q: What is the difference between the Water Base charge and the Water Consumption charge?

A: The Water Base charge is a monthly charge that is applied towards the cost of maintenance of the system, operation of equipment and overhead. The Water Consumption charge is for the actual water consumed through the meter.

Q: Is there any Water Consumption included in the cost of the Water Base charge?

A: No. The Water Consumption charge and the Water Base charge are two separate charges.

Q: How is my Water Consumption calculated?

A: Your meter is read each month. The difference between your current reading and your previous month’s reading gives us your consumption. Your bill shows both the readings and the consumption, in units. Each unit is 748 gallons. A unit is not billed until it has been fully consumed.

Q: When is my consumption billed?

A: We read the meters as close to the end of the month as possible, and it is billed during the next month. For example, your April reading/April Consumption is billed on your May bill.

Q: What time period does the base charges cover on my bill?

A: Using the example above, your May bill would also include the base charges from April 16th through May 15th.

Q: How can I use the exact amount of water several months in a row?

A: It is possible to have several bills in a row charge for the same amount of units. You may notice that you used less water in one month and more in the next, but still get billed the same. This is because there are 748 gallons in each unit. Since a unit isn’t billed until it is fully consumed, there is 747 gallons of room for fluctuation. Remember, a unit is not billed until it has been fully consumed.

Q: When are payments due?

A: Your bills are due the following 15th of the month. For example, a June billing is due July 15th. If the 15th falls on a non-business day, the due date moves to the preceding date (usually the Friday) before. You can still make payments up to the 15th on a non-business day, using our online payment system at www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/publicworks/water.

Q: Is there a late fee if my payment is not in your office by 5:00 PM on the due date?

A: Yes. A $10.00 late fee will be assessed on your account and a “pink” delinquency notice will be mailed to you with information regarding possible disconnection of service due to non-payment. Please contact our office if you believe you have received a pink notice in error.

Q: I am moving to an address that is serviced by the Cowlitz County Department of Public Works. What do I need to do to get service started?

A: You need to visit our office in person at 1600 13th Avenue South, Kelso, WA 98626. At our office you will sign up for service and pay a fully refundable deposit.

Q: I am moving from one address to another, both serviced by the Cowlitz County Department of Public Works. What do I need to do?

A: You will need to call the CCPW with an effective moving out date for the prior address. A final bill will be issued through that date. If a deposit is still on your account, it will be refunded at that time, as a credit against any remaining charges on the account. You will also need to visit our office in person to sign up for service at the new address. A fully refundable deposit may be required.

Q: I am currently living at an address serviced by the Cowlitz County Department of Public Works, but am moving to an address that is not. What do I need to do?

A: You will need to call the CCPW with an effective moving out date. A final bill will be issued through that date. If a deposit is still on your account, it will be refunded at that time, as a credit against any remaining charges on the account.

Q: I paid a fully refundable deposit when I started service. When will I get my deposit back?

A: You need to request your deposit after 12 consecutive monthly payments. A review of your account will be completed. If all payments have been on-time, a refund of your deposit will be applied to your account as a credit. If any of those payments have not been timely, a refund won’t be issued at that time. If you move out before the 12 months, your deposit will be refunded on your final bill as a credit.

Q: How long before my water can get connected?

A: Though there is never a guarantee, water connections are usually completed within 24 hours. We require one business day’s notice for connection and disconnection requests.

Q: My water was disconnected due to non-payment. What do I need to do to get it reconnected?

A: You will need to call our office to make the required minimum payment before service will be restored. We accept VISA or MasterCard, debit or credit. We can take the payment over the phone. Payments done by you using our online payment system will still need to be called in to us, to let us know the payment has been made. Reconnection of service is usually same day, but there is no guarantee, however, we make every attempt to get an address reconnected. Addresses that have made payment during “shutoff day” are collected and called out to the Utility Operators in the early afternoon. Payments received after the call out have a slimmer chance of same day reconnection.

Solid Waste

Q: Where can I take my waste for disposal now that the Tenant Way landfill has closed?

A: You may take your waste to the Waste Control Third Avenue Transfer Station. It is located at 1150 Third Avenue, Longview, WA. It is open seven days a week, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Their phone number is (360) 425 - 4302.

Q: Where can I dispose of dangerous household products such as paints, thinners and pesticides?

A: The Waste Control Hazardous Household Waste Facility is located at the Third Avenue Transfer Station. The Hazardous Household Waste Facility is open Tuesday and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Contact Waste Control for more details at (360) 425 - 4302.

Q: How much does it cost to dump my trash?

A: See attached rate schedule.

Q: When is the Toutle Drop Facility open?

A: Wednesday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Facility is located at 200 S. Toutle Road, Toutle, Wa.

Q: Where can I dispose of my used motor oil and antifreeze?

A: The County maintains 12 drop locations. See attached list of locations.

Q: Where can I recycle my used computer, monitor, laptop or television?

A: You can recycle these items for free daily at Waste Control Transfer Station (1150 Third Ave, Longview 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) or at Goodwill Industries, Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. or Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Q: Do you have any available backyard composting bins? If so, where do I get them?

A: We are currently out of stock, but please check back with us. When in stock, bins are $10 each and limited to two per household. They can be purchased at Cowlitz County Department of Public Works, 1600 - 13th Ave S, Kelso, WA. For more information, call (360) 577 - 3030.

Stormwater

Q: I am building a house. Do I need to get a stormwater permit?

A: If you are disturbing less than 7,000 square feet of land (total disturbance area) you do not need a permit. If you are disturbing more than 7,000 square feet but less than one (1) acre you  may need an Abbreviated Construction Stormwater Permit. See Figure 2.1 of the Stormwater Manual to determine your project needs.

Q: What if my project disturbs more than one (1) acre?

A: For projects one (1) acre or more a Construction Stormwater Permit is generally needed. Additional requirements may apply depending on the specific project. Some projects may be exempt. To determine exact requirements, use Figure 2.1 of the Stormwater Manual or contact the Stormwater Program at (360) 577 - 3030. 

Q: How do I know when I need a permit?

A: Building and Planning will review your application and notify you if you need a  stormwater permit. If the project will require an abbreviated for full Construction Stormwater Permit you will be directed to Department of Public Works. The Department of Public Works will provide you with application materials and any other necessary information. When you have completed the application Public Works will review it. Once the application has been reviewed and approved you will take it back to Building and Planning and the Building and Planning application process will proceed.

Q: If I disturb one or more acres do I also need to get a Construction Stormwater Permit through Washington State Department of Ecology?

A: Yes. Cowlitz County has designed  the local Construction Stormwater Permit to dovetail with Department of Ecology's. You should be able to submit the same or very similar materials to satisfy both policy requirements.

Q: How many trees can be removed before triggering the stormwater permit process?

A: If tree removal disturbs 7,000 square feet or more and converts the land to another purpose than forest, it will require a permit. Tree removal is not regulated - it is the action of disturbing the soil.

Q: I need to replace a 8,000 square foot roof. Do I need a permit?

A: The roof is part of an existing structure and the soil is not being disturbed. It does not require a permit.

Q: Would building foundation replacement under an existing building quality as 'routine maintenance?'

A: No. That degree of work would be 'maintenance,' or an action to maintain a facility's function. Additionally, if the work did not cross the 7,000 square feet of disturbed area threshold it would be exempt.

Q: The manual mentions planting plans. Would the County determine what plants are used (i.e. flowers) for residential development?

A: No. The Cowlitz County Stormwater Ordinance focuses on stormwater. A planting plan would be needed for development of a swale or retention type structure. A swale or detetion pond would not be required unless the project met specific standards and the project site was larger than one (1) acre.

Q: Will I have to do Low Impact Development?

A: No. Low Impact Development (LID) is addressed in the Ordinance but is not a requirement of any development at this time. It is an option available to owners and applicants as a method for addressing stormwater related issues.

Q: Who do I contact with questions?

A: Contact the stormwater program at (360) 577 - 3030. Amy Ammer is available for general assistance ammera@co.cowlitz.wa.us. Technical questions may be address to Patrick Harbison at harbisonp@co.cowlitz.wa.us.