1. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Do I need a permit to replace my pump? No. Work that is conducted within the septic/pump tank does not require a permit generally. Examples of this type of work that do NOT require a permit includes cleaning, changing, or retrofitting your tank with an effluent filter, measuring sludge accumulation, pumping the septic tank/pump chamber, or cleaning of the back-flow prevention valve. If the tank needs to be replaced, this DOES require a permit for tank placement. How much does a septic permit cost? The permit application fees are available here (see "Fees" at the bottom of the page). Do …


    Environmental Health - March 21, 2016, 1:50 p.m.

  2. Pay Solid Waste Charge Accounts

    Welcome to the Lewis County Solid Waste Services. By clicking the link below you may conveniently pay your Solid Waste charge account online using Point and Pay.You will need to enter your Solid Waste charge account number, which can be found on your statementThere will be a convenience fee for this service that you will review and accept before you submit your payment.Pay Charge Account Fees Now


    Solid Waste - April 20, 2011, 9:45 a.m.

  3. Leaf Exchange Event: Final Day!

    Rake up and bag your leaves so gardeners and composters can put them to good use. Bagged leaves may be dropped off on the event day. Leaves will be available for pickup on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. WSU Lewis County Master Recycler Composter volunteers will be on hand to inspect leaves and help the event run smoothly. The event is across the street from its normal location and will be a drive-through event at the Floral Park Sustainability Project at the corner of Floral Street and South Tower Avenue in Centralia. No garbage, other yard waste, or …


    Solid Waste - July 7, 2025, 10:22 a.m.

  4. Purple Loosestrife

    Lythrum salicaria Purple Loosestrife – Erect squarish stems, up to 8 feet tall, Leaves: 1 ½ to 4 inches long, lance-shaped and lack petioles, usually opposite and rotated 90 degrees from the previous node or whorled in sets of 3.Flowers: spikes of magenta flowers 4 – 16 inches long, flowers from July to October.Habitat: Found in wetlands and streams in the Centralia/Chehalis area as well as Stearns Creek and Mineral Lake in Lewis County.Weed Classification: B designateWhy Is It a Noxious Weed?Purple loosestrife is a vigorous competitor and can crowd out other vegetation including native species. It can quickly dominate …


    Weed Control - Sept. 12, 2022, 11:28 a.m.

  5. Group A

    These are water supplies that regularly serve 15 or more residential connections, 25 or more people per day for 60 or more days per year, or 1000 people for two days or more per year. Group A systems are regulated by the Washington State Department of Health (WSDOH) under WAC 246-290; Lewis County has an agreement with the State on Group A projects to administer and review WAN's and Well Site Inspections (see permitting and applications below).If you are interested in developing or revising a Group A system contact WSDOH at (360) 236-3030. For information on Group A Systems see …


    Environmental Health - Jan. 19, 2021, 12:53 p.m.

  6. Judges

    Judge J. Andrew Toynbee, Department 1 Education: University of San Diego School of Law (J.D. 1992); University of Washington (B.A. 1988); Bellarmine Preparatory School (1984)Legal/Judicial Experience: Superior Court Commissioner Pro Tem from April 2015 to January 2017; Chief Criminal Deputy - Thurston County Prosecutor’s Office from 2006 to January 2017, Chief Criminal Deputy - Lewis County Prosecutor's Office from 2002 to 2006; Deputy Prosecutor from 1994 to 2002. Judge, Lewis County Superior Court, Department 1 (2017 - Present) Judge Paul A. Strophy, Department 2 Judge, Dept 2 Paul A. Strophy Education: Capital High School, Olympia, WA (1992); University of Washington …


    Superior Court - June 14, 2011, 8:23 a.m.

  7. Earthquake Awareness / Preparedness

    “Drop, Cover, Hold” The Recommended Earthquake Protection MethodIn recent years, an E-mail has been circulating that describes the “triangle of life,” an alternative to the long-established “Drop, Cover, and Hold” advise. “Drop, Cover, Hold” is still the official recommendation in the United States by many experts including State Emergency Management, the Red Cross, and the Lewis County Division of Emergency Management.Earthquakes seldom cause complete building collapse in the United States. The greatest danger is from falling or flying objects. The “Drop, Cover, and Hold” technique is designed to provide the greatest protection from this type of situation.The “triangle of life” …


    Emergency Management - Feb. 2, 2012, 7:31 a.m.

  8. Proposed American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding Plan

    Survey results presented from POLCO to Lewis County Staff on 3-9-2022: Lewis County ARPA Baseline Survey resultsFull resident survey results: Residents ResultsFull business survey results: Business Results***Survey Closed December 10, 2021*** The American Rescue Plan will deliver $350 billion for eligible state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments to respond to the COVID-19 emergency and bring back jobs. On May 10, the U.S. Department of Treasury (Treasury) released an Interim Final Rule, FAQs, and a fact sheet for a significant portion of the $350 billion Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, established under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) signed …


    May 26, 2021, 9:27 a.m.

  9. History

    1845-1847 United States Marshall Joe Meek became the first official Law Enforcement Officer in Lewis County. The northern county boundary was reset at the 49th parallel, the present United States/Canadian Border, in 1846. 1847-1848 John R. Jackson became the 1st elected Sheriff of Lewis County, which had a population of 275 in the first census. The first taxes in Lewis County were also collected, including a poll tax of fifty cents on each male under the age of sixty. 1848-1849 Antonio B. Rabbeson became the 2nd elected Sheriff of Lewis County and Block House was built at Cowlitz Landing for …


    Sheriff - Feb. 5, 2016, 3:11 p.m.

  10. 2026 Benefits

    2026 HEALTH AND WELFARE AETNA - AFSCME and Non-Represented Employees 2026 PEBB - 911 Employees 2025 TEAMSTERS WELFARE TRUST (In Negotiations) Lewis County Self-Administered Insurance Rules 2026Click Here to go to the Employee Navigator PortalAetna and MetLife Benefit Guide:2026 Lewis County Benefit GuideRate Sheet:2026 Non-Represented and AFSCME AetnaAetna Plan Summaries:Aetna OAMC 500 Summary of Benefits / Aetna OAMC 500 Plan Summary (Premiums)Aetna OAMC 1000 Summary of Benefits / Aetna OAMC 1000 Plan Summary (Premiums)Aetna OAMC HDHP Summary of Benefits / Aetna OAMC HDHP Plan Summary (Premiums)MetLife Dental Plan:MetLife PDP Plus Summary of BenefitsMetLife Enrollment FormCVS Health Virtual CareVision Summary of …


    Human Resources - Dec. 23, 2025, 1:38 p.m.