Onsite Wastewater Program

Note - Our On-site Wastewater Program fees were adjusted July 1, 2023

Onsite Wastewater Treatment

NCPHD regulates the installation, repair, and maintenance of septic systems on homes and businesses not served by a centralized wastewater treatment facility. Onsite wastewater treatment systems are designed, installed and maintained to reduce the concentration of contaminants present in domestic and commercial wastewater.

Please call ahead for an appointment so we can ensure that your needs are met by providing the best customer service by our staff 541-506-2600.

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Overview

An onsite sewage treatment and disposal system, also known as a septic system, treats and properly disposes of sewage including gray water. All plumbing fixtures such as toilets, sinks, bathtubs, showers, washing machines, dishwashers, or anything else that generates human wastewater must be connected to an approved sewage system.

Site Evaluations - First step in obtaining a construction permit for new development

On-Site Septic Permit Application - A Permit must be obtained prior to conducting the installation, repair, or alteration of your septic system and after a site evaluation has determined your site to be suitable for on-site wastewater disposal (repairs and alterations may need a soil analysis with test pits for existing locations that have never been evaluated for suitability. Please contact us if you are unsure about the suitability of your site.)

Please fill out the On-site Septic Permit Application completely, along with a detailed plot plan, and sign the Authorized Representative at the bottom (if you are representing the applicant i.e. installer, friend, neighbor etc… please fill out the Authorized Representative Form)

A DEQ Land Use Compatibility Statement (LUCS) will also need to be included with your application which should be signed by your local county planning office prior to submitting the application.

 

New Construction Permit Application - Residential & Commercial

  • Onsite wastewater treatment systems must be designed according to county standards and DEQ rules, and once the permit is issued must be inspected and approved by an Environmental Health Specialist to be completed. If you choose to complete this process online, complete the form in full and press ”continue” to be taken to payment. You can also pay in person or by check to the Environmental Health Department at NCPHD.

  • Permits are required to ensure septic systems are constructed in compliance with Oregon Administrative Rule 340-071 to prevent diseases and groundwater contamination. North Central Public Health District is an agent on behalf of the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) program for onsite wastewater treatment systems within Wasco and Sherman Counties.

 

Repair/Alteration Permit Application - Residential & Commercial

  • A Major Repair or Alteration Application is necessary for drainfield repairs and/or tank replacement if necessary. (Major Repairs or Alterations require a DEQ LUCS).

  • A Minor Repair Application is for septic tank replacement or alteration only. The drainfield may require an evaluation during this process depending on the Agent discretion.

 

Authorization to Connect Application - Existing System Connections

  • Place into service: Connect to a system for the first time – exception for unused system under five years of age with DEQ certificate of satisfactory completion.

    Reconnect to: Connect to system that has not been used for a period of time such as, but not limited to, the replacement of any structure or dwelling with plumbing.

    Change the use of: Changes that alter the characteristics of sewage flow, as in some cases change from residential to commercial or addition of commercial, i.e., in home commercial kitchen.

    Increase projected daily sewage flow: Increases of sewage flows based on Table 2 criteria such as, but not limited to, the addition of bedrooms, increase of employees, increase of public use, increase of seats in an eatery.

  • Authorization Notice is a written document issued by an agent establishing that an existing onsite wastewater treatment system appears adequate for its intended use.

Final Inspection Request Form

Maintaining a Healthy Septic System:

Onsite systems are different from municipal sewers because they have a limited life expectancy, which can be drastically reduced if the system is improperly used or not maintained. Learn how to be “Septic Smart” HERE.

New! November 1 2021, Craft3 Septic System Repair or Replacement Loans are Returning for Oregon Residents

Craft3 offers Clean Water Loans to finance septic system repair and replacement. Their loans cover all eligible permitting, design, and installation costs; they have lower rates for lower-income borrowers; and they are designed to be accessible to borrowers who may not have perfect credit. Learn more about Craft3 or to apply for a loan: HERE

DEQ Licensed Installers and Pumpers:

Click the image below for licensed installers and pumpers in Wasco County: updated 10-27-2021
Or check the DEQ List here: https://www.deq.state.or.us/wq/onsite/sdssearch.asp

NOTE: Unless you install the septic yourself, the company that installs your septic must have a DEQ license to do so

Individual Pages for Download or Review

NCPHD Onsite Fees for Permitting

Plot Plan Form

Existing System Evaluation Report

Land Use Compatibility Statement- signed by the owner and county or city planning department (required for permit issuance)

Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 340 - Onsite Rules for Septic

Tank Abandonment Form