Onsite Sewage Disposal Program
ONSITE WASTEWATER SPECIALIST:Jessica Joye (503) 566-3990OFFICE HOURS:Daily: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. (field inspections each day after 10:00)BACKGROUND:Marion County Building Inspection issues all septic system permits within Marion County. Building Inspection is a contract agent of the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and, therefore, septic permits are issued under DEQ's Onsite Sewage Disposal rules. The only exceptions are properties served by a community sewer system and those systems reserved by DEQ, under their "Water Pollution Control Facilities" (WPCF) rules.
The onsite sewage disposal program determines sewage treatment and disposal feasibility for homes not served by a community sewer system. Septic drainfields must be properly designed and installed to:
Improper sewage disposal can cause many diseases in humans. Please see our Septic System Basics brochure for additional information.
WHAT IS THE PERMITTING PROCESS?
There are two steps involved. Step 1 is a Site Evaluation. A Site Evaluation must be done to determine which type and size of system is suitable for your property and circumstances. Once a completed Site Evaluation application is received, an Onsite Wastewater Specialist will evaluate the property. Please allow 2-3 weeks for this part of the process. You will receive a Site Evaluation Report specifying the type and size of septic system required and any special instructions.
After you receive a favorable Site Evaluation, Step 2 is submitting an Onsite Sewage Disposal Application for the appropriate permit. This includes submitting additional information depending on the type of system. A permit is required before installing the system. After submitting a complete application, the documents will be reviewed. If approved, a Construction-Installation Permit will be issued. Once the permit is issued, the property owner or DEQ-licensed septic installer may begin installation of the septic system according to the permit specifications. After the system is inspected, and receives final approval, a Certificate of Satisfactory Completion will be issued and you may begin using the system.
Please note each step in this process has a separate application and fees, depending on the type of system. The applications, forms and additional information are listed below. To prevent delay, fully complete the application and include any additional documentation as required. INFORMATION AND FORMS: (each link listed below will take you to a page with the forms and information needed for that specific activity):
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ONSITE PROGRAM: For additional information on a variety of topics relating to sewage disposal, check out the following links:
OTHER USEFUL LINKS:National Small Flows Clearinghouse Contains information on septic systems, maintenance, wastewater, etc.