Onsite Wastewater Management Program (Septic Systems)

• Deschutes Groundwater Protection Project - DEQ is working with the community to protect the groundwater from nitrate contamination from traditional onsite septic wastewater treatment systems in southern Deschutes and northern Klamath counties.



• The Onsite Program will be increasing septic system fees. The new fees will take effect January 4, 2010. The fee increase will affect counties where DEQ directly operates the septic system program. DEQ operates the program in 14 counties as shown on the map.
  
  In addition, applications to DEQ for new product applications, denial reviews and variance applications will be increasing statewide. DEQ’s deadline for accepting an application with the current fee is 5:00 PM, December 31, 2009. Applications received after that date will be subject to the new fee.
  
  
  • New Onsite Fee Tables PDF
  
  
  
• An Onsite Advisory Committee was recently assembled to review and recommend changes to DEQ with respect to the administrative rules that govern onsite wastewater treatment systems, materials, and licensing. For more information, contact Randy Trox at 541-687-7338 or by e-mail.



• Direct links to listings of approved CEUs for certified installers and maintenance providers:
  
       Oregon Onsite Wastewater Association
       Oregon Environmental Services Advisory Council
  
  
• Onsite Septic Program Current Status - January 2009 PDF

Program Topics

• What you should know about Septic Systems
  What to know before you buy undeveloped property or a home with an existing septic system, information on installing a new system and maintaining a system, and signs of system failure.
• Forms and Guidelines
  Application form and guideline packets, business licensing forms, product approval application forms and checklists, variance applications and more.
• Rules and Regulations
  Oregon Administrative Rules and Revised Statues.  Important information on Time of Transfer Inspections.
• Sewage Disposal Service Business Licensing
  Sewage Disposal Service Business licensing information, database and application forms.
• Installer/Maintenance Provider Certification
  Installer/Maintenance Provider certification information, database and forms.
• Approved Products and Product Approval
  Information on onsite wastewater system products and technology approved in Oregon and on getting product approval.
• Technical Resources
  Presentations, the LaPine Demonstration Project data, links to additional Onsite information
• DEQ Staff and County Agent Contacts
  Find DEQ Onsite contact information and county contact information

Fact Sheets

• DEQ Budget Proposal: Restore Onsite Septic System Program PDF
• Guidance for Swimming Pool/Hot Tub Discharges PDF
• Interim Septage Storage Tanks PDF
• Onsite Septic Program Status, Challenges PDF
• Procedures for Installing a New Septic System PDF
• Sand Filter and Pressure Distribution Operation and Maintenance Schedule PDF
• Septic System Alternative Treatment Technologies PDF
• Septic Systems and Stream Crossings PDF
• Septic Tank Maintenance PDF
• Septic Tank Maintenance
• Test Pit Preparation for Onsite Evaluations PDF