Protecting Oregon's Environment
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Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

Water Quality

Onsite Wastewater Management Program (Septic Systems)

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Onsite Wastewater Management Program (Septic Systems)

Over 30% of Oregonians dispose of wastewater from their homes and businesses through the use of septic systems. The siting, design, installation and ongoing operation and maintenance of septic systems are regulated by DEQ. Without this oversight, septic systems can fail or malfunction, pollute Oregon’s land and waterways with raw sewage and create public health hazards.
 
DEQ directly manages the onsite septic system program in 12 counties, referred to as “direct service” counties. Twenty-four counties manage the program under contract with DEQ, referred to as “contract counties”. DEQ and the contract counties are also responsible for ensuring that septic tank pumpers have the necessary equipment to safely pump, transport and dispose of the waste from septic systems, known as septage. In addition, DEQ certifies and licenses installers and pumpers, and reviews and approves products such as septic tanks, alternative treatment technologies and alternative drainfield products.    

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For more information about DEQ's Onsite Wastewater Management Program contact Lisa Fincher by phone at (541) 686-7905 or by e-mail.

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
Headquarters: 811 SW Sixth Ave., Portland, OR 97204-1390
Phone: 503-229-5696 or toll free in Oregon 1-800-452-4011
Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service: 1-800-735-2900  FAX: 503-229-6124

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is a regulatory agency authorized to protect Oregon's environment by
the State of Oregon and the Environmental Protection Agency.

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