Onsite Wastewater Treatment Program (Oregon DEQ)

Permits are required for the new construction, alteration, repair or replacement of septic system components. In addition, changing the structure which is served by the septic system may require approval to continue use of the system. A report on the existing system is offered for those interested in lending or buying as specified in sales and loan documents. Records of permits have been kept since 1974 and are available to assist with finding septic locations. Consultations regarding septic system design and maintenance are also available. Inspections of septic pumper trucks are performed as required by DEQ for licensing. Complaints are investigated.

General information about buying a house with an existing septic system, the do’s and don’ts of owning a septic system and signs of septic system failure.
Procedures and Criteria for Installing a New Septic System General information on the permitting process.
Licensed Septic Installers and Pumpers List of local certified installers.
DEQ Application Guide General information on the submission of an application.
Minimum Separation Distances
Table with minimum separation distances of the septic to items like a well.
Onsite System Application Malheur County’s onsite application.
Permit Fee Schedule
Permit Fees
Site Plan for Construction/Installation Printable version of the site plan or plot plan to be submitted with the application.
Notice Authorizing Representative Form required when a buyer, or other person who is not the property owner, applies for a permit.
Test Pit Criteria Requirements of the test holes for a site evaluation.
Example Serial and Equal Distribution Diagram Example diagram of an aerial view of an equal distribution septic system and its surrounding that must be submitted with the construction permit application.
Example Equal Distribution Site Development Plan Example diagram of an aerial view of an equal distribution septic system and its surrounding that must be submitted with the construction permit application.
Example Serial Distribution Site Development Plan Example diagram of an aerial view of a serial (hillside) distribution septic system and its surrounding that must be submitted with the construction permit application.
Onsite Land Use Compatibility Statement Form must be filled out by Planning and Zoning and submitted with construction permit application.
Final Inspection Request Form Form submitted after construction is completed. This form is considered as the request for a final inspection of the system.
Onsite Complaint Form Online form for submitting onsite complaints.
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Onsite Program Homepage.