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Benton County Environmental Health - Onsite Sewage Disposal Program

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Permits• Homeowners Guide

On-Site Sewage Disposal Program

The on-site sewage disposal program is designed to provide sewage treatment and disposal for homes not served by a community sewer system. Drain-fields must be properly designed and installed for two reasons:

1. protect the ground water aquifer from sewage contamination
2. protect the health of the populace by properly treating and disposing of human waste

Improper disposal of sewage causes many diseases in humans.

Important Documents & Links

2010 Septic Packet - Application (PDF)

Installer's Packet (PDF)

List of local installers (PDF)

Link to DEQ's list of licensed installers

Letter of Authorization (PDF)

Websites

DEQ Water Quality - What you should know about septic systems

Publications

Rural Development Book (PDF)

How to Safeguard your System

The approved area must not be disturbed. The approvable area can be drastically reduced when setbacks are inadvertently created. Setbacks are required distances from your septic tank and the disposal field from such things as wells, creeks, property lines, and banks. A complete list of setbacks is included in your application packet.

Maintain your system. Don’t ignore it. You will spend a lot of money to install your septic system. Replacing it will cost you even more.

Consider optional equipment that may improve the performance and prolong the life of your system. The Environmental Health office can provide you with information on some of the latest technology that is available to you.

Other publications that may be of interest

• "Septic Systems: A Homeowners Guide to Operation & Maintenance"
• "Do You Want to Live in Rural Benton County?"
• "Drinking Water Requirements for Development in Benton County"
• "Rural Development Planning: Protect your Health & the Environment"
• EPA's Homeowners PDF guide to septic system

These printed booklets can be obtained from:

Environmental Health
530 NW 27th St.
Corvallis, OR 97330

(Enter through the Polk Avenue door)

Phone: 541.766.6841

DO'S and DON'TS

DO know where your approved area is. Marking the corners is a good idea.

DON’T allow construction activity on or near your approved area that will cause your approval to be revoked. Excavations, pushouts, well drilling and other activity will require setbacks from your system.

DO make sure that your installer has a copy of the installation permit on the job site at all times. You will be provided with an installer’s packet of materials at the time your permit is issued.

DON’T remove soil from or add fill to the approved area unless required to do so in your permit.

DO take care of your septic system. Have the septic tank pumped every 3 to 5 years. Keep livestock and vehicles off the disposal field.

DON’T plan on building over either your approved initial or reserve areas. You may not have any other suitable soils on your parcel.

DO keep a copy of your site approval, installation permit, and certificate of satisfactory completion for your records.

Questions?

For additional questions regarding your on-site sewage disposal system, call Benton County Environmental Health at 541.766.6841.

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