Benton County, Oregon

Making Benton County a Better Place to Live

Benton County Environmental Health – On-Site Septic/Sewage Program

Introduction

The On-site Septic/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.

The approved area must not be disturbed. The approvable area can be drastically reduced when setbacks are inadvertently created. Setbacks are required distances to 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: Current Septic Application (PDF). If you are not personally signing the Septic Application, you must attach the following Letter of Authorization (PDF)

The following list has been put together by Environmental Health for your reference. For a complete list of licensed installers throughout the State of Oregon you may visit the Department of Environmental Quality's website. List of Local Licensed Installers (PDF).

Once your permit has been issued and your system has been installed, our Environmental Health Specialist will need to review the As Built Diagram. See attached Installers Packet (PDF). Your installer will need to provide a "to scale" drawing along with a list of materials used.

How to Safeguard your System

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.

Septic System Maintenance Info

EPA Homeowner's Guide for Septic Systems

Other Publications of Interest

  • "Rural Development Planning: Protect your Health & the Environment"
  • "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"

These printed publications can be obtained from:

Benton County Environmental Health
(Enter through the Polk Avenue door)
530 NW 27th St.
Corvallis, OR 97330
Phone: 541-766-6841

DO'S and DON'TS of Caring for your Septic System

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.

Septic Sewage Permits

Download an on-site septic application for Benton County: Current Septic Application (PDF).

We also have a list of local licensed installers (PDF) who have provided us with their contact information. Please note, we do not recommend or endorse any particular installer.

Common Questions about the Construction Season

Site Approval and Installation Permit Procedures for New Lot Developments

Site Approval – Before you can begin building your home, an approved area for both an initial and a replacement septic system will need to be identified on your parcel. The site approval will detail the type of system required for your parcel, its location, known setbacks to the system, and requirements that you will have to meet before a permit can be issued to install the system.

When you fill out your on-site sewage disposal system application packet, make sure that you fill out all information required for a site feasibility study. An incomplete application will delay the process.

Line Up an Installer – If you haven't done so already, we recommend that you secure the services of a licensed septic system installer. The sooner you start working with him or her, the better. Your plans may be delayed if you wait until the last minute. A list of local licensed installers and consultants is included with the application packet.

Installation Permit – When you are ready to begin installation of the system, you must first apply for an installation permit. You'll need to use an additional application packet. The installation permit must be issued prior to beginning construction of the system. The permit is specific for your parcel and your building proposal.

Certificate of Satisfactory Completion – This certificate will be issued only after all of the permit requirements have been met. This is your OK to start using your system.

Common Questions

  • How long will the process take? It can take anywhere from two to four weeks for you to obtain your site approval. This depends mainly on the time of year. During the summer months when there is a lot of building activity, the process will take the longest.
  • How long is the site approval good for? The site approval is good for as long as there are no modifications to the site.
  • How long is the installation permit good for? One year. The permit can be renewed or reinstated at a lesser fee.
  • What if I sell my property? A site approval goes with the property. A permit may be transferable to a subsequent property owner under certain circumstances.
  • Can I install the system myself? Yes, but Environmental Health does not recommend it unless you have prior experience with this type of construction. Once you have begun excavating in the approved area, the system must be installed correctly. Having to correct mistakes may cost you more in the long run than paying for a professional installer. There may not be another approvable area on your parcel.
  • Are all professional installers required to be licensed? Yes. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality sets the standards for licensing installation contractors. This is not the same as a general contractor's license. Unless you are doing the work yourself, only licensed installers may do the work for you. Contact Environmental Health if you have questions about whether or not a contractor is licensed for septic system installations.

Process Check List

  1. Site feasibility application packet obtained.
  2. Installer lined up.
  3. Test holes dug.
  4. Site feasibility application completed and returned to Benton County Development Department.
  5. Environmental Health Specialist evaluates test holes.
  6. Site approval issued by Environmental Health.
  7. Permit application packet obtained.
  8. Permit application completed and returned.
  9. Installation permit issued by Environmental Health.
  10. Installer's packet given to installer.
  11. System installed.
  12. Pre-cover inspection by Environmental Health completed.
  13. System hooked-up, covered, and soil graded.
  14. Certificate of satisfactory completion issued by Environmental Health office.