Onsite Wastewater Program
Beginning July 1, 2026, all onsite septic applications and permits will be processed online through Oregon ePermitting.
Use the online portal to:
Apply for septic site evaluations, permits, and authorizations
Submit project plans and required forms
Pay fees securely online
Track your application status
New users:
Select “Create an Account” under “Sign In” after clicking this button:
If you are unable to use the online system or need an application in an alternate format (including a printable paper application or language assistance), please contact our office at (541)506-2603. We are happy to work with you to ensure our application process is accessible to everyone.
Spanish-language applications and resources are available below.
North Central Public Health District (NCPHD) administers the onsite wastewater program in Wasco and Sherman Counties as the local agent for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
The Onsite Septic Program provides guidance and regulatory oversight for the treatment and disposal of wastewater from homes and businesses that are not served by a public sewer system. The program helps ensure wastewater is properly treated and disposed of to protect public health and prevent contamination of groundwater and surface water resources.
About Septic
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"A septic system is the most common method of sewage treatment for homes and businesses that are not connected to an area wide sewage system. In its basic form, a septic system consists of a septic tank, where solids settle and decompose, and a drain field where liquid discharged from the tank is treated by bacteria in the soil. More complex septic systems are installed in areas with high groundwater and/or poor soils." (Department of Environmental Quality)
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In areas where public sewer is not available, homeowners must install onsite wastewater treatment systems (onsite or septic systems) for treating residential or commercial wastewater. All plumbing fixtures such as toilets, sinks, bathtubs, showers, washing machines, dishwashers, or anything else that generates human wastewater must be connected to an approved sewage system.
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Onsite wastewater treatment systems must be designed and constructed in accordance with Oregon DEQ rules and local onsite program requirements administered by North Central Public Health District, and once the permit is issued must be inspected and approved by an Environmental Health Specialist. Onsite systems are different from municipal sewers because they have a limited life expectancy, which can be drastically reduced if the system is improperly used or not maintained.
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The safe disposal and treatment of sewage is essential for preventing the spread of disease and contaminating groundwater with pollutants. Inadequately treated sewage from failing onsite wastewater treatment systems poses a substantial threat to human health, as disease and infection may be transferred to animals and people directly and immediately. Dysentery, hepatitis, typhoid fever, and acute gastrointestinal illness are some of the more serious examples of diseases spread from untreated wastewater. Nitrates and contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products, are examples of pollutants that can contaminate groundwater if sewage is not properly treated.
Types of Septic Applications
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A site evaluation determines whether a property is suitable for a septic system. During a site evaluation, an Environmental Health (EH) Specialist evaluates soil test pits in proposed initial and replacement soil absorption areas on a property. They will record soil, groundwater conditions, and site limitations such as setbacks to wells, property lines, waterways, and other features that may affect septic system suitability or placement. If the property meets applicable Oregon DEQ onsite wastewater treatment system requirements, a site evaluation report will be issued describing the approved septic system type, design requirements, and approved installation areas.
Important: Approval of a site evaluation does not authorize installation of a septic system or guarantee approval of a specific system design. A separate Construction Installation Permit is required before any septic system can be installed.
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An Authorization Notice is required before making certain changes to a property served by an existing septic system. For example, this notice is required when there is a proposal to connect a new, replacement, or temporary structure to an existing system; change the use of the property; increase the sewage flow; or connect an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to the existing septic system. During the authorization notice process, an EH Specialist evaluates the current system to ensure it is in good working order and can safely handle the proposed change in use or flow. If all applicable Oregon DEQ rule requirements are met, which in some cases includes the designation of a full replacement system area, the EH Specialist will issue the Authorization Notice.
Important: An issued Authorization Notice is valid for one year from the date of issuance and only authorizes connection to the existing septic system under the specific, approved proposal.
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Septic permits are required to install a new septic system, alter an existing septic system, or repair an existing system. An EH Specialist will review the septic permit application materials and make sure conditions of the site evaluation report and rule requirements are met. Once all rule requirements are satisfied, the septic installation permit will be issued.
Important: An issued septic installation permit is valid for one year from the date of issuance.
Submit a Septic Application in Wasco and Sherman Counties
North Central Public Health District now uses Oregon ePermitting to manage septic applications online. This system is already used by many counties across Oregon, and it provides a more consistent, trackable, and accessible way to submit and review onsite applications.
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1. Create Your Account & Start an Application
Go to Oregon ePermitting and create an account (to the right of the screen)
Select Apply → Onsite/Septic Application
Choose Wasco County or Sherman County
Select the application type you need
2. Enter Property & Contact Information
Enter your parcel number with exact formatting and select search.
Update owner and contact information if needed
Add applicant and site contact details
If working with a licensed septic professional, add their sewage disposal service license information
3. Upload Required Documents (PDF Only)
Upload all required submittal documents:
Land Use Compatibility Statement (For New Construction, Major Repair, Alteration, Authorization Notices)
Additional exhibits listed by your EH Specialist
4. Submit Your Application
After you submit:
Staff will review your application for completeness
If complete, fees will be invoiced and available for online payment
If anything is missing, staff will email you with a request for additional information
5. Application Review & Permit Issuance
An Environmental Health (EH) Specialist will review your materials.
If everything is accurate, your permit will be issued
If revisions are needed, staff will contact you
6. Install the System
Install the system according to the permit conditions. If site conditions differ from the approved plan, contact the EH specialist before continuing.
7. Request Final Inspection
Submit the following through ePermitting:
Final Inspection Request &; Notice (FIRN)
As built drawing
Materials list
Once received, staff will schedule the precover inspection.
Forms
Official Guides & Resources
Specific technical parameters and rules are detailed in these official documents
