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Environmental Public Health: On-Site Sewage Systems

Gravelless chamber installation (1 of 3 runs) of a gravity on-site sewage system.

The Environmental Health Division of the Asotin County Health District manages the on-site sewage system (OSS) program for the Asotin County area. OSS are an important part of the land use / development process since the majority of the locations outside of the city limits of Clarkston and Asotin do not have access to public sewer systems. Many of the documents and links on this site are designed to assist with the proper permitting, installation and operation of your OSS.

Environmental Health (EH) reviews designs and issues permits for residential, small business and other non-industrial uses that may generate liquid waste up to 3,500 gallons per day. For systems that are designed to exceed 3,500 gpd, please contact the Washington State Department of Health here.

Permitting and Inspections

Before beginning the process of obtaining a permit, a site evaluation must be completed first by ACHD. It will include a review of soil test pits at the site that are typically dug with a backhoe along with ACHD staff before any decision can be made as to the type or size of the OSS to be installed.

Below are some general guidelines and timeframes for obtaining a permit. For more detailed information, please click here

Note: Please begin the process of obtaining your OSS permit at least 60 – 90 days prior to the date that you seek to begin construction of a home or other structure that requires plumbing. The timeline below is provided to allow the homeowner to successfully plan for the permitting process and minimize delays in construction. Although these time frames are common, ACHD will work to ensure that all permits can be processed in the shortest possible time frame allowed for careful review and permitting.

Scheduling and completion of the soils evaluation (2 to 14 days)
The homeowner selects the Designer (1 to ? days)
The designer completes the site assessment, obtains the information of the clients needs for the site, and submits a draft design that will meet code restrictions for your project (14 to 45 days)
The Designer schedules the meeting with ACHD to review and comment on the design (2 to 14 days)
The Designer makes the necessary corrections and submits the final draft design (2 to 14 days)
The client is contacted to complete an application for permit and schedule an appointment time with ACHD to be issued a permit (2 to 14 days**)
OSS permit is paid for and issued to execute the accepted design. A copy of the permit is provided by the homeowner to the Asotin County Building Department in order to be issued a building permit.

On-site Sewage System Links

Most of our forms and documents are in Adobe Acrobat format. Please click here to download Acrobat Reader for free if it is not already installed on your computer or portable device.

Click on the links below to be directed to the site or document:

Rules and Regulations for On Site Sewage Systems (WAC 246-272A) - administrative code governing OSS.

Washington State Department of Health Wastewater Section - useful documents, regulations, guidelines and support for on-site sewage systems.

Local OSS Links of Interest:

ACHD Homeowner's Guide to Onsite Sewage Systems - Illustrated guide to keep track of your OSS records and repairs as well as an explanation of basic maintenance and care of your OSS.

On-site Sewage Permits in Asotin County - A guide explaining the process of getting a permit to install an OSS in Asotin County.

ACHD Ordinance 84-54 - local ordinance governing OSS in Asotin County. Used in conjunction with WAC 246-272A for permitting, enforcement, etc.

EPH Service Request Form - Request as-built drawings (blueprints) of your on-site sewage system at your home or business, file a complaint, or request information and educational offerings.
EPH OSS Fee Schedule - Approved by Asotin County Board of Health Resolution #1-2010 (effective January 1, 2011)

Permitting and Inspections