The Health District requires licensing of individuals for septic system work in both Chelan & Douglas Counties.
(Chelan-Health Health District Code 4.20.060)
A.1. It is unlawful to engage in business as an installer without a currently valid on-site sewage system installer’s license
Any septic work related to the new construction, installation, repair, modification, connection, expansion, or remediation of an onsite septic system requires a Septic System Permit.
Septic work without required permits is a public health violation and violators are subject to enforcement and civil penalties.
Please reference New Construction Process and Application
If you suspect unpermitted septic system installations or unlicensed septic system installers conducting septic system work please notify the Onsite Program at 509-886-6400 or ehsupport@cdhd.wa.gov.
Key information for Licensed Installers for Installation and Final Inspection Requests
The Health District has an agreement with Washington On-site Sewage Association (WOSSA) to provide the necessary training and testing to become a Licensed Installer.
Once WOSSA course and test are satisfactorily completed submit Installer License application with the completed certificates. Installer License application fee is $170.00 and is renewed annually.
Additional criteria required is a currently valid contractor’s registration number and expiration date. This may be either a general or subcontractor’s registration, and may be your own, or that of your employer. This is to demonstrate that your work as a contractor will be licensed and bonded.
The License must be renewed annually by September 30. There are no prorated fees.
To provide a complete representation of qualified installers, four (4) separate grouped lists have been created on the type of septic systems most commonly installed in our counties.
Private homeowners are permitted to install simple gravity systems. However, this must be stated at the time of the septic permit application.
A private homeowner is limited to the owner who plans to reside in the single family home for which the installed septic system will serve. Developers, contractors, and builders who own the property but who will not reside in the dwelling are not eligible to install septic systems unless currently licensed as an installer.
Prior to issuing the septic permit, the homeowner must complete the Health District Installer Exam with a passing score of 70%. No Fee is required; testing will be conducted at the Health District’s office at 200 Valley Mall Parkway in East Wenatchee. Test must be scheduled and proctored. Please contact our general office number at 509-886-6400 to schedule an exam.
A study guide is available Onsite Septic System Installation Study Guide.
An additional consult will be required prior to installation to review the Design. A Consult fee will apply and invoiced based on hourly rate.
Homeowner installations without prior permission and not completing the necessary steps will not be approved by the Health District and be reported to the respective county.
All septic permit applications with the exception of Septic Tank Replacement only (Minor Repair) require a Septic System Design submitted by a Licensed Designer or Professional Engineer.
WAC 246-272A-0230 Design requirements—General. (1) On-site sewage systems may only be designed by professional engineers, licensed under chapter 18.43 RCW or on-site sewage treatment system designers, licensed under chapter 18.210 RCW
Refer to Licensed Designers who regularly work in our Health District.
The Washington State Administrate Code (WAC) 246-272A, which governs onsite septic systems, makes it clear that the owner of a septic system is “responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining the OSS to minimize the risk of failure…” Part of this Code requires the owner to periodically “assure a complete evaluation of the system components and/or property to determine functionality, maintenance needs and compliance with regulations and any permits…”
Comprehensive operation and maintenance services as defined by the WAC including exposing tank components, measuring scum & sludge layers, sampling wastewater, conducting tank draw down measurements, and cleaning components is well beyond the capacity of most homeowners. Hence, to help ensure that all septic systems located within Chelan and Douglas counties receive quality routine monitoring and maintenance, the District mandates that only licensed professionals (licensed by the Health District) may conduct these O&M services. These licensed individuals are professionals who have demonstrated the requisite skills, training, and knowledge to provide this important community service.
(Chelan-Health Health District Code 4.20.060)
C.1. A valid license issued by the Health Officer is required to engage in the business of providing septic system operations & maintenance services as defined by WAC 246-272A.
The Health District has an agreement with Washington On-site Sewage Association (WOSSA) to provide the necessary training and testing to become a Licensed O&M Service Provider.
Once WOSSA course and test are satisfactorily completed submit O&M Service Provider License application with the completed certificates. O&M Service Provider License application fee is $170.00 and is renewed annually.
Additional criteria required is a currently valid contractor’s registration number and expiration date. This may be either a general or subcontractor’s registration, and may be your own, or that of your employer. This is to demonstrate that your work as a contractor will be licensed and bonded.
The License must be renewed annually by September 30. There are no prorated fees.
Refer to List of O&M for Qualified Licensed Operations and Maintenance Providers.
The Health District requires licensing of businesses who pump, handle, and dispose of septic waste from properties located in both Chelan & Douglas Counties.
(Chelan-Health Health District Code 4.20.070)
Key information for Licensed Pumpers
The Health District has an agreement with Washington On-site Sewage Association (WOSSA) to provide the necessary training and testing to become a Licensed Septage Pumper.
Once WOSSA course and test are satisfactorily completed submit Pumper License application with the completed certificates. Septage Pumper’s License application fee is $125.00 and is renewed annually.
Additional criteria:
Prior to issuing license, an inspection of all vehicles are required.
The License must be renewed annually by September 30. There are no prorated fees.
Qualified List of Septic Pumpers.
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