Septic Systems in Richland County
Wastewater (Septic) Treatment
Our goal at the Richland County Health Department is to protect human health and the environment through proper treatment and disposal practices of septic waste in Richland County. The Environmental Health Office achieves this through education, individual permitting, inspections, licensing and a system for reporting and resolving problems.
Learn more about waste water systems
Learn more about waste water systems
Important Requirements if you are installing a septic system:
- A local septic permit is ALWAYS required before a system is installed.
- Site evaluations must be performed by a Richland County Sanitarian or a Professional Engineer registered in the state of Montana.
- An Inspection of septic installation projects is required unless otherwise authorized by a Richland County Sanitarian.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a septic permit?
A septic permit is ALWAYS required BEFORE a septic system is installed. The Health Department reviews ALL parcels applying for a septic permit. The process below is a general description of the permitting process and may not reflect the exact requirements for your unique property.
You may start the septic permitting process by calling the Health Department. You will provide either the address or the legal description of your property. Our office will check the existing approvals to determine what, if any, septic system may be installed, and where it should be installed. We may then provide you with the minimum requirements for the size, type and location of the system. You can install the system yourself, as the property owner, or choose from our listing of licensed installers. You, as the property owner, or your installer or consultant, must complete the septic permit application and submit fees ($200). The installer must call the Health Department for an installation inspection prior to backfilling. You will be provided with a copy of the permit, which will also be kept on file at the Health Department.
Note that septic paperwork will NOT be processed on Fridays.
Why wouldn't I be able to put in a septic system on my property?
Some parcels are created in such a way that prohibits the installation of sanitary facilities (water or sewer). This is called a "sanitary restriction". These parcels may need further review to remove that restriction. We cannot issue a permit for a property that has an existing sanitary restriction.
Other factors that may limit the develop of a parcel are floodplain boundaries, surface water, groundwater depth, and lot size.
We review each parcel individually to determine how best to install a septic system. There may be additional requirements for review depending on the unique characteristics of each parcel.
How are septic systems sized?
Sizing is based on the number of residential bedrooms or amount of commercial flow, the soil characteristics, and site constraints, such as depth to groundwater. Sizing is NOT based on the number of bathrooms.
What is a replacement area and why do I need one?
A replacement area is a designated area area for future replacement of your wastewater treatment system’s drainfield. This area is
used when your current drainfield fails and a separate, undisturbed area is required for use. The replacement area is required to remain undisturbed and cannot be paved, compacted, or altered in a way which changes the soil composition.
How do I know where to find my septic system?
Ideally, your property has a valid septic permit, we may provide you with a copy that shows the location of the tank and drainfield in relation to your home. However, for older systems and systems that were installed without a permit, we likely do not have documentation of the installation. You can contact a septic installer or septic pumper who may be able to help locate your system. You SHOULD NOT start digging in your yard, as you may disturb the soil or break lines.
I'm new to septic systems-how do I care for my system?
Use this guide to learn more about the do's and don'ts of septic systems, or visit this site.
My grandma had a septic system at the old farm house and she never had it pumped. Why should I have mine pumped?
Proper operation and maintenance of your system ensures long-term, money-saving usage. Septic systems are expensive! Poor maintenance is often the culprit of failing systems. Your system should be pumped every 3-5 years, depending on the number of people living in the home, water usage, and the size of the system. You should contact a licensed septic pumper to service your system.
I live in City limits but I'm tired of paying for City sewer. Can I install a septic instead?
Montana State Law requires that you connect to a public water/sewer system, such as the municipal system, if you are within 500 feet of a connection. Typically, septic systems cannot be installed in City limits.
What are the rules that govern septic systems in Montana?
For some light reading, you can review the following documents:
Montana Standards for Subsurface Wastewater Systems (Circular DEQ-4)
Administrative Rule of Montana: Environmental Quality 17.36
Richland County On-Site Wastewater Regulations
How do I become a licensed septic installer in Richland County?
Contact the Health Department to start the process to become licensed. You'll receive study materials and sit for an exam. Licenses are $50 annually.
2-12-24
How do I get a septic permit?
A septic permit is ALWAYS required BEFORE a septic system is installed. The Health Department reviews ALL parcels applying for a septic permit. The process below is a general description of the permitting process and may not reflect the exact requirements for your unique property.
You may start the septic permitting process by calling the Health Department. You will provide either the address or the legal description of your property. Our office will check the existing approvals to determine what, if any, septic system may be installed, and where it should be installed. We may then provide you with the minimum requirements for the size, type and location of the system. You can install the system yourself, as the property owner, or choose from our listing of licensed installers. You, as the property owner, or your installer or consultant, must complete the septic permit application and submit fees ($200). The installer must call the Health Department for an installation inspection prior to backfilling. You will be provided with a copy of the permit, which will also be kept on file at the Health Department.
Note that septic paperwork will NOT be processed on Fridays.
Why wouldn't I be able to put in a septic system on my property?
Some parcels are created in such a way that prohibits the installation of sanitary facilities (water or sewer). This is called a "sanitary restriction". These parcels may need further review to remove that restriction. We cannot issue a permit for a property that has an existing sanitary restriction.
Other factors that may limit the develop of a parcel are floodplain boundaries, surface water, groundwater depth, and lot size.
We review each parcel individually to determine how best to install a septic system. There may be additional requirements for review depending on the unique characteristics of each parcel.
How are septic systems sized?
Sizing is based on the number of residential bedrooms or amount of commercial flow, the soil characteristics, and site constraints, such as depth to groundwater. Sizing is NOT based on the number of bathrooms.
What is a replacement area and why do I need one?
A replacement area is a designated area area for future replacement of your wastewater treatment system’s drainfield. This area is
used when your current drainfield fails and a separate, undisturbed area is required for use. The replacement area is required to remain undisturbed and cannot be paved, compacted, or altered in a way which changes the soil composition.
How do I know where to find my septic system?
Ideally, your property has a valid septic permit, we may provide you with a copy that shows the location of the tank and drainfield in relation to your home. However, for older systems and systems that were installed without a permit, we likely do not have documentation of the installation. You can contact a septic installer or septic pumper who may be able to help locate your system. You SHOULD NOT start digging in your yard, as you may disturb the soil or break lines.
I'm new to septic systems-how do I care for my system?
Use this guide to learn more about the do's and don'ts of septic systems, or visit this site.
My grandma had a septic system at the old farm house and she never had it pumped. Why should I have mine pumped?
Proper operation and maintenance of your system ensures long-term, money-saving usage. Septic systems are expensive! Poor maintenance is often the culprit of failing systems. Your system should be pumped every 3-5 years, depending on the number of people living in the home, water usage, and the size of the system. You should contact a licensed septic pumper to service your system.
I live in City limits but I'm tired of paying for City sewer. Can I install a septic instead?
Montana State Law requires that you connect to a public water/sewer system, such as the municipal system, if you are within 500 feet of a connection. Typically, septic systems cannot be installed in City limits.
What are the rules that govern septic systems in Montana?
For some light reading, you can review the following documents:
Montana Standards for Subsurface Wastewater Systems (Circular DEQ-4)
Administrative Rule of Montana: Environmental Quality 17.36
Richland County On-Site Wastewater Regulations
How do I become a licensed septic installer in Richland County?
Contact the Health Department to start the process to become licensed. You'll receive study materials and sit for an exam. Licenses are $50 annually.
2-12-24