Onsite Wastewater (Septic) Services
The Onsite Wastewater Program at Lewis and Clark Public Health works with property owners in the county to properly site septic systems.
Properly sited, installed, and maintained septic systems protect groundwater supplies, the public's health, and your property investment.
Site Evaluations
A site evaluation is an evaluation of the soils, topography, measurements, and water quality review for your parcel of land to determine what type of septic system, if any, is appropriate at that location.
*Do I need a site evaluation?
YES, if you are developing an undeveloped parcel; if you are altering or replacing an existing septic system; or if you are adding a new septic system to a parcel.
NO, if you have a DEQ Subdivision Approval; or if you have a previous site approval that meets current regulations.
Septic Permits
Septic permits are required for any structure requiring wastewater disposal. The Environmental Division regulates the siting of all on-site wastewater treatment systems in Lewis and Clark County in accordance with County Wastewater Regulations, DEQ Circular 4 and ARM 17.36.
The purpose of permitting septic systems is to ensure that sewage is properly disposed of in appropriate treatment systems in order to protect the public's health, surface water, and groundwater supplies.
The Environmental Health Office permits individual septic tanks with drain fields, individual septic tanks serving a community treatment system, holding tanks, and outhouses.
You MUST obtain a septic system permit prior to the start of ANY construction on the parcel. This includes drilling of the well or digging for the foundation. If construction starts prior to issuance of the septic permit, the permit fee will be doubled, and may include additional penalties.
Septic system permits expire one year from the date of issuance. If the septic permit expires, a new septic system permit request must be submitted, paid for, and issued to the applicant.
To find out if you need a septic permit, or to get a copy of a permit, contact our office at 406-447-8351 or publichealth(at)lccountymt.gov.
Ground Water Monitoring
Ground water monitoring begins April 1 of each year. Groundwater monitoring may be required if your site shows evidence that groundwater may be within 7 feet of the ground surface at any time of the year.
To apply for groundwater monitoring you must complete an application before ground water peaks in your area. We accept some groundwater applications after May 1, but only on a case by case basis.
The groundwater monitoring fee is $630 and allows for up to 4 monitoring wells.
Minimum setbacks for an on-site wastewater system diagram: Basic Lot Layout
Drenda Niemann
Health Officer
406-457-8900
Environmental Services
City-County Building
316 N. Park Room 230
Helena, MT 59623
(406) 447-8351
Fax: (406) 447-8398
Kathy Moore, RS
Administrator
Environmental Services
Beth Norberg, RS
Environmental Program Supervisor
Jay Plant, RS
Valerie Stacey, RS