Septic systems can be hazardous after a fire.
As you return to your property, it is vital to do a thorough inspection of your property’s septic tank before resuming use.
Though typically several feet underground, septic systems can be damaged by firefighting activity like digging, trenching or heavy equipment or affected by smoldering fires that stay hot in the root systems of trees near your property.
Check the area around your septic system for damage. If sewage is visibly exposed or at the surface, secure the area from access, especially by children or pets. Contact Lane County for assistance assessing the wastewater treatment system. You can find all the information you need about how to contact customer service and how to schedule an inspection on the On-Site Wastewater page.
The FAQs below were provided by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
FAQs
If my house was not destroyed or damaged by wildfire do I need to have my septic inspected prior to returning?
No. You should be mindful of slow draining plumbing fixtures or wet spots in the yard in the absorption field and be aware that system components such as septic tanks, lids, control panels above ground or even below ground may be damaged. Contact a licensed sewage disposal service if you encounter these situations.
If I'm going to rebuild or replace my home do I need to have my septic system inspected?
Yes, if you intend on reconnecting to the existing septic system. Try to avoid disturbing any existing septic system components, especially the drainfield area during demolition activities. After the debris removal has been completed, and before the building permit for the residence can be issued, you'll need to apply to Lane County Land Management for an Authorization Notice to have the system inspected. If repairs are necessary, installation of new septic tanks and absorption fields cannot be permitted until after the debris removal is completed.
If my house is standing, but there's damage to the septic system do I need a permit to make repairs?
Yes. You will need to secure a repair permit from Lane County Land Management. A licensed and certified sewage disposal service must do the work, although a property owner or the property owner's employee may install their own system. A contractor is recommended to install a septic system, unless the property owner has excavation skills.
If I don't rebuild and want to sell my lot do I need to have my septic inspected?
No. Septic systems on properties where the homes were destroyed or damaged by wildfire will not need to be inspected prior to transferring title. However, it is advisable to have an Existing System Evaluation Report completed to ensure any issues are identified. There are requirements on who can do these evaluations and the DEQ form must be used.
Can I get a copy of a map showing the location of my septic system?
Yes. Please work with Lane County Land Management to access those records.
If I'm rebuilding in a new location on the property will I still be able to use the existing septic system?
It depends. The key factor is if you have enough fall, or difference in elevation, from the proposed structure site to the septic tank. You may need a minor alteration permit to install a new tank, possibly with a pump. There may be other challenges, such as a creek, ravine or road between the proposed structure and the existing septic system.
If the fire damaged my septic tank do I have to replace the whole septic system?
No. Only that portion of the septic system that was damaged must be replaced. Typically, a septic system is comprised of a septic tank and a drainfield. The work must be performed under a permit issued by the local DEQ office or contract county when a septic tank or other portion of the system is replaced.
If the top of septic tank is damaged can I repair it?
No. If the top of a septic tank is damaged, typically the inside of the tank is exposed. This poses a safety hazard for people and wildlife for falling into the tank. It also exposes people to the unhealthy wastewater inside. A septic tank that has undergone this kind of damage is required to be pumped out and filled with sand or gravel or removed. The tank cannot be repaired because the structural integrity of the tank has been compromised.
Is financial assistance available?
EWEB is offering a zero-interest loan program to homeowners whose septic systems were damaged in the fire. See http://www.eweb.org/community-and-environment/mckenzie-watershed-protection/landowner-assistance-programs for more information.
Is FEMA funding available to help with my septic system?
Possibly. FEMA financial assistance may be available to residents in Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn and Marion counties whose private wells and septic systems were damaged by the wildfires. Households that don’t have insurance — or those whose insurance settlement didn’t cover the cost to repair their wells and/or septic systems should contact FEMA to see if they may be eligible. Here’s what to do:
Contact FEMA: online at DisasterAssistance.gov; through the FEMA App; or by phone at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). Applicants should be sure to report any damages to their private well and/or septic system as a result of the disaster.
Those who applied with FEMA and have not yet had a home inspection should let the FEMA inspector know they have a private well and/or septic system. Oregon residents who applied with FEMA and are insured should contact the FEMA helpline and let them know that they have well/septic damage so that an inspection can be issued. If an inspection has already been conducted and a well or septic system wasn’t reported, applicants may send FEMA a dated and signed letter, along with a contractor’s estimate, indicating they are appealing for the well and/or septic system.
What if an applicant has already received FEMA assistance for their private well/septic system, but additional help for these costs is needed?
Applicants should provide FEMA with a verifiable estimate/receipt showing the well and/or septic system was physically damaged, collapsed and/or is no longer functioning as a direct result of the disaster. They should be sure to include a dated and signed letter, along with the contractor’s estimate, indicating they are appealing for additional help with the well and/or septic system.
If the submitted estimates/receipts do not specifically include this information, FEMA will call the contractor to confirm the information.
Disaster survivors who have questions about a pending application for disaster assistance can contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585).