The Montesano office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Most office hours are staffed by someone in our liquid waste program, however
there are times when staff may not be available but you can leave a message
with a receptionist or on voicemail.
12 days a year, we are shut down for layoffs.
Where can I find my parcel number and legal description?
The Grays Harbor County Assessor's office has property information. You can also find your parcel number and legal description on your current tax statement.
Where can I find the location of my water and/or sewer lines?
This information is available from your public water and sewer purveyor.
Are sewers coming to my area?
Contact the sewer district of your area.
How do I apply for a permit?
You may request an application packet by calling (360)249-4222, by visiting one of our offices, or link to our online Application Process page.
How long does it take to get a permit?
It depends on the type and complexity of the project, and the time of year. The summer months is our busiest season, so on average, permits may take approximately 1 to 2 weeks. Some things that may delay the overall permit process include: having to comply with other regulations, insufficient information, public notice requests, and/or project revisions. There are some types of permits that can often be issued over the counter, including mechanical permits, commercial reroof permits, and retail firework stand permits.
When is my permit issued?
Once the review process has been completed, the Environmental Health Division will send you the approved permits. The permit documents and approved plans shall be on site during all inspections.
How long is a permit good for?
A septic installation permit is valid for two years from the date of issuance. A septic repair permit is valid for 6 months from the date of issuance and is non-renewable.
What is an on-site septic system?
An on-site septic system is an integrated arrangement of components for a residence, building, industrial establishment, or other places not connected to public sewer. This system conveys, stores, treats and/or provides subsurface soil treatment and disposal, not exceeding 3,500 gallons per day, on the property where it originates, or upon adjacent or nearby property. An on-site septic system includes piping, treatment devices, other accessories, and soil underlying the disposal component of the initial and reserve areas.
When is an on-site septic system permit needed?
A septic permit is needed anytime you construct, repair, replace, expand or significantly alter your on-site septic system.
How do I apply for an on-site septic system permit?
Test holes are areas which are dug for the purpose of evaluating the soil profile and water table during the on-site septic evaluation. Three test holes must be located in, or adjacent to, the areas designated as the primary and the reserve drainfield. Test holes must be 2 feet wide and 6 feet deep with a ramp cut into the ground for gaining access into the hole. If test holes dug in non-sandy soils do not have adequate ramp, or if the spoils of the holes are too close and present a safety hazard, the site will not be evaluated.
What is the "reserve area"?
"Reserve Area" means an area of land approved for the installation of an on-site sewage system and dedicated for replacement of the on-site septic system in the event of its failure. Failure of your on-site septic system will still require you to go through the permit process.
Can I design my own on-site septic system?
State sewage regulations require that either a licensed septic system designer or registered professional engineer design on-site septic systems. The State issues licenses for designers and engineers. A licensed designer or properly trained engineer can provide you with specifications for a septic system.
Where can I find a list of designers?
This list of on-site septic system designers is for information only. Designers are listed at their own request. It is the responsibility of the property owner to ask for references and to verify a designers' license. You may verify their license status at the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) website.
Can I install my own on-site septic system after I obtain a permit?
The Division of Environmental Health will allow the property owner to install their own septic system. Developers, installing a system for resale, must use a licensed septic installer.
Where can I find a list of on-site septic installers?
Do you have a copy of my on-site septic system permit?
Please fill out and return the request for septic information form to the Division of Environmental Health.
How can I find my on-site septic system?
Locating a septic system will be aided if you have an "as-built" drawing of the system. Copies of most as-built plans are available from our office, call our office, 249-4222 or email our department. If an as-built is not available, you or your contractor will need to use some investigative skills. If a crawl space is accessible you may be able to determine where the plumbing leaves the house and then by using a probe bar, follow the pipe and locate the tank. Fiberglass or polyethylene tanks can be ruptured with a probe bar, so use caution. Once you have located the tank you will need to follow the line that leads from the tank to the drainfield. The drainfield may have depressions or greener, faster growing grass.
I'm planning on selling my house; do I need to have the on-site septic system inspected?
At this time, Grays Harbor County does not require septic system inspections for home sales. Your lending institution (Bank , Mortgage Co.) may require an inspection as part of the sales agreement.
What if I still have questions?
Please visit or contact either of our offices and our staff will assist you.
