Online Application
Click an image from the revolving list below to begin filling out an application. Make sure you have a Registered Account before starting. Not every application type is available to submit online. If you don't see the application type you need, please contact our office.
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New Septic System Permit
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Soils Evaluation
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Tank Replacement
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Water Availability
Create an Account
The EHU is excited to offer online application through our permit software provider, Accela Automation. Citizens must have a registered Public User account before submissions can be made. Please register for an account on the Registration Page to get started.
Already have an account? Access the Citizen Portal to login.
Application Documents
In general, an application will always require certain documents. Additional documents may become required, depending on the situation. Below are tables identifying all possible required documents, per application type. If you are unsure about what documents are required for your application, please contact our department by phone or email at omseptic@co.cowlitz.wa.us
Application Type: Septic System Permit
Document Name | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application Packet | A multi-page, single scan/pdf | Must include, at a minimum:
|
| PCC* Approval | A document signed by a Planner from Building & Planning indicating approval of the proposed project | Submit a request for PCC online! If approved, these documents get emailed directly to you. |
| PCC* Site Plan | The OSS Design or Soils Evaluation site plan stamped Approved by a Planner |
Application Type: Soils Evaluation
Document Name | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application Packet | A multi-page, single scan/pdf | Must include, at a minimum:
|
| PCC* Approval | A document signed by a Planner from Building & Planning indicating approval of the proposed project | Submit a request for PCC online! If approved, these documents get emailed directly to you. |
| PCC* Site Plan | The OSS Design or Soils Evaluation site plan stamped Approved by a Planner |
Application Type: Water Availability
Document Name | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Water Well Report | Describes the location, ownership, construction details and lithology of a completed well. Generated by a well driller after construction and filed with WA State Department of Ecology. A 2 hour flow test indicating drawdown and recovery time is acceptable in place of a report. | Search for a Well Report using Ecology's search tool! |
| Site Plan | A Cowlitz County approved site plan marking the location of the well/water source | |
| Bacteriological Test | Satisfactory results of a bacteriological test performed by a WA State Certified Lab within the previous six (6) months | Download a PDF of labs located in/adjacent to Cowlitz County! |
| Chemical Analysis | Results of an inorganic chemical test performed by a WA State Certified Lab within the previous 12 months. Test must include Arsenic, Iron, Manganese, Sodium, Zinc, Chloride, Nitrate, and Sulfate. | |
| Easement & Agreement | A legal document that speaks to the use and ownership of the well and waterworks. Must be signed, notarized, and recorded with the County Auditor. | EHU maintains different types of Water User Easement and Agreements that can be filled out by applicants |
| Water Rights | A right to use a volume of water, for a defined purpose, in a specific place. Managed by WA State Department of Ecology. | Click here to learn more about Water Rights on Ecology's website. |
Online Payment
At this time, payment can only be made using a desktop or laptop with our payment processor, Forte. We accept payments by eCheck or card (MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express). Convenience fees are applied when using this service:
- eCheck Fee: $1.75 per transaction
- Card Fee: 2.75% of the payment with a minimum of $2.00, whichever is greater.
Typically, fees are assessed and invoiced by staff on records created from submissions. If the submission was made online, contacts are notified by email of a record's balance. A link provided in the email directs citizens to their record to make payments. Please contact our department if you experience issues with paying online.
A list of EHU fees is included in the Department's fee schedule.
Paper Application
Paper applications are still accepted for review by submitting them at the EHU counter.