How To Contact Us:
Jesse Barnes, Environmental Health Specialist
Office: 541-573-2761
Cell: 541-589-5788 call or text
Email: jesse@harneycountyor.gov
Carrie Conaway, Program Technician
Office: 541-573-8195
Email: carrie.conaway@harneycountyor.gov
Onsite Sanitation
To schedule an onsite inspection please call 541-573-2761.
Harney County provides Onsite Sanitation services to Baker, Grant, Harney, Union, Wallowa and Wheeler Counties. The septic approval process is the same across all six counties. While there is only one Onsite Septic Application, there are many options for a septic: Site Evaluation, Septic Construction Permit, Authorization to Connect, and Repair. A Land Use Compatibility Statement is required for all Septic Construction Permits and Authorization to Connect applications.
Effective January 1, 2026: Per DEQ RULE: For new construction or repairs that are within city limits or the Urban Growth Boundary, Land Use Compatibility Statements must be signed as well as the Sewer Availability Form.
Applications can be submitted by mail (address on application), through e-mail at permits@harneycountyor.gov, or through Oregon E-Permitting at https://aca-oregon.accela.com/oregon/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fOREGON%2fCap%2fCapApplyDisclaimer.aspx%3fcreateRecordByService%3dyes%26module%3dOnsite&TabName=Onsite
Please contact us if you have any septic questions.
Baker, Grant, Harney, Union, Wallowa & Wheeler Counties use the same Fee Schedule and Application Packet
*DEQ surchagre increases every November 1*
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Onsite Fee Schedule
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Onsite Application Packet
Grant County Links
- Grant and Harney County Memorandum of Agreement
- Grant and Harney County InterGovernmental Agreement
Harney County Links
- Urban Growth Boundary Agency Review Sheet
Wheeler County Links
- Wheeler and Harney County InterGovermental Agreement
Septic Tips:
- Septic tanks should be pumped every 4 years. This removes undigested solids and allows for the inspection of the septic tank to ensure it is holding fluids properly and all baffles are intact.
- If a garbage disposal is used, your tank will need to be larger. Undigested food waste increases the biological processes in the septic tank, increase the amount of space that solids occupy in the tank.
- Decreasing or eliminating the use of harsh cleaning products (bleach, antibacterial products, etc.) will improve the efficacy of your septic system. Cleaning products are harmful to the necessary biological processes in the septic tank.
- Know where your drain field is located. Keep the drain field area protected from vehicle traffic and livestock use. Livestock can crush a drain field just as easily as vehicles.
- You can flood out a drain field. In the winter, it is an accepted practice to let water in your home run a little to keep pipes from freezing. In general this is an accepted practice. However, that water goes into your septic tank and out into your d rain field. If there are any concerns with the health of your drain field, this extra water can flood your drain field, causing pre-mature failure. Look for ways to keep pipes warm before running extra water in to your septic.
- For more septic tips, check out: https://www.infiltratorwater.com/blog/six-tips-for-a-healthy-septic-system/