Septic Real Estate Evaluations
Oregon DEQ does not have a standard existing Real Estate Review form or recommendation, except for Advanced Treatment Systems (ATT). Currently reviews can be as simple as a “drive by” or a walk around the property doing a “scratch and sniff” neither provides useful information to a seller or buyer. Any licensed DEQ installer or pumper can provide an inspection of this type. Litigating Attorneys love these type of inspections.
Goodman Sanitation Inc. offers professional NAWT inspections. NAWT is nationally recognized organization of onsite professionals. DEQ has approved the NAWT inspection format for ATT systems state wide. This inspection procedure is 4/6 pages and consists of interviewing the existing owner about the system, checking local county or DEQ records, locating and pumping the septic tank, inspecting the tank for functionality, water tightness, leaks and cracks as well as a detailed evaluation procedure for the other components of the system. Forms are available to lenders, Real Estate professionals, Home Sellers and Buyers upon request and are email able.
Whether the property is connected to a city sewer, septic system or other on-site wastewater treatment system is important information. The condition of such systems can be highly material in real estate transactions. Real estate licensees are not licensed to do plumbing or septic inspections. If the property has a septic system or other on-site wastewater treatment system, the seller should consider inspection by a licensed septic system installer or other on-site wastewater treatment system professional prior to marketing the property. Information about on-site wastewater treatment systems, and licensed installers and pumpers, can be found on the website for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) at: http//www.deq.state.or.us/wq/onsite/onsite.htm. Specific information about septic systems and other on-site wastewater treatment systems is usually available from the county. Buyers will often check with the county as part of their due diligence when purchasing property with an on-site wastewater treatment system. Sellers can avoid potential transaction problems by checking permitting and system status with the county prior to marketing. County websites can be found at:
http://www.aocweb.org/aoc/AboutOregonCountyLinks/tabid/72/Default.aspx
