***Due to staffing shortages and high volume of permits, wastewater review timelines are now around 40 days. We are working hard to return to our normal 30-day turnaround as soon as possible.***

How can you help?

  • Submit completed applications (incomplete applications delays the process)
  • Submit full responses to information requests – partial packets will not be reviewed. 

Please Note: if we have to request more information, the review clock starts over. We cannot expedite additional info reviews at this time. 

Online Portals!

BEFORE you can submit, you must have the following: 

These items must be uploaded to the form below.

How do I know if my project is located in an impaired watershed? Watch video below.

Important Requirements if you are installing a septic system:

  • A local wastewater treatment system permit is ALWAYS required before a system (non-public or public) is installed. Click here for the wastewater treatment system permit.
  • Site evaluations must be performed by a Gallatin County Registered Site Evaluator (see list below) or a Professional Engineer registered in the state of Montana.
  • A Gallatin County Registered Installer (see list below) must be on-site during the installation of every system.

Click here for the local Wastewater Treatment System Application Process

Click here for Wastewater Search Information

A site evaluation must be performed by a Qualified Site Evaluator. We do not make recommendations and encourage you to obtain more than one estimate.

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Septic systems must be installed by a Credentialed Installer. We do not make recommendations and encourage you to obtain more than one estimate.

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Types of Wastewater Treatment Systems:

Non-public wastewater treatment systems (individual/shared, multi-user) are permitted and installed in accordance with state and local regulations. Proper placement, type, and sizing of systems are based on either a Certificate of Subdivision Approval (COSA) or a site evaluation which assesses the site to determine if suitable conditions exist for on-site wastewater treatment and dispersal.

Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has primary responsibility for public wastewater treatment systems, which are defined as serving more than 24 persons for more than 60 days a year or having more than 14 connections.

Septic pumpers are required to obtain a license from MDEQ. Their equipment and disposal sites are regulated to ensure proper treatment of waste.

Wastewater (Septic) Treatment

Our goal at the Gallatin City-County Health Department is to protect human health and the environment through proper treatment and disposal practices in Gallatin County. The department achieves this through education, individual registration, inspections, and a system for reporting and resolving problems.

Click here to learn more about septic tank pumpers.

Resources: