Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Water

Options for Installing or Upgrading a Septic System

All septic systems in Alaska are subject to Alaska Regulations Chapter 72. Chapter 72 outlines the qualified persons, types of systems, and process that must take place for a septic system to be considered approved. Qualified persons who may design, install, construct, or modify septic systems are:

• Registered engineers
• Certified Installers (PDF)
• Approved homeowners

Important note: The Municipality of Anchorage and the the City of Valdez have additional requirements, please contact those offices if you are constructing in one of these areas.

Option 1 - Hire a registered Professional Engineer:

A Professional Engineer who is registered in the State of Alaska will evaluate the soils, perform a percolation test if necessary, design the septic system, and certify the completed installation meets requirements. The contractor or homeowner will construct the system, while the engineer is responsible for completion of the required paperwork. An engineer is required for any system serving multiple buildings, commercial buildings with wastewater flows over 500 gallons per day, non-domestic wastewater flows and conditions that do not allow installation of conventional wastewater system. An engineer is also required if minimum requirements or separation distances cannot be met.

Option 2 - Hire a Certified Installer:

Certified Installers (PDF) are contractors who have completed training which allows them to install conventional septic systems.

Option 3 - Participate in the Approved Homeowner program:

In order to participate in the DEC's Approved Homeowner program you must follow the instructions below:

• View DEC’s Interactive Training CD on installing septic systems and pass the test provided on the CD.
• Send a copy of the Confirmation Letter of Completion and the current fee to the DEC will allow you to become certified as a homeowner to install one septic system on your own owner-occupied private residence within one year of the date of certification.
• Evaluate Soils: You must hire a Professional Engineer to evaluate the soils in the area within 25 feet of the proposed septic system before starting the design and excavation of the system. The engineer  may rate the soils on site or collect a soil sample for a mechanical analysis. This information is required to properly size the absorption area and must be submitted with the Documentation of Construction form.
• Submit a 24 hour notice of installation to local DEC office.
• Photographs of the installation and a Documentation of Construction form must be completed by the homeowner and submitted to the DEC within 90 days of construction to verify compliance with regulations.