Onsite Wastewater Fees, Certifications, & Permits
Onsite Wastewater Professional Certification, Registration, and Permit Fees
This section outlines fees for onsite wastewater systems, including septic systems, private lagoons, and holding tanks.
- Certification fees apply to individuals performing system-related work
- Registration fees apply to construction or modification of systems
- Application fees apply to permits and subdivision reviews
All fees are nonrefundable. Additional local government requirements may also apply.
Certification Fees
Individuals performing work such as percolation testing, installation, repair, pumping, or inspection of onsite wastewater systems must be certified by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, unless they are a licensed professional engineer or registered environmental health specialist.
Certification categories include:
- Master Installer
- Journeyman Installer
- Soil Evaluator
- Inspector
- Master Pumper
- Journeyman Pumper
A qualified professional must be present at the job site whenever work is performed.
View fee schedules (PDF) and learn about professional certification requirements .
Registration Fees
Construction or modification of an onsite system (such as septic systems, lagoons, holding tanks, or engineered systems) must be registered with DWEE.
- $140 registration fee per system
- $150 late fee for submissions 46–90 days after completion
- $450 late fee for submissions more than 90 days after completion
View fee schedules (PDF) and review registration requirements .
Permit Application Fees
A permit is required for onsite wastewater systems that:
- Handle flows of 1,000 gallons per day or more
- Manage non-household wastewater
- Are not covered under “Authorization by Rule” (Title 124, Chapter 3, Section 002)
Plans must be prepared by a professional engineer.
- $450 application fee (covers both construction and operating permits)
A construction permit is required before building, and an operating permit is required before system use.
Subdivision Review and Approval Fees
Approval is required before developing areas where onsite wastewater systems are proposed on lots smaller than three acres.
Site layouts must be completed by a qualified professional (Master or Journeyman Installer or Professional Engineer).
- $450 application fee per lot
View fee schedules (PDF) , access permit application forms (PDF) , and learn more about subdivision permits .
Additional Information and Forms
Visit the Onsite Wastewater Program page for more resources and forms.