Richland County County · Pop. 136,632
Columbia is South Carolina's capital and home to the University of South Carolina, Fort Jackson, and a rapidly diversifying economic base that has made it one of the Southeast's more affordable major metros for residential growth. The Columbia metro's defining geographic feature is the Fall Line — the geological boundary where the hard Piedmont rocks meet the soft Coastal Plain sediments, running through the heart of the city. This transition creates a distinctive septic landscape: the Sandhills zone east and north of Columbia offers some of the most favorable on-site sewage soils in South Carolina, with deep sandy soils and low water tables that support conventional gravity systems at relatively modest cost. The Lexington County suburbs west of the Congaree River and the Lake Murray corridor introduce more variable Piedmont soils and the additional permitting considerations of a major reservoir watershed.
Construction Waste Svcs Columb is a South Carolina Department of Environmental Services licensed onsite wastewater contractor based in Columbia, South Carolina (Richland County). SCDES lists permit 40-368-40040 — OSWW Pumper/Hauler — as in effect. A pumper/hauler permit authorizes septage removal and transport under S.C. Reg. 61-56.
Work this license authorizes, per South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
Davis Environmental LLC is a South Carolina Department of Environmental Services licensed onsite wastewater contractor based in Columbia, South Carolina (Richland County). SCDES lists permit OSWWI0569 — OSWW Installer Tier 2 — as in effect. South Carolina tiers installer permits by system complexity under S.C. Reg. 61-56, with higher tiers authorizing alternative and large-capacity systems.
Work this license authorizes, per South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
E & D Enterprises INC is a South Carolina Department of Environmental Services licensed onsite wastewater contractor based in Columbia, South Carolina (Richland County). SCDES lists permit 40-368-40013 — OSWW Pumper/Hauler — as in effect. A pumper/hauler permit authorizes septage removal and transport under S.C. Reg. 61-56.
Work this license authorizes, per South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
Eargle Septic & Backhoe Servic is a South Carolina Department of Environmental Services licensed onsite wastewater contractor based in Columbia, South Carolina (Richland County). SCDES lists permit 40-367-40051 — OSWW Installer Tier 2 — as in effect. South Carolina tiers installer permits by system complexity under S.C. Reg. 61-56, with higher tiers authorizing alternative and large-capacity systems.
Work this license authorizes, per South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
Columbia, SC 29203
OSWW Pumper/Hauler OSWWP0092
Fusionsite Services Dba Portable Services is a South Carolina Department of Environmental Services licensed onsite wastewater contractor based in Columbia, South Carolina (Richland County). SCDES lists permit OSWWP0092 — OSWW Pumper/Hauler — as in effect. A pumper/hauler permit authorizes septage removal and transport under S.C. Reg. 61-56.
Work this license authorizes, per South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
Gray Portable Toilet Services is a South Carolina Department of Environmental Services licensed onsite wastewater contractor based in Columbia, South Carolina (Richland County). SCDES lists permit 38-368-38023 — OSWW Pumper/Hauler — as in effect. A pumper/hauler permit authorizes septage removal and transport under S.C. Reg. 61-56.
Work this license authorizes, per South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
Local Waste Service is a South Carolina Department of Environmental Services licensed onsite wastewater contractor based in Columbia, South Carolina (Richland County). SCDES lists permit OSWWP0013 — OSWW Pumper/Hauler — as in effect. A pumper/hauler permit authorizes septage removal and transport under S.C. Reg. 61-56.
Work this license authorizes, per South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
Midlands is a South Carolina Department of Environmental Services licensed onsite wastewater contractor based in Columbia, South Carolina (Richland County). SCDES lists permit OSWWI0753 — OSWW Installer Tier 2 — as in effect. South Carolina tiers installer permits by system complexity under S.C. Reg. 61-56, with higher tiers authorizing alternative and large-capacity systems.
Work this license authorizes, per South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
Providence Environmental INC is a South Carolina Department of Environmental Services licensed onsite wastewater contractor based in Columbia, South Carolina (Richland County). SCDES lists permit 40-368-40029 — OSWW Pumper/Hauler — as in effect. A pumper/hauler permit authorizes septage removal and transport under S.C. Reg. 61-56.
Work this license authorizes, per South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
Septimio Construction INC is a South Carolina Department of Environmental Services licensed onsite wastewater contractor based in Columbia, South Carolina (Richland County). SCDES lists permit OSWWI0154 — OSWW Installer Tier 2 — as in effect. South Carolina tiers installer permits by system complexity under S.C. Reg. 61-56, with higher tiers authorizing alternative and large-capacity systems.
Work this license authorizes, per South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
Williamston, SC 29697
OSWW Installer Tier 2 OSWWI0668
Ace Plumbing, Electric, Heating And Air LLC is a South Carolina Department of Environmental Services licensed onsite wastewater contractor based in Williamston, South Carolina (Richland County). SCDES lists permit OSWWI0668 — OSWW Installer Tier 2 — as in effect. South Carolina tiers installer permits by system complexity under S.C. Reg. 61-56, with higher tiers authorizing alternative and large-capacity systems.
Work this license authorizes, per South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
Fort Jackson, SC 29207
OSWW Pumper/Hauler OSWWP0179
American States Utility Services(Psus) is a South Carolina Department of Environmental Services licensed onsite wastewater contractor based in Fort Jackson, South Carolina (Richland County). SCDES lists permit OSWWP0179 — OSWW Pumper/Hauler — as in effect. A pumper/hauler permit authorizes septage removal and transport under S.C. Reg. 61-56.
Work this license authorizes, per South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
Apple Services Plumbing is a South Carolina Department of Environmental Services licensed onsite wastewater contractor based in Irmo, South Carolina (Richland County). SCDES lists permit OSWWP0114 — OSWW Pumper/Hauler — as in effect. A pumper/hauler permit authorizes septage removal and transport under S.C. Reg. 61-56.
Work this license authorizes, per South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
B&K Grading And Paving, LLC is a South Carolina Department of Environmental Services licensed onsite wastewater contractor based in Aiken, South Carolina (Richland County). SCDES lists permit OSWWP0121 — OSWW Pumper/Hauler — as in effect. A pumper/hauler permit authorizes septage removal and transport under S.C. Reg. 61-56.
Work this license authorizes, per South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
Carolina Digz is a South Carolina Department of Environmental Services licensed onsite wastewater contractor based in N Myrtle Bch, South Carolina (Richland County). SCDES lists permit OSWWI0677 — OSWW Installer Tier 2 — as in effect. South Carolina tiers installer permits by system complexity under S.C. Reg. 61-56, with higher tiers authorizing alternative and large-capacity systems.
Work this license authorizes, per South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
Enegue LLC is a South Carolina Department of Environmental Services licensed onsite wastewater contractor based in Eastover, South Carolina (Richland County). SCDES lists permit 40-367-40065 — OSWW Installer Tier 2 — as in effect. South Carolina tiers installer permits by system complexity under S.C. Reg. 61-56, with higher tiers authorizing alternative and large-capacity systems.
Work this license authorizes, per South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
Flush Group is a South Carolina Department of Environmental Services licensed onsite wastewater contractor based in Woodruff, South Carolina (Richland County). SCDES lists permit OSWWI0321 — OSWW Installer Tier 2 — as in effect. South Carolina tiers installer permits by system complexity under S.C. Reg. 61-56, with higher tiers authorizing alternative and large-capacity systems.
Work this license authorizes, per South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
Kleene Greene Grease Services is a South Carolina Department of Environmental Services licensed onsite wastewater contractor based in Irmo, South Carolina (Richland County). SCDES lists permit 40-368-40039 — OSWW Pumper/Hauler — as in effect. A pumper/hauler permit authorizes septage removal and transport under S.C. Reg. 61-56.
Work this license authorizes, per South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
Moye Septic & Porta John Svc L is a South Carolina Department of Environmental Services licensed onsite wastewater contractor based in Hopkins, South Carolina (Richland County). SCDES lists permit 40-368-40035 — OSWW Pumper/Hauler — as in effect. A pumper/hauler permit authorizes septage removal and transport under S.C. Reg. 61-56.
Work this license authorizes, per South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
Moye Septic & Porta John Svc LLC is a South Carolina Department of Environmental Services licensed onsite wastewater contractor based in Hopkins, South Carolina (Richland County). SCDES lists permit OSWWI0184 — OSWW Installer Tier 2 — as in effect. South Carolina tiers installer permits by system complexity under S.C. Reg. 61-56, with higher tiers authorizing alternative and large-capacity systems.
Work this license authorizes, per South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
Blythewood, SC 29016
OSWW Installer Tier 2 OSWWI0620
Palmetto Septic Install & Repair is a South Carolina Department of Environmental Services licensed onsite wastewater contractor based in Blythewood, South Carolina (Richland County). SCDES lists permit OSWWI0620 — OSWW Installer Tier 2 — as in effect. South Carolina tiers installer permits by system complexity under S.C. Reg. 61-56, with higher tiers authorizing alternative and large-capacity systems.
Work this license authorizes, per South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
R Smith Grading LLC is a South Carolina Department of Environmental Services licensed onsite wastewater contractor based in Seneca, South Carolina (Richland County). SCDES lists permit OSWWI0365 — OSWW Installer Tier 2 — as in effect. South Carolina tiers installer permits by system complexity under S.C. Reg. 61-56, with higher tiers authorizing alternative and large-capacity systems.
Work this license authorizes, per South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
Rent Ready Low Country is a South Carolina Department of Environmental Services licensed onsite wastewater contractor based in Ladson, South Carolina (Richland County). SCDES lists permit OSWWI0801 — OSWW Installer Tier 2 — as in effect. South Carolina tiers installer permits by system complexity under S.C. Reg. 61-56, with higher tiers authorizing alternative and large-capacity systems.
Work this license authorizes, per South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
Santech, LLC is a South Carolina Department of Environmental Services licensed onsite wastewater contractor based in Saluda, South Carolina (Richland County). SCDES lists permit OSWWI0443 — OSWW Installer Tier 2 — as in effect. South Carolina tiers installer permits by system complexity under S.C. Reg. 61-56, with higher tiers authorizing alternative and large-capacity systems.
Work this license authorizes, per South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
Sharpe's Contracting is a South Carolina Department of Environmental Services licensed onsite wastewater contractor based in Blythewood, South Carolina (Richland County). SCDES lists permit 40-367-40060 — OSWW Installer Tier 2 — as in effect. South Carolina tiers installer permits by system complexity under S.C. Reg. 61-56, with higher tiers authorizing alternative and large-capacity systems.
Work this license authorizes, per South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
Smallworks LLC is a South Carolina Department of Environmental Services licensed onsite wastewater contractor based in Travelers Rst, South Carolina (Richland County). SCDES lists permit OSWWI0390 — OSWW Installer Tier 2 — as in effect. South Carolina tiers installer permits by system complexity under S.C. Reg. 61-56, with higher tiers authorizing alternative and large-capacity systems.
Work this license authorizes, per South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
Turd Burglars is a South Carolina Department of Environmental Services licensed onsite wastewater contractor based in Irmo, South Carolina (Richland County). SCDES lists permit OSWWI0755 — OSWW Installer Tier 2 — as in effect. South Carolina tiers installer permits by system complexity under S.C. Reg. 61-56, with higher tiers authorizing alternative and large-capacity systems.
Work this license authorizes, per South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
Turd Burglars LLC is a South Carolina Department of Environmental Services licensed onsite wastewater contractor based in Irmo, South Carolina (Richland County). SCDES lists permit OSWWI0756 — OSWW Installer Tier 2 — as in effect. South Carolina tiers installer permits by system complexity under S.C. Reg. 61-56, with higher tiers authorizing alternative and large-capacity systems.
Work this license authorizes, per South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
$2,000 – $15,000
$200 – $800
$300 – $600
$3,500 – $20,000
$275 – $600
$500 – $5,000
$6,000 – $25,000
$300 – $3,000
$50 – $500
$500 – $8,000
| Service | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Septic Tank Pumping | $250 - $400 |
| Septic System Installation | $5,500 - $14,000 |
Lakeland and Fuquay soil series on the Sandhills transition zone — deep, excessively drained fine to medium sands with percolation rates of 3–10 minutes per inch. The Columbia area sits at the geological transition between the Piedmont and the Coastal Plain, with the Fall Line running directly through the metro area. Soils east of the Fall Line are sandy Coastal Plain deposits; west of it, Piedmont clay loams begin to predominate.
The Lakeland series dominates the Sandhills zone surrounding Columbia — a deep, well-drained fine sand with virtually no clay content that supports percolation rates of 3–8 minutes per inch and water tables well below the 18-inch minimum separation requirement. These are ideal conventional septic soils. The Fuquay series introduces a thin arenic layer over a subsoil with slightly more restrictive percolation. Moving west into Lexington County's Piedmont transition, the Appling and Cecil clay series appear, with percolation rates climbing to 30–60 min/inch and requiring larger drain fields. Floodplain soils along the three rivers converging at Columbia (Broad, Saluda, Congaree) are hydric and prohibitively wet for any on-site sewage installation.
DHEC Regulation 61-56 applies across the Columbia metro through the Central Midlands Regional Office. Richland County has no local overlay — DHEC rules are the primary regulatory framework. Lexington County similarly defers to DHEC but has additional local ordinances governing development near Lake Murray, South Carolina's largest reservoir. Properties within the Lake Murray watershed require DHEC environmental review for new systems, and some shoreline parcels must demonstrate that systems will not contribute nutrients to the reservoir. Columbia's proximity to Fort Jackson creates areas of federal jurisdiction on and near the installation boundary.
DHEC's Central Midlands Region Office in Columbia issues on-site wastewater permits for Richland and Lexington counties. Columbia and the Midlands benefit from relatively favorable sandy soils that allow a higher rate of conventional system approval compared to coastal or Piedmont locations. Permit fees are $175–$350 for standard residential applications, making this one of the more affordable permitting jurisdictions in the state. Processing times average 3–5 weeks for standard permits. Lexington County's growth along the Lake Murray corridor has increased application volumes in that district. Properties near Lake Murray require DHEC OCRM review for systems within 1,000 feet of the reservoir shoreline.
Septic contractors in the surrounding region