Excavation, septic & site work in the Portland metro

It depends on the job. The biggest cost factors are the scope of work, soil and rock conditions, how deep we have to dig, site access for equipment, how much material has to be hauled in or out, what your permit requires and, for septic, the type of system your site evaluation calls for. Estimates are free: we look at the site or the plans first and then give you a written quote that spells out what’s included.

Often, yes. In Oregon every new, replacement or repaired septic system needs a permit, and many foundation, grading, utility and demolition jobs need city or county permits too. What applies depends on where your property is and what you’re building. We’ll help you figure out what your project needs.

It’s your choice. We can pull the permits for you for an added fee, or, if you’d rather save money, you can pull them yourself and we’ll guide you through the process. We’ll go over both options with your estimate.

It usually starts with a site evaluation done by the county or DEQ (or a licensed site evaluator), where soil test pits are checked to decide what kind of system the property can support. We don’t do soil testing or the evaluation itself, but we can dig the test pits for your site evaluator. Next comes a construction-installation permit. The system is then installed by a DEQ-licensed installer (or the property owner) and inspected before it’s covered. In the Portland metro area, septic permits are handled locally on DEQ’s behalf, and we can tell you which office handles your property. As an Oregon DEQ Certified Septic Installer, we can pull the septic permits for you (added fee) or guide you through filing them yourself.

All of them, residential and commercial: standard gravity systems, pressurized distribution, capping fills, sand filters, alternative treatment technology (ATT) systems, drip dispersal where it’s approved, holding tanks and more. The system your property needs is set by its site evaluation and permit, and we install it to that design.

Yes. We do septic inspections and written reports for home sales and purchases, or when something seems off. We explain plainly what we find.

That depends on the size of the job, the ground conditions, the weather and the permits. The digging itself is often the shortest part. Site evaluations, permits and inspections can take longer, so it pays to start early. Your quote will include a realistic timeline once we’ve seen the scope.

Move vehicles, equipment and anything else out of the work area, and keep kids and pets clear while machines are running. Show us any private lines that 811 won’t mark, such as sprinkler lines, wells, private water or power lines to outbuildings, and existing septic parts. We request 811 utility locates before we dig.

Excavation does disturb the ground, but we work to keep that to a minimum. When the work is done, we backfill, compact, grade and clean up, and we haul off the spoils and debris. We also do topsoil, seeding and yard restoration, so we can put your yard back. Ask for it and we’ll include it in your quote so you know exactly what to expect.

Yes. Our crew takes on utilities, drainage, foundation excavation, concrete prep, retaining walls, demolition and site development as a sub, working from your plans and specs and coordinating with your superintendent, inspectors and the other trades. Send us your plans and tell us the scope you want priced.

We turn around same-day bids on most plans. Larger or more complex packages can take a little longer, and we’ll tell you up front when that’s the case.

No. No job is too small: a single trench, a small demo, one load hauled or a short drain line is welcome. We also take on large commercial and development work.

Yes, any time, including after hours and on Sundays. After-hours rates apply. If your septic system has failed, sewage is backing up, or a water or sewer line has broken, call (503) 804-7079 and tell us what’s happening. We’ll let you know how quickly we can get there.

Yes, our crew works year-round. Oregon’s rain and winter conditions are part of the job. If weather affects a specific step, such as a soil-sensitive septic install or finish grading, we’ll explain it and plan around it.

Yes. Marc Excavation Company LLC is licensed and insured in Oregon under CCB #262710, and you can verify it on the Oregon Construction Contractors Board website. We are also an Oregon DEQ Certified Septic Installer. GCs can ask us for a certificate of insurance and license details for their prequalification files.

The Portland metro and Clackamas County, from our base in Estacada, OR. We take residential and commercial work across Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties, including Estacada, Eagle Creek, Redland, Beavercreek, Mulino, Molalla, Canby, Portland, Gresham, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, Tigard, Tualatin, West Linn, Oregon City, Milwaukie, Happy Valley, Clackamas, Troutdale, Fairview, Wood Village, Sandy, Gladstone, Wilsonville, Sherwood, Damascus and Boring. Nearby and not listed? Give us a call.

Yes. Estimates are free. Call or send the form, and we’ll look at the site or your plans and give you a written quote.

The project location, what you need done and when you’d like it done. Photos of the area and the access route help a lot. If you have plans, site evaluation results or permit documents, send those too.