Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Onsite Sewage

The Onsite sewage program is designed to assist citizens in obtaining a safe and sanitary means of disposing sewage where public sewage disposal is not available. This usually means that the sewage is discharged into or on the ground. The Commonwealth of Virginia, State Board of Health, Sewage Handling and Disposal Regulations control onsite sewage disposal.

Factors Influencing Septic System Permits

Position in the Landscape

Subject to periodic flooding

Slope

Insuffiecient Depth of Suitable Soil

Over Rock

To the Indicated Seasonal Water Table

Note: Minimum absorption trench depth is 18 inches

Insufficient Depth of Acceptable Soil

1. Acceptable:

a. Texture Group I (sand, loamy sand) Equal to or less than 16 minutes per inch

b. Texture Group II (sandy loam, loam, sandy clay loam) 17 - 45 minutes per inch

c. Texture Group III (silt loam, silty clay loam) 46 - 90 minutes per inch

d. Texture Group IV (sandy clay, silty clay and clay) Equal to or grater than 91 minutes per inch

2. Unacceptable:

a. Percolation rate grater than 120 minutes per inch

Proximity to Existing or Proposed Wells

50 foot stand off to a class II well

50 foot stand off to a class IIIA or IIIB well

100 foot stand off to a class IIIC or IV well

Proximity to Surface Water

Oceans, Lakes, Rivers, Streams, Canals, and Springs