Changes to Septic and Well Evaluation and Design Services Process

July 31, 2019

For More Information Contact

  • Briana Bill, environmental health manager, Pittsylvania-Danville Health District, 434-766-9833

General Assembly Proposes Changes to Application Processes for Onsite Sewage Systems and Private Wells

(DANVILLE/PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va.) – House Bill 558 of the General Assembly requires the State Health Commissioner to develop a plan to reduce and eliminate evaluation and design services provided by the Virginia Department of Health for onsite sewage system and private wells, shifting those direct services to the private sector.

House Bill 888 allows VDH to gradually transition evaluation and design services for onsite sewage systems and private wells to the private sector. VDH will continue to be the permitting authority for all onsite septic systems and private drinking water wells and may serve as a provider of last resort for applicants who submit a petition for services. This transition is expected to go into effect this year.

More information regarding the proposed transition is available at www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/onsite-sewage-water-services-updated/news-of-interest/.

For more information, contact Pittsylvania-Danville Health District Environmental Health Manager Briana Bill at briana.bill@vdh.virginia.gov or 434-766-9833. Or contact your local health district. (See www.vdh.virginia.gov/health-department-locator.)