Sections 380 through 440 of the Sewage Handling and Disposal Regulations outline the requirements for pumping and hauling of sewage. Sewage handling means the vehicular conveyance of sewage. A sewage handler is any person who removes or contracts to remove and transports by vehicle the contents of any septic tank, sewage treatment plant, privy, holding tank, portable toilet, or any sewage, septage, or sewage sludges that have been processed to meet acceptable treatment standards. .
12VAC5-610-380. Procedures for obtaining a sewage handling permit.
A. Sewage handling permits are issued by the commissioner. Applications for such permits shall be directed to the district or local health department. The procedure for obtaining sewage handling permits includes the following:
1. Application; DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION HERE.
2. Conference;
3. Scheduling of equipment for initial inspection; and
4. Approval of disposal site or sites.
B. Application. An application for a sewage handling permit shall be made to the local or district health department on a form provided by the department.
C. Conference. A conference will be held with the district or local department for the purpose of discussing the methods and equipment utilized in the handling of sewage.
D. Initial equipment inspection. The owner shall make arrangements with the district or local health department at a suitable time for inspecting the sewage handling equipment.
E. Approval of disposal site or sites.
1. An approved sewerage system or treatment works is a system for which a certificate to operate has been issued jointly by the department and the Department of Environmental Quality or a system which has been issued a separate permit by the commissioner. When the applicant is not the owner of the approved sewerage system or treatment works, the applicant shall append a statement from the owner of the approved sewerage system or treatment works to the application stating that the applicant may discharge septage and/or sewage. The statement shall include the quantity per day and point of discharge as indicated on the application to the approved sewerage system or treatment works.
2. If the disposal site is not an approved sewerage system or treatment works, each disposal site shall be considered a special facility (see 12VAC5-610-590 B) and shall be inspected and approved or disapproved on a case-by-case basis by the district or local health department and the bureau in accordance with 12VAC5-610-250 C.
WHAT TO INSPECT DURING THE SEWAGE HAULING TRUCK INSPECTION
Sections 1020 through 1070 of the Sewage Handling and Disposal Regulations discuss vehicle inspection criteria including vehicle identification, sewage containment vessel (tank), pumps, valves, and hoses. VDH encourages all sewage haulers to familiarize themselves with these regulations prior to scheduling an inspection from their local health depatment.