Skip to main content
NC DEQ logo NC DEQ

Topical Navigation

  • Home
  • Divisions
    Divisions
    • Air Quality
    • Coastal Management
    • Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources
    • Environmental Assistance and Customer Service
    • Environmental Education and Public Affairs
    • Marine Fisheries
    • Mitigation Services
    • Waste Management
    • Water Infrastructure
    • Water Resources
  • Permits & Rules
    Permits & Rules
    • Permit Directory
    • State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)
    • Express Permitting
    • DEQ Forms
    • Permit Assistance and Guidance
    • Rules & Regulations
    • Enforcement
    • NC DEQ ePayments
    • DEQ Permitting Transformation Program
    • Environmental Application Tracker
    • Pre-Regulatory Landfills Map
    • Title VI Compliance
    • Risk-Based Remediation
  • Outreach & Education
    Outreach & Education
    • N.C. Environmental Education
    • Distance Learning - Environmental Education
    • Environmental Justice
    • Educator Resources
    • Recognition Programs
    • Public Involvement Programs
    • Training
    • Recreation
    • Research
    • Grants
    • Conservation
    • Recycling
  • Energy & Climate
    Energy & Climate
    • Energy Group
    • Climate Change
    • Community Solar
    • Energy Assurance
    • Energy Efficiency and Weatherization
    • Energy Resilience
    • Transportation
    • Workforce Development
    • Offshore Wind Development
  • News
    News
    • Press Releases
    • Public Information Contacts
    • Environmentally Speaking Blog
    • Public Notices & Hearings
    • Events
    • Key Issues
    • DEQ Dashboard
    • Legislative Reports
    • Requesting Public Records
  • About
    About
    • Our Mission
    • Leadership
    • Boards and Commissions
    • Divisions
    • Green Square
    • Contact
    • Work at DEQ
  • NC.GOV
  • AGENCIES
  • JOBS
  • SERVICES
NC DEQ »   About »   Divisions »   Waste Management »   Solid Waste Section »   Septage

Septage

Septage is a fluid mixture of untreated and partially treated sewage solids, liquids and sludge of human or domestic origin, which is removed from a septic tank system. The state's septage management program is responsible for assuring that septage is managed in a responsible, safe and consistent manner across the state. The major areas of emphasis are: permitting of septage management firms, land application sites and treatment and detention facilities; developing applicable laws and rules; and providing technical/problem solving assistance to septage management firms, general public and the Solid Waste Section.

The Solid Waste Section does not have the statutory authority to issue permits for the installation of domestic septic systems (e.g. tanks and /or nitric field lines).  That authority lies with and is the responsibility of your local government (i.e. county or other municipal government). Please contact your local health department for further information specific to your location.   

  • The amendment to Rule .0832 "General Provisions" to change subsequent permit lengths for SLAS and SDTF permits from 5 years to 10 years was adopted by the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) at their March 10, 2022 meeting. The effective date of the rule has been delayed pending legislative review as required by S.L. 2021-83 and in accordance with G.S. 150B-21.3(b1) and (b2).  However, this delay does not prevent the issuance of 10-year permits because Section 3.(c) of S.L. 2021-83 implemented that change directly, effective July 1, 2021.  See the following documents for further information on the amendment:

    • Notice and Proposed Rule Text
    • Summary and Regulatory Impact Analysis
  • Septage Management Rules 15A NCAC 13B  .0800 - .0846
  • AD-13 Sampling Information Sheet
  • Overturned Truck Procedure
  • Septage Pumper Vehicle Best Management Practices
  • New Operators
  • Septage Management Program Staff Map
  • Restaurant Training

Information for those starting a new septage business in North Carolina or those bringing their current septage business into North Carolina can be found below.

Septage Management Firm or Facility Permit

Septage Management Firm Application Materials

Online Application Materials
  • Pumper Online Application
  • Non-pumper Online Application
  • Restaurant Online Application
  • Cease Operations Online Notification
Pumper Firm Printable Application Materials
  • Firm Permit Application Guidelines
  • Firm Permit Checklist
  • Firm Permit Application
  • Recertification of Pumper Vehicle(s) Form
  • Pumper Log Form
  • Septage Firm Cease Operation
Septage Firm Authorization Forms

Waste Water Treatment Plant Authorization Form
This form is used for authorization to discharge septage to a wastewater treatment facility (WWTP).

Land Application
This form is used for authorization to discharge septage at a septage land application site (SLAS) permitted to someone other than yourself.

Detention\Treatment
This form is used for authorization to discharge septage at a septage detention or treatment facility (SDTF) permitted to someone other than yourself.

Restaurant Application Materials

For restaurants that would like to clean their own grease interceptors must have a septage management firm permit.

  • Restaurant Permit Application Guidelines
  • Restaurant Application Checklist
  • Restaurant Training Certification for Permitting Renewal
  • Restaurant Procedures to Clean a Point-of-Use Grease Interceptor
Non-pumper Applications Materials
  • Non-Pumper Application Guidelines
  • Non-Pumper Checklist
  • Non-Pumper Application

Septage Management Firm Training Classes

The class schedule for continuing education credits needed to obtain a Septage Management Firm Permit is posted below. For a septage management firm permit 4 firm training hours are required EACH year. For anyone operating their own septage land application site (SLAS), 3 land application training hours are required EACH year.

Continuing Education Class Dates

N.C. Septic Tank Association (NCSTA)

Disposal Locations for Septage in North Carolina

  • Wastewater Treatment Plant List
  • Current Disposal Sites for Grease
  • Wastewater Treatment Plants that Accept Grease
Septage Land Application Site (SLAS)

Guidelines for a New Septage Land Application Site

Please review this document if you are considering applying for a new septage land application. This document will walk you through the process of obtaining a septage land application permit. In regard to application submittal, a zoning approval letter, the application fee (if required), SLAS application, a notarized landowner authorization form, vicinity map, aerial photo, nutrient management plan, soil evaluation and analyses with metals where applicable must be addressed before an application can be considered complete.

Forms for a Septage Land Application Site Permit

Application Forms
  • Application for a Permit to Operate a Septage Land Application Site
  • Land Application Log Form
  • Cease Operation
Landowner Authorizations
  • Private
  • Corporate
  • Limited Liability Corporation
Septage Detention or Treatment Facility (SDTF)

Guidelines for a New Septage Detention or Treatment Facility

Please review this document if you are considering applying for a new Septage Detention or Treatment Facility (SDTF).  This document will walk you through the process of obtaining a SDTF permit.  In addition to the application and fee submittal, the applicant must also submit an approval letter from the unit of local government having zoning authority over the area where the SDTF is to be located.  In accordance with 15A NCAC 13B.0837, the letter must state that the proposed SDTF meets all the requirements of the local zoning ordinance, or that the site is not zoned. 

Forms for a Septage Detention or Treatment Facility Permit

Application Forms
  • Application for a Permit to Operate a Detention or Treatment Facility
  • Septage Detention Facility Log 
  • Septage Treatment Facility Log
  • Cease Operation
Landowner Authorization Forms
  • Private
  • Corporate
  • Limited Liability Corporation

 

Marina
  • Marina Presentation Part 1
  • Marina Presentation Part 2

Solid Waste Section

  • Coal Ash
  • Coal Ash Structural Fills
  • Annual Reporting - Local Government and Solid Waste Facility Reporting
  • Composting
  • Electronics Management
  • Financial Assurance for Solid Waste Management Facilities
  • Household Hazardous Waste
  • Medical Waste
  • Septage
    • Restaurant Grease Management Training Modules
    • Septage New Operator
  • Scrap Tires
  • Solid Waste Forms
  • Tax Certification Program
  • Solid Waste ePayments
  • Keep In Touch
  • Solid Waste: Facility Lists, Presentations, and Annual Reports

Share this page:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

How can we make this page better for you?

Back to top

Contact Us

Physical Address
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
217 West Jones Street
Raleigh, NC 27603 Map It
877-623-6748

Mailing Addresses

Work for Us

  • Job Opportunities at DEQ
  • For State Employees
  • DEQ Intranet

Twitter Feed

Tweets by NC DEQ

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • DEQ Employee Directory
  • Translation Disclaimer
  • Accessibility
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Open Budget
NC DEQ
https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/waste-management/solid-waste-section/septage