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.  

 

 

For New Septage Management Firm Operators- New Operators Webpage

 

 

2025 Renewal Applications

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.

Links and information

Tab/Accordion Items

Septage Management Firm Training

Annual Continuing Education Requirements:

  • Septage Firm Permit: 4 Hrs Continuing Education- N.C.G.S 130A-291.3 (a)
  • Septage Land Application Site Operators: 3 Hrs Continuing Education-- N.C.G.S 130A-291.3 (b)

Current Approved Course Providers:

Septage Management Firm Application Materials

Pumper Firm Printable Application Materials
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.

Non-pumper Applications Materials

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

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
Landowner Authorizations

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
Landowner Authorization Forms

 

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