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.
- Hurricane Helene Memo- Septage Management Firm Requirement for Disposal Authorization-Temporary Waiver for Disposal Authorizations for WWTPs
- Hurricane Helene Public Service Reminder- Regulated Septage Management for Areas Impacted by Hurricane Helene
- Changes to Septage Management Firm Permitting of Food Service Establishments
Session Law 2024-45 Senate Bill 607. Septage Firm Permitting for Food Service Establishments Memo - 08/26/2024
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
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 | |
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Pumper Firm Printable Application Materials | |
Septage Firm Authorization Forms | Waste Water Treatment Plant Authorization Form Land Application Detention\Treatment |
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 | |
- Septage Management Rules 15A NCAC 13B .0800 - .0846
- The amendment to Rule .0832 "General Provisions" to change subsequent permit lengths for SLAS and SDTF permits from 5 years to 10 years became effective on August 23, 2022.
- AD-13 Sampling Information Sheet
- Overturned Truck Procedure
- Septage Pumper Vehicle Best Management Practices
- New Operators
- Septage Management Program Staff Map
- Restaurant Training
- Marina Presentation Part 1
- Marina Presentation Part 2