LIS

Administrative Code

Virginia Administrative Code
10/8/2024

Part I. Introduction

Article 1
Definitions

12VAC5-570-10. Definitions.

Article 1
Definitions

The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Board" means the State Board of Health.

"Boat" means any vessel or other watercraft, privately owned or owned by the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof, whether moved by oars, paddles, sails, or other power mechanism, inboard or outboard, or any other vessel or structure floating on water in the Commonwealth of Virginia, whether or not capable of self-locomotion, including but not limited to cruisers, cabin cruisers, runabouts, houseboats and barges. Excluded from this definition are commercial, passenger and cargo carrying vessels subject to the Quarantine Regulation of the United States Public Health Service adopted pursuant to Title 42 of the United States Code and ships or vessels of the U.S. Government and boats which are tenders to larger boats moored or stored at the same facility.

"Boating access facility" means any installation operating under public or private ownership that provides a boat launching ramp and has 50 or more parking spaces for boat trailers.

"Certificate" or "certificate to operate" means a written approval from the commissioner or his designated representative indicating that plans for sewerage facilities, sewerage system, and treatment works meet or satisfy the minimum requirements of this chapter and § 32.1-246 of the Code of Virginia.

"Commissioner" means the State Health Commissioner.

"Department" means the Virginia Department of Health.

"Division" means the Division of Onsite Sewage and Water Services, Environmental Engineering, and Marina Programs, Office of Environmental Health Services of the department or its administrative successor.

"Dry storage" means boat storage, including boatels, valet storage, pigeon hole storage, stackominiums, or where boats rest on racks or trailers located on land, whether covered or uncovered, at a marina or other places where boats are moored.

"Expanded" means any change to a regulated facility that results in an increase in sewage volume or strength due to the addition of slips, dry storage spaces, boat trailer parking spaces, or ancillary operations.

"Live-aboard slip" means any slip where a boat is moored and used principally as a residence or a place of business. Charter and commercial fishing boats are not included unless used as a residence.

"Local health department" means the branch of the State Health Department, established in accordance with § 32.1-30 of the Code of Virginia, that has jurisdiction in the city or county where the regulated facility is located.

"Marina" means any installation operating under public or private ownership that provides dockage or moorage for boats, other than paddle or rowboats, and provides through sale, rental, fee, or free basis any equipment, supply, or service including fuel, electricity, or water for the convenience of the public or the lessee, renters, or users of the facilities.

"Marine sanitation device" means any equipment, piping, holding tanks, and appurtenances onboard a boat designed to receive, retain, treat, or discharge sewage.

"No Discharge Zone" means an area where a state has received an affirmative determination from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that there are adequate facilities for the removal of sewage from vessels (holding tank pump-out facilities) in accordance with § 312(f)(3) of the Clean Water Act (33 USC § 1251 et seq.) and where federal approval has been received allowing a complete prohibition of all treated or untreated discharges of sewage from all vessels.

"Office" means the Office of Environmental Health Services.

"Other places where boats are moored" means any installation operating under public or private ownership that provides dockage or moorage for boats, other than paddle or rowboats, either on a free, rental, or fee basis or for the convenience of the boater.

"Owner" means the Commonwealth or any of its political subdivisions and any public or private institution, corporation, association, firm, or company organized or existing under the laws of this or any other state, or any person or group of persons acting individually or as a group who owns or proposes to own a marina, other places where boats are moored, or boating access facility.

"Pump-out facility" means any device, equipment, or method for removing sewage from a marine sanitation device and conveying such sewage to a sewerage system or treatment works including any portable, movable, or permanent holding tanks.

"Sewerage facility" means bathrooms, toilets, closets and other enclosures, including portable toilets, where commodes, water closets, lavatories, showers, urinals, sinks, or other such plumbing fixtures are installed.

"Sewage" means water-carried and non-water-carried human excrement, kitchen, laundry, shower, bath, or lavatory waste, separately or together with such underground, surface, storm, and other water and liquid industrial wastes as may be present from residences, buildings, vehicles, boats, industrial establishments, or other places.

"Sewage dump station" means a facility specifically designed to receive waste from portable sewage containers carried on boats and to convey such sewage to a sewerage system or a treatment works.

"Sewerage system" means pipelines or conduits, pump stations and force mains, and all other construction, devices, and appliances used for the collection and conveyance of sewage to a treatment works or point of ultimate disposal.

"Slip" means a berth or space where a boat may be secured to a fixed or floating structure, including a dock, finger pier, boat lift, or mooring buoy.

"Treatment works" means any device or system used in the storage, treatment, disposal, or reclamation of sewage or combinations of sewage and industrial wastes, including but not limited to pumping, power and other equipment and appurtenances, septic tanks, and any works, including land, that are or will be (i) an integral part of the treatment process or (ii) used for ultimate disposal of residues or effluents resulting from such treatment.

"VMRC" means the Virginia Marine Resources Commission.

Statutory Authority

§ 32.1-246 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR355-17-01 § 1.1, eff. September 1, 1987; amended, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 24, eff. October 1, 1990; Volume 32, Issue 6, eff. December 16, 2015.

Article 2
General Information

12VAC5-570-20. (Repealed.)

Article 2
General Information

Historical Notes

Derived from VR355-17-01 § 1.2, eff. September 1, 1987; amended, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 24, eff. October 1, 1990; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 6, eff. December 16, 2015.

12VAC5-570-30. Purpose.

The board has promulgated this chapter to:

1. Protect public health and water quality by ensuring that adequate sewerage facilities, pump-out facilities, sewage dump stations, and sewerage systems are provided at all marinas, other places where boats are moored, and boating access facilities.

2. Establish minimum requirements as to the adequacy of sewerage facilities and sewerage systems at all marinas, other places where boats are moored, and boating access facilities.

3. Protect public health and the environment by ensuring that all sewage generated from all regulated facilities is conveyed to an approved sewerage system or treatment works.

4. Guide the commissioner or his designee in his determination of the adequacy of the sewerage systems and sewerage facilities serving all marinas, other places where boats are moored, and boating access facilities.

5. Guide the commissioner or his designee in his evaluation of plans and other data and in the issuance of a certificate as to the adequacy of sewerage facilities and sewerage systems.

Statutory Authority

§ 32.1-246 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR355-17-01 § 1.3, eff. September 1, 1987; amended, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 24, eff. October 1, 1990; Volume 32, Issue 6, eff. December 16, 2015.

12VAC5-570-40. Administration.

A. The commissioner is the chief executive officer of the Virginia Department of Health. The commissioner has the authority to act for the board when it is not in session. The commissioner may delegate his powers under this chapter with the exception of his power to issue variances under 12VAC5-570-90.

B. The division is designated as the primary reviewing agent of the commissioner for the purpose of administering this chapter. Upon receipt of the application from the local health department, the division examines and grants or denies the application for sewerage facilities to serve marinas, other places where boats are moored, and boating access facilities. The division issues all certificates attesting to the adequacy of the sewerage facilities and notifies the VMRC when a certificate is issued or denied.

C. The local health department shall be responsible for processing all applications submitted by owners and for inspecting sites and facilities for compliance with this chapter.

Statutory Authority

§ 32.1-246 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR355-17-01 § 1.4, eff. September 1, 1987; amended, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 24, eff. October 1, 1990; Volume 32, Issue 6, eff. December 16, 2015.

12VAC5-570-50. Applicability.

A. Marinas, other places where boats are moored, and boating access facilities in operation prior to the effective date of this chapter shall be subject to the regulations in effect at the time the marina, other places where boats are moored, or boating access facility was permitted unless such marina, other places where boats are moored, or boating access facility is expanded after December 16, 2015.

B. This chapter shall apply to all marinas, other places where boats are moored, and boating access facilities placed into operation on or after December 16, 2015.

C. All sewerage facilities and sewerage systems shall conform to the requirements of this chapter when the marina, other places where boats are moored, or boating access facility that is served by the sewerage facilities and sewerage systems is expanded.

D. This chapter shall apply to sewerage facilities and sewerage systems (i) serving marinas, other places where boats are moored, or boating access facilities and (ii) located on property owned by the marina, other places where boats are moored, or boating access facility. Sewerage systems or treatment works installed or proposed to be installed on property owned by someone other than the marina, other places where boats are moored, or boating access facility owner are regulated by Chapter 6 (§ 32.1-163 et seq.) of Title 32.1 of the Code of Virginia or Title 62.1 of the Code of Virginia, as applicable.

Statutory Authority

§ 32.1-246 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR355-17-01 § 1.5, eff. September 1, 1987; amended, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 24, eff. October 1, 1990; Volume 32, Issue 6, eff. December 16, 2015.

Article 3
Procedure

12VAC5-570-60. Permits and certificate.

Article 3
Procedure

No owner shall construct a marina, other places where boats are moored, or a boating access facility unless he has obtained a construction permit in accordance with this chapter. No owner shall operate a marina, other places where boats are moored, or a boating access facility until the local health department has inspected and approved construction and has issued a certificate to operate. Owners shall obtain a permit from the VMRC to operate a marina, other places where boats are moored, or a boating access facility when so required by § 62.1-44.15:5.01 of the Code of Virginia. Where state-owned bottom lands are involved, the owner shall submit a preliminary design and receive approval by the division prior to construction and the issuance of a certificate to operate.

Statutory Authority

§ 32.1-246 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR355-17-01 § 1.6, eff. September 1, 1987; amended, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 24, eff. October 1, 1990; Volume 32, Issue 6, eff. December 16, 2015.

12VAC5-570-70. Application for construction permit.

A. Any owner, or his duly authorized representative, shall apply for a construction permit by submitting an application to the local health department in the jurisdiction where the proposed marina, other places where boats are moored, or boating access facility is to be located. The application shall be made on a form approved by the division. The application shall consist of the following:

1. Essential data to determine the sewerage facilities and sewerage system necessary to serve the proposed installation.

2. Maps, plans, and specifications of the sewerage facilities and sewerage system describing the type of facilities that will be provided and how the facilities will provide for the safe and sanitary disposal of all sewage generated at the facility. The preliminary design plans shall establish the location of the sewerage facilities and sewerage system in relation to other facilities they are intended to serve.

3. A description of the proposed or existing offsite sewerage system or treatment works used for the ultimate treatment and disposal of sewage. The applicant shall apply for and obtain approval of new offsite sewerage systems or treatment works and demonstrate that the existing sewerage systems or treatment works are approved and in accordance with this chapter.

4. Any other data as may be pertinent to show the adequacy of the sewerage facilities and sewerage system to be provided.

B. An application pursuant to this section shall contain sufficient detail and clarity necessary to demonstrate that the sewerage facility and sewerage system meet all the applicable requirements of this chapter.

C. The department shall issue a permit to construct the proposed marina, other place where boats are moored, or boating access facility after review of a complete application that demonstrates compliance with the requirements of this chapter and § 32.1-246 of the Code of Virginia.

Statutory Authority

§ 32.1-246 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR355-17-01 § 1.7, eff. September 1, 1987; amended, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 24, eff. October 1, 1990; Volume 32, Issue 6, eff. December 16, 2015.

12VAC5-570-80. Certificate to operate.

A. Upon completion of construction of the sewerage facilities, sewerage systems, and treatment works at marinas, other places where boats are moored, or boating access facilities, the owner or his duly authorized representative shall notify the local health department so that it may inspect the construction. When the division, in consultation with the local health department, has determined that construction is in compliance with the approved plan, it shall issue a certificate to operate to the owner of the marina, other place where boats are moored, or boating access facility. The certificate to operate shall remain valid in accordance with this section.

B. The owner shall post the certificate to operate in a place where it is readily observable by members of the public who transact business with the facility.

C. All marinas, other places where boats are moored, and boating access facilities shall be subject to a five-year, renewable certificate to operate. The owner of the marina, other place where boats are moored, and boating access facility shall request a new certificate to operate at least 90 days prior to the expiration date of the existing certificate to operate. The division shall issue the new certificate to operate provided the sewerage facilities, sewerage system, and treatment works meet or satisfy the minimum requirements of this chapter and § 32.1-246 of the Code of Virginia.

D. If the commissioner grants a variance, or the division approves any exception to this chapter, then the certificate to operate shall contain that information. The owner of the marina, other place where boats are moored, or boating access facility shall follow any condition or requirement listed on the certificate to operate.

E. As a condition of the certificate to operate, owners of marinas, other places where boats are moored, or boating access facilities shall allow the department to perform one or more inspections per year of the sewerage facilities, sewerage systems, and treatment works to ensure compliance with this chapter and § 32.1-246 of the Code of Virginia. The division may revoke the certificate to operate pursuant to 12VAC5-570-100.

Statutory Authority

§ 32.1-246 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR355-17-01 § 1.8, eff. September 1, 1987; amended, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 24, eff. October 1, 1990; Volume 32, Issue 6, eff. December 16, 2015.

12VAC5-570-90. Variances.

A. The commissioner may grant a variance to any requirement of this chapter if, after investigation, the commissioner determines that the hardship imposed upon the owner or the public by compliance with this chapter outweighs the benefits that the chapter confers and that granting a variance will not result in a potential or actual public health hazard.

B. A variance is a conditional waiver of a specific regulation that is granted to an owner of a marina, other places where boats are moored, or a boating access facility. Variances are not transferrable between owners, and any variance shall be attached to the certificate of the marina, other places where boats are moored, or boating access facility to which it was granted. The variance is a condition of the certificate, which is revoked if the certificate is revoked.

C. Any owner of a marina, other places where boats are moored, or a boating access facility may apply in writing for a variance. This application shall be submitted to the local health department in the jurisdiction in which the marina, other places where boats are moored, or boating access facility is located. This application shall include:

1. A citation referencing the specific requirements of this chapter from which a variance is requested and a statement describing the hardships imposed by the specific requirements of this chapter;

2. A statement of reasons why the public health and environment would not be detrimentally affected if a variance is granted and a list of suggested measures that would be implemented to prevent any potential detrimental impacts;

3. Facts supporting the need and justification for the variance;

4. The nature and duration of the variance request;

5. Other information, if any, believed by the applicant to be pertinent; and

6. Such other information as the division, local health department, or the commissioner may require.

D. If the commissioner denies any request for a variance, such denial shall be in writing and shall state the reasons for the denial.

Statutory Authority

§ 32.1-246 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR355-17-01 § 1.9, eff. September 1, 1987; amended, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 24, eff. October 1, 1990; Volume 32, Issue 6, eff. December 16, 2015.

12VAC5-570-100. Revocation of a certificate.

Either by emergency order under the authority of § 32.1-13 of the Code of Virginia or following an opportunity for an informal fact-finding proceeding as provided by § 2.2-4019 of the Code of Virginia, the commissioner or his designee may revoke a certificate for failure to construct and operate the sewerage facilities and sewerage system in accordance with the conditions of the application and certificate issued or for any violation of this chapter.

Statutory Authority

§ 32.1-246 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR355-17-01 § 1.10, eff. September 1, 1987; amended, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 24, eff. October 1, 1990; Volume 32, Issue 6, eff. December 16, 2015.

12VAC5-570-110. Applicability of the Administrative Process Act.

The Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) shall govern the decision of cases under this chapter.

Statutory Authority

§ 32.1-246 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR355-17-01 § 1.11, eff. September 1, 1987; amended, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 24, eff. October 1, 1990; Volume 32, Issue 6, eff. December 16, 2015.

Website addresses provided in the Virginia Administrative Code to documents incorporated by reference are for the reader's convenience only, may not necessarily be active or current, and should not be relied upon. To ensure the information incorporated by reference is accurate, the reader is encouraged to use the source document described in the regulation.

As a service to the public, the Virginia Administrative Code is provided online by the Virginia General Assembly. We are unable to answer legal questions or respond to requests for legal advice, including application of law to specific fact. To understand and protect your legal rights, you should consult an attorney.