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Administrative Code

Virginia Administrative Code
12/13/2024

Article Art. Icle 4

12VAC5-610-594. In-ground systems.

Article 2

Systems Using Naturally Occurring Undisturbed Soil

A. An in-ground system is a system which utilizes a natural, undisturbed soil horizon to treat and disperse effluent where the infiltrative surface is placed 18 inches or more beneath the original surface of the ground. In-ground systems include, but are not limited to, conventional septic tank drainfield systems, chamber systems, alternative aggregate systems, enhanced flow systems, and pressure dosed systems.

B. Septic tank effluent. Septic tank effluent may be utilized in an in-ground system when all of the site and soil criteria of this subsection are met. Also see Table 4.3.

1. Horizon. The soil horizon(s) for the 18 inches immediately below the installation depth shall not show the presence of any limiting factor. Limiting factors include bedrock, seasonal or permanent water table, pans, or other impervious strata.

2. Separation distances. Table 4.2 contains the minimum setback distances between an absorption field and various structures or topographic features.

3. Estimated or measured infiltration rates. The estimated or measured infiltration rate shall not exceed 120 minutes per inch within any part of the sidewall area of the trench or within 18 inches of the infiltrative interface where effluent encounters undisturbed soil.

C. Soil criteria when utilizing secondary effluent. Secondary effluent may be utilized in an in-ground system when all of the criteria of this subsection are met. Also see Table 4.3.

1. Horizon. The soil horizon(s) for the 12 inches immediately below the installation depth shall not show the presence of any limiting factor. Limiting factors include bedrock, seasonal or permanent water table, pans or other impervious strata.

2. Separation distances. Table 4.2 contains the minimum setback distances between an absorption field and various structures or topographic features.

3. Estimated or measured infiltration rates. The estimated or measured infiltration rate shall not exceed 120 minutes per inch within the sidewall area of the trench, if any, or within 12 inches of the infiltrative interface where effluent encounters undisturbed soil.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-164 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 16, Issue 16, eff. July 1, 2000.

12VAC5-610-596. Shallow-placed systems.

A. Shallow-placed systems are systems which utilize a natural, undisturbed soil horizon to treat and disperse effluent where the infiltrative surface is placed at a depth of less than 18 inches from the original soil surface. Also see Table 4.3. Shallow-placed systems may use the system designs similar to in-ground systems; however, when shallow-placed systems are installed at less than 12 inches from the ground surface, timed dosing shall be used to disperse the effluent.

B. Septic effluent prohibited. Septic tank effluent is prohibited for use in shallow-placed systems because of the increased likelihood for human and vector contact with effluent.

C. Soil criteria when utilizing secondary effluent. Secondary or better effluent may be utilized in an shallow-placed system when all of the criteria in this subsection are met. Also see Table 4.3.

1. Soil texture. In order to assure effluent dispersal under adverse conditions while maintaining adequate treatment capacity, shallow-placed systems installed shallower than 12 inches, which utilize absorption trenches, are limited to Texture Group I and II soils. Any soil texture group may be utilized for absorption trench systems installed between 12 and 18 inches.

2. Limiting features. A minimum of 12 inches of soil is required beneath the trench bottom or infiltrative surface before encountering soils with a seasonal or permanent water table. Additionally, to assure adequate hydraulic dispersal capacity, bedrock and impervious strata may not occur within 18 inches of the trench bottom.

3. Separation distances. Table 4.2 contains the minimum setback distances between an absorption field and various structures or topographic features.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-164 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 16, Issue 16, eff. July 1, 2000.

12VAC5-610-598. General.

Article 4

Pump and Haul of Sewage

Pump and haul pertains to an unusual circumstance wherein sewage is permitted to be transported by vehicle to a point of disposal. Pump and haul includes all facilities and appurtenances necessary to collect and store the sewage for handling by a contractor having a valid sewage handling permit.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-164 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 16, Issue 16, eff. July 1, 2000.

12VAC5-610-599. Permanent pumping and hauling.

Pumping and hauling on a permanent basis is prohibited unless done under the auspices and supervision of a government entity as provided for in 12VAC5-610-599.3 (see subdivision 2 of 12VAC5-610-410 for exception). Pumping and hauling for over one year shall be considered as a permanent pumping and hauling operation.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-164 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 16, Issue 16, eff. July 1, 2000.

12VAC5-610-599.1. Emergency pumping and hauling.

When serious malfunctioning of an existing sewage disposal system, sewerage system or treatment works occurs, pumping and hauling may be authorized for a definite time period until the malfunctioning system can be reconstructed or repaired.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-164 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 16, Issue 16, eff. July 1, 2000.

12VAC5-610-599.2. Temporary pumping and hauling.

Temporary pumping and hauling may be permitted under the following conditions:

1. It must be demonstrated that the temporary pumping and hauling of sewage is not the usual practice in order to permit premature and unplanned real estate or commercial development in an area where sewerage facilities do not exist;

2. Construction of an approved sewerage system or treatment works is actively in progress with personnel and machinery at work in the particular area. Bonding, cash escrow or other assurances shall be required to guarantee completion of the sewerage system and/or treatment works;

3. The completion of the sewerage system or treatment works is assured and a completion date within the definition of temporary pumping and hauling has been set; and

4. Any and all delays from the anticipated completion date shall be reported immediately by the holder of the pump and haul permit to the district or local health department. Delays not resulting from circumstances beyond the control of the holder of the pump and haul permit shall be grounds for revocation of the pump and haul permit.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-164 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 16, Issue 16, eff. July 1, 2000.

12VAC5-610-599.3. Permanent pump and haul.

Permanent pumping and hauling of sewage may be permitted under the following conditions:

1. That the government entity enter into a contract with the department setting forth that the government entity will provide pump and haul services, either directly or through a private contractor holding a sewage handling permit, to the home(s), commercial establishment(s) or occupied structure(s) for the period the occupied structure is utilized or until connection can be made to an approved sewerage facility;

2. Upon completion of the contract between the department and the government entity, the commissioner shall issue a single pump and haul permit to the government entity. A separate construction permit shall be issued to the government entity for each sewage storage facility. The sewage storage facility(s) shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Article 7 (12VAC5-610-990 et seq.) of Part V of this chapter; and

3. When the government entity provides the sewage pump and haul services, it shall conform to the conditions contained in 12VAC5-610-380 and Article 8 (12VAC5-610-1020 et seq.) of Part V of this chapter.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-164 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 16, Issue 16, eff. July 1, 2000.

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