Guidelines for a New Septage Detention or Treatment Facility (SDTF)

Guidelines for a New Septage Detention and Treatment Facility (SDTF)
The NC Septage Management Rules establish the permitting, operational, and site location requirements for septage detention and treatment facilities. The rules may be accessed on the
Division’s website at: NC Septage Management Rules.
The following is needed to obtain a Permit for a New Septage Detention and Treatment Facility:
1. Septage Detention or Treatment Facility Application A completed application for a Permit to Operate a Septage Detention and Treatment Facility shall be submitted.
2. Zoning Approval Letter An approval letter from the local government unit having zoning authority over the proposed facility location shall be submitted. The letter shall state either:
• the proposed facility complies with all applicable zoning ordinances; or
• the site is not zoned.
Obtaining zoning approval prior to completing the remaining application requirements is strongly
recommended. 3. Notarized Landowner’s Authorization, if applicable
A notarized Landowner’s Authorization form is required if the applicant is not the sole property
owner listed on the deed. The authorization shall include signatures from all property owners and specify a defined authorization period with a start date. 4. Aerial Photography

An aerial photograph shall be included with the permit application. The photograph shall extend at least 1,000 feet beyond all property boundaries of the proposed site. The aerial photograph shall identify:
• the proposed facility location; and
• all applicable setback features required by rule. Aerial photographs are commonly available through the local tax office or GIS department.

5. Vicinity Map A vicinity map (county road map) showing the proposed site location shall be included with the permit application.

Guidelines for a New Septage Detention and Treatment Facility (SDTF)
6. Setbacks

The primary rules governing Septage Detention and Treatment Facilities are:
• 15A NCAC 13B .0837 – Septage Detention and Treatment Facility Permits
• 15A NCAC 13B .0838 – Standards for Septage Detention and Treatment Facilities
Rule .0837 identifies application and permitting requirements, while Rule .0838 establishes operational and facility standards. Setback requirements are specifically addressed in Rule .0838(m), (n), and (o).
Facilities with a storage capacity exceeding 25,000 gallons are considered high-capacity facilities and shall either:
• comply with increased setback requirements; or
• provide 100% secondary containment to prevent off-site contamination from major spills, in accordance with Rule .0838(o). 7. Treatment & Processing of Septage Requirements

Facilities proposing treatment or processing of septage (such as dewatering operations) shall also submit the following:
• An operation and maintenance manual signed by the applicant describing facility
operations, equipment maintenance, odor minimization procedures, spill and leak
response procedures, and other relevant operational information.
• Site drawings signed and sealed by a professional engineer.
• Documentation authorizing disposal of solids generated from the treatment process.
• Documentation authorizing disposal of liquids generated from the treatment process. 8. Professional Engineer Certification Requirements
Any portion of a Septage Detention and Treatment Facility located below grade shall be certified
by a professional engineer as being constructed in substantial compliance with the approved plans and specifications. Buried or partially buried tanks and associated piping shall require a leak test or pressure test
report signed and sealed by a professional engineer.
Where applicable, site drawings and engineering plans submitted with the application shall also be signed and sealed by a professional engineer licensed in North Carolina.

Guidelines for a New Septage Detention and Treatment Facility (SDTF)
Additional Information
Original signed application forms, plans, and supporting documentation shall be submitted before a permit may be issued. Permit review timeframes vary depending on:
• completeness of the application,
• the need for revisions or additional information, and
• current staff workload.
The Division will conduct a site inspection to verify setbacks and evaluate compliance with the
Septage Management Rules. Detention or treatment of septage without a valid permit may result in administrative penalties of up to $15,000 per violation per day pursuant to N.C. General Statute 130A-22.

A pre-operational inspection must be completed and an approved permit issued prior to the detention or treatment of septage. Permit forms and additional information are available on the Division of Waste Management website:
https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/waste-management/waste-management-rules/septage.