Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Virginia Department of Health
Board
State Board of Health
 
chapter
Sewage Handling and Disposal Regulations [12 VAC 5 ‑ 610]
Guidance Documents
Chapter Information
Description The regulations protect public health and the ground and surface waters of the Commonwealth by establishing effective and appropriate minimum standards for the safe and sanitary collection, transport, treatment and disposal of wastewater, as such activities relate to sewage disposal on private, residential parcels of land and other places.
State Authority 32.1-164
Federal Authority None entered
Exempt from APA No, changes to this chapter are subject to the Administrative Process Act.
Text of Regulation Link to Virginia Administrative Code
Goals of Regulation Whether the regulations continue to protect public health and the ground and surface waters of the Commonwealth by establishing effective and appropriate minimum standards for the safe and sanitary collection, transport, treatment and disposal of wastewater, as such activities relate to sewage disposal on private, residential parcels of land and other places.
Meetings See all meetings (24) relating to this chapter.

Contact Information
Name / Title: Lance Gregory  / Director, Onsite Sewage and Water Services
Address:
109 Governor St.
Richmond, VA 23219
Email Address: lance.gregory@vdh.virginia.gov
Telephone: (804)864-7491    FAX: (804)864-7475    TDD: ()-
Current Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
None

Past Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Addition of Design Elements for Treated Effluent Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 11/24/2022.
Amend Regulations to establish requirements for gravelless material and drip dispersal Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/25/2016.
Amend Regulations to incorporate Statutory Changes from HB1231 of 2012
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 11/22/2012.
Adopt new performance-based regulations pertaining to locating, designing, constructing and operating onsite sewage systems. NOIRA Stage withdrawn on 01/07/2016 after the comment period had ended.
Comprehensively amend the regulations in order to protect public health and groundwater. Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/01/2000.

Withdrawn Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Adoption of Updated Regulations NOIRA Stage withdrawn on 04/09/2008 after the comment period had ended.
Amend to specify a minimum footprint. Proposed Stage withdrawn on 04/10/2007 before DPB completed its review.
Amend the regulations for mass sewage systems and allowable rock content of soils Proposed Stage withdrawn on 04/10/2007 after the comment period had ended.

Periodic Reviews
Last Activity Status
3/24/2023 Agency Completed Amend
6/15/2016 Agency Completed Amend
10/3/2007 Agency Completed Amend