Septic Pumpout

Overview
Schedule
Contact Information
Frequently asked Questions

Overview

The Northumberland County Board of Supervisors, in accordance with Section 54-16(B)5 (Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Ordinance), has inititiated a program requiring that all on-site sewage disposal systems (septic systems) be pumped out at least once every five (5) years. As alternatives to this pump-out requirement, septic system owners may elect to have an effluent filter installed in the outflow pipe from the septic tank or submit documentation, every five (5) years, from a licensed sewage handler explaining that the sytem has been inspected, is functioning properly, and does not need to be pumped out.

In implementing this program, efforts have been made to only notify the owners of property believed to contain an on-site sewage disposal system (septic system). Once initially contacted, septic system owners will be re-notified on a recurring basis (once every five (5) years) regarding their need to comply with this program.

Schedule

The following is a table showing the tentative schedule as to when septic pump-out notifications will be sent.

Contact Information

Questions regarding the Septic System Pump-Out/ Inspection Program should be directed to the Northumberland County Building and Zoning Office at (804)580-8910 or (804)580-7921 or septicpumpout@co.northumberland.va.us. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why am I being required to have my septic system pumped?
   
   Research has shown that failing septic systems contribute considerable amounts of pollution to groundwater and the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. By having your septic tank pumped before it is full, the number of solids leaving the septic tank and migrating into the drainfield is greatly reduced, allowing your drainfield to function as designed for a much greather length of time.


2. Who do I contact to have my septic system pumped?
   
   You may contact any sewage handler licensed to operate within the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Please refer to the telephone directory yellow pages under “Septic” for contact information.


3. If I have had my septic system pumped out within the last five (5) years, do I need to have it pumped out again in order to comply with the County’s pump-out program?
   
   No. If your septic system has been pumped out within the last five (5) years (since August 1, 2001), you only need to fill out the enclosed verification and compliance form and attach a copy of a receipt, cancelled check, or other documentation signed by a licensed sewage handler, noting when the system was pumped out.
   
   
4. What is an effluent filter?
   
   An effluent filter is a device that is placed in the outflow pipe from a septic tank in order to filter the liquid that is leaving the septic tank, preventing large solids from migrating to the drainfield. When an effluent filter becomes clogged, it will need to be cleaned in order for the septic system to continue functioning. However, since the filter prevents large solids from migrating to the drainfield, the risk of septic system failure is greatly reduced. If documentation is submitted denoting that an effluent filter has been installed in a septic tank, that septic system will not be required to be pumped out every five (5) years.


5. If an effluent filter has already been installed in the outflow pipe from my septic tank, what do I need to do in order to comply with the County’s pump-out program?
   
   If an effluent filter has already been installed in the outflow pipe from your septic tank, you only need to fill out the enclosed verification and compliance form and attach a copy of a receipt or other signed documentation from a licensed sewage handler, denoting the installation of the filter.
   
   
6. What if I have multiple septic systems on my property?
   
   If you have more than one (1) septic system located on a single parcel of land, you will need to make copies of the verification and compliance form for that parcel and complete one (1) copy of the form for each system.
   
   

 

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