As of January 1, 2004, it is illegal for anyone to pump septic tanks, including homeowners pumping their own tank, unless they are certified by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ). Homeowner pumping of septic tanks and land-application of the septage has been a common practice in rural Nebraska areas. The new law makes it illegal without proper certification. Septage that is improperly handled and applied can be a public health hazard due to the pathogens it contains, and can be harmful to the environment if pathogens, organic matter, or nutrients enter lakes, streams or groundwater. There are also Federal regulations and recordkeeping requirements for the proper disposal, including land application, of septage.
The Private On-site Wastewater Treatment System Contractors Certification and System Registration Act requires anyone who works on a septic system to apply to NDEQ to become certified to perform the work. The requirement for certification includes pre-installation tasks such as doing a site evaluation, a soil evaluation, or a percolation test. It also covers all aspects of working on a system including designing, installing, inspecting, repairing, or altering. And, it includes pumping and disposal of the septage.
If a homeowner wants to pump a tank, including his or her own, he or she must be certified. To apply for a temporary provisional certificate to pump septic tanks, an individual must submit an application on a form prescribed by NDEQ and pay a $300 certification application fee to NDEQ. The application must include a signed affidavit certifying the individual has been engaged in the pumping of septic tanks for at least 12 months prior to August 31, 2003. This temporary provisional certificate is valid through December 31, 2005. By then, NDEQ will have a more comprehensive certification program developed which will likely include requirements for continuing education and examination for competency. According to NDEQ staff, individuals pumping a tank without proper certification would be in violation of NDEQ regulations and subject to enforcement action including potential fines.
Hiring a certified professional to pump a septic tank is the best option available for most homeowners. Over 500 individuals throughout the state are currently certified to engage in work related to on-site systems in Nebraska, including over 200 certified to do septic tank pumping. NDEQ has posted a list of certified professionals on their web site at http://www.deq.state.ne.us/. Contact NDEQ at 402-471-2186 for additional information regarding the new state regulations.
Dave Varner is an Extension Educator with the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension office in Dodge County. Dave may be contacted at 727-2775, 1206 West 23rd Street in Fremont, or at dvarner1@unl.edu
