Onsite Sewage

The next renewal cycle deadline is 2/28/2022.

* NOTE: Due to Covid challenges, there may be delays in processing information and/or in mailing cards and certificates.  

Installers/Pumpers:

• Renewal requirements and fee payment link.
• If you are changing companies, need to change your contact information, or have any questions about certification, please email: [email protected]

Soil Classifiers:

• Renewal requirements and fee payment link

IMPORTANT NOTE: 

By making a renewal payment and renewing your certification, you agree to the following statements:

• I nor my employees have violated any of the Department’s Rules and Regulations governing Onsite Sewage Management Systems, Chapter 511-3-1 during the last renewal period.
• I nor my employees have  received a criminal conviction or have have any pending criminal charges related to on-site services. 
• I further understand that the company will be held accountable for all violations committed by its employees.

Buying additives/chemicals for your tank?  Think again !
Disciplinary Actions Against Septic Tank Contractors
Floods and Septic Tanks
Guide to Septic Tanks
Videos:  Understanding Your Septic Tank
              The Septic System Challenge
Welstrom - Online Mapping Tool
        Septic Tanks, Wells, Soils, and More! 

Certified Lists:

Installers
Pumpers
Portable Sanitation Providers
Soil Classifiers  (Level III)

1. Review the certification requirements for individuals and companies.  Click here .
2. Study for the exam(s). As a contractor you must demonstrate knowledge of all standards and criteria found in the DPH Manual for On-site Sewage Management Systems. However, it will be helpful in preparing for the exam(s) to focus on Section A- Rules and Regulations ,  Section D- Pretreatment , Section E- Effluent Distribution and Dosing Devices , and Section F- Dispersal .  Septic Tank Pumpers, focus on  Section I- Removal and Disposal . Portable Sanitation Pumpers focus on Rule 511-3-6 . You must pass at least the Residential Exam to install and the Pumper Exam if you are going to pump septic tanks. Additional exams are required for installing Commercial systems, Subsurface Drip Systems, and Mounds.  
3. Contact your County Environmental Health Office to schedule your exam. Click here .
4. Complete the application(s) and bring them to your county. 
   Contractor Application  -  Company Application
5. If starting a new company, pay your company certification fee.
6. If you are a pumper company, you'll also need to have your truck(s) inspected by the county and be issued a County Septage and Removal Permit. 

Important Notes: 

• If you were previously certified and have been non-certified for over 2 years, you must reapply and retest. 
• If you are changing companies, need to change your contact information, or have any questions about certification, please call the State Environmental Health Office at 404-657-6534.

Installers
Pumpers
Portable Sanitation Providers
Soil Classifiers  (Level III)

Georgia Onsite Wastewater Association (GOWA) 2021-2022 Courses
Call 706-407-2552 or click here for details and to register.​

December 14       Richmond Hill
January 6             Dublin
January 13           Newnan
January 21           Canton
January 27           Albany
February 3           Alma
February 11         Cumming

Southeastern Building Trade Association (online and in-person classes)
Call 888-882-7282 or click here for details and to register.             

Soil Science Inc. (in-person classes)
Call Donnie Bradshaw, 770-307-7311, 6360 Lower Mill Rd, NE; Crawfordville, GA 30631.

Insurance must be current to remain on the Approved Soil Classifiers List  (Level III Reports).
Email policy to: [email protected]

Renewal requirements and fee payment link

Applications:

Geologists  ( Word version )
Engineers  ( Word version )
Soil Classifiers (Word version)

* Please call 404-657-6534 if you have any questions. 

Additional Information:

Professional Reference Form
Code of Conduct
CEU Requirements
CEU Report Form (editable Word version )

Certification Requirements  (read this first!)
Contractor Application  (installers & pumpers)
Company Application  (click here to pay)

Geologists  ( Word version )
Engineers  ( Word version )
Soil Classifiers (Word version)

* Use the company application to make changes to owner information, address, or company certification type. If you want to remove someone from your company, please email ([email protected]) a note on company letterhead with the date, their name, certification number and your request to remove them.

Portable Sanitation:  511-3-6  
Summary Brochure for Event Organizers/Construction Site Owners

Septic Tanks:  511-3-1  
Septic Inspections - Illustrated Field Guide and Equivalency Factors

Manual for On-Site Sewage Management Systems Rules   - Updated June, 2019
Technical reference guide for the siting, design, permitting, inspecting, and troubleshooting of residential septic tanks. 

View the Manual by section:

Table of Contents/Introduction

Section A – Rules and Regulations
Section B – General Site Provisions
Section C – Soil Information
Section D – Pretreatment
Section E – Effluent Distribution and Dosing Devices
Section F – Dispersal Systems
Section G – Experimental On-site Sewage Management Systems
Section H – Site Modifications
Section I – Septage Removal and Disposal
Section J – Sewage Flow Schedule
Section K – Field Inspections
Section L – Operation and Maintenance
Section M – Lot Sizing
Section N – Certification
Section O – Appendices

Variance and Waiver Request Form  ( Instructions Page )

• Alternative and Non-Conventional Absorption Field Product Approvals
• Aerobic Treatment Units
• Concrete Septic Tank Manufacturers
• Effluent Filters
• Plastic and Fiberglass Distribution Devices
• Plastic and Fiberglass Septic Tank Manufacturers
• Pre-Packaged ATU/Drip Emitter Systems
• Risers

To request review and approval for a product not listed, please complete our  Product Review Application .

Variance and Waiver Request Form  (Instructions Page)                                           

For additional information on Alternative and Chamber Product Approvals, please contact the State Environmental Health Office at (404) 657-6534.

Certification Review Committee (CRC)

The CRC assists the Department in the certification of persons who install, inspect, pump, maintain or repair on-site sewage management systems.

Technical Review Committee (TRC)

The TRC makes recommendations to the department regarding the approval of new systems, assist the Department with the development and revision of standards and guidelines for new technology, assists with the adoption of periodic updates to the Manual for On-Site Sewage Management Systems, and serves as the final authority in contested interpretation issues of the Rules and the Manual for On-site Sewage Management Systems.

Soil Classifiers Certification Advisory Committee (SCCAC)

The SCCAC is responsible for certification, oversight, performance assessment and recertification of persons who classify soils for on-site sewage management systems.

For additional information about these committees, and meeting minutes, please email: [email protected] 

Background and Use of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems in GA
Design Criteria for Peak Sewage Flow
Facilities Accepting Septage (EPD approved)
Impact of Onsite Sewage Systems on Ground Water Nitrogen
Welstrom - Online Mapping Tool
        Septic Tanks, Wells, Soils, and More! 
         Welstrom User Manual

• Minimize health problems related to untreated human sewage.
• Regulation and inspection of new on-site sewage management systems (septic tanks/field lines). 
• Investigation and inspection of repairs made to improperly functioning on-site sewage management systems.
• Education, training, and certification for environmentalists, septic tank installers, pumpers, soil scientists, geologists, and engineers involved in installing, maintaining, and repairing on-site sewage management systems.

Program Responsibilities