Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Environment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board initiates ordinance allowing inspection in lieu of mandatory pump‑outs near Smith Mountain and Leesville lakes
Summary
The board directed staff to draft an amendment permitting a certified sewage operator’s inspection to substitute for mandatory pump‑outs within 500 feet of Smith Mountain and Leesville full pond, subject to documentation and hauler licensure.
The Board initiated an amendment to the county code on July 28 to allow licensed sewage haulers to provide an inspection report instead of a required pump‑out for properties within 500 feet of Smith Mountain Lake and Leesville Lake full pond.
Community Development Director Jordan Mitchell said the proposed language would let a sewage disposal operator or certified hauler licensed by the Virginia Department of Health inspect a septic system and, if the hauler certifies that the tank does not need pumping, submit that documentation to the county in lieu of a pump‑out. Staff said the report must include solids percentage and an anticipated pump‑out date if needed, be on company letterhead and include the hauler’s license number.
The board approved initiation of the ordinance and directed staff to draft the amendment for eventual adoption.
Why it matters: the measure streamlines compliance for lakefront property owners when systems are not due for pump‑out but preserves oversight by requiring licensed hauler documentation and a threshold for solids content or future pump‑out timing.
