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Board adopts septic pump-out amendment allowing inspections, adds EPA guidance
Summary
The board amended county code chapter 10 to allow a VDH-permitted sewage handler inspection as an alternative to mandatory five-year pumping and incorporated EPA guidance recommending pump-out when sludge and scum exceed about 25% of tank liquid depth; adoption passed 7-0.
The Board of Supervisors adopted amendments to county code chapter 10 on Aug. 25 to address concerns about automatic five‑year septic pump-outs for properties within 500 feet of the full pond elevation of Smith Mountain Lake and Leesville Lake.
Community Development Director Jordan Mitchell told the board the amendment "would allow a property owner to obtain an inspection from a sewage handler permitted and certified by the Virginia Department of Health as an alternative to the automatic pumping requirement" and that the inspection documentation would be submitted to the county with the handler's license and a recommended date for the next inspection. Board members debated whether to add a numerical solids threshold; after discussion they added EPA-referenced language that pumping is recommended when sludge and scum exceed about 25% of a tank's liquid depth. The ordinance was adopted by roll call 7-0.
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