Pennsylvania septic rules

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Clean Water (Act 537 Sewage Facilities Program and residential septage), with local agencies and Sewage Enforcement Officers. DEP says the Act 537 program is largely administered by municipalities and local agencies, including county health departments, whose certified Sewage Enforcement Officers approve or deny on-lot system permits, with DEP oversight; septage hauler registration is with DEP.

Under the Solid Waste Management Act, anyone who pumps septic tanks or hauls residential septage must register with DEP. DEP issues a 5-digit transporter number per business, which must be displayed on the sides and rear of each vehicle in characters at least 3 inches tall, and DEP charges no registration fee. DEP's septage handbook notes septage is regulated as municipal waste and that it is common for county governments to require licensing and manifests for hauling.

DEP's handbook describes two options: transport to a municipal or private wastewater treatment facility or septage treatment facility, or beneficial use by land application at an agricultural or reclamation site; all septage processing and disposal activities require a DEP permit.

DEP's handbook says records must be kept for each load of septage, carried in the vehicle cab, covering where the waste was collected, the hauler, the receiving facility, the volume or weight, and any handling problems, and retained at least five years for DEP review.

Not confirmed from an official source. Ask the state program linked above, or your county health department.

25 Pa. Code Chapters 71, 72 and 73 (Act 537 sewage facilities, on-lot standards in Chapter 73); Pennsylvania Solid Waste Management Act (septage hauler registration)