Septic Tank Pump-out Program

To protect the streams and rivers of Hanover County and the Chesapeake Bay, Hanover County responded to a State law and in 1992 adopted an ordinance requiring that septic tanks located in Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas (CBPA), which include Resource Protection Areas (RPA) and Resource Management Areas (RMA), be pumped-out at least once every five years.  The State is now requiring that the County monitor compliance with these requirements. As an alternative to the mandatory pump out, residents can have a sewage handler inspect the system and certify it does not need to be pumped or have a Virginia Department of Health, (VDH) approved plastic filter installed. 

Hanover County Program

The State requires that Hanover County track the pump-out or inspection of septic tanks every five years within Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas unless a VDH approved plastic filter has been installed. Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas are often identified on your plat.  They normally are labeled as Chesapeake Bay Areas (CBA), Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas (CBPA), Resource Protection Areas (RPA), or Resource Management Areas (RMA).  If you require assistance in determining whether or not your drainfield is in a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area please contact the Department of Public Works.

Pumping your septic system is not mandatory if you are outside of a CBPA; however; current and prevailing science suggests that pumping and/or regular inspections of your septic system is a useful maintenance activity and extends the life of your system.  Please remember that regular pumping of your septic tank is recommended if you are not in a CBPA.  Regular pumping and maintenance will save you money and protect the environment.

To be in compliance, all you need to do is provide the County with your name, address and the date your septic tank was pumped-out or inspected or notify the Department of Public Works that your drainfield is not located in a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area or that you have a VDH approved plastic filter.  You can mail us the information, call us or email it to septic@co.hanover.va.us.  You should keep your receipts for at least five years for your records. 

Initial letters will be sent to residents informing them of the requirements and requesting that they report the month and date their septic tank was pumped out or that they are exempt.  Follow-up letters will be sent within 5 years of the date of the initial letter or from the date the property’s septic tank is reported as being pumped.

Notifying the County

There are three ways to notify us that you had your tank pumped or inspected.  Please provide your name, address and date your septic tank was pumped by one of the following methods:

Email us at: septic@co.hanover.va.us

Mail the information to:

     Hanover County Department of Public Works
     PO Box 470
     Hanover, VA 23069

Call us at: 804-365-6181

Forms

The septic system program maintenance letter can be filled out and sent to us by email or US Postal Service.  Be sure to fill out your name, address and phone number on the bottom of the form. We request your phone number in case there are any questions about the information.

The checklist is a useful form for you to print off and keep for your records.  It is a convenient way to organize your maintenance records for your septic tank.

Answers to Frequently asked questions about the program.

An informational brochure about septic tanks.