Septic Installer, Pumper and Land Disposal Permits
Interested in becoming a septic system installer or a septic tank pumper?
You will need a permit from the Division of Water Resources.
Please see the information below to get started.
| Permit | Prerequisite for Application | Contact for Info on Prerequisite Process |
|---|---|---|
| Installer | Exam | Local Environmental Field Office |
| Pumper | Truck Inspection/Permission to Dump | Cheryl.Montoya@tn.gov / 615-532-0761 |
Once the above process is complete, please click on the corresponding form listed below to apply for your permit.
| PERMIT | ONLINE FORM | Paper FORM | Fees | Description / Services you will be permitted to provide: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installer | MyTDEC | $200 | CONVENTIONAL SUBSURFACE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS INSTALLER PERMIT (CN0763) installing, altering, extending or repairing a conventional septic system (conventional and conventional substitute products). |
|
| $100 | ALTERNATIVE SUBSURFACE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS INSTALLER PERMIT (CN0763) Additional fee for each type of alternative system you would like to be permitted to install, alter, extend or repair. (LPP, mound, oxidation lagoon, ATS/SSD) |
|||
| Pumping | MyTDEC | $200 | SEPTIC TANK PUMPING CONTRACTOR PERMIT Removing and disposing of domestic septage from septic tanks, holding tanks, portable toilets or other similar sewage treatment or disposal facilities. (CN0765) |
|
| Disposal | CN-1047 | $400 | DOMESTIC SEPTAGE DISPOSAL SITE PERMIT Land disposal of domestic septage from septic tanks or other sewage treatment or disposal facilities. |
What Information Must I Provide?
New Applicants:
New installer applicants must contact their local Environmental Field Office to answer any questions and to discuss testing schedules. Applicants will need to complete an "Application for Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Installer Permit" (above) and provide the associated permit fee upon successful testing.
Renewals:
Installer permits expire on December 31st each year. Invoices for permit renewal are sent in the fall prior to expiration. Any changes to your current permit coverage or company information may be made at that time.
Renewing your installer permit can be done HERE.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR RENEWING YOUR PERMIT
Online applications/renewals are recommended. However, if you need to submit a hard copy for renewal, please print form CN-0763. You must complete and submit an "Application for Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Installer Permit" and associated permit fee to:
Division of Fiscal Services -Consolidated Fees Section
William R. Snodgrass TN Tower, 10th Floor
312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, Nashville, TN 37243
Please note that if installer coverage for the applicant has lapsed, then the applicant must begin as a new applicant. Any installer that failed to renew for the previous year must retake and pass the installer examination.
How Will My Application Be Processed?
A detailed review of the application is conducted, and the applicant is sent a notification letter when the review is complete. The review process is completed within 45 days of the date of application.
Please note that If the applicant was not permitted in the previous year or did not perform satisfactorily they are required to take a written examination. Applicants must score seventy (70) percent correct or above to be granted a permit. Applicants must satisfactorily install a conventional/alternative subsurface sewage disposal system under the supervision of a person designated by the Department.
Permits expire on December 31 each year and must be renewed. Permits are not transferable and become invalid upon change of ownership.
Rights and Responsibilities?
APPLICANT:
- has the right to proceed with activities outlined in the approved permit.
- must notify the Department of any changes to application information
- is responsible for following all applicable state statutes and regulations
- must display an identifying sticker provided by the Department on any installer vehicle
- must notify the Division when a system has been installed so that it can be inspected and approved
- has the right to appeal a permit that has been denied, suspended or revoked
DIVISION:
- has the right to inspect each SSDS installation to ensure that it was installed in accordance with permit conditions and regulatory requirements
- the right to revoke, suspend, or deny the issuance of a permit to any applicant who violates the state statutes or departmental regulations
Any person who violates or fails to comply with the state statutes, rules, or regulations may be subject to civil penalties.
What Information Must I Provide?
New Applicants and Renewals:
All pumping contractors must contact their local Environmental Field Office to schedule a truck inspection. Truck inspections are required for all new permits and annual renewals. Applicants will be expected to submit a completed "Division of Water Resources Application for Septic Tank Pumping Contractor Permit" and the associated fee to their local Environmental Field Office upon successful truck inspection (fee payment can also be made online when renewing by following the instructions provided on the renewal invoice.)
Additionally, all applicants must provide written permission from the proper official when contents are to be disposed of at a public wastewater treatment plant or written permission of the landowner and disposal site operator when a land application site is used, including a copy of the domestic septage site permits.
Online applications/renewals are recommended. However, if you need to submit a hard copy, please print and complete form CN-0765 "Application for Septic Tank Pumping Contractor Permit" to:
Division of Fiscal Services -Consolidated Fees Section
William R. Snodgrass TN Tower, 10th Floor
312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, Nashville, TN 37243
How Will My Application Be Processed?
A detailed review of the application is conducted, and the applicant is sent a notification letter when the review is complete. The review process is completed within 45 days of the date of application.
Permits expire on December 31 each year and must be renewed. Permits are not transferable and become invalid upon change of ownership.
Rights and Responsibilities?
APPLICANT:
- has the right to proceed with activities outlined in the approved permit.
- must notify the Department of any changes to application information
- is responsible for following all applicable state statutes and regulations
- must display an identifying sticker provided by the Department on any pumper vehicle
- responsible for maintaining monthly logs
- has the right to appeal a permit that has been denied, suspended or revoked
DIVISION:
- has the right to inspect monthly logs
- the right to revoke, suspend, or deny the issuance of a permit to any applicant who violates the state statutes or departmental regulations
Any person who violates or fails to comply with the state statutes, rules, or regulations may be subject to civil penalties.
What Information Must I Provide?
Applicants must submit the following information along with associated permit fee to their local environmental field office:
- Division of Water Resources "Application for Domestic Septage Disposal Site Permit" form (above).
- A high intensity soil map of the proposed disposal area prepared in accordance with Department Rules
- A plat with seal and signature of a registered surveyor.
How Will My Application Be Processed?
A detailed review of the application is conducted, and the applicant is sent a notification letter when the review is complete. The review process is completed within 45 days of the date of application.
Permits expire on December 31 each year and must be renewed. Permits are not transferable and become invalid upon change of ownership.
Rights and Responsibilities?
APPLICANT:
- has the right to proceed with activities outlined in the approved permit
- must notify the Department of any changes to application information
- is responsible for following all applicable state statutes and regulations
- has the right to appeal a permit that has been denied, suspended or revoked
DIVISION:
- has the right to inspect proposed sites prior to permitting as well as after a permit has been granted
- the right to revoke, suspend, or deny the issuance of a permit to any applicant who violates the state statutes or departmental regulations
Any person who violates or fails to comply with the state statutes, rules, or regulations may be subject to civil penalties.
| Need Assistance? |
|---|
| Contact your Local Environmental Field Office |