TITLE 9. ENVIRONMENT

STATE WATER CONTROL BOARD

Final Regulation

Title of Regulation: 9VAC25-790. Sewage Collection and Treatment Regulations (adding 9VAC25-790-985).

Statutory Authority: §§ 62.1-44.15 and 62.1-44.19 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: July 30, 2025.

Agency Contact: Morgan Emanuel, Regulatory and Guidance Analyst, Department of Environmental Quality, P.O. Box 1105, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 494-9635, or email morgan.emanuel@deq.virginia.gov.

Summary:

As mandated by the Commonwealth Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load Phase III Water Improvement Plan, the amendment adds a requirement for permitted sewage treatment works located within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed to report all septic systems or other onsite sewage disposal systems taken offline and connected to sewerage systems to ensure a more accurate count of nutrient reductions that result from directing sewage from individual septic systems and other onsite sewage disposal systems to a centralized sewage treatment works. Changes to the proposed regulation add an initial reporting date of 2027.

Summary of Public Comments and Agency's Response: A summary of comments made by the public and the agency's response may be obtained from the promulgating agency or viewed at the office of the Registrar of Regulations.

9VAC25-790-985. Onsite sewage systems connected to sewerage systems.

On or before February 1, [ 2027, and ] annually [ thereafter ], every permitted sewage treatment works within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed shall report to the department, to the best of the permitted sewage treatment works' knowledge, the number of onsite sewage systems taken offline [ permanently ] and connected to sewerage systems that convey sewage to the permitted sewage treatment works' facility during the previous calendar year.