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Broadband Initiatives
Budget & Strategic Planning
Building in the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area
Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Septic Tank Pump Out Program - General
Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Septic Tank Pump Out Program - Inspections
Commonwealth's Attorney's Office
Community Development Division
Domestic Violence - Cycles of Violence
Fleet Management
Historic Overlay District
Housing / Property Maintenance
Media & Community Relations
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Parks & Recreation - Entertainer and Vendor Information
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Police - Traffic Enforcement
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Sheriff's Office
Snow Removal
Social Services - Adult Protective Services
Social Services - Adult Services
Social Services - Child Care Services
Social Services - Child Protective Services
Social Services - Community Corrections Program
Social Services - Energy Assistance
Social Services - Medicaid
Social Services - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Social Services - Tax Relief Program
State Income Tax
Stormwater Management
Tax Relief for Seniors, the Disabled and Veterans
Traffic Engineering
Treasurer - Licenses, Tags, & Tickets
Treasurer - Payments, Rentals, & Unclaimed Money
Treasurer - Taxes
Vehicle Decal Changes
Voter Registrar
Zoning Administration
Zoning Permits - Business License
Zoning Permits - Home Occupations
Zoning Permits - Temporary Structures
What if I don’t know when my septic tank has been pumped out?
If you don’t know when your septic tank was last pumped out, you should schedule an appointment once you have received your notification letter to have it inspected by a licensed sewage hauler and pumped out as necessary.
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Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Septic Tank Pump Out Program - General
Show All Answers
1.
What is a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area (CBPA)?
For information about these please visit our
Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area page
.
2.
What if I have multiple septic systems on my property?
If you have more than 1 septic system located on a single parcel of land, each septic tank must be pumped out every 5 years. Please provide the City with the pump out documentation for each septic tank.
3.
Are septic systems with alternating drainfields also required to be pumped out?
A system with an alternating drainfield also must pump out the tank but may not have to perform this task every 5 years, if the sewage hauler inspects the tank and certifies that it does not need to be pumped. Certification from your sewage hauler will need to be supplied to the City if you receive a notification letter. The owner is still responsible for switching the valve every year to more evenly distribute the effluent over both drainfields.
4.
What if I don’t know where my septic tank is located or if I even have a septic tank?
The Suffolk Health Department may have the location of your septic tank system. In some instances your land survey may indicate if your property has a septic tank and where the drainfield may be. Another option is to have a licensed sewage hauler assist you in locating your septic system. If you are unsure if you even have a septic system, the Suffolk Health Department or a licensed plumber should be able to assist you in the location and means of sewage discharge.
5.
What if I don’t know when my septic tank has been pumped out?
If you don’t know when your septic tank was last pumped out, you should schedule an appointment once you have received your notification letter to have it inspected by a licensed sewage hauler and pumped out as necessary.
6.
Do I have to keep records of any pump out?
You should keep records for at least 5 years. A copy of the receipt from your septic hauler will be required to be sent to the City along with the Septic Pump Out
certification form
.
7.
What if I have an alternative septic system?
Most alternative systems require additional maintenance beyond what is required for a traditional septic system. Pumping the septic tank is still a component of an alternative system. In addition, some on-site alternative systems permitted by the Virginia Department of Health may require the owner to have an annual maintenance plan to ensure the proper functioning of such systems. These systems should be maintained according to the manufacturer’s specifications. A copy of the latest maintenance inspection report will suffice in place of a pump out receipt from the hauler.
8.
Who is responsible for the costs associated with the required maintenance of my on-site septic system?
The property owner is responsible for all costs associated with the pump out of the tank.
9.
If I need more information, who should I contact?
You may contact the Department of Planning and Community Development at 757-514-4060 or the Suffolk Health Department at 757-514-4751.
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