Planning & Community Development

Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area
Septic Tank Pump Out Program

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why am I being required to have my septic tank pumped out or inspected before the septic tank is full?
Virginia State law requires anyone within a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area (CBPA) to have their septic tank pumped or inspected once every five (5) years. Research has shown that failing septic systems contribute considerable amounts of pollution to groundwater and the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. By having your septic tank pumped, the number of solids leaving the septic tank and migrating into the drainfield is greatly reduced which allows your drainfield to function as designed for a much greater length of time and reducing groundwater pollution.

2. What is a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area (CBPA)?
Within the City of Suffolk, certain areas have features which have been identified as requiring higher environmental protection as defined by State law. These areas are commonly referred to as the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Overlay District. Approximately two-thirds of the City falls within a CBPA which not only includes areas close to streams, wetlands, floodplains and drinking water reservoirs (referred to as a Resource Protection Areas – RPAs) but also can include upland areas with erodible soils, steep slopes, highly permeable soils or areas adjacent to drinking water reservoirs (referred to as Resource Management Areas – RMAs). In some instances, your land survey may indicate if your lot is within a CBPA.

3. Should I wait to receive a notice every five years before having my septic tank pumped out or inspected?
You can. In order to balance the work load for the sewage haulers and the amount of septage delivered for treatment, the City will notify approximately one-fifth of the City residents located within the CBPA each year about these requirements. You can have your septic tank pumped at anytime over the five-year period or wait to receive the notice. Only those properties with their drainfields located within a CBPA are required to be pumped out every five (5) years.

4. Is everyone in the City required to have their septic tank pumped out or inspected?
No, properties located outside of the CBPA (in the southern portion of the City) do not need to have their septic tanks pumped out but are encouraged to do so on a regular basis. (See the septic tank pump out program information for affected areas.)

5. Who do I contact to have my septic system pumped out or inspected?
You may contact any sewage handler licensed by the Virginia Department of Health. Please refer to the telephone directory yellow pages under “Septic” for contact information.

6. If I had my septic system pumped out within the last five years, do I need to have it pumped out again in order to comply with the pump out program?
No. If your septic system has been pumped out within the last five (5) years, you only need to provide the City with a receipt and the certification statement attached to the notification letter.

7. If my house and septic system are less than five (5) years old, do I still need to have my septic tank pumped out?
No. If your septic tank is less than five (5) years old, all you need to do is provide the City with the date your septic tank was placed in service. You should have your septic tank pumped out once your system has been in operation for five (5) years.

8. What if I have multiple septic systems on my property?
If you have more than one (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.

9. 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 or a licensed sewage hauler may be able to 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.

10. 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 if necessary.

11. Do I have to keep records of any pump out?
You should keep records for at least five (5) years. A copy of the receipt from your septic hauler will be required at time of notification.

12. 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. Most alternative systems require additional maintenance beyond what is required for a traditional septic system. These systems should be maintained according to the manufacturer’s specifications. A copy of the latest maintenance inspection report would suffice in place of a pump out receipt from the hauler.

13. Is there an exemption from pumping out with systems that have a plastic filter?
If your septic system has a Virginia Department of Health approved plastic filter installed, you need to notify the City of this fact. Plastic filters require regular maintenance to keep them from closing and backing sewage into your home. Routine maintenance typically includes the removal and proper disposal of non-biodegradable solids from the filter and then hosing down the filter over your septic tank to return the filtered solids to the tank. The Virginia Department of Health recommends that systems with plastic filters be pumped. These systems may not need to be pump out every five (5) years because they routinely require more maintenance. If you have a plastic filter system that was approved by the Health Department, you may submit evidence of that approval and the latest maintenance schedule.

14. Are septic systems with alternating drainfields also required to pump out?
A system with an alternating drainfield also must pump out the tank but may not have to perform this task every five years if the sewage hauler inspects the tank and certifies that it does not need to be pumped. The owner is still responsible for switching the valve every year to more evenly distribute the effluent over both drainfields.

15.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.

16. 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.