Georgia Septic Hauling Compliance Guide

Georgia splits septage oversight between two agencies. The Department of Public Health handles individual pumper certification under DPH Rules Chapter 511-3-1, while the Environmental Protection Division governs disposal and land application through Rules 391-3-6-.23 and Chapter 391-3-4. Most single-truck operations fall under EPD's Tier 1 general permit, designated GAG620000, which covers standard collection-and-delivery to permitted treatment facilities.

Individual pumper certification through DPH requires passing an examination under Rule 511-3-1-.16, with applicants needing to be at least 18 years old and achieve a minimum 70 percent passing score. Certifications expire on February 28 and are renewed biennially on even-numbered years. A separate company certification is also required. This dual certification structure -- individual plus company -- distinguishes Georgia from states that issue only a business-level permit.

Georgia requires documentation of proper disposal for every load, though the state does not prescribe a specific multi-copy manifest format. The documentation must demonstrate the chain of custody from collection through delivery to a permitted facility. Georgia EPD's sludge-management permit guidance requires septage records to be retained for 3 years, which is shorter than the federal default many operators assume.

Enforcement authority comes from the Georgia Water Quality Control Act, with penalties that can include civil fines, permit suspension or revocation, and criminal referral.