Who regulates septic hauling in Georgia?

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) regulates septage hauling under Rules Chapter 391-3-6-.23 and Chapter 391-3-4. Georgia uses a tiered permit system, and most single-truck septic pumping operations fall under the Tier 1 general permit.

Georgia's tiered permit system

Georgia's permit structure assigns different requirements based on operation scale:

  • Tier 1 — single pumper/site operations covered by General Permit GAG620000
  • Higher tiers apply to larger operations with multiple disposal sites or land application activities

The Tier 1 general permit is the most common for small-to-midsize septic haulers. It covers standard collection-and-delivery operations where septage goes to a permitted treatment facility.

Key detail: The general permit is a per-business permit — one permit covers your operation, not individual vehicles.

Manifest requirements

Georgia requires documentation of proper disposal for every septage load. Under Rules Chapter 391-3-6-.23, haulers must maintain records that demonstrate each load was collected and delivered to a permitted disposal facility.

While Georgia does not prescribe a specific multi-copy manifest format, the documentation must be sufficient to demonstrate the chain of custody from collection to disposal.

Record retention: 5 years

Georgia uses the federal 40 CFR 503 default of 5 years for septage record retention. Note: Rule 391-3-6-.24 specifies a 3-year retention period for commercial waste, but that rule explicitly excludes "septic wastes." There is no state-specific septage retention period shorter than the federal standard.

Maintaining records for the full 5-year window protects you against both state and federal audit requests.

Penalties and enforcement

Enforcement authority comes from the Georgia Water Quality Control Act. EPD can impose penalties for permit violations, improper disposal, and documentation failures. Violations can result in:

  • Civil penalties assessed by EPD
  • Permit suspension or revocation
  • Referral for criminal prosecution in serious cases

Common compliance mistakes Georgia haulers make

  • Assuming the 3-year commercial waste retention period applies to septage (it does not — septage is explicitly excluded)
  • Not understanding which tier their operation falls under
  • Failing to maintain sufficient disposal documentation for each load
  • Operating without verifying that the receiving facility's permit is current
  • Not renewing the general permit on schedule

Frequently asked questions

What is General Permit GAG620000?

It is Georgia EPD's Tier 1 general permit for single pumper/site septage operations. Most small-to-midsize septic haulers who deliver to permitted treatment facilities operate under this permit.

Is the record retention period 3 years or 5 years in Georgia?

5 years for septage. The 3-year period under Rule 391-3-6-.24 applies to commercial waste and explicitly excludes septic wastes. The federal 40 CFR 503 standard of 5 years applies.

Do I need a separate permit for each truck?

No. Georgia's Tier 1 general permit is per-business. One permit covers your entire operation.

How PumpDocket handles Georgia compliance

PumpDocket generates disposal documentation from your daily job closeout data that satisfies EPD's chain-of-custody requirements. The system enforces the 5-year federal retention standard, tracks your general permit renewal date, and links each load record to the specific receiving facility. For Tier 1 operations under GAG620000, the system produces trip tickets that align with the general permit's documentation expectations.

Related state guides

If your operation extends into neighboring states, see our guides for Florida and South Carolina.