| WEST VIRGINIA
Other States: Contact:
or: Ron K. Forren, Director West Virginia State Regulations West Virginia Constitutions, Statutes and Codes Design Standards For Individual and
On-Site Sewage Systems Sewage System Rules Onsite regulations for West Virginia were last amended in May 1988. The 1983 Rules and Design Standards have been revised; however, they are yet to be formally adopted. The state of West Virginia is not considering the implementation of performance based standards. Alternative technologies can be approved on any site qualifying for a standard system. West Virginia permits surface discharges (up to 600 gallons/day) only to correct failures. Other alternative systems can be considered on two acres and over, including low pressure pipe systems. Aerobic treatment units (ATUs) are approved with surface discharge only to correct failures that cannot be repaired by conventional systems. For new construction, an ATU may be considered providing an NPDES permit is obtained. Alternative soil absorption designs and gravelless/chamber systems can be considered on lots over two acres. Other technologies allowed in the state of West Virginia include evapotranspiration systems, drip irrigation, mounds, sand filters, spray systems, and constructed wetlands. Onsite wastewater regulations do not require management systems or maintenance districts to monitor and maintain onsite wastewater systems. There is no state level funding program for individual homeowners needing to replace a failing system or to install a new system. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to secure a funding source for these purposes. For information, direct questions to the following: Mr. David Watkins, Chief Onsite certification and licensing for contractors, installers, and inspectors is administered by the Office of Environmental Health Services. For more information, contact the following: Ms. Linda Jones, R.S., HRR Program Manager West Virginia does not have an onsite wastewater training center. Training is provided to wastewater professionals such as Class I and Class II septic installers classes; and Class I, IS, II, III, IV wastewater plant operators. Contact Mr. Fisher at the above address and/or telephone number for more information. Dr. John Mori, Director of the National Small Flows Clearinghouse, can be contacted at 800-624-8301 or (304) 293-4191, for information concerning an onsite wastewater treatment and disposal demonstration project Chestnut Ridge State Park, Monongalia County demonstrating several onsite alternative technologies. West Virginia does not have separate regulations for
large municipal septic systems. Municipal treatment plants are regulated by the
Office of Environmental Health and the DEP. For more information, contact Mr.
Herold, P.E. with the DEP at respective address listed above. |