New Tennessee Septic Tank Laws

Understanding new Tennessee septic tank laws is crucial for homeowners, builders, and real estate professionals. Recent changes impact installation, maintenance, and compliance, making it essential to stay informed. This guide breaks down the latest regulations, permit requirements, and key updates you need to know.

Table of Content

• Overview of Tennessee’s Septic Tank Regulations
• Key Changes in Tennessee Septic Tank Laws
• Septic System Permit Requirements
• Installation and Maintenance Regulations
• Tennessee Septic Inspection Requirements
• Alternative Septic Systems & Regulations
• Common Violations & Penalties
• How Homeowners Can Stay Compliant
• Septifix
• Septic Permit Links by State

Overview of Tennessee’s Septic Tank Regulations

Tennessee’s septic system regulations are managed by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). The goal of these regulations is to prevent groundwater contamination, ensure proper wastewater treatment, and protect public health. Compliance with these laws is mandatory for new and existing septic systems.

Key Changes in Tennessee Septic Tank Laws

Recent updates to new Tennessee septic tank laws focus on stricter permit requirements, enhanced inspection protocols, and improved environmental safeguards. Notable changes include:

• Tighter soil testing regulations before permit approval.
• Increased frequency of mandatory inspections for certain properties.
• Stronger enforcement of maintenance requirements to prevent system failures.

Septic System Permit Requirements

Who Needs a Permit?

Anyone installing a new septic system or making major modifications to an existing one must obtain a permit from TDEC.

Permit Process

1. Site Evaluation: A licensed soil scientist must evaluate the property.
2. Application Submission: Homeowners submit findings and plans to TDEC.
3. Approval & Fees: Once approved, the permit is issued, and fees are paid.

Cost & Approval Timelines

• Permit fees range from $250 to $500, depending on system size.
• Approval can take several weeks, so plan accordingly.

Installation and Maintenance Regulations

Installation Requirements

• Only licensed professionals can install septic systems.
• Systems must be designed based on soil type, property size, and usage needs to ensure proper functionality.
• Alternative systems may be required in areas with poor soil conditions.

Maintenance Regulations

• Homeowners must pump their tanks every 3-5 years to prevent failures.
• Regular inspections help ensure compliance with TDEC standards.
• Non-compliance can lead to fines or system shutdowns.

Tennessee Septic Inspection Requirements

New Tennessee septic tank laws require regular inspections. Inspections help identify issues early on before they eventually turn into costly problems. Key requirements include:

• Pre-sale Inspections: Homes with septic systems must pass an inspection before being sold.
• Routine Maintenance Inspections: Some properties require periodic checks to ensure system functionality.
• Compliance Inspections: Certain high-risk areas may be subject to more frequent inspections.

Alternative Septic Systems & Regulations

When Do You Need an Alternative Septic System?

If soil conditions or property constraints make traditional septic systems unfeasible, then, in that case, alternative systems, such as mound systems or aerobic treatment units (ATUs), may be required instead.

Regulations for Alternative Systems

• ATUs require aeration to break down waste more efficiently.
• Mound systems use raised sand filters for improved drainage.
• These systems often require more frequent maintenance and inspections.

Common Violations & Penalties

Failure to comply with new Tennessee septic tank laws can lead to penalties. For example, these may include:

• Fines ranging from $500 to $10,000 for unpermitted systems.
• You must upgrade the system if inspectors find it non-compliant.
• Legal action for environmental damage caused by failing septic systems.

Common Violations

• Installing or modifying a system without a permit.
• Neglecting regular pumping and maintenance.
• Failing to conduct required inspections.

How Homeowners Can Stay Compliant

Staying compliant with new Tennessee septic tank laws requires proactive management. Here are some essential steps:

• Obtain necessary permits before installation or modifications.
• Schedule routine inspections to identify issues early.
• Pump your system regularly to avoid backups and failures.
• Work with licensed professionals for installation and maintenance.

Conclusion & CTA

Following new Tennessee septic tank laws is essential for maintaining a safe, compliant septic system. By staying up to date on permit requirements, inspection schedules, and maintenance guidelines, homeowners can avoid costly fines and protect the environment.

Septifix

Septic Permit Links by State

Alabama Septic Tank Permit	https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/onsite/forms.html
Alaska Septic Tank Permit	https://dec.alaska.gov/water/wastewater/engineering/homeowners
Arizona Septic Tank Permit	https://legacy.azdeq.gov/environ/water/engineering/oss.html#where
Arkansas Septic Tank Permit	https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/water/permits/pdfs/subsurface-septic-tank-app.pdf
California Septic Tank Permit	https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/centralcoast/water_issues/programs/septics/permits.html
Colorado Septic Tank Permit	https://cdphe.colorado.gov/OWTS
Connecticut Septic Tank Permit	https://portal.ct.gov/dph/environmental-health/environmental-engineering/environmental-engineering—-subsurface-sewage#:~:text=Septic%20systems%20on%20sites%20with,CT%20Department%20of%20Public%20Health.
Delaware Septic Tank Permit	https://documents.dnrec.delaware.gov/Water/Septics/forms/septic-system-permit-application.pdf
Florida Septic Tank Permit	https://floridadep.gov/water/onsite-sewage/content/onsite-sewage-faq-permitting
Georgia Septic Tank Permit	https://dph.georgia.gov/environmental-health/onsite-sewage
Hawaii Septic Tank Permit	https://eha-cloud.doh.hawaii.gov/epermit/app/#/formversion/a7e3ebf0-6183-4cbb-bc89-e5de66e5f619
Idaho Septic Tank Permit	https://www.deq.idaho.gov/water-quality/wastewater/septic-and-septage/
Illinois Septic Tank Permit	https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/forms/water-forms/wastewater-permits.html
Indiana Septic Tank Permit	https://www.in.gov/health/eph/onsite-sewage-systems-program/
Iowa Septic Tank Permit	https://iowacounty.iowa.gov/environmental_health/septic_systems/
Kansas Septic Tank Permit	https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8966/Septic-Tanks-PDF
Kentucky Septic Tank Permit	https://www.lfchd.org/onsite-sewage-septic-tank-program/
Louisiana Septic Tank Permit	https://ldh.la.gov/news/2088
Maine Septic Tank Permit	https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/plumb/forms.htm
Maryland Septic Tank Permit	https://septicapplication.mde.state.md.us/Public/StatewideSepticApplication
Massachusetts Septic Tank Permit	https://www.mass.gov/lists/title-5-septic-system-forms
Michigan Septic Tank Permit	https://www.dhd10.org/homeowners/apply-for-a-new-wellseptic/
Minnesota Septic Tank Permit	https://www.stlouiscountymn.gov/departments-a-z/planning-zoning/onsite-wastewater/apply-for-a-septic-permit
Mississippi Septic Tank Permit	https://msdh.ms.gov/page/30,0,78.html
Missouri Septic Tank Permit	https://health.mo.gov/living/environment/onsite/permitappforms.php
Montana Septic Tank Permit	https://deq.mt.gov/twr/assistance
Nebraska Septic Tank Permit	https://onestop.nebraska.gov/onsite-wastewater-septic-permit
Nevada Septic Tank Permit	https://dpbh.nv.gov/Reg/ISDS/dta/Permits/Individual_Sewage_Disposal_Systems_-_Permits/
New Hampshire Septic Tank Permit	https://onlineforms.nh.gov/app/#/formversion/e5058738-ce6b-4bab-b5f3-25dc1c33091d
New Jersey Septic Tank Permit	https://dep.nj.gov/dwq/wastewater/septic-systems/professional-information/
New Mexico Septic Tank Permit	https://www.env.nm.gov/septic/apply-for-a-permit/
New York Septic Tank Permit	https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/septic_systems.htm
North Carolina Septic Tank Permit	https://www.carteretcountync.gov/207/Septic-System-Permits
North Dakota Septic Tank Permit	https://deq.nd.gov/WQ/2_NDPDES_Permits/6_SepticPumper/sp.aspx
Ohio Septic Tank Permit	https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/sewage-treatment-systems/forms
Oklahoma Septic Tank Permit	https://applications.deq.ok.gov/sewagepermit/
Oregon Septic Tank Permit	https://www.oregon.gov/deq/Residential/Pages/Onsite-Resources.aspx
Pennsylvania Septic Tank Permit	https://www.pa.gov/services/dcnr/request-water-and-septic-installation-and-modifications-to-your-state-forest-leased-campsite.html
Rhode Island Septic Tank Permit	https://dem.ri.gov/environmental-protection-bureau/water-resources/permitting/septic-onsite-wastewater-treatment-owts
South Carolina Septic Tank Permit	https://www.aikencountysc.gov/DspOfc?qOfcID=SCDESS
South Dakota Septic Tank Permit	https://danr.sd.gov/Agriculture/Livestock/FeedlotPermit/Septic/default.aspx
Tennessee Septic Tank Permit	https://www.tn.gov/environment/permit-permits/water-permits1/septic-systems-permits/ssp/permit-water-septic-system-related-permits.html
Texas Septic Tank Permit	https://www.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/ossf/ossfpermits.html
Utah Septic Tank Permit	https://deq.utah.gov/water-quality/application-forms-for-onsite-professionals-onsite-wastewater-program
Vermont Septic Tank Permit	https://dec.vermont.gov/water/wastewater-systems-and-potable-water-supply-program/wastewater-systems-and-potable-water
Virginia Septic Tank Permit	https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/onsite-sewage-water-services-updated/have-you-considered-using-the-private-sector/
Washington Septic Tank Permit	https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/wastewater-management/forms-publications
West Virginia Septic Tank Permit	https://dep.wv.gov/wwe/permit/Pages/default.aspx
Wisconsin Septic Tank Permit	https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Programs/POWTS/Default.aspx
Wyoming Septic Tank Permit	https://deq.wyoming.gov/water-quality/water-wastewater/permitting/small-wastewater-systems/