On-Site Wastewater Management

On-Site Sewage Program

The West Virginia On-Site Sewage program provides rule interpretation and technical assistance on conventional and non-conventional on-site sewage systems.

Conventional on-site sewage systems include gravel and pipe, gravel-less pipe, and chamber systems.

Non-conventional on-site sewage systems include, but not limited to, home aeration systems, low pressure dosing systems and recirculating sand filters. These non-conventional/alternative systems are used when a conventional system has failed and cannot be repaired by conventional means, or when soil conditions are extremely poor. Alternative systems may be considered for new construction only if the lot is two acres or larger in size.

The on-site sewage program also issues permits for residential wastewater systems with surface water discharge which are 600 gallons/day or less and which qualify for a West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection N.P.D.E.S. permit.

On-Site Sewage System Installer Information

Training Opportunities:

Home Aeration Unit (Class H) Operator Training April 16-19, 2024 at the WVETC in Flatwoods, WV.

Class I/II Sewage System Installer Training May 13-17, 2024 at the WVETC in Flatwoods, WV. 

For more information and to register for either class please contact Brenda Waybright at 304-372-7878 or bwaybright@k12.wv.us 

On-Site Sewage System Installer Training and Certification

The Public Health Sanitation Division certifies Individual Sewage System Installers.

Approximately fifteen-hundred (900) Class I and Class II Installers have been maintain their certification in West Virginia.

An annual training class is offered for Class I and II Installers before the certification tests are administered.

On-Site Sewage System Installer certifications are valid for five years from issuance.

On-Site Sewage Installer Application, Study Materials and Testing Information

To become a Class I Sewage System Installer:

1. Submit an Application

2. Study Materials for Class I Sewage System Installer:

3. Class I Sewage System Installer Exams will be scheduled by the assigned District Sanitarian. (Passing Score is 70% or greater)

Please note: Applications will be valid for 90 days, after this date applications will be returned to the applicant. 

To become a Class II Sewage System Installer:

You must meet all the requirements of a Class I Sewage System Installer 

1. Submit an Application for Class II Sewage System Installer

2. Study Materials for Class II Sewage Installer:

3. Class II Sewage System Installer Exams will be scheduled by the assigned District Sanitarian. (Passing Score is 70% or greater)

Send Applications for Class I and Class II Sewage System Installers to:

Office of Environmental Services
Public Health Sanitation Division
350 Capital Street, Room 313
Charleston, WV 25301-3713
Attn: On-Site Sewage Program 
or by email to: oehsphssewage@wv.gov 
For information or to obtain a paper application and printed study materials:
Phone: (304) 558-2981 or 
email: oehsphssewage@wv.gov 

For Questions: email Rick.A.Hertges@wv.gov or call 304-352-5009

Renew a Class I or Class II Sewage System Installer Certification

1. Submit an Installer Certification Renewal Application

2. The application requires the signature and recommendation for renewal of a Local Health Department Sanitarian in a county knowledgeable of the individual's work. 

3. Submit the Certification Fee - $150.00 

     Pay Certification Fee online:

     OR Pay Certification Fee by check or money order: made out to WV Department of Health send to: 

        Office of Environmental Services
        Public Health Sanitation Division
        350 Capital Street, Room 313
       Charleston, WV 25301-3713
       Attn: On-Site Sewage Program 

Home Aeration Unit (HAU) Construction Permit Fee Information

Please Note: a Construction Permit will only be issued after the Office of Environmental Health Services is notified that an NPDES Permit General Permit is obtained from the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. Notification by the WVDEP serves as an application with the Office of Environmental Health Services.

HAU Permit Fees

The Office of Environmental Health Services (OEHS) generates fees based on Legislative Rule 64CSR51 Fees for Services. All fees charged by OEHS are listed in Appendix B of the Rule.

During the 2010 Legislative Session, the West Virginia Legislature approved the permit fee for Onsite Innovative/Alternative Type Sewage Systems. This permit fee is only for systems submitted and reviewed by the Public Health Sanitation Division. The new Fee schedule is a follows:

  • Permit Fee for Installation of an HAU to Correct an Existing Sewage System Failure : $250.00
  • Permit Fee for Installation of an HAU for New Construction: $400.00 - please note the requirements in 64 CSR 9 Sewage System Rule

Office of Environmental Services
Public Health Sanitation Division
350 Capital Street, Room 313
Charleston, WV 25301-3713
Attn: On-Site Sewage Program
OR email to oehsphssewage@wv.gov  
Online Permit Fee (new or renewal) can be submited at: HAU Construction Permit for WV Counties - EXCEPT: Brooke. Calhoun, Kanawha, Marshall, Monongalia, Pleasants, Richie, Roane, Wirt or Wood

These fees were effective July 1, 2010. A copy of the Rule can be found at the following website: 64 CSR 51 Fees for Service Rule

Contact WV Department of Environmental Protection for a list of approved HAU Maintenance Providers.

On-Site Sewage System Loan Program

West Virginia Housing has an Onsite System Loan Program for property owners.

On-Site Sewage Rules

On-Site Sewage Systems Excerpt from the Design Standards:

On-Site Sewage Forms

General Forms

HAU or Surface Discharge Systems

Septic System Installers

Sewage Tank Cleaners

For Information on proper disposal methods contact the West Virginia Departmental of Environmental Protection - Click here for disposal information.

This page contains links to external agencies. The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Public Health Sanitation Division is not responsible for the content of the these sites.


On-Site Sewage Informational Links