12VAC5-613-20. Purpose and authority

A. Pursuant to the requirements of §§ 32.1-12 , 32.1-163.6 , and 32.1-164 of the Code of Virginia, the board has promulgated this chapter to:

1. Establish a program for regulating the operation and maintenance of alternative onsite sewage systems;

2. Establish performance requirements for alternative onsite sewage systems;

3. Establish horizontal setbacks for alternative onsite sewage systems that are necessary to protect public health and the environment;

4. Discharge the board's responsibility to supervise and control the safe and sanitary collection, conveyance, transportation, treatment, and disposal of sewage by onsite sewage systems and treatment works as they affect the public health and welfare;

5. Protect the quality of surface water and ground water;

6. Guide the commissioner in determining whether a permit or other authorization for an alternative onsite sewage system shall be issued or denied; and

7. Inform owners, applicants, onsite soil evaluators, system designers, and other persons of the requirements for obtaining a permit or other authorization for an AOSS.

B. The division may, as it deems necessary, develop best management practices for the purposes of recognizing acceptable methods to reduce pollution from AOSSs.