A change in Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Sewage Handling and Disposal Regulations in 2000 dramatically changed land development patterns within many Virginia localities. The regulations allowed new engineered onsite sewage disposal system (OSDS) technologies to be installed on “marginal land,” or land that does not perk and would not normally support a traditional gravity fed septic system. Consequently these regulations reinforced the role of VDH to issue permits for OSDS systems and did not address land use development decision making, which is a responsibility of local governments. Also, the general assembly passed House Bill 1788, while the VDH promulgated regulations (12VAC5-610-20) that directly pertain to OSDS adding to the policy and management conundrum of engineered OSDS.
Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission - Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission
