Why is a Sewage Sludge Utilization Permit necessary?

The purpose of the Sewage Sludge Utilization Permit is to ensure protection of the public health and ground water by requiring that all septage haulers properly handle and dispose of all septic waste.

When do I need a Sewage Sludge Utilization Permit?

A Sewage Sludge Utilization Permit must be obtained by any person or company engaged in the business of cleaning and emptying septic tanks, holding tanks, privies, or other sewage disposal facilities.

What is the Sewage Sludge Utilization Permit application process?

A completed application and fee must be submitted by the applicant and a request for truck inspection must be made.

Conditions of Approval

The application will be reviewed for compliance with current standards and, if the application is acceptable, an inspection of the sludge hauling truck will be scheduled.

Appeal Information

If a permit is denied, an appeal may be made to the Chief of the Division of Land Development Services in this department. If the appeal is denied based on County law, the denial may be appealed to the Montgomery County Board of Appeals. If the denial is based on State law, an appeal may be made to the Maryland Department of the Environment.

Inspection Information

Inspections of sludge hauling trucks are required annually. The trucks must be properly lettered and at least one-half full of clean water at the time of inspection. Sludge hauling truck inspections are done at the Well and Septic office and must be scheduled in advance. The applicant will also need to specify an acceptable disposal site. If the site is a Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) facility, the proper WSSC approval must be provided to the inspector. Please call the Well and Septic Section at (240)777-6320 for more information.

Other Agencies Involved

WSSC should be contacted at 301-206-8000 for information about permits for disposing of septage into their facilities.

What will the Sewage Sludge Utilization Permit cost?

Septage Hauler permit fee per truck (new or renewal) is $231.00.

When will I receive my Sewage Sludge Utilization Permit?

Once a permit application has been approved, a Sewage Sludge Utilization Permit will be issued after a truck inspection has been completed, and a waste discharge location has been authorized. A Sewage Sludge Utilization Permit number must be lettered on a vehicle in accordance with regulations before a vehicle may be allowed to operate. Permit processing time may vary due to workload factors/project complexity.

Permit Duration

All permits expires on January 31st of each calendar year, regardless of when they were issued during the preceding year.