Liquid Waste (Septic Tank) Program

Information for Contractors, Inspectors and Homeowners

Our mission is to protect public health, safety and water quality by ensuring that on-site disposal of household sewage is done safely.

• Apply for a Liquid Waste Permit
• If you plan on installing your own septic system, access the Homeowner Installation Manual for information on installation and permitting.  You can also obtain a copy from your local NMED Field Office.
• Licensed Installers accepted for Property Transfer Inspections Memo
• Drainfield Calculator (You must have Microsoft Excel on your PC to use this drainfield sizing tool.  The calculator includes current sizing of proprietary disposal products), Instructions  Current Sizing of Proprietary Drainfield Products
• Information Finder for Liquid Waste Permits  
• Property Transfer Flow Chart and Summary of Liquid Waste Regulations for inspectors and homeowners.
• Property Transfer Inspections are required under the Liquid Waste Disposal and Treatment Regulations (to search the regulations, click on Find on the dropdown Edit menu).  The required fields, at a minimum, must be completed on the Ownership Transfer Inspection Form (this form also may serve as the required  notice of ATU ownership transfer and for inspection of unpermitted systems).  The form must be submitted to the local NMED Field Office in your District, for evaluation and acceptance.  The State of New York has created a website containing extensive information on onsite wastewater systems, including inspection. Click on the following link to visit this website: http://www.inspect-ny.com/septic/septtext.htm
• NMED currently recognizes National Association of Wastewater Transporters (NAWT) certification, PE registration and contractors holding MM98, MM01, MS03 or MS01 licenses for property transfer inspections of permitted onsite liquid waste systems.  Inspection of unpermitted onsite liquid waste systems is now being done by NMED in most areas and on all unpermitted systems installed after February 1, 2002.  For NAWT certification opportunities, go to NAWT.org for a listing of upcoming NAWT certification classes around the country.  
• Qualifying NAWT Certified Inspectors.  Inclusion on this list indicates NAWT certification.  The list is not comprehensive.  If you are NAWT certified, and want to be included on the list of qualified inspectors, or if any of the information on the list is incorrect, please contact the Liquid Waste Program Engineer.
• Information sheet for installers regarding the new Liquid Waste Regulations
• Forms: Request for Stricter Standards Determination; Application for Certificate of Registration:  Excel file (save a copy to your PC), or print  PDF file; Notice of ATU Ownership Transfer.