Residential Service Areas Commercial Precast Concrete About Blog Contact Payments Operation and Maintenance Contracts Home Blog Operation and Maintenance Contracts Operation and Maintenance Contracts Published on March 23, 2021 We’ve already answered the question to why Rid-x and other additives do not replace other, more important, aspects of septic system maintenance… but did you know the Virginia Department of Health outlines specific AOSS (Alternative Onsite Septic System) owner responsibilities regarding the operation and maintenance of your septic system? Failure to adhere to these regulations can result in fines and civil penalties. For your convenience, we’ve summarized all you need to know about complying with Virginia’s Alternative Septic Regulations. Start a Relationship with a Licensed Operator and Break-up with Unnecessary Additives A licensed operator is an onsite sewage system operator who is licensed by DPOR to operate and maintain all alternative onsite septic systems. A relationship, or an O&M (Operation and Maintenance) agreement, establishes a contractual framework between the owner of the system and a licensed operator who is engaged to manage, operate and maintain the system. Establishing an O&M agreement will allow a licensed operator to take on the obligations of these regulations, which in turn, will simplify things for you. Have Your AOSS Operated & Maintained By A Licensed Operator The Virginia code requires the owner of an AOSS to have that system operated by a licensed operator, so you will need to hire a professional to operate and maintain your system. We prepare our maintenance contracts to cover any inspection or diagnostic service necessary over the life of your system. This includes, but is not limited to: periodic site visits basic tests and observations calibrations running the system through test cycles making adjustments to the basic controls of the system reporting the service to the Client and the local health department, as required by law. Contact us to set up a maintenance contract today. Have An Operator Review The Operation Of The System At The Frequency Required By The Regulations Information on your maintenance schedule can be found on your AOSS permit or in your homeowners manual. The operator is required to fill out and file forms with Environmental Health detailing the operation and condition of the system in compliance with the required maintenance schedule. The operator is also required to file a report online for all visits. Have An Operator Collect Any Samples Required By The Regulations In addition to regular maintenance and inspection, all systems installed after April 7, 2010, and whose systems have a secondary treatment before the soil treatment area, are required to have a grab sample of sludge taken and analyzed for BOD and, if disinfection is required, fecal coliform samples once every five years. Systems installed before April 2010 are grandfathered and do not require sampling (they were installed without sampling ports). Keep A Copy Of Your Maintenance Log A maintenance log will be provided by the operator of the property where the AOSS is located. Every time the operator visits your system to maintain and/or inspect it, they are required to fill out a form with the Virginia Department of Health on their online reporting system. You should also receive a form indicating what service they provided. It is important to keep a copy of your maintenance log as well as the O&M Manual to make available to the Virginia Department of Health upon request, and to transfer to any future owner of the property. All manufactures of systems approved in Virginia have created O&M Manuals that you can access online and print. Whats Next? Call us today to set up a maintenance contract and have our specialists walk you through it. See our website to for more information on Operation and Maintenance Contracts Previous: Real Estate Inspections in 2021 Service Areas Amelia County Charles City Chesterfield Goochland Hanover Henrico Hopewell New Kent Powhatan Prince George Richmond City 2210 Belt Blvd Richmond, Virginia 23224 Emergency:(804) 641-5942 Non-Emergency:(804) 232-6774 Contact Residential Services Commercial Services Financial Assistance About Careers Blog Payments Service Areas Amelia County Charles City Chesterfield Goochland Hanover Henrico Hopewell New Kent Powhatan Prince George Richmond City © 2015–2021 Lyttle Companies. All rights reserved. Site by CO+LAB