2023 Tennessee Code › Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-NEW — 68-221-1319) › ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-201-NEW — 68-221-1319) › Chapter 221 - WATER AND SEWERAGE (§§ 68-221-101 — 68-221-1319) › Part 4 - SUBSURFACE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS (§§ 68-221-401 — 68-221-419) › Section 68-221-402 - Part definitions

For the purposes of this part and subsequent regulations and standards, the following words and phrases have the following meanings, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1)
"Alternative method of disposal" means a subsurface sewage disposal system, the construction, installation and operation of which varies from that of conventional subsurface sewage disposal systems;
(2)
"Commissioner" means the commissioner of environment and conservation, the commissioner's duly authorized representative, and in the event of the commissioner's absence or a vacancy in the office of commissioner, the deputy commissioner;
(3)
"Department" means the department of environment and conservation;
(4)
"Lot" means a part of a subdivision or a parcel of land intended for the building of a single house, building or other development;
(5)
"Permit" means a written authorization issued by the commissioner licensing one (1) of the following: the construction, alteration, extension or repair of a subsurface sewage disposal system, or the removal and disposal of accumulated wastes from subsurface sewage disposal systems, and including those engaged in such businesses;
(6)
"Person" means any and all persons, including individuals, firms, partnerships, associations, public or private institutions, municipalities, or political subdivisions or officers thereof, departments, agencies, or instrumentalities, or public or private corporations or officers thereof, organized or existing under the laws of this or any other state or country;
(7)
"Public sewerage system" means the conduits, sewers and all devices and appurtenances by means of which sewage is collected, pumped, treated and disposed of; all of which are owned and operated by a municipality, utility district or other legally constituted agencies of government;
(8)
"Sewage" means human excreta, all water carried wastes, and household wastes from residences, buildings, or commercial and industrial establishments;
(9)
"Subdivision" means any tract or parcel of land divided into two (2) or more lots, sites or other division for the purpose of immediate or future building of houses, buildings or other development where subsurface sewage disposal systems are to be used. "Subdivision" does not include a division of any tract or parcel of land into two (2) or more tracts or parcels when such parts are five (5) acres or larger in size; and
(10)
"Subsurface sewage disposal system" means a system, other than a public or community system, which receives sewage. Included within the scope of this definition are septic tank absorption systems, privies, chemical toilets, and other similar systems. However, "subsurface sewage disposal system" does not include a sewerage system regulated under part 1 of this chapter, and title 69, chapter 3.
Acts 1973, ch. 188, § 2; 1975, ch. 169, § 1; T.C.A., § 53-2042; Acts 1986, ch. 735, § 1; T.C.A., § 68-13-402.