April 26, 2019
Montpelier, Vt. – The Agency of Natural Resources announced today that Senesac Septic and Sewer Service, LLC in Georgia, was fined $11,460.00 for hauling waste without a permit and failing to submit septage management fees and quarterly reports of waste management activities.
More than half of Vermonters live outside areas served by municipal sewer lines and instead rely on on-site wastewater (“septic”) systems. Commercial waste haulers provide essential services to these Vermonters by managing the removal and disposal of septic, solid, and hazardous wastes. This waste can be harmful to human health and the environment if managed incorrectly.
“Waste haulers play a critical role in assisting Vermonters who rely on septic systems,” says Emily Boedecker, Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). “When these professionals don’t obtain their permits or report their activities to DEC, they put Vermonters’ health and the natural environment at risk.”
Senesac Septic and Sewer Service, LLC operated without a permit for more than four years and transported over one million gallons of septage in Vermont. Senesac Septic and Sewer Service, LLC also failed to submit quarterly reports of its waste management activities for five years—from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2018—resulting in DEC being unable to monitor its waste management activities and assure proper protections were in place.
Senesac Septic and Sewer Service, LLC agreed to settle this matter. Senesac Septic and Sewer Service, LLC will:
- Pay a penalty of $11,460.00 for operating without a permit, failing to submit quarterly reports, and failing to pay septage fees and $10,140.00 in overdue fees for the unpermitted septage that was disposed of between July 1, 2015 to December 31, 2018
- Stay current with its Vermont Waste Transporter Permit
- Submit quarterly fees for septage managed
DEC regulates and provides assistance to waste management companies to make sure they are handling and transporting waste safely and properly. DEC requires commercial solid waste haulers to maintain a Waste Transporter Permit and submit quarterly reports detailing the amount of septic tank waste managed. Industry professionals can find guidance and educational resources, as well as permit and reporting requirements on DEC’s Waste Management and Prevention Division website. Vermonters can find a list of permitted solid waste transporters and information for maintaining their septic systems. For more information, visit dec.vermont.gov/waste-management.