August 9, 2019
Montpelier, Vt. – The Agency of Natural Resources Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today that Tom Fuller and Tom’s Septic Service of Charlestown, New Hampshire, was fined $9,000 for failing to submit reports and pay fees associated with his waste management activities in Vermont.
Many Vermonters live outside areas served by municipal sewer lines. Instead, they rely on septic systems. Commercial waste haulers provide essential services to these Vermonters by managing septic, solid, and hazardous wastes that can be difficult and impractical for individuals to manage on their own. The DEC supports and regulates waste management companies doing business in Vermont, including those based out of state. The DEC requires commercial solid waste haulers hold a transporter permit, submit quarterly reports detailing the amount of septic tank waste managed in Vermont, and pay a fee equal to $10 per 1000 gallons of septage managed.
Between January 1, 2016 and June 30, 2019, Mr. Fuller managed over 1.4 million gallons of septage in Vermont. During this period, Mr. Fuller failed to submit quarterly reports and pay the required fees. He received notices of the violations in 2016 and 2017 but did not respond until July 2019 when the Agency initiated formal enforcement. Together with the delinquent quarterly reports, Mr. Fuller submitted outstanding management fees totaling more than $14,000.
“Out-of-state commercial waste haulers doing business in Vermont are held to the same standards as any Vermont waste transporting company,” says Emily Boedecker, DEC Commissioner. “The DEC’s regulations allow us to support solid waste companies working in Vermont and ensure that all haulers conduct their businesses in a way that protects public health and the environment.”
The August 8, 2019 judicial order from the Vermont Superior Court, Environmental Division requires Mr. Fuller to pay a $9,000 penalty for the violations, which Mr. Fuller has already paid.
Industry professionals can find guidance and educational resources, as well as permit and reporting requirements on DEC’s Waste Management and Prevention Division website. Additionally, Vermonters can find a list of permitted solid waste transporters and information for maintaining their septic systems. For more, visit dec.vermont.gov/waste-management.