W. Va. Code R. § 64-47-7 - [Effective 7/1/2025] Sewage Tank Cleaning

7.1. General.

7.1.a. Necessary hand tools such as picks and shovels, and other items such as sand and cement for repairing concrete sewage tanks shall be carried on the sewage cleaning vehicle.

7.1.b. All portable receptacles used for transporting the contents of sewage tanks shall be of approved construction, metal or equivalent, easily cleanable, good repair, equipped with tightfitting lids, and shall be cleaned, deodorized and disinfected daily or more often, if needed.

7.2. Motor Vehicle and Chassis.

7.2.a. The motor vehicle and its chassis shall be of sufficient capacity to haul all equipment necessary for the transporting, pumping, filling, emptying, and cleaning of sewage tanks.

7.2.b. Sewage tank cleaning motor vehicles may be of one unit or of the tractor-trailer type, but regardless of the type, the motor vehicles shall be in compliance with all applicable provisions of this rule.

7.2.c. All vehicles used in these operations shall carry in a conspicuous place the name and address of the firm or operator under which business is conducted. All lettering shall be at least two inches in height.

7.3. Carrier Tank.

7.3.a. The carrier tank shall be fully enclosed, leakproof, fly-proof, and operated in such manner as to prevent spillage during the collection, removal, transportation, and disposal of the sewage tank contents.

7.3.b. The carrier tank shall be of heavy gauge metal, preferably 10 to 12 gauge or equivalent, to withstand the treatment to which it will be subjected.

7.3.c. The carrier tank shall have a capacity of at least 750 gallons, but preferably 1,000 gallons, to readily hold the accumulation of the average size sewage tank serving a one-family dwelling.

7.3.d. The capacity of the carrier tank, in gallons, shall be conspicuously painted on the side of said tank.

7.3.e. The carrier tank shall be constructed so as to permit proper cleaning of the interior and exterior of it.

7.3.f. The exterior of the carrier tank shall be painted, and the tank and appurtenances kept clean and in a state of good repair.

7.3.g. The carrier tank shall be conspicuously and permanently labeled near the outlet valve in letters at least two inches high, "FOR SEWAGE ONLY," and the carrier tank shall not be used for any other purpose.

7.3.h. The health department permit number for the sewage tank cleaner shall be prominently displayed on the carrier tank.

7.3.i. The carrier tank shall have a manhole in the top to provide for easy access to the tank interior for flushing and cleaning purposes. The manhole may be in combination with, or separate from, the filling connection.

7.3.j. The carrier tank shall have an outlet valve located so that the entire contents of the tank can be drained.

7.3.j.1. The outlet valve opening shall be at least three inches in diameter and shall have a non-leaking, non-clog type valve for draining the tank;

7.3.j.2. The outlet valve shall be adapted for a standard hose connection to the pump for recirculating the contents of the tank if required prior to emptying or for pumping to the disposal site if gravity draining is not feasible;

7.3.j.3. In pumping from the carrier tank, an air inlet is recommended to prevent collapsing the tank; and

7.3.j.4. The outlet valve shall be capped when not in actual use to prevent leaking or spilling of the tank contents. Caps shall be secured by chain to outlet valve or tank.

7.3.k. Facilities shall be available for the flushing, cleaning, and deodorizing of sewage tanks, carrier tanks, and sewage tank cleaning implements or equipment according to the following:

7.3.k.1. A direct connection to a water distribution system for the flushing or cleaning action shall only be used when the water distribution system is protected by one or more approved and properly located back-siphonage prevention devices.

7.3.k.2. Wastes resulting from the flushing or cleaning operation shall be disposed of in accordance with 64CSR9.10, Sewer Systems, Sewage Treatment Systems and Sewage Tank Cleaners, and 33CSR2.3 Sewage Sludge Management.

7.3.k.3. Odor controlling substances may be left in the sewage tank, carrier tank or other sewage tank cleaning implement or equipment, but in no case shall these substances be used in lieu of proper cleaning.

7.4. Pumps and Hoses.

7.4.a. All pumps used for sewage tank cleaning purposes shall be of the non-clog, self-priming type and shall be capable of handling the contents of sewage tanks.

7.4.b. The use of potable water under pressure to prime pumps or to operate aspirators is prohibited.

7.4.c. Pumps and pump bases shall be of such construction that they can be easily handled and used for purpose intended.

7.4.d. Hoses shall be of sufficient length for recirculating the contents of the sewage tank or carrier tank and to reach the point of discharge at the disposal site readily.

7.4.e. Hoses shall be flexible and constructed so that they can be readily cleaned.

7.4.f. Hoses shall be kept clean and in a good state of repair.

7.4.g. Hoses shall be used and stored in such manner as to prevent leaking, spilling, and dripping of any sewage tank contents.

7.4.h. When not in actual use hoses shall be tightly capped.

Notes

W. Va. Code R. § 64-47-7