Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Virginia SB453: An Act to amend and reenact § 32.1-164 of the Code of Virginia, relating to intentional discharge of untreated sewage; civil penalty.
Status: Chaptered, April 13, 2026
Intentional discharge of untreated sewage onto land or into waters of the Commonwealth; civil penalty. Establishes a maximum civil penalty of $50,000 per violation for any person found to have intentionally discharged untreated sewage onto land or into waters of the Commonwealth.
What the bill says
An Act to amend and reenact § 32.1-164 of the Code of Virginia, relating to intentional discharge of untreated sewage; civil penalty. [S 453] Approved April 13, 2026 1. That § 32.1-164 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as regulations; fees; onsite soil evaluators; letters in lieu of permits; inspections; civil penalty. A. The Board shall have supervision and control over the safe and sanitary collection, conveyance, transportation, treatment, and disposal of sewage by onsite sewage systems and alternative discharging sewage systems, and treatment works as they affect the public.
From the enrolled text, April 13, 2026:
An Act to amend and reenact § 32.1-164 of the Code of Virginia, relating to intentional discharge of untreated sewage; civil penalty. [S 453] Approved April 13, 2026 1. That § 32.1-164 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as regulations; fees; onsite soil evaluators; letters in lieu of permits; inspections; civil penalty. A. The Board shall have supervision and control over the safe and sanitary collection, conveyance, transportation, treatment, and disposal of sewage by onsite sewage systems and alternative discharging sewage systems, and treatment works as they affect the public health and welfare. The Board shall also have supervision and control over the maintenance, inspection, and reuse of alternative onsite sewage systems as they affect the public health and welfare. In discharging the responsibility to supervise and control the safe and sanitary treatment and disposal of sewage as they affect the public health and welfare, the Board shall exercise due diligence to protect the quality of both surface water and ground water. Upon the final adoption of a general Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination permit by the State Water Control Board, the Board of Health shall assume the responsibility for permitting alternative discharging sewage systems as defined in § 32.1-163. All such permits shall comply with the applicable regulations of the State Water Control Board and be registered …