Operator Certification & Licensing
Septage Business License

No business in Wisconsin, unless exempted by statute, may engage in servicing unless the vehicle(s) and equipment used have been initially inspected by the department and issued a Business License and truck decal.

Ch. NR 113, Wis. Adm. Code.[PDF exit DNR], was created as authorized by s.13.93 (2m) (b) 7, Wis. Stats, establishes the standards for the servicing of private sewage systems and the disposal of wastewater from these sources.

Requirements For An Initial Business License

Step 1: Designate an Operator in Charge

The first thing you will need to do before starting your business is to name an OIC (operator-in-charge). An OIC is designated by the business owner to be in direct responsible charge of the septage servicing business. Businesses that intend to landspread septage must have a Grade L certified OIC. Businesses that do not landspread septage can have either a Grade T or Grade L certified OIC. The business owner does not need to be certified, but the business owner must designate a properly certified OIC.

To be designated as an OIC, one must already be a certified operator (Grade T or L as appropriate), have at least 1600 hours of septage hauling experience in their current grade level over at least one calendar year, have participated in a mandatory training class sponsored by the Department, and passed the class exam. The class exam is held twice a year and is in addition to the original Grade L or Grade T certification exam. The two hour training class covers all of the topics that are on the OIC exam. There is no separate study guide. Those wishing to attend the class and exam can call the Statewide Septage Coordinator at (608) 266-8948 to be placed on a mailing list to receive notification of the next scheduled class and exam. Any operator or OIC is welcome to attend the class portion and can earn 2 continuing education credits to be used for renewing their certification. Exams only need to be taken once. Individuals who were "grandfathered" when ch NR 114, Wis. Adm. Code was revised effective December 1, 2004, are exempt from the experience statement, class, and exam requirements.

An operator’s experience must be documented in letter format, one to two pages in length, signed by the operator, and notarized. In as much detail as possible and using on-the-job experience, the letter must describe the operator’s knowledge of the safe and environmentally sound practices used to transport or landspread septage and familiarity with chs. NR113 and 114, Wis. Adm. Codes. Include an estimate of weekly hours worked. Keep in mind that this is a statement to the Department which tells us you are prepared to operate a septage business. Each statement is reviewed by the appropriate Department staff and notification of the approval or denial is made either in writing or by phone.

Step 2: Complete an Application

Use the Septage Servicing New Business License Application (Form 3400-020)[PDF] when applying for the business license. The application also includes the Social Security Number / FEIN Collection Request form and must accompany the Business License Application. The purpose of collecting a FEIN number is to determine whether the applicant is delinquent in court-ordered child or family support payments or delinquent in paying Wisconsin taxes. To learn more, visit the Wisconsin Department of Revenue [exit DNR] website.

Step 3: Complete Vehicle Inspection Report(s) and Pay Appropriate Fees

The cost of starting a business depends on the number of trucks in the fleet. Current fees are: $50 per vehicle and a $100 groundwater fee for in-state businesses. For out-of-state businesses, the fees are $100 per vehicle and a $100 groundwater fee.

A Vehicle Inspection Report (Form 3400-019)[PDF] must be completed for each vehicle. Contact your regional septage coordinator to set up an inspection. All vehicles are required to display a truck sticker on the rear of the truck. These stickers are mailed once the vehicle(s) have been inspected. Business licenses and truck stickers are valid for two years and expire on June 30th in every odd-numbered year. Fees are not pro-rated. To learn more about vehicle inspections and servicing, see s. NR113.06, Wis. Adm. Code.

Application of and restrictions to the disposal of septage is explained in ss. NR 113.07, 113.08, and 113.09, Wis. Adm. Code. For more information, or for Land Application Site Request and Septage Storage Facility Permit Application forms, contact the regional septage coordinator for the county in which the business will be licensed.

Summary

To apply for a septage business license:

1. A certified OIC must be named on the business license application
2. The new business license application, vehicle inspection report form(s), and FEIN collection report form must be completed.
3. Mail the application and forms, along with a check for the appropriate fees to:

WI DNR - Septage Certification
PO BOX 7921
MADISON WI 53707-7921

Notice: Completion and submission of the Septage Servicing New Business License Application with appropriate fees is mandatory under s. 281.48, Wis. Stats., and ch. NR113, Wis. Adm. Code. Failure to properly complete and submit the application, with appropriate fees while continuing to service septic systems is a violation of s. 281.48, Wis. Stats. and ch. NR113, Wis. Adm. Code and may result in a monetary penalty.

For more information or questions on the septage operator certification program, please contact:

Kelly Thompson
(608) 266-8948

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