Class V Regulations

In 1999, EPA added new requirements for large-capacity cesspools and motor vehicle waste disposal wells. The Class V Rule prohibited new large-capacity cesspools and new motor vehicle waste disposal wells nationwide as of April 2000. The rule also phased out existing cesspools nationwide by April 2005. Operators of existing motor vehicle wells in regulated areas must either close their wells or obtain a permit.

Details on the rule’s requirements for Large-Capacity Cesspools and Motor Vehicle Waste Disposal wells are available. Below are links to materials related to the rulemaking.

For regulators
For owners and operators
- Minimum Federal Requirements for Class V Wells

Background Documents on the Final Rule

Fact Sheet (PDF) (4 pg, 25K, About PDF)
Class V Rule - Quick Reference Guide (PDF) (2 pp, 39K, About PDF)
Class V Final Rule, December 7, 1999
NOTICE: An error appears in the Federal Register notice. Table 1 on page 68571 should show April 5, 2005, as the deadline for closure of existing large-capacity cesspools.