Water Quality State Operating Permits (SOP)

Persons engaged in the operation of a sewage treatment system that does not have a direct discharge to any surface or subsurface waters must obtain a State Operating Permit (SOP) from the Tennessee Division of Water Resources.

The permit is for:

  • Wastewater treatment facilities land applying by spray or drip irrigation
  • Temporarily collecting and holding wastewater
  • Operation of a pump and haul system 
  • Operation of a municipal sewage collection system which discharges into a collection system owned by another entity
  • Mobile car wash or other pressure washing operations
     

Engineering Plans:

Prior to applying for a new SOP (or a design modification to an existing SOP), a preliminary project discussion must be held with the Division. A request for a preliminary project discussion can be sent to:
DWR.Engineering@tn.gov.

Engineering reports, plans and specifications should be submitted for approval through the MyTDEC Forms Plans Review Portal.

Applications:

Applicants must submit the Application for State Operating Permit at least 180 days before starting any new activity or before the permit expires if renewing a permit.

Permit applications for land application systems (spray/drip disposal) Collection systems, or holding ponds should be submitted through MyTDEC forms.

 Permit applications for Mobile Wash Systems or Pump and Haul permit should be sent to water.permits@tn.gov.

Applicable forms and reference sheets:

  • Upon receipt of the required items, the Division conducts a review of the material, and the applicant is notified of any deficiencies. 
  • When all the deficiencies have been corrected, and the engineering report and preliminary plans have been approved, a draft permit is generated and a public notice is issued. 
  • The draft permit is reviewed by the applicant and Division of Water Resources field staff. 
  • The public has an opportunity to review the permit. Based on public response, a public hearing may be held. 
  • After considering public comments and a final review, the permit may be issued and final construction documents may be approved. 
  • The entire process normally takes from five to nine months. 
  • Permits are normally valid for five years, except those for pump and haul systems which are generally valid for one year.
  • In the case of a denial, the applicant may appeal to the Tennessee Board of Water Quality, Oil and Gas.
     

Application fees for Land Application Systems will be calculated by the MyTDEC Forms SOP Application and paid through the MyTDEC Forms Portal.

The permit fee schedule is included in Rule 0400-40-11-.02(2)(a)

There is no application fee for Collection Systems, Holding Ponds, Pump and Haul, and Mobile Wash System Permits.

The applicant has the right to proceed with the approved activities in accordance with the permit conditions and requirements.

The applicant is responsible for operating within the permit boundaries. General requirements for permit holders include, but are not limited to, monitoring, recordkeeping, reporting and inspections.

The permit is transferable upon the approval of both parties and the Division of Water Resources.

Minor modifications to the permit can be changed administratively.
 

To report Spills or site specific issues, please contact the  Environmental Field Office location for the site or Toll Free Number: 1-888-891-TDEC (8332)

Questions regarding Land Application Systems can be obtained from Landbased.Systems@tn.gov.

Questions regarding Collection Systems, Holding Ponds, Mobile Wash, and Pump & Haul can be obtained from water.permits@tn.gov.

Applicants needing other types of permits can contact their Environmental Field Office for further assistance.

 

This Page Last Updated: July 9, 2026 at 9:53 AM