Maine.gov logo
Agency logo

Subsurface Wastewater Licensing & Certification

The proper installation of a subsurface wastewater disposal system requires expertise from several types of professionals.

  • Licensed Site Evaluators are responsible for designing a system to specifications set forth in the State of Maine Subsurface Wastewater Disposal Rules (CMR 241).
  • Installers are responsible for ensuring the deployment of the Site Evaluator’s designs. Certified installers are also able to perform the bottom-of-bed inspection under the agreement of the Local Plumbing Inspector (LPI) after filing form HHE-238b.
  • Inspectors are responsible for verifying that the system has been installed properly and for identifying system conditions. 

Subsurface Wastewater Systems in the Shoreland Zone

Subsurface wastewater disposal system inspections are required by Maine statute, 30-A MRS § 4216, for properties that include a subsurface wastewater disposal system located in the shoreland zone, when ownership of the property is transferred. This law requires that for such property transfers, an inspector certified by the Department must complete the inspection.

Please navigate the below menu for additional information concerning each of these roles, as well as current professional listings, and training opportunities. 

Index

 

Site Evaluator Licensure

Maine requires the licensure of individuals who design wastewater disposal systems. The Subsurface Wastewater Unit of the Maine CDC's Division of Environmental and Community Health (Maine DHHS) administers the licensing of these individuals.

Description

Site evaluation combines on-site soil evaluation with consideration of site conditions. Licensed Site Evaluators are required to have the education, experience, skill and ability to properly identify and accurately report soil textures and limiting factors so they can adequately classify soils, recognize site limitations and properly size disposal systems.

The concept of site evaluation for wastewater disposal system design in Maine began in the early 1970's as an improved and more reliable method for determining soil suitability.  Previously, soil percolation tests were utilized in Maine to determine the suitability of the soil and the appropriate design of the disposal system. Rules requiring on-site soil evaluations for design of all subsurface wastewater disposal systems became effective in July 1974.

For more information, contact State Site Evaluator Brent Lawson: email brent.lawson@maine.gov or phone (207) 592-7376.

First Time Licensure Requirements

  • The Department will issue a license to an applicant who passes both portions of the examination.

The Site Evaluator’s Examination

The Site Evaluator Exam is a two-part exam with a written portion (held a couple times throughout the year) and a field portion (typically held once a year in the fall). An application must be submitted to take either exam.

How to Submit the Site Evaluator Exam Application

Site Evaluator Exam Application (PDF)

The SE Exam Application must include the following information:

  • The above PDF filled out with your qualifications (see more on qualifications at the end of this section)
  • 3 references (PDF) by persons who have a professional knowledge of the applicant's work, including at least one Licensed Site Evaluator

Application Fees

  • Each exam carries a non-refundable fee that must be submitted at least 30 days before the exam date: $25.00 for the written exam, or $75.00 for the field exam. Checks and money orders are accepted, made payable to Treasurer, State of Maine. “SE License Fee” may be added to the memo section.

Application and Fee Submission

  • Applications and fees can be sent to the following address: 

          Maine CDC Drinking Water Program 
          Attn: Tina Lemieux
          286 Water Street, 3rd Floor
          SHS #11
          Augusta, ME 04333

  • Applicant reference forms may be submitted via email to dwplicensing.dhhs@maine.gov
  • Applications must be received by the Department no later than 30 days prior to the examination date.
    • Field Exam applications should be submitted in early August.
  • Only qualified persons will be admitted to take the exam.

For questions about the submission process, please reach out to Tina Lemieux.

Qualifications for Application

Applicants may have either education or experience-based qualifications. A combination of educational and experience qualifications will also be considered. 

  • Education
    • 45 credit hours from an accredited college or university in engineering, geology, pedology, GIS, or similar disciplines. Provide official transcript.
    • 12 months or more of experience which indicates that the applicant is competent to perform site evaluations.

     OR

  • Experience
    • Must have a high school education or equivalent.
    • 4 years or more of experience which indicates that the applicant is competent to perform site evaluations.
About the Exam

Written Exam

The written portion will test the applicant's knowledge of soils and familiarity with the Rules and will consist of three parts:

  1. Rule Requirements
  2. Soils
  3. System Design
  • A copy of the current Rules may be used as a reference during the examination.
  • No cellphones or other information (aside from a copy of the Rules) may be used during the examination
  • The fee for the written portion of the exam is $25.00, payable prior to each exam session.

Field Exam

The field portion will test the applicant's ability to identify soils with regards to parent material, textural classification, drainage conditions, and depth to limiting factors in accordance with the Rules. 

  • The fee for the field portion of the exam is $75.00, payable prior to each exam session.

What is a passing grade?

The exams can be taken in any order, and a score of 70 is required to pass

Applicants have 24 months to pass both the written and field exams. If either exam is failed during this period, it may be retaken.

  • Applicants who fail two or more sections of the written exam must re-take the complete examination.
  • Applicants who fail one section of the written exam may re-take the failed section at a date scheduled by the Department.
  • Applicants who fail to pass a failed section after two tries must re-take the complete written examination.
Renewing a Site Evaluator License

Renewal Requirements

Licenses are due to be renewed the first day of March of each odd-numbered year. Site Evaluators should submit an updated correction card and licensing fee to the Department before that date to allow time for processing. 

  • The license fee is $100.00 dollars for a 2-year period
  • Site Evaluators are required to submit certificates documenting 12 training hours within each license period in order to obtain a license renewal

Submission of Renewal Materials

  • Fees are accepted as checks or money orders only. Checks can be made out to Treasurer, State of Maine. “SE License Renewal Fee” may be added to the memo section.
  • Certificates for the 12 training hours and the license fee can be submitted by mail to the following address: 

          Maine CDC Drinking Water Program  
          Attn: Tina Lemieux
          286 Water Street, 3rd Floor 
          SHS #11
          Augusta, ME 04333

Expired Licenses

  • A Site Evaluator who allows a license to lapse may renew it any time during the following 2-year period, provided his/her record of conduct is acceptable to the Department.
  • Failure to renew a license after the 2-year grace period shall require a re-examination.
  • A Site Evaluator shall not perform site evaluations with an expired license.
  • Please contact the Division if you would like to have a Site Evaluator application packet sent to you or download the following documents.
Site Evaluator Licensing Assistance

For assistance, contact Tina Lemieux, Licensing Clerk 
Email dwplicensing.dhhs@maine.gov or phone (207) 287-5699
Mailing Address:
       286 Water Street, 3rd floor
       SHS #11
       Augusta, ME 04333-0011

 

Onsite Sewage Disposal System Inspectors (Voluntary)

Inspectors are responsible for verifying that a subsurface wastewater system has been installed properly and for identifying system conditions.

While voluntary in most situations, an inspector certification is required by law for properties that include a subsurface wastewater disposal system located in the shoreland zone, when ownership of the property is being transferred.

Please see details for Inspector Certification in Sections 15, 16, and 17 of the Maine Subsurface Wastewater Disposal Rules, 10-144 Chapter 241.

For more information on the required Inspector Certification in the Shoreland Zone for property transfers, please see Maine Statute 30-A MRS § 4216.

Certifications are awarded to applicants who meet the following criteria:

  • Certification from a current and valid approved national certification
  • Grade of 80% or more on the State of Maine open book exam
What is a System Inspection?

The Department has established minimum criteria for evaluating and reporting on existing subsurface wastewater disposal systems. The report criteria are not intended to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the various system components, or an analysis of site characteristics that are best evaluated by licensed site evaluators, but will provide the following important information:

  • Approximate age of the disposal system;
  • Verification that a design plan and plumbing permit exist or don't exist;
  • A general description of the system components and their present condition;
  • A list of differences (if any) identified between the design plan and actual installation; and
  • Identification of any malfunctions or surface discharges needing correction under the current Rules.

Ideally, inspections are completed by an individual who has attended a voluntary certification program established by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, in cooperation with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. Per 30-A MRS § 4216, inspections for properties that include a subsurface wastewater disposal system located in the shoreland zone, when ownership of the property is transferred, must be conducted by a certified individual. 

The inspection process includes a search of property owner, municipal, and state records, and a visit to the property. The inspection report may include additional information beyond the minimum requirements and is the property of the inspector and the client. Copies are not provided to the municipality or the state by the inspector.

Inspection Form
Purpose of the Voluntary Inspection Certificate Program

The voluntary inspection process is designed to provide the buyer and seller of property utilizing a subsurface wastewater disposal system with information regarding the age, status, and general condition of the system. The process will help identify those problems representing public health hazards such as system malfunctions and surface discharges that are required by law to be corrected; at a time when there are funds available to provide for a corrective action.

The inspection program also provides assurances to the federal government that the state of Maine has adequate administrative controls relative to subsurface systems. Subsurface wastewater disposal system inspections are required by Maine statute, 30-A MRS § 4216, for properties that include a subsurface wastewater disposal system located in the shoreland zone, when ownership of the property is transferred. This law requires that for such property transfers, an inspector certified by the Department must complete the inspection.

Inspector Certification Process & Application

Requirements for Septic System Inspection Certification

  1. A current and valid approved national certification
    • The Department may approve any state or national certification that it determines as providing training and knowledge regarding the inspection of subsurface wastewater disposal systems that meet or exceed the standards and practices found in this rule.
    • Training course examples include the National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT) Inspection Standards Certification Course and the InterNACHI How to Inspect Septic Systems Course. The Department can review other certifications for acceptance.
  2. Complete the open book examination
    • To access the test, submit the application form and the approved national certification.
    • A passing grade is 80% (20/25 questions)
    • The exam questions are directly from the Subsurface Wastewater Rules.  
      • Applicants may use the Rules while answering exam questions.

Application Submission

Please email April Bledsoe to inquire about taking the Inspector Certification exam. 

When requesting the exam, include the following documents as attachments:

Renewing Your Septic System Inspector Certification

Certifications are valid for a period of 3 years.

Renewed certifications will last for another 3 years.

Renewal Requirements

  • Proof of 12 Department-approved training hours within the certification period (3 years).
    • It is the responsibility of the certified individual to ensure that proof of attendance is provided to the Department. Please submit proof of your professional development hours before your 3-year date to allow time for processing either by email or mail.
Inspector Certification Assistance

For assistance, contact April Bledsoe
Email april.bledsoe@maine.gov or phone (207) 215-7124
Mailing Address:
       Maine CDC Drinking Water Program 
       Attn: April Bledsoe
       286 Water Street, 3rd floor
       SHS #11
       Augusta, ME 04333-0011

 

Onsite Wastewater Disposal System Installers (Voluntary)

The Maine CDC’s Division of Environmental and Community Health has developed a non-regulatory incentive driven program to broaden the use of proper septic system installation techniques, for individuals who install onsite wastewater disposal systems. A secondary purpose is to recognize installers who make an effort to educate themselves on these techniques and to provide an incentive to continue education efforts on proper installation techniques.

Purpose

The Onsite Wastewater Disposal System Installers (Voluntary) Certification program encourages the protection of the public health from malfunctioning onsite sewage disposal systems. The program creates an incentive for Maine septic system installers to become educated on proper septic system installation techniques. 

Maine certified installers may perform the bottom-of-the-bed inspection for a system they installed, upon written agreement with the Local Plumbing Inspector (LPI) of that town. This agreement is formalized using the form HHE-238B.

Certifications are awarded to applicants who meet following criteria:

  • Attendance at one Maine Subsurface Wastewater unit training session; and
  • Attendance at one Maine DEP erosion control course (link); and
  • Submission of two (2) HHE-200 Forms (wastewater disposal system designs) the certification applicant installed, for which a permit was issued and an inspection performed by the Local Plumbing Inspector.
Installer Certification Process and Application

Requirements for Septic System Installer Certification

  • Attendance at one Maine Subsurface Wastewater unit training session; and
  • Attendance at one Maine DEP erosion control course (link); and   
  • Submission of two HHE-200 Forms (wastewater disposal system designs) the certification applicant installed, for which a permit was issued and an inspection performed by the Local Plumbing Inspector.

Application Submission

Please submit the following information to April Bledsoe by email or mail:

  • Application for Septic System Installer Certification (PDF)
  • A certificate from a Maine SSWW Unit training session
    • For upcoming training dates, please reference the Training section
    • A combination of trainings may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis
  • Attendance at one Maine DEP erosion control course (link); and  
  • Two HHE-200 Forms the certification applicant installed, for which a permit was issued and an inspection performed by the Local Plumbing Inspector.
Recertification

Certifications are valid for a period of 5 years. 

Renewed certifications are valid for another 5 years.

Renewal Requirements

  • Proof of 6 hours of training within the 5-year period.
  • Training options include:
    • Maine Subsurface Wastewater Unit training, DEP erosion control class, or other relevant trainings (e.g. product manufacturer demonstrations) to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis

Submission of Renewal Materials

  • Proof of training hours may be submitted to April Bledsoe.
    • Please submit proof of your professional development hours before your 5-year date to allow time for processing.
Bottom of the Bed Inspection Form

Maine certified installers may perform the bottom-of-the-bed inspection for a system they installed, upon written agreement with the Local Plumbing Inspector (LPI) of that town. This agreement is formalized using the form HHE-238B.

Installer Certification Assistance

For assistance, contact April Bledsoe
Email april.bledsoe@maine.gov or phone (207) 215-7124
Mailing Address:
       Maine CDC Drinking Water Program 
       Attn: April Bledsoe
       286 Water Street, 3rd floor
       SHS #11
       Augusta, ME 04333-0011

 

Find Active Site Evaluators, Installers, and Inspectors

Listings of Site Evaluators, System Installers, and Inspectors if you do not see your name in the Certified Installer or Certified Inspector lists, it is because our records indicate that your certification has expired. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you wish to renew an expired certification.

 

Training

  • Brent Lawson Subsurface Wastewater Trainings – 2026 topics, dates, and locations TBD
    • 4 training hours

Site Evaluator Training Providers (PDF)

  • Installer Training Providers
  • Inspector Training Providers

Recorded Department Trainings

The Department has recorded and made available some past virtual trainings. 

  • These recordings are available for informational purposes only and viewing them will not result in continuing education credits (unless otherwise noted in the video’s description).