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    SEO Information

    Welcome, we’re glad you’re here! If you are interested in becoming a certified Sewage Enforcement Officer (SEO) in Pennsylvania, this short video will describe two distinct pathways that lead to the same SEO certification. These two options provide flexibility for candidates based on schedules and learning preferences.

    To search for active SEOs please use the following link:

    SEO Certification and Training Program Guidance

    The SEO Certification and Training Program Guidance (385-2314-002) SEO Certification and Training Program Guidance provides a framework for the Sewage Enforcement Officer (SEO) certification and training program with the goal of producing a knowledgeable and skilled SEO community to help administer the on-lot sewage program in Pennsylvania. The program includes criteria for SEO candidates who wish to become certified SEOs, criteria for certified SEOs to maintain their SEO certification, and criteria for lapsed or inactive SEOs who wish to reinstate their SEO certification.

    • A DEP approved precertification soils course is required, along with the precertification academy before a candidate is eligible to take the certification exam. The prospective SEO must pass the precertification soils exam, fully attend the precertification academy and pass the certification exam before attaining their certification.
    • All currently certified SEOs who have not successfully completed a DEP approved precertification soils course had five (5) years from December 12th, 2020, to complete a DEP approved soils course and pass the exam. There are no additional course offerings for 2025. Any SEO that did not complete and pass the soils course exam will have their certification lapse on December 12, 2025.
    • SEO certification cycles are a 2-year rolling certification, based upon their certification date.
       

    SEO Training Program

    Act 34

    On June 5, 2020, Act 34 was signed into law as an amendment to the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act (35 P.S. §750)(SFA). Act 34 of 2020 amended sections of the SFA that were previously amended by Act 26 of 2017; specifically, sections 5(c.1) and 5(c.2). On March 2, 2021, an “All SEO Letter” was sent to clarify the Department’s expectation of what municipalities should do with proposals for new land development that they have already received and that were submitted based on the draft Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act Program Guidance; Site Suitability and Alternatives Analysis Guidelines for New Land Development Proposing On lot Sewage Disposal (385-2207-001) (Planning Guidance) that was developed in response to Act 26 of 2017. The letter contains important deadlines for sewage planning proposals. On May 19, 2021, another “All SEO Letter” was sent providing additional guidance (entitled Act 34 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)) to address specific items associated with the implementation of the SFA as amended by Act 34 of 2020. Both “All SEO Letters” can be found under the All SEO Letters heading on this webpage. The Act 34 FAQ was rewritten on October 13, 2021.

    Inspection Fees for Complaint Investigations

    The Department received an inquiry from a local agency regarding the charging of a fee for a Sewage Enforcement Officer to conduct a complaint investigation. We have been advised by DEP's regulatory counsel that the imposition of such a fee is not sanctioned by the Sewage Facilities Act and is not one of the powers and duties granted to municipalities by the legislature. Please consult with your regional DEP office if you have any questions in this regard.
     

    SEO Conflicts of Interest

    As a result of inquiries from SEOs regarding conflicts of interest, please follow this legal directive (PDF) if conditions apply.
     

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    Contact us

    Any questions regarding SEO certification or continuing education should be directed to the Secretary of the State Board for Certification of Sewage Enforcement Officer.

    Contact the State Board for Certification of Sewage Enforcement Officer via email at RA-SEOtrng@pa.gov or by telephone at 717-772-2186