Certified Septic Professionals in New Mexico

Is a septic inspection required in New Mexico?

New Mexico requires a septic evaluation at every property transfer, statewide. Under 20.7.3.902.E NMAC, before a property with an on-site liquid waste (septic) system is transferred, the transferor must have the system evaluated. The evaluation must be done by an evaluator qualified under 20.7.3.904 NMAC: a licensed installer holding a New Mexico Construction Industries Division contractor license (classification MM-1, MM-98, MS-1 or MS-3) or a certified installer specialist. The evaluator files the report with the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) within 15 days, NMED charges a $50 filing fee, and the report must include GPS coordinates of the treatment unit. Unpermitted systems must be registered or permitted, and advanced treatment systems and holding tanks also require a permit transfer into the new owner's name. Separately, NMED certifies septage pumpers, the professionals listed in this register, who handle the tank pumping that is routinely part of a transfer evaluation.

Governing rule: 20.7.3.902.E NMAC (property transfer evaluations). Source: 20.7.3.902.E NMAC (property transfer evaluations); 20.7.3.904 NMAC (qualifications of on-site professionals); NMED Liquid Waste Program.