Septic haulers in Catawba County face disposal challenges amid local restrictions

CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C — Septic haulers in the Catawba County region are facing disposal challenges as local municipalities restrict where untreated waste can be dumped.

These restrictions have led to longer wait times for service and increased costs for rural residents, wastewater workers told the Statesville Record.

The city of Hickory stopped accepting septage from independent haulers in April 2025, while the city of Newton has closed its facility to haulers during a major construction project. Business owners said these closures have forced them to drive much farther to find available sites, driving up prices for customers.

Michael Killian, owner of First Call Septic & Environmental Services in Hickory, said that his crews are traveling 40 miles one way to find a disposal site. This lack of local access has increased the per-pump cost for customers by more than $150 per tank, he said.

“There is currently no wastewater treatment facility within the immediate surrounding counties willing to accept septage from independent haulers,” Killian said. “That absence of local disposal access is having a direct and measurable impact on small hauling businesses and ultimately on the customers we serve.”

The city of Hickory confirmed it stopped allowing septic haulers to discharge waste into the municipal system to protect its lines. Sarah Killian, a city representative, said the material often contains debris that can lead to expensive repairs.

“The city recently discontinued allowing septic haulers to discharge septage into the municipal wastewater system to better protect critical infrastructure and ensure responsible use of public funds,” Killian said. “Septage typically contains more solids and debris that can clog lines, cause blockages and lead to costly cleaning and repairs.”

The city of Newton’s wastewater treatment facility is replacing its influent pump station and lime grit system building. While construction is underway, the facility will not accept any waste from septage haulers. Repairs are expected to be completed by the summer of 2027.

Spencer Stevenson, owner of Atlas Septic Service in Statesville, said the challenges come from rapid population growth in the Catawba County area.

“What’s happening in our area is a good and a bad thing,” Stevenson said. “We are experiencing growth at a rate that is just astronomical right now. And it’s not anything new, but the infrastructure often lags behind.”

Stevenson said the problem stems from a “snowball effect” where the closure of one site quickly overwhelms the remaining facilities.

“As a place would close, the next place would receive more trucks,” Stevenson said. “Well, then that place would get overloaded. Next thing you know, those 20, 30 haulers are now trying to go to another place and it’s just been a snowball everywhere that’s open.”

Killian told the Statesville Record that he is frustrated with a lack of communication from city and county officials regarding the closures.

“To date, none of the facilities that have suspended access have reached out with any proposed solution or timeline,” Killian said. “That silence is not acceptable when the livelihoods of small-business owners and the basic sanitation needs of rural residents, are at stake.”

Stevenson told the Statesville Record that residents may experience service delays, which can last for days or weeks, and might lead homeowners to use companies that are not reputable or use methods that could harm the environment.

Hickory officials said they are currently reviewing their processes, fee structures and potential future locations for disposal services. Stevenson said finding a resolution is essential for the region.

“It’s probably going to take some time, but it (a solution) has to be done,” Stevenson said. “This can’t continue on this way.”

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