History of the North Carolina Portable Toilet Group

The NC Portable Toilet Group was formed by a dozen portable toilet businesses in 1992. They wanted their voices heard. Determined to form a group tailored to suit their needs, they succeeded. This trade group is widely viewed as one of the most successful portable sanitation trade organizations in the country.

Hiring a lobbyist was a priority, as they wanted protection from oppressive legislation and rules. The Group retained McClees Consulting, Inc., with Joe McClees and his wife, S. Henri McClees, Attorney at Law.

McClees and the Group won its first victories in 1993. HB#1077 codified and expanded the lawful use of portable toilets for commercial, construction, social, and public uses. HB#1492 mandated the use of one portable toilet for every two contiguous construction sites.

McClees continued to protect the industry by stopping efforts to increase taxes on industry activities.

In 2001, McClees shepherded HB#1019 through the NC legislature and into law. It contained significant changes for the industry, addressing agency issues, fees, and alternative methods for septage storage, temporary domestic wastewater holding tanks, and other issues.

Most dramatically, HB#1019 created certification and mandatory annual educational requirements for portable sanitation firms as well as septage management firms and land application site operators. The educational requirements for pumpers and portable toilet operators went into effect in 2002.

Most recently, in 2005, McClees and the NC Portable Toilet Group, together with the NC Pumper Group, worked successfully for the passage of SB#356. This grants a fuel tax rebate for pumper and portable sanitation vehicles using power take off units. This new law will provide tax rebates to businesses at a time when fuel costs are skyrocketing.

McClees said, "A proactive trade group is a necessary ingredient for the survival and prosperity of business in the 21st century."

McClees specializes in septage, sewage, and portable sanitation issues. He represents some of the biggest names in the onsite industry. He works in NC and other state legislatures, the US Congress, and the Pacific Rim.

McClees works with his clients to introduce innovative technologies, modify rules for new products, and change laws as necessary.

For more information on this or other legislative efforts, readers may contact Joe McClees at The North Carolina Portable Toilet Group, P.O. Box 430, Oriental, NC 28571; office 252/249-1097; fax 252/249-3275; www.ncportabletoiletgroup.org.