The site and soil evaluation is the first step toward certifying or permitting an onsite waste water disposal system (septic system). During the evaluation, the consultant gathers detailed information about the property and surrounding parcels. Information collected includes landscape characteristics, soil properties, separation distances and owner’s preferences. This information is collected to determine if a potential site can effectively treat and dispose of waste water effluent in a safe and sanitary manner. Suitability of soil for a septic system is determined by reviewing three to five soil profiles within the absorption area. A backhoe is used mainly in Northern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley to expose these profiles. In this region shallow rock fragments and bedrock are common. If soils on the property are mapped with minimal rock content and county regulations permit, we will attempt to use a hand auger. Using an auger can be risky because if a Soil Evaluator or an Environmental Health Specialist is unable to bore because of rock or stoniness, then they have to assume that is where impermeable lithic bedrock begins. Since a backhoe can remove loose rocks and stones, it is more accurate in exposing the true soil profile. Although a backhoe will cost the homeowner more money upfront, they will have an accurate septic system design for their property. Conventional and alternative septic systems can vary in cost ranging in $8,000-$30,000. One of the main factors that determine costs is depth to bed rock.    ...

A soil evaluation (perc test) was recently completed in the Howellsville region of Warren County, Virginia. The mountainous terrain made it a challenge to find a three bedroom conventional drainfield site. On contour, a 35’ x 120’ strip of soil met local and state requirements for the primary drainfield site. A 100% reserve site was also delineated. This reserve does not need to be installed and is there to meet the environmental health department requirements should the primary drainfield malfunction at some point in time. Once we receive the drainfield location plat from the surveyor, we will submit to the local health department for their required review of our AOSE / OSE soils and design packet for a septic construction permit.                                                                                           This sample was taken from a pit at about 45″. It appears to be a combination of highly weathered phyllites, gneiss and possibly cinnabar....

This property is located at the base of the Catoctin Mountain, in Loudoun County, Virginia. The purchaser recently contracted DPOR licensed AOSE Barry Hadley. A 5 bedroom primary and reserve drain field was located. The required soils evaluation determined soil characteristics, depth to rock, depth to seasonal water table and estimated percolation rate. The percolation rate combined with area formulas yielded the square footage required for the lateral lines. A gravity fed conventional septic system was designed for installation. A VDH construction permit packet and application included  the site and soil evaluation report, soil descriptions, permit form, design calculations, system specifications, site sketch and sanitary survey. The construction permit packet was reviewed by the Loudoun County Environmental Health Department and approved for  issuance of a septic system construction permit.                ...

A home served by an onsite wastewater system (septic) and private water well needs a thorough review before closing. Find out exactly where the septic system components and water well are located as well as their condition and operability. Hint: If nobody knows where the septic tank is, take it as a clue to call a professional. Be sure the existing system was permitted and meets all setback requirements and separation distances from the water supply and property lines. Additionally, do not forget about the reserve area. The forgotten reserve is an area in which a replacement drainfield has been certified and recorded. For example, if there is a barn, garage, or swimming pool on top of the reserve, then it is essential to learn if the reserve area can be replaced. It could be a costly mistake, if a thorough inspection is not completed and one discovers later that they are faced with a failing septic system with no where to...

A water well inspection for this property located in the Shawneeland subdivision of Northern Frederick County, Virginia included a health department records review and a site visit to the property. The site visit was made to determine if the well was installed in the permitted area. Distances from the drainfield, house, and garage were recorded to verify separation distances from pollution sources were satisfactory. The well inspection report (GW2) from driller was pulled in order to inform the buyer of well depth and water yield.  An as-built drawing and inspection completion letter was given to the buyer’s real estate agent for their records.  ...