A North Fork of the Shenandoah River front lot with steep slopes and rocky terrain presented a challenge to find a septic system site for this Shenandoah County property. While working around the buyer’s objectives (driveway, house, garage & terraces) an area at the foot slope of the property had area to potentially accommodate an alternative septic system. However, Shenandoah County, VA floodplain regulations require that no drainfield will be located closer than 50 feet to the river. Additionally, a minimum separation of 24″ from the bottom of a drainfield trench to water table is required. A recirculating sand filter or intermittent sand filter and pretreatment unit is required following these standards.  The soil profiles evaluated had deep colluvial loam with gravels down to 60″. With the area available, and proximity to the river an AOSE septic site was located that met the required standoffs and was outside the annual floodplain. The area is likely to be within the 100 year floodplain, which is acceptable if there is no other area available on the property. In this case, the remainder of the lot was either in annual floodplain or had slopes greater than 50 percent. The alternative  septic system chosen for this lot is a subsurface Advanced Enviro System – Presby as it will be below the surface grade and treatment units can be above the floodplain....

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A septic system site feasibility consultation consisted of a two part process which included an online aerial review (soil mapping & topography) and an on-site review for this Rectortown property. All the necessary steps to obtain  Fauquier County Health Department approval for an onsite septic system was explained. The soil types augered and topography of the site gave us a good idea of the  development possibilities with recommendations as to possible drainfield sites, house sites, water well location, horse paddocks and stables. With this information the purchaser is more comfortable in moving forward with this real estate transaction without having to complete a full perc...

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This property located in the  Culpeper County region of Amissville, Virginia had no visible signs of malfunction. Upon a real estate transfer, the septic tank was pumped and the distribution tank was uncovered. A camera was snaked into the header lines of the drainfield, where it was visible to the septic evaluator that the black corrugated pipes were crushed and were not distributing effluent evenly to the drainfield. Upon his inspection, we were contacted to further inspect the system and provide our recommendations for repair. A repair permit was submitted to the Culpeper County Health Department for approval. Once the header lines are replaced we will conduct a follow up inspection to ensure the repair was completed in accordance with Virginia Department of Health standards. We are working hard to meet the one week deadline of the house closing. Please visit our contact us page and call today if you have any concerns about a septic system that’s holding you back from...

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  The harsh 2013-2014 winter had adverse effects on septic systems in the Rivermont (619) area outside of Front Royal, Virginia. The initial septic inspection revealed a conventional drainfield that showed signs of age and poor operability. Heavy winter precipitation left the soil saturated and would not allow for the sewage effluent to be absorbed into the subsoil.       In order to remedy the saturation, a LGMI French drain was installed along the up-slope of the system. This drain will help mitigate excess water entering the field by intercepting surface and subsurface runoff. Additionally, we permitted replacement of the corroded and aged septic tank, distribution box and sewer line. A permit application was submitted to the Warren County Health Department for the repair. Pictured below is the septic tank that was replaced and the newly installed components. Please visit our contact us page if you have any questions or concerns regarding septic issues.                                                                                                        ...

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Following our site and soil evaluation in the Fall of 2013, we recently conducted a construction inspection of a conventional septic system in Lovettsville, Virginia in Northern Loudoun County. With an existing house and septic system on the property, this project was a repair to replace an inadequate septic system. Components of the construction inspection included inspecting the septic tank, distribution box, lateral lines, conveyance line and depth of installation. Following additional approval from the Loudoun County Department of Health (VDH), an operations permit will be issued to the property...

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Sunny, 72 degrees and a 4 bedroom perc near Washington in Rappahannock County, Virginia. This rural lot with the North Fork of the Thornton River across the road and the majestic mountains of Shenandoah National Park in the distance is in the heart of beautiful Rappahannock County.  Nice well drained soils on the side of the ridge will accommodate a four bedroom home with an adjacent reserve drain field site.  A health department application will be submitted for a certification letter. Real Estate in beautiful Rappahannock County Virginia is even better in the spring with a new four bedroom perc!...

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