OSE Soils Evaluation & Conventional Septic System Design

This homeowner residing near Rixeyville Road in Culpeper County Virginia recently contracted soil consultant Barry Hadley to review the existing drain field. The current property owners had plans to sell the property,  but were required to have the drainfield and septic components inspected for its functionality. Upon third party inspection, there was evidence of malfunction that needed repair. Due to poor functionality and broad swale landscape position, the existing septic system needed to be replaced. A new gravity fed trench system was designed for installation with all necessary Virginia Department of Health regulations and GMP’s in mind. A soils evaluation was required to examine soil characteristics including; depth to rock, grey mottles, and estimated percolation rate. The percolation rate combined with area formulas yield the square footage required for the lateral lines. Based on the soil mapping information, Barry felt he could save the owner time and money by reviewing auger borings instead of bringing a backhoe onto the site. The soils ended up being very good and profiles were completed based on five foot deep auger borings. A VDH construction permit packet and application  include the site and soil evaluation report, soil descriptions, permit form, design calculations, system specifications, site sketch and sanitary survey. The construction permit packet was issued by the Culpeper County Environmental Health Department following our submittal.                                                                                        ...

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