This April 2017 project was for a property in The Plains, Virginia. We were contacted to find an area to replace the aged and deteriorated septic system components. The On-Site Soil Evaluator soil evaluation as required by the state of Virginia includes measuring depth to root limiting restrictions, water table, paralithic/lithic bedrock, soil horizons, soil texture, soil color, and identifying fill material. The site evaluation includes locating an area outside of the required setback of wells, cisterns, springs, ponds, etc. Local requirements including Chapter 17 of the Fauquier County Ordinances are also met. After the evaluation is complete, we will prepare the conventional design plans and coordinate with the client to procure a Virginia Department of Health Septic System Repair Permit. When the new system is installed, we will inspect the system to insure the components comply with the sewage handling and disposal regulations. An OSE report and As-Built Drawing will be supplied to Virginia Department of Health for an Operation’s...

In April 2017, we were contacted to assist a development team to determine the land suitability for a commercial project near Lovettsville, Virginia and Brunswick, Maryland. Data collected from the evaluation pits included total depth of hole, depth to restrictive feature, depth to water table, soil profile characteristics, estimated percolation rate, and suitability of the sample for a decentralized wastewater treatment plant. GPS information was collected for the purpose of identifying the evaluation pit and to find the hole location in the future. A findings report will be provided for the client’s...

Virginia land investors and real estate professionals need to understand the difference between Virginia Department of Health (VDH) onsite wastewater disposal system (septic system) construction permits and certification letters. These are similar to structural construction permits, as they expire after a fixed amount of time. Permits are constrained to a specific site and property owner. Most counties located in Northern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley require installation within 18 months of permit issuance. However, Fauquier County, Virginia requires the system to be installed within 12 months of issuance. A certification letter is issued by the county health department. The drainfield site and suitability of the soils for a septic system is defined. This letter does not expire and should be obtained by applicants who do not plan on system installation with the construction permit’s time constraints. A certification letter is ideal for vacant land investors who plan on “percing” property for resale or for building outside the permit time restraints. It can be converted to a construction permit by submitting an application and paying applicable fees to the health department. Additional Comments: Certification letters specify an approval for a certain number of bedrooms. Certification letters do not identify the type of septic system approved. Septic Systems can vary in cost ranging in $8,000-$30,000. It is recommended to consult a soil evaluator or health department specialist to verify the type of system approved. It is in the real estate developer’s best interest to work with an authorized onsite soil evaluator that has the interest of the client’s needs in mind. If you have any questions concerning a parcel of property in Northern Virginia or Shenandoah Valley, please visit our contact us...

Microfast treatment to shallow trench drainfield installation in The Plains, Virginia. The drainfield contractor notified us when the installation was completed. Our crew completed the inspection the following day. The  sewer line, septic tank, distribution box, conveyance line, lateral lines were all inspected. An as-built drawing of the completed system was completed in the field along with the associated written inspection form. After submittal to the Fauquier County, Virginia Health Department, an Operations Permit was issued to the property...