Loudoun County AOSE Soils Evaluation & Conventional Septic System Design
Nestled at the foot of the Catoctin Mountain in Loudoun County, Virginia, this property recently caught the eye of a new owner. To ensure it met all the necessary environmental and health standards, the purchaser wisely contracted Barry Hadley, a DPOR licensed AOSE, for a thorough evaluation.
The focus was on locating a suitable area for a 5-bedroom primary and reserve drain field. This required a detailed soil evaluation to determine various factors such as soil characteristics, the depth to rock, the depth to the seasonal water table, and the estimated percolation rate. These factors are crucial as they directly influence the percolation rate and, consequently, the amount of square footage needed for the lateral lines of a septic system.
Based on the findings, a gravity-fed conventional septic system was meticulously designed for installation. This careful planning ensured that the system would be both efficient and compliant with local regulations.
To move forward with the installation, a comprehensive Virginia Department of Health (VDH) construction permit packet was meticulously prepared. This packet included the site and soil evaluation report, detailed soil descriptions, the permit form, design calculations, system specifications, a site sketch, and a sanitary survey. The thoroughness of this packet facilitated a smooth review process by the Loudoun County Environmental Health Department, which subsequently approved the issuance of a septic system construction permit.
This step-by-step approach not only highlights the importance of detailed planning and evaluation in property development but also showcases the collaborative effort between property owners, licensed professionals, and local health departments to ensure environmental safety and compliance.
