Site Suitability Testing and Soil Investigations
It is essential in the interests of public health to ensure the safe disposal of wastewater from a development.
If a public sewer is not available in your area you will need an approved method of treating waste water. This is normally achieved by use of a wastewater treatment system or a septic tank.
In order to establish the best and most environmentally friendly way of treating waste water you will need to carry out a Site Suitability Testing. This will specify a suitable system depending on ground conditions, location and size of your dwelling.
It is important to carry out this testing at an early stage and before you start with the concept design stage because your site may not be suitable for a safe disposal of wastewater, which will not be approved by the local authority.
There are 5 key elements in the assessment:
- A desk study to provide information on soils, geology and groundwater vulnerability.
- A field visit to look at site drainage, vegetation, levels, housing density, water uses in the area.
- Trial hole to check the depth and type of sub-soils and depth to water table. If the trial hole indicates poor subsoil permeability- there may be little point in proceeding to the percolation test and/or application for planning permission
- Percolation testing (P/T tests). These tests determine the soil’s ability to filter and move the wastewater.
- Recommendation on a wastewater treatment option.
isabel barros architects can provide you this service as an Optional Extra.
