Septic System Design

As a Site Evaluator I evaluate the soil and site conditions of a property to determine its suitability for onsite wastewater disposal (septic system). Designs are typically done for: new systems, replacement systems, expansion systems, pit privies, and grey water systems.

A new septic system tank installation

Septic System Design and Permitting

Septic system designs are completed in a CAD (computer aided drafting) program and an HHE-200 (state designated) form is prepared in order to provide for a septic system installation permit for:

Single family homes
Multi-unit dwellings
Small commercial business operations
Campgrounds
Primitive systems (outhouse and/or grey water)

I am committed to creating a design that blends well with the existing landscape and that meets your specific needs.

Evaluating soil properties

Preliminary Soil Tests

A preliminary soil test/site evaluation can be done for real estate agents or prospective property buyers/sellers to determine if a lot is suitable for a septic system. This is also done to ensure that a septic system can be located in a spot chosen to fit the building site. The result is a brief report and sketch of the property with one or more possible septic system locations.

All site evaluations and septic system designs are completed in accordance with the State of Maine Subsurface Wastewater Disposal Rules administered by the Department of Health and Human Services, Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Environmental Health.

The Site Evaluation / Septic System Process

1. Initial Contact

Call or e-mail my office. I would be glad to discuss your project with you, answer any of your questions, and set up a time to meet with you.

2. Site Visit

Excavation work

A visit to your property allows me to evaluate both soil and site conditions, as well as your plans for the site. I will dig and/or auger one or more holes to investigate the properties of the soil including soil texture, color, drainage conditions, and depth to ledge or a hydraulically restrictive layer (such as a hard pan). Site conditions are also evaluated. This includes assessing landscape features, drainage patterns, and setback requirements (such as setbacks to wells, water bodies, or property lines). Soil and site conditions dictate the size and type of system to be designed. I will then spend time on the site measuring, placing stakes and taking elevation readings to establish septic system placement.

3. Consultation

Before leaving the site I will discuss the findings of my investigation with you and the location of the septic system.

4. Design and Permitting

All the information gathered in the field is used to create a septic system design. The design includes CAD (computer drafted) drawings of a site plan, system plan, and cross-section. The design is ultimately printed on forms, called an HHE-200, that become the permit application for on-site sewage disposal. The permit application is then reviewed by the local Plumbing Inspector or Code Enforcement Officer who will issue the appropriate permit.