Site Assessment/Percolation Testing

A site assessment/percolation test is essential in the interests of public health to ensure the safe disposal of wastewater from a development which does not have access to a public sewer. A site assessment/percolation test is essentially an analysis of ground condition of your site; the hydraulic properties of your soil and the height of the water table, in order to determine what type of wastewater treatment system would be most suitable to deal with your household wastewater. A site assessment will determine whether or not a particular site can achieve the minimum standards of treatment specified by the EPA. Applicants must carry out a site assessment in advance of making a planning application.

There are five key elements in the assessment:

A desk study to provide information on soils, geology and groundwater vulnerabilityA 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.Percolation testing (P/T tests). These tests determine the soil’s ability to filter and move the wastewater.Recommendation on a wastewater treatment option.

If you are considering constructing a house, extending your house or wish to upgrade your existing wastewater treatment system MOL Engineers can assist you with this.