Frequently Asked QuestionsFind answers to the most common questions about our services, processes, and requirements. If you need more details, feel free to reach out!
Frequently Asked Questions We mainly do septic testing and design in Eastern Pennsylvania (as far west as Harrisburg) and all of Maryland.
If you’re in Western Pennsylvania, we can still create a septic design for you—but you’ll need to provide a complete survey plan of the property (including where the tests were done) and all the test results. We wouldn’t be able to come to the site ourselves to take measurements.
When clients ask about a “perc test,” they’re usually looking for guidance on starting septic testing. However, the first step is actually a test pit evaluation, where backhoe-dug pits help determine whether a conventional or alternate septic system is needed.
Penn’s Trail can provide a proposal to begin soil testing and septic system design for your lot.
It depends! Plan on several months before you get your permit.
Timing is difficult to predict given the involvement of the health department or township sewage enforcement officer (SEO) throughout the process. We will take the SEO’s first available date for the soil evaluations. Soil evaluations will determine the type of system(s) we can pursue. Conventional systems, with the exception of Spray Irrigation, require percolation testing which would be coordinated with the SEO following the soil evaluations. The success of percolation testing is subject to fair weather so it too adds a level of unpredictability to timelines. Design can/will begin immediately following the completion of the perc test and is typically ready for submission within a few weeks of the test.
Once testing is done and the design is created, it is submitted for approval. The approving agency will respond with comments for changes or approve the design. Once approved, the agency will issue a permit and you can move forward with a contractor to have the system installed.
We will provide a proposal outlining the costs for testing and system design.
Since we do not install septic systems, we cannot provide an installation estimate. Septic installers require an approved design plan before they can give you a cost estimate.
It’s important to know upfront, prior to testing, if there is a problem or concern with system placement. Once testing and design is underway, moving the system will cause the need for additional testing – along with more testing fees.
The type of septic system depends on many factors – soil depth to bedrock or groundwater, how quickly or slowly the water moves through the soil, and the soil type and texture. A general rule is that you need 20 inches of good soil.
Conventional and Alternative
Conventional:
Alternate:
Wastewater backing up or gurgling into household drains.
A strong odor or black ooze around the septic tank or drain field.
Bright green grass or spongy conditions appearing on or near your drain field.
In Pa., local municipalities (Boroughs and Townships) are responsible for making sure that systems of 10,000 gallons or less meet DEP requirements. Many municipalities have a local Sewage Enforcement Officer, who sites, permits and inspects the installation of all septic systems.
Before buying a lot, verify that it meets state, county, and local sewage planning requirements and qualifies for an on-lot sewage system permit from the Sewage Enforcement Officer (SEO).
The hydraulic load test would be used to confirm that the system is able to handle a daily usage of water. The test would consist of adding a peak usage of water for 2 consecutive days.
A hydraulic load test would be required if any of the following cases are found to be true:
The amount of water that would be used is based on the number of bedrooms in the house (400 gallons for up to 3 bedrooms; an additional 100 gallons per bedroom after 3). If a hydraulic load test is necessary, we will bring our own clean water to be introduced to the system. A hydraulic load test would not be conducted if the system is currently being used to its full extent as we would not want to hydraulically overload the system.
Frequently Asked Questions Hydraulic Conductivity Testing (KSAT testing) is done to see how well the soil can absorb and move water. It’s similar to earlier tests done by the county, which measured how quickly water soaks into the ground. However, this test is more detailed—it checks how water moves through fully soaked soil, which shows how the system would work under the most challenging conditions. We dig several small holes (usually up to five) in the area where the septic system might go, usually about 12–24 inches deep depending on the soil. Then we place a special tool, called a constant head permeameter, into each hole. This tool lets water flow into the hole while air moves out, allowing us to measure how fast the water soaks in. The test runs for 2 to 4 hours (or longer) until the rate of water movement becomes steady. Once the test is done, we calculate an average infiltration rate, which helps determine how much sewage the soil can handle. This information is then used to figure out how much land is needed for the septic system. If there’s not enough space, the amount of sewage allowed from the home may need to be reduced—but only within reason.
Based on the test results, a septic system is designed to fit the property and usage needs.
The design includes the type of system, location of the drain field, and tank size.
In sensitive areas (like those near water bodies), BAT (Best Available Technology) systems are required.
The design is submitted to the county health department for review and approval.
A BAT system, or Best Available Technology system, is an advanced type of septic system designed to remove more pollutants—especially nitrogen—from wastewater before it is released into the soil. Traditional septic systems mostly treat solids and bacteria, but they don’t do a great job at removing nitrogen, which can harm water bodies like rivers, lakes, and especially the Chesapeake Bay.
In Maryland, BAT systems are required in certain areas—especially within the Chesapeake Bay watershed or in designated critical areas—to help reduce nitrogen pollution that can lead to algae blooms, dead zones, and other environmental problems. These systems include components like aerators, filters, or special tanks that treat the wastewater more thoroughly before it enters the drain field.
In short, BAT systems are required in sensitive areas to protect water quality and the environment by removing more nitrogen than standard septic systems can.
The term “BAT” is often referred to incorrectly. BAT is simply advanced pre-treatment. This is applied in place of a standard septic tank and has no bearing on the disposal system (ie: conventional disposal systems can have BAT treatment preceding them).
Frequently Asked Questions The State of Pennsylvania has requirements that indicate the need for stormwater testing per ASTM procedures when proposing new construction project or when proposing new impervious surfaces on existing lots, such as home additions, decks, barns, garages, and pools for example. In conjunction with the infiltration testing a test pit is dug with a mini excavator allows identification of depth to a water table and bedrock. A detailed description of the soil horizons by a soil scientist is also performed.
Testing is usually done during the design phase of a development or redevelopment project, before construction. It should be performed during times when the soil is not frozen or saturated.
Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a report that evaluates a site to identify potential or known contamination issues. These issues are referred to as Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs). An ESA is most commonly performed due to the sale / purchase of a site or due to refinancing. An ESA is intended to permit a user to satisfy one of the requirements to qualify for the innocent landowner, contiguous property owner, or bona fide prospective purchaser limitations on CERCLA liability.
The assessment includes Records review, Site inspection and Interviews.
Per ASTM guidance an ESA does not include identification or recommendations concerning the use or presence of lead paint, asbestos or radon within structures. An ESA also does not involve soil, water, or air testing—it’s a non-invasive, research-based investigation. If environmental concerns are found, a Phase II ESA may be recommended, which involves actual testing and sampling of potential or known environmental issues.
When Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) are identified on a site, typically during a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), a Phase II Assessment involves the actual physical investigation of the perceived concern. The investigation is site specific and may include geophysical investigations, sampling (water, soil and / or air) and analytical testing. Addressing RECs can include, but is not limited to, removal and confirmation testing of underground petroleum storage tanks and confirmation testing due to identified discharges or past industrial or commercial uses.
