[E/H HOME PAGE]   [FEE SCHEDULE]    [FORMS/APPLICATIONS]    [QUESTIONS-ANSWERS]

SITE PREPARATION FOR PERC TESTS

Clear an access to the test site.   Please keep access clear until written results have been received.

Applicant is responsible for acquiring necessary permits and approvals to clear and or access properties.

There are 4 ways to prepare a site depending on which type of test you are requesting (see application instructions):

1. Soil test (pits).   This is generally the starting point. The owners/applicants are required to dig a minimum of 2 backhoe test pits per site. These pits must be 100’ apart and representative of typical soils and topography in the proposed SRA. The setbacks mentioned under “Site Selection” must be considered (i.e. 150 feet from wells, rivers, streams, ponds, etc.). Additionally, the pits must be no closer than 50’ from a road or property line. The pits must be 5’ deep and 3’wide. It is the owner’s responsibility to contact the health department and fill in the test pits upon completion of the soil test.
2. Wet Season (piezometers).   Most sites in Caroline County need to be wet season tested. To prepare the site drill ¼ inch holes or use a radial saw to cut slits in (2) 10’sections of P.V.C.(SCH 40 is preferred) 4” DIAMETER pipe. Place the pipes in a preferably augured hole within 10’of the test pits and 100’ apart. If a high water table is encountered set the pipe 2’ below the water table and saw the pipe off 1’ above the ground surface. The owner is responsible for maintaining the pipes so that we may accurately measure the water table.
3. Transferable Development Right (TDR’s).   Procedure is the same as Wet Season. Only 2 pipes are installed as described above, 100’ apart, per site.
4. Sand Mound.   You must have authorization from Caroline County Health Department in order to proceed with Sand Mound Testing. We perform the mound test but ask that you leave 10 gallons of water at the authorized site. Keep in mind that Sand Mounds cannot be installed in wet weather or when the ground is frozen.

PREPARE SITE by installing 2 pits approximately 100' apart from each other. These pits should be 50' from property lines (that also means proposed property lines). Each pit must be 150' from wells, rivers, streams, marshes, and ditches. If deferred for wet season, install a pipe approximately 10 feet from the test pit.