Percolation Test

glebe

Just had a percolation test done on a site by a local authority and the
report came back stating that due to mottling 300mm below ground level
the site is not suitable for an effluent treatment system. Can anything be
done or is that the end of it. Could redig holes in another position but soils
would be the same. Anyone any ideas or experiense of this?

muffler

Was this done by the council staff or your own agent? - its just your post is unclear in this regard

bbam

Hi..
I've seen planning granted with what was described as "Above Ground Percolation" from the waste system. I'm supprised that you weren't informed of the options, specially if you are paying the piper !!
Cheers
bam

glebe

Council staff done the percolation test but result states that site is not suitable for advanced effluent treatment system because of the mottling. Does this rule all systems out even a raised percolation area.

muffler

Im sure you will still have the right to have a site assessment carried out independently and other methods of sewage treatment and disposal can be examined.

I have never heard of council staff carrying out a site assessment and the problem I think you may have is not so much the system you propose to use but convincing the council to accept it.

construct06

mottling indicates the water table level. So it appears it is close to ground level. As stated a pumped arrangement incorporating above ground percolation or a raised percolation bed could be utilised.

eclair21

Can anyone give me an idea of how much a Percolation test generally costs to carry out?

I have access to someone with a digger so I just want to know what it should cost to perform the actual test.

smashey

I can't speak for your area but here in Donegal, it costs approx €500 - 600 plus VAT.

ardara1

smashey wrote:

I can't speak for your area but here in Donegal, it costs approx €500 - 600 plus VAT.

HI SMASHEY - We've a site facing us with a number of houses (already built) that share a percolation area (to be installed soon). This is situated at the bottom of a hill in boggy ground. Planning approval was given with the following conditions
c. Existing soils within the percolation area shall be removed and replaced by imported soils with a T value between 20-25. The depth of soil shall be such to ensure that there is a minimum of 1.2m of percolating material between the invert of the lowest percolation trench and any bedrock / water table.
d. Peripheral drains shall be laid a minimum of 1.5m from the percolation area to prevent flooding or ponding.

I've just noticed the percolation test they dug during the week - which they're supposed to fill with water I presume? - but its alread full of water! and won't drain - the ground's as boggy as hell and I'm afraid of excess water running into our gardens - downhill form the area.

Can they get it to work?

godtabh

There are alternative options like reed beds and black water systems.

Cost and area required (for reae beds) may mean its not possible.

Mirco reed beds could be installed. It would depened on what kind of poplulation it woul dhave to deal with