Percolation Testing and selection of Suitable foulwater Treatment System

Squeaksoutloud

Hi,

Currently in the early stages of preparing a planning submission in a rural area of Fingal. We are currently looking at getting the Percolation Test/Site Characteristic Report completed.

I know that Meath Co Co have a panel of approved site assessors but I cant find a similar one for Fingal.

Anyway my query is what is the best approach to appointing someone and selecting a foulwater treatment system.

Our architect has spoken to a representative of a particular company that supply treatment systems and have quoted us to carry out the tests.

However, my concerns are that getting this company to do it means we are restricting ourselves to the one company and are pretty much stuck with selecting their product.

Surely it is better to get an independent assessor to complete the tests, prepare a report etc. Is it possible to then get a few different companies to quote for provision of a treatment system that is suitable for our soil type and conditions.

Just wondering what is the normal procedure to follow that will ensure we get good value for money and pick the treatment system that best suits our site conditions.

Cheers.

Jimbo

Generally speaking all the IAB certified treatment systems do the same job and treat to the same quality. Your site will either be suitable for a conventional septic tank, a treatment plant or won't be suitable for at all.
As you need to specify the make/model of treatment plant at planning stage, you are better off getting someone independent to carry out the tests and recommend the best system.

Squeaksoutloud

Cheers for the advice Jimbo. The price being quoted by this particular supplier was more than double of what I had heard from other people who had it done. They are offering a discount on their system once you get it but as they are prob the most expensive type around you could end up paying more than is required. Will try get an independet test done then I reckon...

Squeaksoutloud

So I managed to get started on the Percolation Test. Guy came out last Saturday and dug the holes and our Engineer was there also. The 2m hole was completely dry even on the next day and the soil seems to be a good gravel soil and our Engineer mentioned a septic tank system on its own would be suitable.

Unfortunately the Engineer was meant to return and the test was meant to be carried out earlier this week. As I was away on work I only got to ring them this morning and found out he hasnt completed the test.

So after all this heavy rain (and not to mention i think he left the hole uncovered) will this affect our results? No matter how porous the soil is the hole is bound to be full of water today. I am very concerned this might affect our results considering how the hole was completely dry earlier in the week.

Jimbo

Ideally the testhole would have been inspected on the third day - maybe you engineer inspected it but didn't do the percolation tests?

If the soil is very good, the rainwater could have soaked away.

Let him do the percolation tests and if there is any significant water in the trial hole that will affect the design it will just mean digging another hole, covering it and inspecting it after 48 hours.

Squeaksoutloud

Cheers Jimbo. Hole was bone dry on Saturday even after all the rain on Friday. Looks like we should be ok anyway.