section .0500 – soil and site evaluation

15A NCAC 18E .0501      SITE EVALUATION

(a)  Upon receipt of an application, an authorized agent shall investigate each proposed site in accordance with this Section to determine whether the site is suitable or unsuitable for the installation of a wastewater system. The field investigation shall include the evaluation of the following soil and site features with written field descriptions including:

(1)           topography, slope, and landscape position;

(2)           soil morphology:

(A)          depth of horizons;

(B)          texture;

(C)          structure;

(D)          consistence;

(E)           color; and

(F)           organic soils, as applicable;

(3)           SWC;

(4)           soil depth;

(5)           restrictive horizons;

(6)           the suitability for each profile description;

(7)           LTAR; and

(8)           available space.

(b)  Soil profiles shall be evaluated at the site by borings, pits, or other means of excavation, and described to reflect variations in soil and site characteristics across both initial and repair areas.

(c)  Soil profiles shall be evaluated and described to the following minimum depths:

(1)           48 inches from the ground surface; or

(2)           to a LC determined in accordance with this Section.

(d)  Owners may be required to provide pits when necessary for evaluation of the site as determined by the authorized agent, such as for evaluation of saprolite or soil structure.

(e)  Based on the evaluation of the soil conditions and site features listed in Paragraph (a) of this Rule, each soil profile shall be classified suitable or unsuitable. The authorized agent shall specify the overall site suitability and classification in accordance with Rule .0509 of this Section.

(f)  The authorized agent shall specify the LTAR in accordance with Section .0900 of this Subchapter for sites classified suitable in accordance with Rule .0509 of this Section.

(g)  A LC initially classified unsuitable may be reclassified suitable if the requirements of Rule .0509(b) or (c) of this Section are met.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 130A-335(e);

Eff. January 1, 2024.