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I help provide mapping for septic and wastewater disposal, agronomy, and ecological studies. Web Soil Survey and NRCS maps are available, but they are not accurate enough for real estate decisions. DO YOU NEED MY HELP ? Let's find out !

Is the property in the following counties ?

DECATUR    GILES    HARDIN    HICKMAN    LAWRENCE    LEWIS    MAURY    MCNAIRY    PERRY    or  WAYNE  ?

Is the property 5 acres or larger ?    AND   Only building one or two residences on the property ? 

TRY TDEC & save money! THEY HAVE 30 DAYS TO RESPOND, so PLAN YOUR DUE DILIGENCE accordingly!

So, you have property LESS THAN 5 ACRES , & are building MORE THAN ONE RESIDENCE, or a COMMERCIAL FACILITY ? 

or   TDEC told you that a SOIL CONSULTANT or HIGH INTENSITY SOIL MAP is needed ?

Do you need a tech expert for AGRONOMY, ENVIRONMENTAL studies, LAND ASSESSMENTS, or LAWSUITS ?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHEN DO I NEED A SURVEYOR ?

If you are subdividing the property or 'separating off a piece of land to sell,' then I always recommend having a soil scientist out before the surveyor. When you survey off parcels before consulting with a soil scientist, you risk creating a parcel with no soil site. Having the soil scientist out before the surveyor can prevent adjustments and empty lots, save you time and money, and create a final plat with soil sites already on it. That being said, it is ultimately your preference.

WHAT IS A SOIL MAP ?

A soil map defines soils by their characteristics and properties. The map then delineates the boundaries where it and other soils occur in a landscape.

WHAT IS A SOIL SITE ?

When I map a soil site, I am locating the soil area where field lines go for distributing your wastewater. It is important to keep buildings, heavy equipment, etc. out of this area. It cannot be disturbed, cut, or filled in.

DON'T I NEED A PERC ?

Percolation tests were carried out on all septic permits in the past. "Perc" is typically said (e.g. 'Get a perc site so I can start building' or 'Did the soil perc?') when people are referring to a soil map or a septic permit issued by TDEC. Percolation tests are still conducted, but only on soils that have ratings too slow for High Intensity soil maps or septic permits. What you need is a septic permit which sometimes requires a soil map which sometimes requires a perc test. Clear as mud, huh. I only run perc tests on soils that I map and deem necessary.

WHAT IF YOU DO NOT FIND A SEPTIC SITE OR SUITABLE SOILS ?

As soon as I have your information, I begin reviewing the site. If it looks like there's not a good chance, then I will call and cancel the site visit. If a site looks like it had possibilities, then I will be there. However, I begin charging for my services once I am on location and mapping. This is regardless of the outcome.

I find the best soils that work for a conventional septic system. I try and accommodate the preferred building location and use soils downslope for a simpler, cheaper septic system installation. If I cannot find soils on your property that do not meet the requirements for a conventional septic system, then I will reach out and let you know by a report that costs less than a soil map and shows you possible options.

WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS IF CONVENTIONAL SEPTIC SYSTEMS CANNOT BE USED?

Acceptable alternatives are low pressure pipe systems, mound systems, waste stabilization lagoons, or subsurface drip systems. If you pursue these systems, an Extra High Intensity map will be required. A surveyor will have to place a 25 or 50 ft grid over the area and a soil scientist will have to describe soils every 20 to 25 ft on the grid. This is time consuming and expensive. Expect to pay 2 to 3 times the normal cost of a conventional septic system.