Scale drawings may be created, BRS&S has the capability to delineate features using equipment with an accuracy of + /- 30 cm (about 8″). This is a very efficient means of describing an existing feature, such as the location of a utility line or buried distribution box, it is also excellent for planning or designing. If a setback for a developed spring is required I can create an arc around the spring, and show different radius’s, for example 100′ for a conveyance line, or 200′ prior to establishing a septic drainfield.

Showing a 50′ setback off a lot front, or a 5′ setback is as simple as asking the software to create that line.

Example site with scale of 1" = 100'

GIS applications for site development and planning are limited only by imagination. Examples include: creating a site plan which gives our client’s contractor a slope and length of a driveway, establishing, documenting an existing path or planning out a new route is a valuable and time saving practice. Similarly capturing terrain (contour) and allowing for better estimations of volume, distance or other information allows a contractor better confidence in creating bidding documents or providing an estimate.

There are two classes of individuals who are certified, authorized or licensed by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) or the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations (DPOR).

These individuals may be Environmental Health Specialists (EHS), Certified Professional Soil Scientists (CPSS) and Licensed or Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluators (LOSE or AOSE).  An AOSE is qualified to perform a complete evaluation and design systems including “alternative systems” which can take advantage of devices which produce better effluent quality, and therefore can be installed on sites with greater limitations than conventional systems.

However, not all public or private sector consultants are equal.  Before you decide on a professional, check their credentials.  Ask them how long they have been evaluating soils for drainfield use.  Describe your project or challenge and ask them if they are qualified in that area of expertise.  Many EHS are not CPSS or AOSE and do not have a background in soils or geology.  In general, the EHS is a regulator first and an onsite soil evaluator last.  If you want service with value, choose a competent AOSE.

CPSS generally have greater experience and knowledge soil factors, which affect septic systems, and are also experts in other areas, such as nutrient management or wetland delineation.

There are many AOSE, even though they are certified, who were trained via the VDH program, and have minimal experience with soils and system design.    To have good results, choose a responsible  an AOSE with CPSS certification, who has experience evaluating soils in your region, and is able to answer your questions and advise your decisions.

Why choose an AOSE over an EHS?

An EHS is an employee of the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) who is responsible for  protecting the public health and the environment from harm.

These responsibilities, include monitoring epi/en- demics, tracking dog and mosquito bites, inspecting and certifying food establishments to reviewing permit applications for private well and septic systems.  Due to manpower shortages and budget issues the level of experience varies, and since the requirements of employment are diverse, they often have limited time and resources to focus on drainfield evaluation.

Health districts have policies limiting the number of site visits, soil borings or boring depth.  These restrictions can obviously limit the level of service provided.  Some local health departments even recommend or require consulting with an AOSE from the very beginning.

There are  circumstances in which the health department requires an AOSE or an engineer.  If your property was rejected for conventional permitting  an AOSE is required to review your site and propose an alternative.  The VDH employee, is also not permitted to advise you on other site development questions. For example the planning of utilities, erosion control, construction access, integrating structure footprint, water development, preserving natural resources such as unique trees or vegetation, information about neighbors or communities, livestock or gardening are all areas in which a private consultant may be able to educate and inform you. Naturally we are interested in customized service which determines making the best choices, customer service is not an area in which government employees are rated.

Alternative systems employ “pre-engineered” treatment systems designed to improve the quality of the wastewater before disposal.  There are many competing treatment devices approved for use in the Commonwealth by the VDH which also regulates their use.   EHS are prohibited from designing alternative septic systems, they lack the knowledge and training, and to avoid a conflict of interest the VDH does not wish to be in the position of recommending a vendor’s system.

Second, community scale (more than 1,00o gallons/ day or multiple dwelling units, and commercial projects require a tremendous amount of consulting time and expertise to integrate the variables of a project.  An AOSE is selected by a client to find a solution to a problem or to complete a project within a certain time frame and budget.

A competent AOSE considers all issues and options available to make your specific recommendation.

VDH limits the resources that may be expended on a “bare application,” consequently in the event the EHS is frustrated by a site, they will reject the site rather than being able to allocate more time to this application. An AOSE has the freedom to make you his first priority and discuss a plan of inquiry to satisfy the site owners wishes.

What is an Certified Professional Soil Scientist?

A Certified Professional Soil Scientist, or CPSS, is an individual who possesses a special knowledge of soil science and the methods and principals of soil evaluation gained from education and experience in the formation, description and mapping of soils.  A CPSS is regulated by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations (DPOR) and certified by the Board of Professional Soil Scientists through education, experience and examination.  A CPSS is held to a high standard of practice and conduct in their field.  A CPSS evaluates, describes and maps soil types in order to predict their suitability for and in response to various land uses.  Such land use evaluations may include septic tank-drainfields, residential and commercial development, sanitary landfills, forestry or agricultural production, soil erosion and sediment control, shrink-swell potential and hydric soils.

What is an Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator or AOSE?

The AOSE is a site evaluator licensed by DPOR, and acting under the exemptions to the practice of engineering (Code of Virginia Section 54.1-402.A.11) VDH will accept evaluations and designs for onsite septic systems from an AOSE or Professional Engineer in consultation with an AOSE. Generally, VDH is required to take action on an AOSE submittal within 15 working days or the submittal shall be “deemed approved.”

What information is included in your AOSE permit application?

Typically the permitting application includes:

• the cover page with site and client identification, certification statement and professional seal,
• soil characterization summary and soil descriptions,
• design criteria,
• detailed site sketch and design drawing,
• construction notes and specifications,
• if applicable an operation and maintenance reference.
• some designs may also include pump calculations and station schematics, product sheets, permeability test data and health department documentation.

AOSE packages for certification letters do not include complete construction specifications.

What is the difference between a Certification Letter and a Construction Permit?

A certification letter is a letter issued to certify a septic system which does not expire, though the actual design my vary with changes in regulation the site remains accepted by the local health department,  the site must be located on a plat by a licensed land surveyor and recorded to the deed. Applicants which do not intend to build within 18 months may choose to apply for a certification letter because the approval does not expire and conveys with the land.  Certification letters can be converted to construction permits by submitting an application and paying any required fees.  Certification letters are ideal for certifying that a property is approved prior to a sale.

A construction permit is written approval from the local health department to install, expand, repair, or modify an onsite sewage disposal system. Permits are nontransferable and are issued for a specific owner, site, and design.  Permits expire after 18 months, though they may be renewed under certain conditions.

What is the difference between a Conventional and Alternative System?

A conventional system is an individual sewage disposal system that consists of a septic tank or series of septic tanks and drainfield(s).  This type of system may include a sewage pump.

An alternative system is more complex  than a conventional system.  An alternative system is required when the site or soil conditions are limiting.  An alternative system typically includes advanced treatment and dispersal methods, equipment, and technology specifically designed for the marginal site.

What is an Engineered Onsite Septic System and why do I need a professional engineer?

New fees for combined well & septic:

Bare application by VDH staff- $825

Application by AOSE – $550

There are certainly many other advantages to property owners which choose to hire AOSE’s; the closing of a the subsidy gap between public and private sectors is evident.

The result is an application for the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) which will be approved for a fee. Permit fee’s are dependent on which county your property is located in. See link:

www.vdh.virginia.gov/LHD/newriver/environmental.htm#fees

You’ll notice that a bare application’s fee is more than an AOSE permit, due to the AOSE taking responsibility for all the site evaluation and design, layout and documentation. VDH reviews this application and issues the permit. Resulting in a $230 discount of the department’s permit fee.
I believe the most equitable arrangement with my clients is determined by time and effort expended. The more difficult the site the higher the fee, I base my fee on a cost of $640/day, with an additional flat $150 fee if I provide an excavator. There are efficiencies of scale which go to the client, there are also special circumstances which I consider when negotiating a fair fee with you.

The value of my services are evident since I offer you the latitude of considering the best alternatives, and believe that my duty to inform and incorporate your choices in a system are far more accommodating than the Commonwealth’s staff. Your site doesn’t have to be cleared, I will assist you in locating significant features; and counsel with you on other issues regarding siting a home: driveway, utilities, water (spring or well), agricultural issues and so forth. Satisfying your concerns is my specialty.

Where do you plan to live? Being familiar with Floyd County and the surrounding area I understand the territory, and am willing to share my knowledge with you. Just knowing your location, slope, terrain, and your goals will begin the process give me a call and we can talk.

I will speak with you for free, and explain the ways I can help you achieve your site development goals.

My e-mail is walker@swva.net; I check mail every morn and eve.