Heller
By JENNIFER HELLER, guest columnist
In earlier times, soils were calculated as being able to process effluent, or the fluid material from septic tanks, by taking a “percolation test,” or “perc test,” of the soils.
This was usually done by digging three holes, filling them with water and timing how long it took for the water to disappear into the ground.
We have come a long way since then as the various attributes of soils and various abilities of soils to process fluids is now done by a scientific analysis performed by a soil scientist.
These professional soil analyzers are required to have a bachelor’s degree including basic science. They must have work experience with classifying soils in the field, pass field and classroom examinations and must volunteer in public service and have periodic evaluations.
The Indiana State Department of Health Rule 410 IAC 6-8.3 requires all on-site evaluations for septic systems must be completed by an individual registered by the Indiana Registry of Soil Scientists (IRSS).
Once the soil scientist completes the evaluation of the soils on a potential septic system site, he prepares a report that details the various soils found at various depths and their ability to absorb effluent based on a standardized graded system.
Different soils can occur at different places on a property. Some soils will absorb effluent more slowly or not at all, as is the case in some moraine soils. That’s why any potential septic site must have three soil borings, or drilling, done in the area where the septic bed is targeted to be placed.
These borings can be done with a simple boring tool or even dug as a pit by a backhoe.
Soil scientists also measure the depth to a “limiting layer” in these borings, or a layer which would not absorb fluids at all. The measurements can also indicate the depth of the water table under the soil and whether the soil has a tendency to retain water, which would slow absorption, if that is the case.
Brown County has a variety of soils and challenging terrain for septic installations. The work of the soil scientists aids greatly in making sure a septic system will operate correctly and have a long life.
Jennifer Heller is the environmental health specialist for the Brown County Health Department. She is responsible for restaurant inspections, septic installation inspections, vector issues, farmer’s markets and home base vendor questions and complaints. She also chairs the Terrorism and All Hazards Preparedness Committee for the Indiana Environmental Health Association and will be the president-elect of that organization in 2022. She can be reached by at [email protected]
