FAQ
Design Process
01
Soil Evaluation
Test holes are dug to determine the seasonal high ground water table and soil category used for the design.
02
System Design
A septic design & permit application is drafted and sent to the RI Department of Environmental Management for approval.
03
System Certification
With an approved permit, the system can now be installed. After installation, the system is certified by the designer.
Question And Answers
Yes, in accordance with RI state law, all new septic systems and components require a permit approved by the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) prior to installation.
*Repairing the building sewer between the building and septic tank does not require DEM authorization.
If you are unsure if your system has failed, a DEM registered septic inspector should be hired to inspect the system. A list of inspectors can be found at this link.
New Construction – When building a new structure or adding more than one bedroom to an existing home.
Alteration – Adding 1 bedroom to a residence, or change of use.
Repair – When a component of the system, or the system in its entirety fails. This includes upgrading the system from a cesspool to a septic system. No increase in bedrooms or change of use is allowed.
1) Soil Evaluation(s) is performed in the vicinity of the proposed leach field to determine the seasonal high ground water table and soil category.
2) Based on the test hole data, a proposed septic system design is sized, drafted, and submitted to the DEM for approval. DEM will either approve the application or return the application with comments. Once the comments are addressed, DEM will approve the permit.
3) After installation of the system, the designer certifies the system to ensure that it was installed in accordance with the design & regulations.
A soil evaluation involves digging a hole (typically up to 10 ft) in the vicinity of the proposed leach field, to determine the seasonal high water table and soil category. This information is used to size the system.
New Construction and Alteration permits usually require two soil evaluations witnessed by DEM.
Repair applications do not need a soil evaluation if sufficient soil data is available (ex. a recent soil evaluation from a neighboring property). If soil data is not available, a soil evaluation is needed for a Repair.
After the design is completed, you will need to hire a licensed installer. Although we do not install systems, we work with several contractors that we can refer you to.
Once the installation is compete, we can certify the system as required by DEM.
It depends on the application type, technology, and site conditions. To get a free estimate, click on the contact tab or here.
Still have questions or would like an estimate? If so, click the “Contact” button below.