Hal Owen & Associates Inc., PO Box 400, Lillington, NC 27546
Frequently Asked Questions
Why hire a soil consultant?
A Licensed Soil Scientist is a degreed professional with years of experience evaluating soil (really! It’s required for licensure). They are versed in land regulations and their applicability; and can tell you if a parcel of land will support the septic needs of your home or business, if flood hazard soils or wetlands may limit your buildable area, or which stormwater treatment options are best for the site. In addition, many planning departments require a soil report or map certification sealed by a Licensed Soil Scientist prior to allowing new lots to be recorded. See our list of Services for a more detailed description of the services we provide.
What information should I provide for HO&A to locate my site?
We need to identify the specific parcel of land that you want us to investigate. We look up the site online using the County GIS, which allows us to see recorded property boundaries, topography, soil mapping, and aerial imagery, all of which aids us in the site investigation. Help us locate your site by providing the COUNTY NAME, ROAD NAME, PARCEL NUMBER, Current Owner Name, and/or Acreage. Lookup Your Site on the NC OneMap .
Does HO&A write septic permits?
Septic permits are issued by the local health department (LHD). Permitting fees and review times vary by county. There are three types of wastewater permits: improvement permit (IP), construction authorization (CA), and operation permit (OP). Typically, you make application to the LHD and their staff conducts the soil investigation, designs the septic system, and inspects the system after installation.
As an alternative, you may hire a Licensed Soil Scientist to replace some or all of the functions performed by the LHD. These consulting services are especially useful on sites with difficult soil situations or complex wastewater system designs and may lessen the time for permit processing. Application to the LHD is still required as the LHD is responsible for reviewing applications for completeness and keeping records.
IP Option: LSS Evaluation for Improvement Permit (SL2022-11)
In accordance with S.L. 2022-1, an applicant may to submit an LSS report with documentation of their evaluation of soil conditions and site features pursuant to G.S. 130A-335(a1) to be used in developing design and construction features for a new wastewater system or for repair of an existing system. The LHD should issue the IP within 10 business days of receipt of a complete application. An IP is valid for 5 years.
Covid-19 Option: LSS Evaluation for Construction Authorization (SL2020-97 and SL2022-11)
In response to the coronavirus disease, S.L. 2020-97 allows an LSS to design and submit plans for a septic system that meets all state and local rules. The LSS is responsible for all site and soil evaluations, system design requirements, and inspections associated with this permitting option. LHD should issue the CA within 5 business days of receipt of a complete application. An IP is valid for 5 years.
The local health department denied a septic permit for my lot. Can you help?
In many cases, the answer is yes. We work with the local health department to determine why the permit application was denied and evaluate options. In some cases we can investigate other areas on the property (if it is large), or check adjacent property for a septic easement or lot recombination. We may be able to design a more complex septic system or recommend an adjustments to the building site or design flow. In some situations, we may advocate elevating the project for review by the state health department.
Shouldn’t my land support the same type septic system as my neighbor's land?
Not always. Soil patterns beneath the ground surface can sometimes be very complex. Natural variability exists in the seasonal high water table depth, parent materials, and weathering patterns. Also, there may be unseen disturbances from man’s activities, such as fill dirt or soil cutting. We will identify the best septic disposal area on your property and match a cost-effective system to it.
How do you estimate the cost of services?
Our services are billed on an hourly basis. We will talk with you about the type of information you need and determine the level of intensity required for the investigation. We estimate the number of man hours that will likely be needed to complete the project from field investigation to report writing. Factors such as dense vegetation, the stone content of the surface soils, complex soil patterns, and other factors can influence the amount of time required to complete an investigation.
Do you collect soil samples for lab analysis?
We sometimes provide this service in conjunction with a soil investigation, such as to determine if soils are expansive, or as part of the plan for vegetative cover over a septic system. If you want to know the fertility of the soil in your garden, it is much more cost-effective for you to contact the NC Department of Agriculture who offers this service for free or a reduced cost. Sample boxes are available at your county Cooperative Extension office or at the Agronomic Division office in Raleigh
Do you perform septic inspections for home sales?
No. You may contact a Certified Wastewater System Inspector who performs such inspections.
Do you perform soil compaction tests for construction of building foundations?
No. Soil compaction testing, or soil density testing, is used to determine the composition of the soil and if it can properly support a foundation . These tests are performed by an engineer who prepares a geotechnical report. Use the search term "soil compaction test" instead of "soil testing" to locate a firm that provides those services.