Site Suitability Assessment (Percolation Testing)

What is a site suitability assessment report?

A site suitability assessment report is a comprehensive analysis of both the on-site subsoil characteristics and the local hydrogeological features of the site to determine the most feasible means of treating effluent on-site whilst ensuring full compliance with the wastewater treatment requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency and the relevant local authority planning regulations.
According to the EPA document there are five key elements in a site assessment:

• A desk study to provide information on soils, geology and groundwater vulnerability 
   
• A field visit to look at site drainage, vegetation, levels, housing density, water uses in the area. 
   
• Trial hole to check the depth and type of sub-soils and depth to water table.  If the trial hole indicates poor subsoil permeability- there may be little point in  proceeding to the percolation test and/or application for planning permission 
   
• Percolation testing (P/T tests). These tests determine the soil’s ability to filter and move the wastewater. A "T" test is normally done at 800mm below ground level, which is about the level where the pipe from the wastewater system enters the ground. A "P" test is undertaken on sites with shallow soils, at 400mm below ground level. The same test hole dimensions are used, and the same test procedure. 
   
• Recommendation on a wastewater treatment option.  This will include a full wastewater treatment design with a cross section showing where the pipe-work enters the soil polishing filter.
  

Parkmore Environmental Services (PES) are fully trained in accordance with EPA regulations, national planning requirements and european wastewater treatment legislation.

PES are on Limerick and Clare County Council's list of approved site assessors.