Do I need a soil survey?

A Level 3 Soil Survey is required to permit a new septic system in the State of Georgia.  These surveys are sometimes colloquially called "perc tests" or "percolation tests."  The purpose of the survey is to classify the soil on a property to determine if it is suitable for a septic system. 

Please call or text 470-590-1967 to order a soil survey.

What is your service area?

Our normal service area includes the following North Georgia counties: Banks, Barrow, Cherokee, Dawson, Elbert, Fannin, Forsyth, Franklin, Gilmer, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison, Oglethorpe, Pickens, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, and White.

How long does it take?

As of 5/30/2024, the turnaround time for Level 3 Soil Surveys is two to three weeks. Reports for two acres or less are typically completed and delivered within one business day after the fieldwork is completed.

How is a Level 3 Soil Survey performed?

Prior to beginning any field work, we first research the property using the county's online geographic information system (GIS). This will usually provide us with aerial photos, topographic contours, floodplains, and boundaries for the property.  While not absolutely required, it is very helpful to have the property boundaries and proposed home site clearly marked in the field before we arrive.

Once on-site, a minimum of four hand auger borings will be dug in the survey area. Each boring will be advanced to a depth of six feet below the surface or until encountering rock that cannot be penetrated with hand tools (gravel and small cobble can usually be broken up with a sledge hammer and a digging bar).  The soil from each boring is logged and assigned a USDA Soil Series classification. An estimated absorption rate and recommended trench depth will be given to Soil Series that are suitable for use as a septic absorption field.  After classifying the soil, the soil borings and site features (springs, wells, streams, existing structures, rock outcrops, drainage features, etc.) are mapped. 

After completing the field work, a report will be prepared that includes a soil properties table, suitability codes, relevant notes, and a soil map. 

Unlike some companies, all field work and report writing will be completed by a DPH approved Soil Classifier.

What about other levels of study?

Level 2 Soil Surveys may be performed on larger tracts of land to get a general idea of the suitably of the property for septic systems.  These soil surveys are not detailed enough for permitting, but are useful for due diligence prior to purchasing land.  

Level 4 Soil Surveys are performed to better delineate the boundaries between suitable soil and poorly suited soil. These surveys may involve saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) testing.  If you are interested in these services, please contact us for more information. 

Please call or text 470-590-1967 to order a soil survey.