Massachusetts has specific regulations, commonly referred to as Title V, that regulate the use of and design of septic systems. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the authority in charge of regulating the Title V policy. The DEP website contains an abundance of information relative to Title V and septic systems.

In addition to the State regulations, each municipality may establish its own supplemental regulations to Title V. The supplemental regulations may be more stringent than the state regulations but cannot remove or reduce any State regulations.

Percolation (Perc) Testing
This is the procedure that is required by DEP to determine the permeability (how easily water will pass through) of the soil. A perc test is the procedure specified by DEP in which water is poured into the soil. The amount of time the water takes to dissipate is recorded to determine the soil’s permeability. The permeability or impermeability of the soil determines the size of the leaching field portion of the septic system.

Soil Evaluation
The soil evaluation is the procedure required by DEP that describes the type of soil and its characteristics (depth, compaction). A deep hole is dug by a third party excavation contractor selected by the client (link to vendor page?) to a minimum of 10 ft to expose the soil for the evaluation. This soil evaluation is used concurrently with the percolation test and groundwater determination to evaluate the suitability of locating a septic system within the soil at a specific location.

Groundwater Determination
The groundwater determination is a component of the soil evaluation. The groundwater elevation is determined by either indicators within the soil called mottling or by observation of water within the deep hole. The groundwater determination is an important component of your septic system design as the leaching portion of your septic system is required to be elevated 4 ft or 5 ft above the groundwater.

Limited Field Survey
The limited field survey provides a graphic representation of the portion of your site that is used for the septic system design. This item includes a detail survey of any items pertinent to the design of the septic system. This will generally include location and elevation survey of the house, driveway, fences, utilities and any other items important for design. The survey information is then plotted on the computer for the basis of your design plan.

As Built Certification and Plan
Following construction of the septic system we will inspect the system for conformance with the approved design plan. An “As Built” plan will be prepared which will show the new system with elevations and distance ties to system components. In some instances, municipalities may require a topographic finish grade as-built survey. This plan, with an engineer’s certification, will be forwarded to you and the Board of Health. The Board of Health will issue a certificate of compliance upon receipt of this item. The certificate of compliance is the official document from the approving authority indicating that the system was installed properly. The Certificate of Compliance is often required for occupancy permits or by a mortgage lender to complete the transfer of property.

Sieve Analysis
Sieve Analysis is an alternative to standard percolation testing if a standard perc test can not be completed due to the presence of groundwater. If the groundwater or damp soils are above the location of pervious soil that is to be tested (preventing a successful perc result), a soil sample may be taken and sent to a laboratory for testing. The DEP state regulations, Title V, allow the use of a sieve analysis for system repairs.