FAQs

What services do you provide?

We provide soil evaluations, soil mapping, and septic permit site assessments. Our work supports engineers, surveyors, contractors, and landowners by ensuring accurate soil information for development and environmental protection.

Do you only work on septic permits?

Septic permitting is a major focus, but we also provide soil mapping for other uses, land use evaluations, and consulting for farms, businesses, and residential projects.

What areas do you serve?

We are licensed in Tennessee and primarily serve Middle Tennessee and surrounding regions.

What happens if my soil is unsuitable?

Options can include perc tests, alternative system designs, or placement of the system in a different location on your property.

What makes a soil “suitable” or “unsuitable” for septic?

Suitability depends on depth to bedrock, clay content, drainage, and other soil characteristics. If soils don’t meet state standards, improvements or engineered alternatives may be required.

General Services

Soil & Septic Questions

Why do I need a soil map or soil evaluation?

Soil maps determine whether your land can safely support a septic system. They also guide engineers and surveyors in planning site layouts.

Do I need to have my property surveyed before a soil evaluation?

For properties under 5 acres, a survey is required before soils can be submitted to the state. If your property is 5 acres or larger, a survey is not required prior to soil mapping. However, all properties under 5 acres will eventually need a survey for the final map. You do not need the survey before we come to evaluate soils.

What should I do before you come out for an evaluation?

Clear the site as best you can — bush hogging and removing thick brush allows us to see the land and access test areas more easily. This helps ensure we can map the property accurately and efficiently.

Process & Logistics

What should I expect during a soil evaluation?

We’ll dig test pits or use an auger to examine soil layers, document conditions, and map suitable areas. The site visit usually takes a few hours.

How much does a soil map or septic evaluation cost?

Costs vary by site size, terrain, and digging requirements. Most projects are $1,500 for individual lots. We’ll provide a quote with more information specific to your site.

How long does the process take?

Fieldwork usually takes 1–2 days, and reports/maps are delivered around 2 weeks, depending on complexity and weather.

Do you work directly with my surveyor or engineer?

Yes. We provide CAD/QGIS-compatible shapefiles and maps so surveyors and engineers can easily integrate soil data into their site plans.

Are your maps accepted by TDEC?

Yes. As licensed soil scientists, our maps and evaluations meet Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC) requirements for septic permitting.

Technical & Regulatory

Do you provide engineered system designs?

We do not design septic systems. We provide the soil and suitability data that licensed engineers and TDEC can use to create designs.

Can I build before my soils are approved?

No. Soil approval is one of the first steps before building permits can be issued. It ensures your site can legally and safely support a septic system.

Other Common Concerns

How do I pay for soil evaluations or mapping?

We accept cash, check, or credit card. Please note that credit card payments include a 3% processing fee.

Yes. As licensed soil scientists, our maps and evaluations meet Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC) requirements for septic permitting.