Only highly qualified individuals who are certified, authorized or licensed by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) or the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations (DPOR).  These individuals may be Environmental Health Specialists (EHS), Certified Professional Soil Scientists (CPSS) or Authorized Onsite Soil Evaluators (AOSE).  However, not all public or private sector consultants are equal.  Before you decide on a professional, check their credentials.  Ask them how long they have been evaluating soils for drainfield use.  Describe your project or challenge and ask them if they are qualified in that area of expertise.  Many EHS are not CPSS or AOSE and do not have a background in soils or geology.  Some CPSS have limited experience and knowledge of septic tank-drainfields, but are experts in other areas, such as nutrient management or wetland delineation.  And some AOSE, even though they are certified, have a low comfort level with certain soils and system types.  So, ask lots of questions before you choose a consultant to avoid problems down the road.  Our recommendation is to choose a consultant who is a CPSS and an AOSE with at least 3-5 years experience evaluating soils in your region.  They should be comfortable designing a variety of septic systems.

Why choose an AOSE over an EHS?

An EHS is an employee of the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) whose job centers around protecting the public health and the environment from harm.  Their job is very important, but they have a plethora of responsibilities, from tracking dog and mosquito bites to processing permit applications for private well and septic systems.  Because their job is so diverse, they usually have limited time and resources to focus on drainfield evaluation.  Many health districts have policies limiting the number of site visits, soil borings or boring depth.  These restrictions can obviously limit the level of service provided.  Some local health departments even recommend or require consulting with an AOSE from the very beginning. 

Why would the health department require an AOSE?  Well, for many reasons.  First, if your property dictates that an alternative septic system be designed, an AOSE is required.  One component of an alternative system is a proprietary treatment device designed to improve the quality of the wastewater before disposal.  There are over 30 approved treatment devices available for use in the Commonwealth.  Guess who regulates their use?  VDH.  To avoid a conflict of interest, an EHS is prohibited from designing alternative septic systems.  Second, community and commercial projects require a tremendous amount of consulting time and expertise that require the resources of an AOSE.  An AOSE is paid by a client to find a solution to a problem or to complete a project within a certain time frame and budget.  A competent AOSE considers all angles and options available to make a recommendation.  Third, the EHS has reached their allotted time or spacial limit and, by policy, must pass the job to the private sector.  In general, the EHS is a regulator first and an onsite soil evaluator last.  If you want service with value, choose a competent AOSE.   

What is an Certified Professional Soil Scientist?

A Certified Professional Soil Scientist, or CPSS, is an individual who possesses a special knowledge of soil science and the methods and principals of soil evaluation gained from education and experience in the formation, description and mapping of soils.  A CPSS is regulated by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations (DPOR) and certified by the Board of Professional Soil Scientists through education, experience and examination.  A CPSS is held to a high standard of practice and conduct in their field.  A CPSS evaluates, describes and maps soil types in order to predict their suitability for and in response to various land uses.  Such land use evaluations may include septic tank-drainfields, residential and commercial development, sanitary landfills, forestry or agricultural production, soil erosion and sediment control, shrink-swell potential and hydric soils. 

What is an Authorized Onsite Soil Evaluator?

An Authorized Onsite Soil Evaluator, or AOSE, is an individual who has demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities in the practice of siting and designing onsite sewage disposal systems. This is a credential awarded to qualified individuals by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). VDH will accept evaluations and designs for onsite septic systems from an AOSE or Professional Engineer in consultation with an AOSE. Generally, VDH is required to take action on an AOSE submittal within a limited time frame or automatically approve the submittal. MSCI has experienced AOSEs on staff. 

What information is included in your AOSE package?

Our typical AOSE package for permitting includes a cover page, a soil observation summary, soil descriptions, design criteria, a detailed CAD site sketch and design drawing, construction notes and specifications, and operation and maintenance requirements.  Some designs may also include pump calculations and station schematics, product sheets, permeability test data and health department documentation.  AOSE packages for certification letters only include a soil report, abbreviated design and site sketch.   

What is the difference between a Certification Letter and a Construction Permit?

A certification letter is a letter issued by the local health department, in lieu of a construction permit, that identifies a specific drainfield site and recognizes the appropriateness of the site for an onsite wastewater disposal system. Applicants that do not intend to build within 18 months should apply for a certification letter because the approval does not expire and conveys with the land. Certification letters can be converted to construction permits by submitting an application and paying any required fees.  Certification letters are ideally for property transfers.

A construction permit is written approval from the local health department to install, expand, repair, or modify an onsite sewage disposal system. Permits are nontransferable and are issued for a specific owner, site, and design. Permits expire after 18 months.

What is the difference between a Conventional and Alternative System?
 
A conventional system is an individual sewage disposal system that consists of a septic tank or series of septic tanks and drainfield(s).  This type of system may include a sewage pump.

An alternative system is more complex (and more costly) than a conventional system.  An alternative system is required when the site and/or soil conditions are limiting.  An alternative system typically includes treatment and dispersal methods, equipment, and technology specifically designed for the marginal site.

What is an Onsite Sewage Disposal System?

This is just a fancy industry term for a septic tank-drainfield system.  "Onsite" denotes that treatment and disposal of the wastewater is occurring on the property that is producing the waste stream.  This is in contrast to a centralized sewage treatment facility that accepts wastewater from a variety of sources.  "Sewage" is the liquid or semi-solid substance produced by people living and/or working in dwellings, commercial facilities, etc. transported through various plumbing fixtures and networks to a final disposal site.  An onsite sewage disposal system is designed to collect, treat and convey sewage to a point of ultimate disposal.

What is an Engineered Onsite Septic System and why do I need a professional engineer?