Perc Tests, Take 2

Nearly 10 days ago we had our first perc tests and DOH inspection of the site. Unfortunately at that time, the standard perc tests failed. We did determine a location further away from where the house is planned that appeared suitable, but more perc tests were going to have to take place, again with a DOH representative present. This time we would not need to do the deep hole investigation, though, since that was accepted previously.

Earlier today our surveyor came back with the DOH inspector to witness perc tests at the new septic site. These tests were modified so as to be 12" deep and 18" deep holes instead of the standard 24". And the good news is, the 18" holes passed within 45 minutes! So taking these results into account, we now have a vague idea of what the septic leach field will have to be.

The Monroe County Dept. of Health website includes a helpful downloadable Sewage Disposal Design Handbook, which I have perused in an attempt to understand what kind of system we require. It turns out that there are many more options than I realized, and while the information is rather straightforward to follow, this goes outside my range of knowledge. From what I've read, and using the results of the perc tests, I believe we will be installing a modified raised bed system. We will need about 6" of sand to make up for the lack of depth of acceptable ground soil, but luckily this is on the rather low end of things as far as raised beds go. We will know more once the full official site plan is drawn up, which will take about 6 more weeks. Once the surveyor has completed his design, we can take it to a septic installer to get construction under way, during/after which we'll need more inspections. In the short term, now that we know where the septic system will go, we can get a well installed!

Updated budget:
Another Fee to Monroe County Dept. of Health: $125
Surveyor Fee: estimated to be ~ $5,000 total (standard); $1,500 down payment made.
Total spent thus far: $1,810