Buying a Lot – Large Acreage Lot Considerations.

One aspect you will need to consider on a large acreage tract is the soil quality and condition so a wastewater disposal system may be installed. There are a couple of questions you must first ask yourself. Do I plan to subdivide the tract? How many lots do I propose to create? How many bedrooms are desired in the home? There are many more but these will get you started in the process. At a minimum, you will need to contact the county’s Environmental Health Department to perform a soil test to determine the quality of soil in regards to is absorption properties. This would be a first step to obtaining the permit for construction of the septic system. If the desired results are achieved, there is no further action required until construction of the system is to be started. If the inspector deems the soil unsuitable for a conventional system, there are additional steps to take. Assistance from a soil scientist would be the best next step. You would hire an “expert” to test the soil and determine where and how many potential sites (if you desire multiple sites for a subdivision) your tract contains. The soil scientist would then determine the best type of alternative system suitable for the soil type present. Next, you would go back to the county inspector for final approval of the suggested systems and sites. After you receive your written permit(s), construction can be started on the system. For additional information on how to obtain the permit, please reference this link to the Chatham County website http://www.chathamnc.org/Index.aspx?page=119.