Community and Cluster Systems have gained recognition as a viable solution as small cities, towns and counties face complex wastewater management issues. Interest in these systems continues to grow due because they provide communities with high quality, cost efficient wastewater treatment, while protecting community character and reducing the urban sprawl.
The decision regarding which type of system to use remains based on a site’s soils, groundwater and bedrock elevation, topography, and regulatory requirements. Our engineers are experienced trained and available to help your community make the right decision and construct the right system for your needs.
Education
In partnership with DPOR, and other local realtor associations, managing partner Mike Lynn facilitates educational courses to keep everyone apprised at the most current regulations surrounding on-site septic systems and wells. Feel free to contact our office to schedule a presentation for your agents!For Sale Inspections
We get a lot of calls to schedule time of sale inspections and even more calls to explain what will be done, what the possible outcomes are and estimated costs of common repairs. We dislike telling potential clients that inspection methods, results and repair costs aren’t consistent because there are no standards for these inspections in Virginia. We have always said these can be the most difficult inspections, depending on the customer, the location, the age of the system and the type of system. Other factors that contribute to the difficulty factor are use and maintenance habits of the owner, lack of health department records and as-builts, depth of buried components and construction of fences, decks, patios and sometimes even home additions over critical septic system components. If the client is the current owner, they and their real estate agent hope to hear that the system is good, and nothing needs to be done before the new owner takes possession. The buyer, on the other hand, wants you to find everything that may be wrong or may need replacement.Many times the answer is akin to explaining the condition of the roof. “It’s not leaking yet, but the shingles are 40 years old and we don’t know how long it will last without replacing them”. This is similar to “The septic system is functioning, its 20 years old, it doesn’t look like the tank was pumped very often, there is sludge in the distribution box and a little standing effluent in the trenches. ” The distribution box is deteriorated and should be replaced soon so we can’t predict how long it will continue to function without repairs. So, if you’re the owner you hear “The Septic System is Functioning”. If you’re the purchaser, you hear “we cant predict how long it will continue to function without repairs”.
Even though the State Health Department, Local Health Department and Board of Realtors do not have a requirement to bring a system up to current standards at time of sale, a time of sale inspection procedure or a standard reporting procedure to follow, SES has developed and communicates our protocol to all parties involved before the inspection starts. This is one of the most important aspects of the inspection. With the standards stated before the inspection starts, it is up to SES as the inspector to evaluate each component of the system, determine if it is operating as it was designed and communicate those results so you can decide what must be fixed before the sale is complete. SES follows protocol consistent with Virginia Health Department Regulations for determining if repairs are “required” or “recommended”. We believe that this standard allows for clearer negotiations between buyers and sellers.
SAP Inspections
Virginia law requires that any property not served by public sewer has a Safe, Adequate and Proper septic system before issuing a building permit. For a new house, this would be a copy of the health department permit showing the new septic system and well to be installed. For existing structures, a report is needed showing that the system was properly permitted, that proposed improvements or construction won’t negatively impact the existing septic system, that it is functioning properly and being properly maintained, and can handle the expected sewage flow from any additions or renovation of living spaces for the foreseeable future. SES is more than happy to help you through all of your SAP Inspection needs.Tank & System Relocation
Coming Soon…Wasterwater Systems
Low Pressure Sewage Collection Systems
Over the years SES has successfully designed and installed and secured permitting along with monitored construction of various wastewater systems for small and large subdivision developments.
Our services include:
- Wastewater Transport, Treatment & Disposal
- Sewage Collection Systems
- Lift Stations & Force Mains
- STEP Service to Low-Pressure Sewer Mains
- Effluent Disposal by Subsurface Absorption or Spray Irrigation
- Individual On-Site Wastewater Systems
We have years of experience designing, permitting and construction of various wastewater systems for small and large subdivision developments.
