Soil Evaluation and Site Assessment in Anderson, SC

Yes, a soil evaluation is required before SCDES will issue an onsite wastewater permit to construct in Anderson or anywhere in South Carolina. The evaluation confirms your property's soil type, water table depth, and drainage capacity, which determine the system design.

A soil evaluation examines soil color, which shows seasonal water table height, and soil texture, which measures how fast water moves through sand, silt, and clay layers. The evaluator also reviews site slope, setback distances from wells and property lines, and the number of bedrooms in the planned home.

In South Carolina, soil evaluations for onsite wastewater permits must be conducted by a licensed Professional Soil Classifier or another person qualified under SCDES Regulation 61-56. The SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation licenses PSCs through the Soil Classifiers Advisory Council, requiring coursework, supervised experience, and passing scores on the Soil Science Society of America examinations.

Soil results directly determine where your drainfield can be placed, how large it must be, and whether a conventional or alternative septic system is needed. High clay content requires a larger drainfield, while sandy soil may allow a smaller footprint, both of which affect where structures, driveways, and landscaping features can go on your lot.

Hiring a licensed Professional Soil Classifier to conduct your evaluation before submitting your SCDES application can reduce processing time and is required for any subdivision with ten or more lots in Seneca, Hartwell, or anywhere in South Carolina. If your lot has already failed a conventional system evaluation, a PSC is also required to explore alternative system options.

Yes, Anderson Earthworks serves rural and commercial properties across Anderson, Greenville, Clemson, Spartanburg, Hartwell, Seneca, Augusta, Greenwood, and Elberton. Rural sites where traditional building methods are not feasible are a core part of what we do.