Purchasing is a big and critical decision as it involves massive money, time, and effort. The purchase of commercial property is even larger. There might be hidden problems in the ground, environmentally. You cannot see them, but they can be very expensive. They can delay your project. They can even put a stop to construction. That is why environmental due diligence is important.

Phase I and Phase II are the two steps for assessing the site environmentally. Many people mix them up. But they are not the same. Let us elaborate on these simple lies, that can save you hundreds and thousands of dollars.

Phase I is the first step of the assessment process. It follows standards created by ASTM International. These standards guide environmental professionals.

Phase I is mostly research. It is not testing. The goal is simple. It looks for signs of possible contamination. These signs are called “Recognized Environmental Conditions,” or RECs.

They inquire how the land was used in the past. Was it a gas station? Was it a factory? Was it a dry cleaner? Past use matters. Some businesses leave contamination behind.

An environmental consultant will:

• Review old maps
• Check aerial photos
• Study property records
• Search government databases
• Visit the site
• Owners or tenants’ interviews

The percolation testing and analysis for septic tank construction helps prevent project delays and closures. Properly framed inspections safeguard schedules, jobs and project budgets. The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety says visual checks help catch early problems.

LA County determines how tests should be conducted. The number of test holes varies with system size and site complexity.

Larger systems need more holes. The depth of the proposed system should match the depth of the test. Shallow testing cannot be done when deeper disposal is required.

Spacing between holes is also controlled. This ensures there is no clustering or bias in the results.

Soil logs need to be in detail. Each layer must be described. Characteristics such as texture, moisture, structure, and color should be mentioned.

The procedures used for testing are based on the LA County OWTS Manual. There is a set of pre-soak, drop, and measurement procedures.

System eligibility depends on test results. The slow soils might need seepage pits. Increased soil can permit leach fields and can turn away certain sites altogether.

The end geotechnical report is fundamental. LA County has been depending on it to approve decisions.

The plan should contain a proper site plan. All test locations should be displayed. Boundaries of property are mandatory.

Each test hole has soil profiles attached to it. Such profiles should align with field logs.

There is a compulsory condition of groundwater observations. These encompass perched water, seepage, or records.

The geologist will be required to give a narrative assessment. This is a simple explanation of site conditions. It describes restrictions as well.

The LA County Environmental Health reviews the report. Other agencies in the hillside areas can also review it.

The Seepage Pits or Septic Fields are to be designed using Test Data. The development of septic systems is not a geologist’s responsibility. Engineers do.

Yet it is built on geologists’ work. The geologist can advise on the rate of soil absorption based on test data. These rates regulate the size of systems.

They are also detecting minimum setbacks. This covers the area around buildings, gradients, and property boundary lines.

Poor soil classification results in failure. A common mistake is taking clay for sand. The assistance of a geologist avoids this.

Design is a team effort. Civil engineers and installers work in geology. Each role matters

Reviewing the permit begins with submission. There is a need to have percolation information and the geotechnical report.

Review timelines vary. Simple sites move faster. Hillside sites take longer. Missing signatures, incoherent logs, or inconsistent data are the common types of corrections.

Sometimes testing fails. In such cases, redesign or re-testing may be necessary. There are also instances when the location is considered to be unsuitable.

The absence of the geologist’s signature is also a significant difficulty. Reports that are not signed are rejected.

Another issue is the bad description of geology. Bread and butter language is suspicious.

Wet-season testing may yield distorted results. LA County frequently questions such information.

Shallow groundwater is occasionally neglected. This leads to unsafe designs.

It is not permitted to use old or borrowed data. Site-specific testing is required at every site.

Hiring a good geologist is one way to reduce risk. The failure of septic systems often results from misconceptions about the conditions underground. A geologist can improve percolation testing as follows:

• A geologist can identify such dangers in advance. A developing geologist has a professional responsibility. The state licensing laws defend their practice. Their interpretations and conclusions are their responsibility. This is a vital responsibility for safeguarding people’s health. Geologists assist in preventing system failure.
• An incorrect soil classification is more frequently the cause of septic malfunction. Slow-draining clay soils have often been confused with one another.
• A geologist could tell the difference between sand, silt, and clay layers. They also help reduce code violations. The OWTS requirements in LA County are tough. A geologist ensures that testing is conducted in accordance with the County’s existing standards.
• Local knowledge matters. The geology of LA County is complicated and diverse. Soil conditions can vary over a short distance. There could be fill, native soil, and bedrock in the same disposal area on a single property.
• Hillside sands behave differently from coastal sands. Widespread clay contracts and expands with changes in moisture. This movement can destroy seepage pits and leach lines. Sandy soils have higher drainage rates but may have poor filtration. A geologist comprehends these behaviors.
• The seasoned geologists are also conversant with LA County plan review expectations. They are familiar with what the Environmental Health reviewers seek.
• They understand how to make presentable soil logs and draw justifiable conclusions. This minimizes the number of comments and revisions. This is, in most instances, a time- and money-saver.
• Fewer approvals take shorter periods. Avoiding re-testing or costly redesigning is also due to proper testing. A qualified geologist safeguards the environment and the property owner in the long run.

Geologists are also critical in the percolation test. Their effort safeguards groundwater and human health. A

Approval of septic systems in LA County is based on proper soil assessment. This cannot be rushed.

The LA County OWTS Manual should be adhered to. When in need, one should always have a licensed geologist on hand.

Good data lead to good design. Safe systems result from proper testing.

Is a geologist required for all percolation tests in LA County?

Not always. Simple sites may allow other professionals. Complex sites usually require a geologist.

What license must a geologist hold in California?

The State of California must license them. Engineering geologists hold additional certification.

How do I find a qualified geologist near Los Angeles?

Look for professionals experienced with LA County Environmental Health reviews.

Can an engineer sign off without a geologist?

Only in limited cases. Many sites still require geologic evaluation.

What happens if groundwater is found?

The system design must change. In some cases, the site may be denied.