Site suitability assessments and percolation tests for planning applications
Building a house or replacing a septic tank without a mains sewer? I carry out the trial hole and percolation tests, and prepare the EPA site characterisation report your planning application needs.
Based in Boyle, Co. Roscommon, covering the West (Galway, Mayo, Roscommon and Clare), the North West (Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim) and the Midlands (Longford, Westmeath, Offaly and Cavan).
What I do
Site suitability assessment
Desk study, trial hole and surface and subsurface percolation tests, completed on site and reported in line with the EPA Code of Practice 2021.
Site characterisation report
A full report with maps, photographs and a treatment system recommendation, ready to submit with your planning application.
Treatment system design
Secondary treatment unit and soil polishing filter sized for your site, bedroom count and design population.
Existing system inspections
Inspection and certification of an existing septic tank, distribution box and percolation area, as requested by planning authorities in further information requests.
Layout and drainage drawings
Site layout plans showing separation distances, percolation area and surface water drainage.
How it works
- Get in touch. Send me the site location (Eircode or folio map), the number of bedrooms and any planning reference.
- Desk study. I check aquifer, vulnerability, soil and bedrock mapping and nearby wells and watercourses.
- Site visit. I assess the soil and subsoil and carry out the percolation tests over a couple of days.
- Report. You receive a signed report with the system design, ready to submit.
Qualifications
- QQI Level 6 Specific Purpose Certificate in Site Suitability for Wastewater Treatment
- Bachelor of Civil Engineering
Common questions
Do I need a percolation test for planning permission?
If the property is not connected to a public sewer, your planning authority will normally ask for a site characterisation report prepared by a qualified assessor, including trial hole and percolation test results.
How long does it take?
The tests need pre-soaking before the readings are taken, so allow a few days on site, plus time to prepare the report. Reports are typically ready within 2 weeks.
What if the site fails the test?
A poor result does not always mean the site is unsuitable. Depending on the findings, a secondary treatment system with a polishing filter, or site improvement works, may still be possible.
Can you inspect my existing septic tank?
Yes. I can inspect the tank, distribution box and percolation area and provide a certificate for your planning application.
Get a quote
Tell me where the site is and what you are applying for, and I will come back with a price and the first available date.
Based in