A Land Application System (LAS) is an alternative way of treating wastewater. The method involves applying the wastewater on or beneath the surface of a parcel of land. The land then naturally neutralizes the pollutants through a variety of processes.
GEC takes a thoughtful approach when evaluating whether an LAS is appropriate. We have a team of professional engineers, geologists, and technicians that can provide complete design and field services while maintaining regulatory compliance throughout the entire project.
As might be expected, the collection,
treatment, and disposal of wastewater is regulated
by a number of environmental laws that are administered
by various agencies in local and State government. Although
the process can be very complex, proper planning can
simplify it.
One of the first steps toward permitting a LAS is the
soil evaluation. GEC uses a two-phase approach to our LAS soil evaluations.
The initial phase consists primarily of literature review and will include
a detailed review of available soil mapping previously performed by NRCS,
as well as the National Wetlands Inventory.
If conditions look promising, the second phase of the evaluation will begin. This consists of a full-scale soil evaluation designed to meet the minimum requirements as set forth in “Criteria For Slow Rate Land Treatment And Urban Water Reuse” by The State of Georgia, Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division (dated 3/92).
The EPD guidance requires that the LAS soil evaluation characterize the permeability and chemical properties of the first 5 to 10 feet of the soil profile, verify the NRCS soil mapping, determine the elevation of the seasonal high groundwater level, establish the groundwater flow direction and gradient, and identify any subsurface conditions which may limit the vertical or lateral drainage of the LAS site.
Call on GEC if you are considering any wastewater work, including the possibility of constructing a Land Application System.
