Perc tests: For those about to build

[David]

Monitoring wells in the county, which signal the start date of ‘wet season’ each year, are delivering a slightly different message this year. Dryer than normal conditions in the water table monitoring wells of St. Mary’s County and the region are prompting St. Mary’s County Health Department to proceed with wet season testing, but only in certain areas of the county. In areas where the monitoring wells allow, the health department will move forward with scheduling and performing perc tests. In the remaining areas, the health department will continue to monitor for wet season conditions to determine suitability for testing.

For perc testing conditions, county properties are categorized by soil type, topography and their correlation to the monitoring well network. Effective immediately, the health department will begin scheduling perc tests on a first come first serve basis for properties that meet wet season conditions. County residents, businesses and organizations interested in having properties tested for suitability for on-site sewage disposal systems may submit applications for perc tests for the 2008 wet season.

A perc test is required for all new construction and new sewage disposal systems on properties outside public sewer system areas. Applications for perc testing four or more lots must include a Maryland registered surveyed concept plan. The health department checks water tables regularly but cannot control the duration of the wet season. The health department may not be able to schedule late applications due to unpredictable drops in water table levels that signal the end of the wet season.

The health department will make a reasonable attempt to reschedule perc test dates cancelled by applicants, however rescheduling cannot be guaranteed. Weather related cancellations by the health department will be rescheduled during the 2008 wet season.

Applications for perc tests are available at the St. Mary’s County Department of Land Use & Growth Management located at the Governmental Center in Leonardtown. Call 301-475-4200 for information about submitting an application. For information about perc testing, call St. Mary’s County Health Department Environmental Health Services at 301-475-4321.

[GreenHornet]

Thanks for the info.