Designation: D5879 − 95 (Reapproved 2010)

Standard Practice for

Surface Site Characterization for On-Site Septic Systems1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5879; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope D5925 Practice for Preliminary Sizing and Delineation of

Soil Absorption Field Areas for On-Site Septic Systems
1.1 This practice covers procedures for the characterization (Withdrawn 2005)3
of surface conditions at a site for evaluating suitability for an
on-site septic system for disposal and treatment of wastewater. 3. Terminology
This practice provides a method for identifying potentially
3.1 clinometer, n—an instrument for measuring inclination,
suitable areas for soil absorption of septic tank wastewater. as in topographic slope.
1.2 This practice can be used at any site where on-site 3.2 constructed filter bed, n—a material, usually of a sandy
treatment of residential and nonhazardous commercial waste- texture, placed above or in an excavated portion of the natural
waters using septic tanks and natural soils or constructed filter soil for filtration and purification of wastewater from an on-site
beds is required or an option under consideration. This practice septic system.
may also be useful when constructed wetlands are used as an 3.3 on-site septic system, n—any wastewater treatment and
alternative wastewater treatment method. disposal system that uses a septic tank or functionally equiva-
1.3 This practice should be used in conjunction with Prac- lent device for collecting waste solids and treats wastewater
tices D5921 and D5925. using natural soils, or constructed filter beds with disposal of
the treated wastewater into the natural soil.
1.4 This practice offers a set of instructions for performing
3.4 potentially suitable field area, n—the portions of a site
one or more specific operations. This document cannot replace
that remain after observable limiting surface features, such as
education or experience and should be used in conjunction excessive slope, unsuitable landscape position, proximity to
with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this practice may water supplies, and applicable setbacks, have been excluded.
be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not
intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which 3.5 recommended field area, n—the portion of the poten-
the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, tially suitable field area at a site that has been determined to be
most suitable for an on-site septic system soil absorption field
nor should this document be applied without consideration of
or filter bed based on surface and subsurface observations.
a project’s many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the
title of this document means only that the document has been 3.6 soil absorption area, n—an area of natural soil used for
approved through the ASTM consensus process. filtration and purification of wastewater from an on-site septic
system.
2. Referenced Documents 3.7 soil absorption field area, n—an area that includes soil
absorption trenches and any soil barriers between the trenches.
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
Also called a leachfield.
D5921 Practice for Subsurface Site Characterization of Test
Pits for On-Site Septic Systems 3.8 soil absorption trench, n—an excavated trench, usually
1.5 to 3 ft wide that receives wastewater for treatment. Also
called a lateral or leachline.
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and 4. Summary of Practice
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.01 on Surface and
Subsurface Characterization. 4.1 This practice describes a procedure using existing infor-
Current edition approved May 1, 2010. Published September 2010. Originally mation about a site, simple field equipment, and visual obser-
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as D5879 – 95 (2003).
DOI: 10.1520/D5879-95R10.
vation for identifying and evaluating all significant conditions
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
3
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.

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Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); 1

 D5879 − 95 (2010)
at the surface of a site, including climate, vegetation, surveyor’s rod is used, a tripod for stabilizing the rod may also
topography, surface drainage, water sources, and human influ- be useful. Accurate measurement of distances requires a tape
ences (structures, property lines), that may affect the suitability measure (30 m or 100 ft), although for many investigations
for design and construction of an on-site septic system. The pacing may be adequate for measuring approximate distances.
procedure involves exclusion of areas that are unsuitable for 6.2 At some sites, surveying equipment may be required to
natural soil absorption or constructed filter beds as a result of determine more definitively suitability for an on-site septic
topography, landscape position, and proximity to surface system or to provide additional information at the design
drainage, water sources, and other limiting surface character- stages. Examples of such situations include marginal sites
istics (structures, utilities, property lines). If no areas at a site where accurate measurements of a recommended field area are
comply with applicable regulatory requirements, no additional required to determine if the suitable area is large enough and
field investigations are required. This procedure also provides sites where accurate topographic contours are required for
guidance on selection of the specific area or areas at a site for engineering design of constructed filter beds. This practice
subsurface investigation as covered in Practice D5921. does not address the use of surveying equipment for such
purposes.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This practice should be used as the initial step for 7. Procedure
evaluating a site for its potential to support an on-site septic 7.1 Preliminary Documentation—All readily available in-
system and to determine the best location for subsurface formation about the site should be obtained and reviewed prior
observations as covered in Practice D5921. to visiting the site.
5.2 This practice should be used by individuals involved 7.1.1 A survey showing the boundaries of the site is the
with the evaluation of properties for the use of on-site septic preferred method for locating the site because it can also serve
systems. Such individuals may be required to be licensed, as a base map for field observations. A legal description of the
certified, or meet minimum educational requirements by the property can also be used to plot the site on other available
local or state regulatory authority. Generally, such individuals maps or for drawing a sketch map of the site. A topographic
should be familiar with the appropriate regulatory requirements survey with contour intervals of 1 to 5 ft will facilitate
governing the design and placement of on-site septic systems preliminary identification of potentially suitable field areas and
for the area of the site being investigated, and at least some final map preparation. Usually, such maps will not be available
experience or training in geomorphology, soils, geology, and unless the site is part of a larger planned subdivision.
hydrology.4 7.1.2 The following information concerning local or state
regulatory on-site septic system siting requirements should be
5.3 This practice is one step in the design of an on-site available for field reference, if required:
septic system that also includes subsurface characterization, 7.1.2.1 Minimum separation distance between soil absorp-
see Practice D5921, staking and protection of the soil absorp- tion or constructed filter fields and water supply, property lines
tion or constructed filter bed area, see Practice D5925, selec- and other surface and subsurface features,5
tion of system type, and design of the system size and 7.1.2.2 Wastewater hydraulic loading rates for different soil
configuration. Typically, the same individual will perform the texture, structure and other field observable soil properties,6
surface and subsurface characterization of a site. Local regu- 7.1.2.3 Selection criteria for alternative on-site septic sys-
lation and practice will determine whether the same individual tem designs (that is, depth to seasonal high water table, depth
is responsible for all steps in the process of locating and to limiting soil layer, slope, and so forth), and
designing an on-site septic system. Effective surface and 7.1.2.4 Other site-specific features that may affect design of
subsurface characterization of a site for on-site septic systems, on-site septic systems, such as perimeter drain clearances, and
however, requires some knowledge of the following for the wastewater loading rates.
county or state in which the site is located: (1) on-site septic 7.1.3 If the site is undeveloped, the following information
system types typically used for different soil conditions, and should be obtained, prior to visiting the site:
(2) typical soil absorption/filter bed areas required for different 7.1.3.1 Planned location and size of the house or commer-
wastewater flow rates and areal soil wastewater loading rates. cial structure,
7.1.3.2 Planned location of water well, if applicable, water
6. Field Equipment
lines, and other buried utilities, and
6.1 In addition to equipment identified in Practice D5925, 7.1.3.3 Information required for determining wastewater
additional equipment useful for site surface investigations load rates and strength for septic system design (that is, number
include the following: of bedrooms, number of full-time employee equivalents and
6.1.1 Clinometer or Hand Level, and a Surveyor’s or other shifts per day, biological/chemical oxygen demand). Practice
rod for slope measurements; D5925 addresses in more detail wastewater hydraulic loading
6.1.2 Hammer, Stakes and Flagging, for marking probe or and strength considerations in sizing on-site septic systems.
auger holes and the recommended field area. If an extendable
5
National Small Flows Clearinghouse (NFSC), 1995. Location and Separation
Guidelines from the State Regulations. NFSC, Morgantown, WV.
4 6
National Small Flows Clearinghouse (NFSC), 1995. Site Evaluation from the National Small Flows Clearinghouse (NFSC), 1995. Application Rates and
State Regulations. NFSC, Morgantown, WV. Sizing of Fields from the State Regulations. NFSC, Morgantown, WV.

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 D5879 − 95 (2010)
7.1.4 A published soil survey prepared by the U.S. Natural physiographic features have been excluded represents the
Resource Conservation Service (formerly Soil Conservation potentially suitable field area for an on-site septic system.
Service) is the best single background reference on subsurface Subsurface observations, as covered in Practice D5921 may
conditions for an on-site septic system field investigation. identify unsuitable or limiting subsurface conditions that will
Plotting the site boundaries on the soil map and reviewing limit further the potentially suitable field area.
information in the soil survey report provide a preliminary 7.5 Recommended Field Area—The portion of the poten-
indication of climate, topography, geology, hydrology, and tially suitable field area at a site that is most suitable for an
types of limiting soil conditions that may be encountered, such on-site septic system soil absorption field or filter bed based on
as shallow bedrock or groundwater. surface and subsurface observations should be delineated on
7.1.5 Potentially useful supplemental materials include: (1) the investigation map as the recommended field area. This area
USGS 7.5-ft topographic maps, (2) aerial photographs, (3) well should be staked and protected from disturbance during con-
logs, (4) wetland inventories, (5) state and USGS geologic and struction activities as covered in Practice D5925. Practice
hydrologic reports, and (6) adjacent or previous septic system D5925 also provides guidance on the size of area that should be
evaluations, designs, or permits. included in the recommended field area.
7.2 Scheduling—The investigation should be scheduled for 7.5.1 The recommended field area should include the area
a time and date that allows all parties interested or required for that, taking into account limiting surface and subsurface
the investigation to be present. People who may need to be conditions at the site, provides the greatest flexibility in
present for part or all of the investigation include the property selection and design of an on-site septic system. Placing the
owner, the construction contractor, a backhoe operator, and a field at a lower topographic position than the septic tank outfall
representative of the on-site septic system permitting authority. allows the option of either gravity or pumped distribution of
7.3 Identification of Unsuitable Areas—At a site, the char- wastewater where soils are suitable for drainfields.
acterization process begins with identification of all areas of 7.5.2 The recommended field area usually will represent a
the site that a clearly unsuitable for a wastewater soil absorp- smaller area than the potentially suitable field area and the area
tion field or constructed filter bed. Specific exclusionary to which subsurface observations in accordance with Practice
features and criteria for defining them will depend upon D5921 can be extrapolated reasonably. Moving the actual field
regulatory requirements and guidance identified in 7.1.2. Such area to a different location generally will require additional
exclusionary features typically fall into three categories: (1) subsurface observations to confirm suitability.
water supply separation distances, (2) other buffer zones, and
(3) limiting physiographic features. When most of the area at a 8. Report
site is potentially suitable, it may be possible to go directly to 8.1 Reporting of results of the surface investigations should
the subsurface investigation phase described in 7.4. be integrated with the results of the subsurface investigation.
7.3.1 Water Supply—Identify and mark on the investigation The local or state regulatory authority may have developed
map water supply sources (drinking water and irrigation wells, forms or formats for investigation reports, in which case, these
reservoirs) and water supply lines. Include both existing and should be used.
planned locations for new sources. Note minimum required
8.2 Basic elements of an on-site septic system site investi-
separation distance from on-site septic systems for all identi-
gation report include:
fied features.
8.2.1 A vicinity map and directions to the site,
7.3.2 Other Buffer Zones—Identify and mark on the inves-
8.2.2 General site information,
tigation map all other features requiring separation distances,
8.2.3 A sketch map,
such as building foundations, property lines, buried utility
8.2.4 Identification of surface and subsurface features that
lines, cuts or embankments, large trees, irrigation ditches,
limit suitability for an on-site septic system, and
streams, lakes, and wetlands. Include both existing and planned
locations for new sources. Note minimum required separation 8.2.5 Detailed information about the surface and subsurface
distance from on-site septic systems for all identified features. characteristics of the recommended field area that are pertinent
7.3.3 Limiting Physiographic Features—Identify and delin- to the design of the on-site septic system.
eate on the investigation map all areas that are physiographi- 8.3 Generally, unless desired by the appropriate septic
cally unsuitable, such as severely eroded or gullied soils, system permitting agency, the report should not contain rec-
disturbed soils (cut and fill), excessively steep slopes, unsuit- ommendations for possible options to overcome limiting fea-
able landscape position (toe slopes, concave slopes, depres- tures in the recommended field area or recommend the type or
sional areas), and flood plains. Actual criteria for identifying types of septic system that might be suitable for the site.
limiting physiographic features will be based on regulatory
requirements identified in 7.1.2. 9. Keywords
7.4 Subsurface Investigations—The area that remains after 9.1 field investigations; preliminary investigations; septic
all minimum separation distances, buffer zones, and unsuitable systems; site characterization; site investigations

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 D5879 − 95 (2010)
APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. RELATED PUBLICATIONS

X1.1 American Society of Agricultural Engineers. Fields from the State Regulations (Pub. No. WWPCRG19);
1975–1994. On-Site Waste Water Treatment Proceedings Se- Percolation Tests from the State Regulations (WWPCRG22).
ries. Proc. of the 1st Nat. Home Sewage Treatment Symposium NFSC, West Virginia University, P.O. Box 6064, Morgantown,
(1975), 2nd (1977, 292 pp.); Proc. 3rd Nat. Symp. on Indi- WV 26506-8301, 800/624-8301.
vidual and Small Community Sewage Treatment (1981, 352
pp.); 4th (ASAE Pub. 07-85, 1984, 381 pp.); 5th (ASAE Pub. X1.7 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1980. Design
10-87, 1987, 411 pp.); 6th (ASAE Pub. 10-91, 1991, 375 pp.); Manual: Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems.
Proc. 7th Int. Symp. on Individual and Small Community EPS/625/1-80-012. [Chapter 3 covers site evaluation proce-
Sewage Systems (E. Collins, ed., 1994, 578 pp.) dures]

X1.2 Burks, B. D., and Minnis, M. M., Onsite Wastewater X1.8 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 1986.
Treatment Systems. Hogarth House, Madison, WI 1994, 248 Septic Systems and Groundwater Protection: A Program Man-
pp. ager’s Guide and Reference Book. EPA/440/6-86/005 (NTIS
PB88-112123), 134 pp.
X1.3 Kaplan, O. B. 1991. Septic Systems Handbook, Sec-
ond Edition. Lewis Publishers, Chelsea, MI, 434 pp. X1.9 University of Washington College of Engineering.
1976–1992. Proceedings of the Northwest On-Site Wastewater
X1.4 Canter, L. W. and R. C. Knox. 1985. Septic Tank
Disposal Short Course: 1st (1976); 2nd (1978, R. W.
Systems Effects on Ground Water Quality. Lewis Publishers,
Seabloom, ed., 287 pp., 16 papers); 3rd (1980, R. W.
Chelsea, MI.
Seabloom, ed., 374 pp., 21 papers); 4th (1982, R. W.
X1.5 Perkins, R. J. 1989. Onsite Wastewater Disposal. Seabloom, ed., 382 pp., 19 papers); 5th (1985, R. W. Seabloom
Lewis Publishers, Chelsea, MI 251 pp. [Chapter 3 covers and D. Lenning, and D. Stenset, eds., 299 pp., 18 papers); 6th
selection of site and system] (1989, R. W. Seabloom and D. Lenning, eds., 431 pp., 24
papers); 7th (1992, R. W. Seabloom, ed., 380 pp., 26 papers).
X1.6 National Small Flows Clearinghouse (NFSC). 1995. Office of Engineering Continuing Education, University of
State Regulation Compilations (updated annually): Site Evalu- Washington, 4725 30th Ave., NE, Seattle, WA 98105.
ation from the State Regulations (Pub. No. WWPCRG27);
Location and Separation Guidelines from the State Regulations X1.10 Winneberger, J. T. 1984. Septic Tank Systems. But-
(Pub. No. WWPCRG20); Application Rates and Sizing of terworth Publishers, Stoneham, MA.

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