Determining the effectiveness of innovative and experimental on-site waste disposal systems. Evaluation of wetland form, function and identification. Relating soil morphology to water table measurements. Evaluation of sand lined trenches and peat on-site waste disposal systems. Presenting basic hydrologic principles and soil morphological relationships at the North Carolina on-site waste water conference.
Soil morphology is directly related to the hydrology of the site.
Since the placement of septic systems relies on the proper identification of the seasonal high water table based on soil morphology it is critical to understand how the two are related. Improper placement of a septic system drain field may result in pollutants moving directly into ground water. The information presented at the conference illustrates that the water table is dynamic and must be properly identified in the field. Although I have been with NCSU for three months, I have been in contact with numerous agencies and have begun specific investigations. Monitoring drainage lines and surface water ditches adjacent to septic systems for coliform and nitrates.