Typical leach field piping

Dufresne Group’s (DG) team of onsite wastewater disposal system (WWDS) specialists have designed and received State permits for hundreds of small scale (140 to 1,350 gallons per day) WWDS (commonly referred to as septic systems but VT includes all wastewater in the regulations) projects throughout Vermont.

Some of these are associated with new construction of single family homes while others are designs as replacement area for failed WWDS.

DG has also completed projects where the WWDS is upgraded to allow the conversion of a seasonal camp or vacation home into a year-round residence.

Although much of the emphasis of the States Wastewater System & Potable Water Supply (WW) permit program is directed towards wastewater; DG also understands the need to carefully consider the location of a proposed water supply as part of the permit application. A WW permit is needed from the State prior to installing a WWDS or potable water supply.

Cromaglass Wastewater Treatment System

Typical steps involved in the WW permit process:

Project Overview
A DG design specialist will discuss your plans to identify your objectives and define the scope of the work to be completed.

Soils Evaluation
Using existing data from the US Dept. of Agriculture as well as site specific test pit soil logs & percolation test data; DG will identify soils on the site that comply with the Vermont Environmental Protection Rules for locating a site for onsite WWDS.

Topographic Survey
DG will complete a topographic survey of the proposed building site using our robotic total station. The data from this survey will be the basis for creating a plot plan that includes the existing features as well as the proposed development.

Design

Soil sample identification using a Munsell color book.

DG will design a WWDS sized for the proposed wastewater flows specifically suited for the soils found at the site. DG designers are proud of their reputation for taking the time during the test pit evaluation to find the “best” soils available. This generally leads to simpler WWDS’s being designed for the project. These tend to be less expensive to install and maintain while still providing excellent treatment and long service life. On more difficult sites, the DG designers have the full range of Vermont Approved Innovative WWDS options available.

Permitting
The WW permit application now has over ten pages to complete. The State of Vermont has recently set up a program to allow electronic submittal of this lengthy application along with digital copies of the design plans and supporting documentation. DG has worked closely with the State on developing this electronic submittal program (we were the first to submit an electronic WW application as D&A) that promises to accelerate the review process at the State. This will translate into faster submittals, quick turn-around times on approvals and resulting in clients being able to start construction sooner than expected. Time is of the essence during Vermont’s brief prime building season and DG will do everything possible to expedite the permit process.

Construction
DG design team will observe the installation of key components of the water supply and WWDS to ensure the client and the State Regulators that the final product “in the ground” was installed as designed. The best design “on paper” is just a design until it has been carefully installed at the site. DG works closely with many contractors throughout Vermont to ensure that permit conditions are met. DG provides the State and client with a letter of certification after installation has been completed as required by the State.

For more information regarding small on-site wastewater system services provided by Dufresne Group, please refer to our information guide which include the steps and potential costs associates with your project. On-site Wastewater System Information Guide [download pdf | doc]