Frequently Asked Question

The permitting process can be confusing and complex. We can make this process faster and less stressful by completing a complete design packet as a Third Party Consultant. If you feel overwhelmed or want the process to be expediated then visit our Third Party Consultant tab to learn more about this service.

• TDEC needs a detailed soil map to determine the suitability of the soil. TDEC is not comfortable with approving or denying the septic application without this detailed soil map.
• Click on the High Intensity Soils Map tab to learn more about this service.

• You need a High Intensity Soil Map to determine suitability of the site
• Since we do not write the permits, we cannot comment on the number of bedrooms or house
• We can generally say whether the site will support a septic system
• We can complete a design packet for submittal to guarantee approval. Please click on the Third Party Consultant tab to learn more about this service.

• The High or Extra High Intensity Soil Map on file with TDEC shows that the soil unit or area in question needs percolation tests to determine the suitability.
• Please click on the percolation test tab on our website to explain this procedure.

• Unfortunately, we are not the permit writers, TDEC is the regulatory authority.
• We supply the map or information that is needed for TDEC to determine approval or denial of the septic permit.

• Typically, we try to expediate the process of soil mapping. Most of the time a soil map is required after the client has waited on TDEC to review the site.  Thus, we do multiple jobs in multiple counties in a day and we prefer not to meet you onsite.  Our schedule changes throughout the day depending on the complexity of the sites.  Some sites take longer than others and we do not want to miss a meeting with you as we know your time is valuable.  If you have the house site staked and we have any problems identifying the area, we will call you onsite to clarify.
• If there are any obstacles (i.e. gate, animals, unruly neighbors,etc) that we may encounter, please notify us.

• Soil wetness is determined by the physical characteristics of the soil profile. It is not dependent on the amount of rain or time of year.  Wetness can be identified throughout the year.  Soils will turn gray in color where there is an accumulation of water.  This is a reduction of iron within the soil because of the fluctuation of the water table during saturated months.  Thus, when we see these gray mottles, we determine the depth and identify it on the soil map.
• If these wetness mottles are less than 24”, then the site cannot support a conventional septic system.
• If these wetness mottles are greater than 24”, then the site is generally suitable with an interceptor or curtain drain.

An interceptor drain is a 1 foot wide trench, 15 foot setback from the drainfield and 6-12” below the first drainfield line with a 4” perforated pipe and filled to the top with gravel. It is to collect the excess surface and subsurface water during the winter months and reroute the water away from the drainfield.  The idea is the same as a French drain around a house foundation.  A suitable outlet for the drain is required by TDEC and TDEC will determine if there is a suitable outlet.

• It is possible in some cases that an alternative system like a drip system can be approved where sites are not favorable for conventional septic systems.
• Not all sites meet todays’ regulations. TDEC has stringent set of regulations and if the site does not meet their criteria, then TDEC will not approve a septic system permit.

• It is possible in some cases to increase the number of bedrooms on a particular site depending on the usable soil area. Sometimes a site layout can be done to show that there is enough soil area for a primary and reserve or duplication area for the additional linear footage of drainfield.
• An Extra High Intensity Soil map could be completed to determine if an alternative septic system can be used to increase the bedroom count.

We can complete a general soil map to determine the general suitability of the site. Please go to the general soil map to gain an understanding of this map.

• These are typically markings that we use to determine where we are on site. Sometimes they are in a 100’ grid pattern and sometimes we use them to identify the usable soil area for TDEC.
• We prefer that these flags remain until TDEC has completed their review of the site. If these flags are removed before this review, then TDEC may require that we go to the site to place the flags again.  We would have to charge you for an additional site visit if this is the case.

• Once we complete the service for you and the deliverable is ready. We will send an invoice through Quickbooks.  You either pay by credit card through the site or mail a check to the address on top of the invoice or we can take cash.   Our address is 7740 Lonesome Pine Trail, Greeneville, TN    Make the check payable to IWS, Inc.
• Office Hours are 8-4 EST, M-F. Please make sure we our available.

In most cases, TDEC wants an electronic copy. This is what we will send you. Some contract counties may still want hard copies. Please let us know if you need hard copies.

We apologize if we are hard to talk to during the day. When we are onsite evaluating properties, it is our responsibility to give our clients full attention to detail to make their project viable.  As a result, it is hard for us to answer the phone to discuss your site when we are in the field.  As a service to have more access to us, please feel free to communicate with us through text messaging, email or through the website.  We will do everything in our power to response to you ASAP.