The soil evaluation will determine if a site is suitable for the utilization of an on site sewage disposal system. This is the initial step in the process of obtaining a permit to construct a sewage disposal system. The applicant completes a request for a soil evaluation. This is accompanied by the appropriate fee and either a certificate of survey or a legal description and preliminary sketch. After entering the information in the soil evaluation log book, the Environmental Health clerical staff sets up an appointment with the sanitarian. This is entered on both the sanitarian's calendar and on the copy of the soil evaluation request which is returned to the applicant. The applicant is responsible for hiring a firm to conduct the excavation.

Criteria used to determine the site's suitability for an on site sewage disposal system to serve a single or two family dwelling is available in Sections 301.13 and 301.14 of the Livingston County Sanitary Code. Criteria to determine the site's suitability for other than a single or two family dwelling for discharges up to 10,000 gallons per day are listed in the Michigan Criteria for Subsurface Sewage Disposal. If any overlap of jurisdiction between either the Livingston Sanitary Code or the Michigan Guidelines for Subsurface Sewage Disposal occurs the more restrictive requirements will apply.

Excavation are completed to a depth of at least eight feet. Prior to a site being suitable, two borings covering an area for an original and a replacement system must show acceptable site conditions. A minimum of two to three excavations is conducted for each parcel. Additional excavations may be conducted if time allows, however, due to scheduling constraints in most cases no more than three will be conducted. A soil evaluation form with the deep cut excavation identified is completed by the sanitarian with one copy being submitted to the applicant, and another filed in the soil evaluation files by location. A suitable/unsuitable, suitable with special restrictions, or further information needed is indicated for each boring location.