Soil Testing Services
All SSC soil services are performed by a licensed PE or a soil scientist.

Soil Mapping
To create a soil map, SSC takes several samples and determines the following characteristics:
Soil Physical Properties

• Water holding capacity


• Porosity


• Drainage


• Soil Texture


• Soil Structure


• Soil depth to parent material


• Stoniness.

• Available nutrients


• Long term nutrient supplying power

• Soil organic matter levels


• Soil mineralogy


• The ability of the soil to keep contaminants out of groundwater.

Percolation Testing
Percolation testing is designed to evaluate a soil's ability to accept a septic system. A percolation test measures two specific characteristics of a soil system: whether it can function hydraulically, and provide treatment. SSC measures water drop during a specified time period. If the water drop falls within the acceptable range (determined by state and county regulations), the soil can support a septic system. If the water drains too slowly, the system will not function at all or overflow. If the water drains too quickly, the system will not provide proper treatment of the sewage, resulting in groundwater and surrounding soil contamination.

Drainage Field Soil Analysis
This often goes hand-in-hand with percolation testing. A drainage field soil analysis describes characteristics of the soil that help determine what type of septic system to install.

Shrink-Swell Soil Identification
Shrink swell soils cause millions of dollars in building and construction damage every year. Generally fine clay soils, the molecules in these soils attract water molecules to their surfaces, causing the soil to expand and swell. This usually moves the soil upward, shifting foundations and other structures. The soil generally dries out later on, causing contraction of the soil and a settling of the foundation.
SSC can determine the type and possible danger of shrink-swell soil found on your site before you build. This will eliminate headaches for years to come. If you are already located on shrink-swell soil, SSC can provide a remediation plan to relieve any further stresses on your foundation.