FAQs - Newkirk Soil Advisors

Frequently Asked Questions

Soil Evaluations and Septic Permitting in South Carolina

Whether you’re building on undeveloped land, navigating a septic permit denial or planning a subdivision, understanding the soil evaluation and permitting process is essential. Below are answers to the most common questions we receive from property owners, builders and engineers across South Carolina.

Do I need a soil evaluation before building on my property?

Yes. If your property is not connected to a municipal sewer system, South Carolina requires a soil evaluation before you can obtain a septic system permit. Getting a soil evaluation early in the planning process helps you avoid costly delays and unexpected design changes down the road. This evaluation is the first step in the permitting process and is required before any septic design or construction can begin.

What is a preliminary soil evaluation, and what does it include?

A preliminary soil evaluation is an on-site assessment of your property’s soil to determine its suitability for a septic system.

During the evaluation, our team visits your property to collect representative soil boring data, analyze soil texture, depth and drainage characteristics, and document site conditions that affect drain field placement.

You’ll receive a written report with findings that can be used for lot planning and septic system design coordination.

What is the difference between a conventional septic system and an engineered septic system?

A conventional septic system uses a standard tank-and-drain-field setup and is approved through the SCDES review process when your soil meets standard criteria for drainage, depth and composition. An engineered septic system is required when your property’s soil does not support a conventional system, whether due to a high water table, restrictive soil layers or a previous permit denial.

Engineered systems are custom-designed by a licensed engineer based on detailed soil reports. Newkirk Soil Advisors provides the certified soil data needed for both pathways.

What is the SCDES expedited review process for septic permits?

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) offers an expedited review process for conventional septic systems that meet specific soil and site criteria. This fast-track option often allows qualifying projects to receive septic permit approval in less time than the standard review process.

Newkirk Soil Advisors handles the entire submission, including certified soil reports, site plans, system specifications and direct follow-up with SCDES, so your project stays on schedule.

What happens if my property fails a perc test or is denied for a conventional septic system?

A failed perc test or SCDES denial does not mean you can’t build on your property. It means a conventional septic system isn’t suitable for your specific soil conditions. In these cases, an engineered septic system is often the next step.

Newkirk Soil Advisors prepares the detailed soil reports that licensed engineers need to design an alternative system tailored to your site’s challenges.

We regularly work with property owners who have been told their property doesn’t qualify for a conventional septic system, and have helped them move forward and understand what options are available.

What areas does Newkirk Soil Advisors serve?

We regularly work with property owners, builders and engineers throughout the state. Newkirk Soil Advisors provides soil evaluation, septic permitting and engineered soil reporting services across South Carolina counties, including:

Aiken
Allendale
Bamberg
Barnwell
Beaufort
Berkeley
Calhoun
Charleston
Clarendon
Colleton
Darlington
Dillon
Dorchester
Florence
Georgetown
Hampton
Horry
Jasper
Lee
Marion
Marlboro
Orangeburg
Sumter
Williamsburg

Unsure whether we serve your area? Contact us to speak with our team

Who needs an engineered soil report?

An engineered soil report is typically required when a property does not qualify for a conventional septic system. The report provides detailed information on the site’s soil profile, which helps engineers develop a septic system design that meets SCDES requirements and accommodates the property’s limitations.

We often prepare these reports for property owners who have received a permit denial, properties with high water tables or restrictive soil conditions.

How do I get a septic permit in South Carolina?

To obtain a septic permit in Charleston or anywhere in South Carolina, you must first complete a soil evaluation. If your soil qualifies, a conventional system can be permitted through SCDES’s expedited review process. If not, an engineered system designed by a licensed engineer will be required. Newkirk Soil Advisors handles the full process from soil evaluation through SCDES submission and follow-up, keeping your project on track from start to finish.