What type of soil conditions may require additional evaluations for effluent distribution systems?

Clay soils are known to have low permeability, which means they do not allow water to pass through easily. This characteristic can lead to problems with septic systems, particularly in effluent distribution. In clay-heavy areas, the risk of effluent backing up or pooling can be significant, necessitating additional evaluations to ensure the system can adequately handle waste without causing environmental contamination or system failure.

In contrast, sandy soils generally provide good drainage and can disperse effluent effectively, while loamy soils, which are a mix of sand, silt, and clay, tend to exhibit balanced drainage characteristics. Therefore, additional evaluations for effluent distribution systems are particularly pertinent in clay soils to determine appropriate sizing, options for distribution, or alternative systems.