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Tony Whitaker said soil is the most important part of the on-site wastewater system. He <br /> said suitable soil for these types of systems is in short supply in Orange County. He said parcels <br /> may have a little bit of suitable soil for these systems, but in general, this reality limits development <br /> in rural counties in this piedmont area of the state. He said this is a precious resource that is <br /> limited. <br /> Commissioner Fowler asked if the dispersal field could be put between trees. <br /> Tony Whitaker said it's possible, but the dispersal field will last longer without trees. <br /> Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if the soil analysis and suitability would be clear when <br /> a project comes before the Board. <br /> Tony Whitaker said the county plays a part in determining if the soil is suitable, but there <br /> are some nuances, and he will address those later in his presentation. <br /> Vice-Chair Hamilton asked what else soils that are suitable for wastewater systems are <br /> also good for. <br /> Tony Whitaker said it could be suitable for farming, building roads, etc. <br /> Commissioner McKee said there probably isn't a direct link to farming, because he has <br /> some soil that is not good for wastewater systems, but it is one of the best farming fields he has. <br /> Tony Whitaker said that may have something to do with the depth or a limiting condition <br /> like rock that would make it not usable for wastewater systems but has upper layers that are good <br /> for farming. <br /> Commissioner McKee said another factor is the airspace between the soil particles. <br /> Slide #9 <br /> Usual Wastewater Constituents of Concern <br /> • Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD-5, CBOD) <br /> • Total Suspended Solids (TSS) <br /> • Various types and measures of Nitrogen <br /> compounds (Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, TKN, TN) <br /> • Fecal Coliform (primarily as an indicator of other <br /> sickness-causing pathogens in the water) <br />