ASTM_D_5879_-_D_5879M_-_18.pdf

Designation:D5879/D5879M18Standard Practice forSurface Site Characterization for On-Site Septic Systems1This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5879/D5879M;the number immediately following the designation indicates theyear of original adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of lastreapproval.A superscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 Site characterization of surface conditions at a site forevaluating suitability for on-site septic systems requires bothsimple and complex techniques that may be accomplished bymany different procedures and may be variously interpreted.These studies are frequently site specific and are influenced bygeological and geographical settings,by the purpose of the sitecharacterization,by design requirements for the projectproposed,and by the background,training,and experience ofthe staff involved.1.2 This standard is a guide for using the surface sitecharacterization for on-site septic systems method for projectsthat require on-site sewage disposal.It is intended to improveconsistency of practice and to encourage the use of this methodas part of a site characterization program.Since the subsurfaceconditions at a particular site are usually the result of acombination of natural,geologic,topographic,and climaticfactors,and of historical modifications both natural andmanmade,an adequate and internally consistent use of amethod as part of the exploration program will allow evalua-tion of the results of these influences.1.3 This practice can be used at any site where on-sitetreatment of residential and nonhazardous commercial waste-waters using septic tanks and natural soils or constructed filterbeds is required or an option under consideration.This practicemay also be useful when constructed wetlands are used as analternative wastewater treatment method.1.4 This practice should be used in conjunction with Prac-tices D5921 and D5925.1.5 UnitsThe values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units given in brackets are to be regarded separately asstandard.The values stated in each system may not be exactequivalents;therefore,each system shall be used independentlyof the other.Combining values from the two systems mayresult in nonconformance with the standard.Reporting ofresults in units other than SI shall not be regarded as noncon-formance with this standard.1.6 This practice offers a set of instructions for performingone or more specific operations.This document cannot replaceeducation or experience and should be used in conjunctionwith professional judgment.Not all aspects of this practice maybe applicable in all circumstances.This ASTM standard is notintended to represent or replace the standard of care by whichthe adequacy of a given professional service must be judged,nor should this document be applied without consideration ofa projects many unique aspects.The word“Standard”in thetitle of this document means only that the document has beenapproved through the ASTM consensus process.1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-ization established in the Decision on Principles for theDevelopment of International Standards,Guides and Recom-mendations issued by the World Trade Organization TechnicalBarriers to Trade(TBT)Committee.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2D653 Terminology Relating to Soil,Rock,and ContainedFluidsD5921 Practice for Subsurface Site Characterization of TestPits for On-Site Septic SystemsD5925 Practice for Preliminary Sizing and Delineation ofSoil Absorption Field Areas for On-Site Septic Systems(Withdrawn 2005)33.Terminology3.1 Definitions:3.1.1 For definitions of common technical terms used in thisstandard,refer to Terminology D653.3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:1This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil andRock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.01 on Surface andSubsurface Characterization.Current edition approved May 15,2018.Published June 2018.Originallyapproved in 1995.Last previous edition approved in 2010 as D5879 95(2010).DOI:10.1520/D5879_D5879M-18.2For referenced ASTM standards,visit the ASTM website,www.astm.org,orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org.For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information,refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.3The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced onwww.astm.org.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United StatesThis international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for theDevelopment of International Standards,Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade(TBT)Committee.1 3.2.