What criteria assess the suitability of a site for an OSSF?

The suitability of a site for an On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) is primarily determined by soil characteristics and proximity to water sources. Soil characteristics include factors such as percolation rate, texture, structure, and depth, which directly affect the ability of the soil to filter and treat effluent. Understanding the soil's capacity to absorb and process wastewater is essential for preventing contamination of ground and surface waters.

Proximity to water sources is also crucial as it helps to ensure that the disposal of wastewater does not negatively impact drinking water supplies, nearby rivers, lakes, or wetlands. When conducting a site assessment, it is imperative to locate the OSSF at a sufficient distance from these water sources to reduce the risk of hydraulic overload or contamination.

While other factors such as weather patterns, topography, and local vegetation are relevant to site evaluations, they do not directly address the core considerations of soil filtration capabilities and the potential threat to water sources, making soil characteristics and proximity to water sources the most critical criteria.