The needs of a house…septic, water, a solid foundation

Yesterday the 2^nd test pit digs for the septic system were successful.  I was a happy house builder!  The four holes showed a drier site to the north of the house (where the so-called old septic system was located).  In the spring it was predictably wet from snow melt and spring rain so the 1^st test pits failed.  I am pleased that the septic for the house can be located in its original spot.  Granted, it will be the new-style mound system recommended for most sites these days; it gives an absolute guarantee of function.  That site is dipped down anyway, so a mound will not be very noticeable.  And for the candy-cane shaped green plastic vent pipe I can buy a fake granite horse hitching post to cover it.  How appropriate! 

The Presby system (Enviro-Septic) is named after its inventor David Presby from New Hamphire.  He had been working with his father installing septic systems when he came up with a way to use gravity (rather than any pumps), layers of sand, and special mats to further filter water and help reduce runoff from septic systems of the past.  Rather than being anaerobic, the mound system can allow air in to help the ‘good’ bacteria that break down waste.  Born in Littleton, N.H., as of 10 years ago David lived on Sugar Hill with his wife Sheila, four dogs and two cats, and two horses.  https://newhampshireadventures.blogspot.com/2014/02/biography-dave-w-presby-man-on-mission.html#:~:text=Dave%20Presby%20embodies%20that%20spirit,two%20cats%20and%20two%20horses.

I have no other plans for that spot to the north of the house.  The garage is over there and the neighbors are about 115’ away (close for Vermont).  I know you can’t plant trees or shrubs on top of mound systems.  That’s OK, the grass can grow there (along with the chervil). 

We will use the south lawn as the Cooleys always have.  I will use the land near the barn for the horses.  All will be in the places it should be. 

Charles Cooley knew the original septic system would not suffice (he said he ‘built’ it himself and advised us that replacement would be necessary) so no amount of grandfathering would do us much good.  In fact, as the test holes were dug, no evidence of a system reared its ugly head or even poked its nose out.  No buried Cadillacs.  So, we can feel we are doing the site and the environment a favor for our $$.

The well will be located more towards the barn.  As long as it is 50 feet from the septic exit pipe on the house, and 100 feet from the septic leach field, it will be acceptable. 

The former spring-fed water supply was located tight against the back of the house

Harry Cooley had told grandson Paul when he was younger that a magic spring brought water to the house.  Unfortunately, it was sidled right up against the back of the house.  Too close to the house, too close to the septic.  Hopefully our well drilling will tap into that magic spring again and not have to go very deep.  Wells are priced by the foot of digging. 

The garage trusses are arriving today.  It looks almost ready to accept a structure on the foundation.  I’m guessing the concrete floor happens before the structure itself?  But it could happen after.  I only know it will have one, along with an apron to smooth the entry into the garage and avoid a ledge there. 

Another beautiful day in Randolph Center, Vermont.  Hard-working people I appreciate, digging test holes, unloading and spreading gravel/stone and smoothing and packing that stone into foundations for flooring.