Maintaining natural soil structure is critical when installing a soil treatment area for an onsite system. All excavation to the infiltrative surface or surface preparation must be done so that the original soil structure is not smeared or compacted.
Generally, the soil located at or near the soil surface is the best soil for treatment and dispersal due to its structure and oxygen-transfer potential. In addition, evapotranspiration and natural biological activity is greatest near the surface. Compacted soil has reduced void space; therefore, compacted sites are less permeable and are more likely to have problems with water movement.To limit compaction in
