Ala. Admin. Code r. 420-3-1-.46

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 420-3-1-.46 - Extended Saturation Procedure

(1) Certain soils, especially those with high, very high, and sometimes moderate shrink:-swell potential require extended saturation periods before percolation or permeameter testing can be done. This process is necessary to allow sufficient time for swelling to occur in these soils if dry, regardless of the season of the year. The following list of indicators should be used as a guide to help soil testers identify those soils that require extended saturation prior to testing to ensure accurate test results.

(a) Soil areas identified by the USDA/NRCS county soil survey as having moderate or higher shrink-swell potential.

(b) Texture Group 4B and 4C soils.

(c) Soils with pH levels of seven or higher in some part. These soils may have vegetative indicators of a seemingly over-abundance of red cedar> red bud, green ash, Osage orange, etc.

(d) Soils having developed directly over argillaceous limestone and/or shale parent material.

(e) Soils that are compacted.

(2) The following procedures shall be met when the extended saturation procedure (ESP) is required.

(a) The LHD shall be notified at least 2 business days prior to the beginning of (including the saturation period) a simulated or actual wet-season percolation test.

(b) Percolation test holes shall be prepared according to 420-3-1-.43 General Percolation Procedure, except for the saturation period.

(c) A 12-inch column of clean water shall be maintained for at least 24 hours instead of the standard 4-hour saturation period. The regular procedures in 420-3-1-.43 General Percolation Procedure should be followed for completing the test.

(d) A log of the procedures, times, checks, and readings made during the process shall be kept and submitted with the test results to the LHD.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 420-3-1-.46

Filed July 20, 1988. Amended: Filed June 19, 1992. Repealed and New Rule: Filed December 16, 1999; effective January 20, 2000. Repealed and New Rule: October 20, 2005; effective November 24, 2005; operative March 19, 2006. Amended: Filed October 19, 2006; effective November 23, 2006.

Adopted by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXV, Issue No. 04, January 31, 2017, eff. 3/5/2017.

Adopted by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XLI, Issue No. 03, December 30, 2022, eff. 2/13/2023.

Previous Rule .70 was renumbered .46 per certification published December 30, 2022; effective February 13, 2023.

Author: David Gray, Boyd Rogers, Richard Smith

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 22-2-2(4); 22-2-2(6); 22-10-1, et seq.; 22-26-1et seq.