The Need For a Soil Testing Inspection Prior To Breaking Ground
This article will explain the vital need for a soil testing inspection prior to breaking ground for new construction, planting crops and other construction projects.
No matter what you’re working on, keeping risks to an absolute minimum will make your life a whole lot easier. When it comes to managing a project, there are so many factors and variables to worry about, it’s all too easy for basic things to fall through the cracks.
Soil type can change from town to town and county to county. Soil testing can reveal vital information that could change the way you proceed and without that knowledge, there’s no telling what could go wrong. You’ve probably already got a lot on your plate but luckily, soil testing is fast and reliable.
If you’re on the fence about whether you need a soil testing inspection, keep reading. We’ll explain what soil testing is and why it’s so important.
What Is Soil Testing?
Soil testing is a lot like how it sounds. It’s a process that tests soil. What it’s testing for is where it gets interesting.
As every site is different and every project is individual, professional soil testing will differ from project to project. Soil tests might check for weight-bearing capability, others for harmful contaminants.
Depending on your site, you might need to have your soil tested by law.
Why Is Soil Testing so Important?
You shouldn’t underestimate the importance of soil testing. Just like you wouldn’t build a house without knowing what your materials are, you shouldn’t break ground without knowing what’s in the soil.
Farming
If you’re planting crops, you’ll already know that different crops like certain soil types. Without knowing what your soil composition is, you could waste huge quantities of money planting crops that won’t grow well.
When grazing animals, you’ll need to know that the soil isn’t contaminated. Keeping animals in the best of health is a smart ethical and financial goal and ensuring your soil is free from contaminants is vital.
Are you planning on building a new barn? Some soil types are unable to bear the weight required. Starting construction and finding out your soil foundations are too weak will see money pouring down the drain.
Construction
Just like with farming, soil testing in the construction industry is crucial to find out if the soil can take the required load. Soil testing for construction will also look at the structure, stability, and how the soil may change over time.
In urban areas, the soil must be free from contaminants hazardous to human health. Especially common as land usage changes from industrial to residential, it’s important to identify contaminated soil before breaking ground.
How Soil Testing Works
Professional soil testing processes can vary depending on the purpose and you should always ensure the tester is an expert in your needs.
A professional tester will collect samples from several areas across your site and test them in a laboratory. Collections may take place at different depths too. The type of site will inform what the test looks for but common soil testing will look for contaminants such as lead, mercury, and arsenic.
Getting Your Soil Tested Puts You in Control
Whether you’re a farmer or in the construction industry, you don’t need anything left up to chance. Soil testing is a fast and straightforward process that gives you vital information about your site. Taking this simple precaution ensures you stay in control of your project and abide by regulations.
If you need soil testing inspection services in New Jersey, get in touch with All American Environmental today. We provide specialist soil testing services based on your exact needs.
Our soil testing inspection services cover the northern New Jersey counties of Bergen, Ocean, Morris, Sussex, Mercer, Union, Essex, Hunterdon, Hudson, Middlesex, Passaic, Monmouth, Warren, and Somerset.
